SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (No. 2-79910)
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 [X]
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (No. 811-3587)
UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. [ ]
Fidelity Financial Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
82 Devonshire St., Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number: 617-570-7000
Arthur S. Loring, Secretary
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
( ) immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b).
(X) on (January 22, 1997) pursuant to paragraph (b).
( ) 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1).
( ) on ( ) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
( ) 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2).
( ) on ( ) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
( ) this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed
post-effective amendment.
Registrant has filed a declaration pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and intends to file the Notice required by
such Rule on or before January 30, 1997.
FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST:
FIDELITY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER PROSPECTUS SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 .............................. Cover Page
2 a .............................. Expenses
b, c .............................. Contents; The Fund at a Glance; Who May Want
to Invest
3 a .............................. Financial Highlights
b .............................. *
c,d .............................. Performance
4 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... The Fund at a Glance; Investment Principles and
Risks
b .............................. Investment Principles and Risks
c .............................. Who May Want to Invest; Investment Principles
and Risks
5 a .............................. Charter
b i............................. Cover Page; The Fund at a Glance; Charter; Doing
Business with Fidelity
ii........................... Charter
iii.......................... Expenses; Breakdown of Expenses
c .............................. Charter
d .............................. Charter; Breakdown of Expenses
e .............................. Cover Page; Charter
f .............................. Expenses
g i............................. Charter
.
ii............................ *
..
5A .............................. Performance
6 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... How to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares;
Transaction Details; Exchange Restrictions
iii.......................... Charter
b ............................. Charter
c .............................. Transactions Details; Exchange Restrictions
d .............................. *
e .............................. Doing Business with Fidelity; How to Buy Shares;
How to Sell Shares; Investor Services
f, g .............................. Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes
7 a .............................. Cover Page; Charter
b .............................. Expenses; How to Buy Shares; Transaction Details
c .............................. *
d .............................. How to Buy Shares
e .............................. *
f .............................. Breakdown of Expenses
8 .............................. How to Sell Shares; Investor Services; Transaction
Details; Exchange Restrictions
9 .............................. *
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST:
FIDELITY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(CONTINUED)
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
10, 11 ............................ Cover Page
12 ............................ Description of the Trust
13 a - c ............................ Investment Policies and Limitations
d ............................ Portfolio Transactions
14 a - c ............................ Trustees and Officers
15 a, b ............................ *
c ............................ Trustees and Officers
16 a i ............................ FMR, Portfolio Transactions
ii ............................ Trustees and Officers
iii ............................ Management Contract
b ............................ Management Contract
c, d ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
e ............................ *
f ............................ Distribution and Service Plan
g ............................ *
h ............................ Description of the Trust
i ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
17 a - c ............................ Portfolio Transactions
d, e ............................ *
18 a ............................ Description of the Trust
b ............................ *
19 a ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
b ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption Information;
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
c ............................ *
20 ............................ Distributions and Taxes
21 a, b ............................ Contracts with FMR Affiliates
c ............................ *
22 a ............................ *
b ............................ Performance
23 ............................ Financial Statements
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
Please read this prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for
future reference. It contains important information, including how the fund
invests and the services available to shareholders.
To learn more about the fund and its investments, you can obtain a copy of
the fund's most recent financial report and portfolio listing, or a copy of
the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) dated January 22,
1997 . The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and is available along with other related materials on the
SEC's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov). The SAI is incorporated
herein by reference (legally forms a part of the prospectus). For a
free copy of either document, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8888.
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by,
any depository institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal
Reserve Board, or any other agency, and are subject to investment risks,
including possible loss of principal amount invested.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL
FUNDS, THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
CVS-pr o-0197
The fund may invest without limitation in lower-quality debt securities,
sometimes called "junk bonds." Investors should consider that these
securities carry greater risks, such as the risk of default, than other
debt securities. Refer to "Investment Principles and Risks" on page for
further information.
(fund number 308, trading symbol FCVSX)
Convertible Securities seeks high total return through a combination of
current income and capital appreciation by investing mainly in securities
that can be converted into common stock.
PROSPECTUS
FIDELITY
CONVERTIBLE
SECURITIES
FUND
JANUARY 22, 1997 (FIDELITY_LOGO_GRAPHIC) 82 DEVONSHIRE STREET,
BOSTON, MA 02109
CONTENTS
KEY FACTS THE FUND AT A GLANCE
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
EXPENSES The fund's yearly
operating expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS A summary
of the fund's financial data.
PERFORMANCE How the fund has
done over time.
THE FUND IN DETAIL CHARTER How the fund is
organized.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
The fund's overall approach to
investing.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES How
operating costs are calculated and
what they include.
YOUR ACCOUNT DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS Different
ways to set up your account,
including tax-sheltered retirement
plans.
HOW TO BUY SHARES Opening an
account and making additional
investments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES Taking money
out and closing your account.
INVESTOR SERVICES Services to
help you manage your account.
SHAREHOLDER AND DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS,
ACCOUNT POLICIES AND TAXES
TRANSACTION DETAILS Share price
calculations and the timing of
purchases and redemptions.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
APPENDIX
KEY FACTS
THE FUND AT A GLANCE
GOAL: High total return through a combination of current income and capital
appreciation. As with any mutual fund, there is no assurance that the fund
will achieve its goal.
STRATEGY: Invests mainly in securities that are convertible into common
stock.
MANAGEMENT: Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) is the management
arm of Fidelity Investments, which was established in 1946 and is now
America's largest mutual fund manager. Foreign affiliates of FMR may help
choose investments for the fund.
SIZE: As of November 30, 199 6 , the fund had over $ 1.1 billion
in assets.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
The fund may be appropriate for investors who are willing to ride out stock
market fluctuations in pursuit of potentially high long-term returns. The
fund is designed for those who want exposure to both the stock and bond
markets through an investment that focuses on convertible securities. The
values of convertible securities typically move with the values of the
underlying stocks, but with less potential for gain or loss.
The value of the fund's investments and the income they generate will vary
from day to day, and generally reflect market conditions, interest rates,
and other company, political, or economic news both here and abroad. In the
short-term, stock prices can fluctuate dramatically in response to these
factors. Over time, however, stocks have shown greater growth potential
than other types of securities. The prices of bonds generally move in the
opposite direction from interest rates. When you sell your shares, they may
be worth more or less than what you paid for them. By itself, the fund does
not constitute a balanced investment plan.
THE SPECTRUM OF
FIDELITY FUNDS
Broad categories of Fidelity
funds are presented here in
order of ascending risk.
Generally, investors seeking
to maximize return must
assume greater risk.
Convertible Securities is in
the GROWTH AND INCOME
category.
(solid bullet) MONEY MARKET Seeks
income and stability by
investing in high-quality,
short-term investments.
(solid bullet) INCOME Seeks income by
investing in bonds.
(right arrow) GROWTH AND INCOME
Seeks long-term growth and
income by investing in stocks
and bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH Seeks long-term
growth by investing mainly in
stocks.
(checkmark)
EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are charges you may pay when you
buy or sell shares of a fund. In addition, you may be charged an
annual account maintenance fee if your account balance falls below $2,500.
See "Transaction Details," page , for an explanation
of how and when these charges apply.
Maximum sales charge on purchases None
and reinvested distributions
Deferred sales charge on redemptions None
Exchange fee None
Annual account maintenance fee (for accounts under $2,500) $12.0
0
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of the fund's assets. The fund
pays a management fee that varies based on its performance. It also incurs
other expenses for services such as maintaining shareholder records and
furnishing shareholder statements and financial reports. The fund's
expenses are factored into its share price or dividends and are not charged
directly to shareholder accounts (see page ).
The following f i gures are based on historical expenses, and are
calculated as a percentage of average net assets. A portion of the
brokerage commissions that the fund pays is used to reduce fund
expenses. In addition, the fund has entered into arrangements with its
custodian and transfer agent whereby interest earned on uninvested cash
balances is used to reduce custodian and transfer agent expenses .
Including these reductions, the total operating expenses presented
in the table would have been .83 %.
Management fee .56 %
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .29 %
Total fund operating expenses .85 %
EXAMPLES: Let's say, hypothetically, that the fund's annual return is 5%
and that its operating expenses are exactly as just described. For every
$1,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you
close your account after the number of years indicated:
After 1 year $ 9
After 3 years $ 27
After 5 years $ 47
After 10 years $ 10
5
These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to
suggest actual or expected costs or returns, all of which may vary.
UNDERSTANDING
EXPENSES
Operating a mutual fund
involves a variety of
expenses for portfolio
management, shareholder
statements, tax reporting, and
other services. These costs
are paid from the fund's
assets; their effect is already
factored into any quoted
share price or return.
(checkmark)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table that follows is included in the fund's Annual Report and has been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. Their report on
the financial statements and financial highlights is included in the Annual
Report. The financial statements and financial highlights are incorporated
by reference into (are legally a part of) the fund's Statement of
Additional Information.
SELECTED PER-SHARE DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Years ended 1996 1995 1994D 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987C
November 30
Net asset value, $ 17.6 $ 15.6 $ 17.6 $ 15.7 $ 13.4 $ 10.5 $ 11.8 $ 10.0 $ 9.05 $ 10.0
beginning 6 3 3 7 5 3 1 1 0
of period
Income from
Investment
Operations
Net investment .83 .79 .78 .75 .67 .60 .64 .80 .63 .40
income
Net realized and 1.79 1.94 (.86) 2.24 2.66 2.94 (1.15) 1.72 .93 (1.11)
unrealized
gain (loss)
Total from 2.62 2.73 (.08) 2.99 3.33 3.54 (.51) 2.52 1.56 (.71)
investment
operations
Less Distributions
From net (.74)G (.70) (.91) (.73) (.64) (.62) (.77) (.72) (.60) (.24)
investment
income
From net (.90)G -- (1.01) (.40) (.37) -- -- -- -- --
realized gain
Total
distributions (1.64) (.70) (1.92) (1.13) (1.01) (.62) (.77) (.72) (.60) (.24)
Net asset value, $ 18.6 $ 17.6 $ 15.6 $ 17.6 $ 15.7 $ 13.4 $ 10.5 $ 11.8 $ 10.0 $ 9.05
end of period 4 6 3 3 7 5 3 1 1
Total returnB 16.02 18.00 (.54) 19.94 26.18 34.52 (4.61) 26.28 17.69 (7.47)
% % % % % % % % % %
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of $ 1,14 $ 1,04 $ 903 $ 1,05 $ 412 $ 126 $ 57 $ 60 $ 45 $ 40
period 8 9 6
(in millions)
Ratio of expenses .85% .70% .86% .92% .96% 1.17 1.31 1.38 1.60 1.60
to % % % % %A
average net
assets
Ratio of expenses .83% .70% .85% .92% .96% 1.17 1.31 1.38 1.60 1.60
to average net E E % % % % %A
assets after
expense
reductions
Ratio of net 4.48 4.59 4.61 4.62 4.82 4.99 5.63 7.48 6.20 5.45
investment income % % % % % % % % % %A
to average net
assets
Portfolio turnover 175% 203% 318% 312% 258% 152% 223% 207% 191% 233%
rate A
Average $.043
commission rateF 6
</TABLE>
A ANNUALIZED
B TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN ONE YEAR ARE NOT ANNUALIZED. THE
TOTAL RETURNS WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN EXPENSES NOT BEEN REDUCED
DURING THE PERIODS SHOWN.
C FROM JANUARY 5, 1987 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1987.
D EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
AS A RESULT, NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
E FMR OR THE FUND HAS ENTERED INTO VARYING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES
WHO EITHER PAID OR REDUCED A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES.
F FOR FISCAL YEARS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1995, A FUND IS
REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ITS AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE PER SHARE FOR SECURITY
TRADES ON WHICH COMMISSIONS ARE CHARGED. THIS AMOUNT MAY VARY FROM PERIOD
TO PERIOD AND FUND TO FUND DEPENDING ON THE MIX OF TRADES EXECUTED IN
VARIOUS MARKETS WHERE TRADING PRACTICES AND COMMISSION RATE STRUCTURES MAY
DIFFER.
G THE AMOUNTS SHOWN REFLECT CERTAIN RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO
TAX DIFFERENCES.
PERFORMANCE
Mutual fund performance is commonly measured as TOTAL RETURN. The total
returns that follow are based on historical fund results and do not reflect
the effect of taxes.
The fund's fiscal year runs from December 1 through November 30. The
tables below show the fund's performance over past fiscal years compared to
different measures, including a comparative index and a competitive
funds average. The chart on page presents calendar year
performance .
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
Fiscal periods ended Pas Past Life
November 30, 199 6 t 1 5 of
yea year fund
r s A
Convertible Securities 16.02 15.56 13.91
% % %
Merrill Lynch Conv. Secs. Index 16.35 15.34 n/a
% %
Lipper Conv. Secs. Funds Average 15.88 13.63 n/a
% %
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
Fiscal periods ended Pas Past Life
November 30, 199 6 t 1 5 of
yea year fund
r s A
Convertible Securities 16.02 106.0 263.63
% 8% %
Merrill Lynch Conv. Secs. Index 16.35 104.1 n/a
% 3%
Lipper Conv. Secs. Funds Average 15.88 90.43 n/a
% %
</TABLE>
A FROM JANUARY 5, 1987
EXAMPLE: Let's say, hypothetically, that you put $10,000 in the fund on
January 5, 1987. From that date through November 30, 199 6 , the
fund's total return was 263.63 %. Your $10,000 would have grown to
$ 36,363 (the initial investment plus 263.63 % of $10,000).
UNDERSTANDING
PERFORMANCE
Because this fund invests in
stocks and securities
convertible into stocks, its
performance is related to that
of the overall stock market.
Historica lly, stock market
performance has been
characterized by volatility in
the short run and growth in
the long run. You can see
these two characteristics
reflected in the fund's
performance; the
year-by-year total returns on
page show that short-term
returns can vary widely, while
the returns in the mountain
chart show long-term growth.
(checkmark)
$10,000 OVER LIFE OF FUND
Fiscal years 19 87 19 91 199 6
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 10000.0
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 10280.0
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 10640.0
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 10730.0
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 10570.0
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 10540.0
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 10721.0
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 11256.0
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: 11509.0
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 11430.0
Row: 11, Col: 1, Value: 9273.0
Row: 12, Col: 1, Value: 9253.0
Row: 13, Col: 1, Value: 9512.0
Row: 14, Col: 1, Value: 9867.0
Row: 15, Col: 1, Value: 10274.0
Row: 16, Col: 1, Value: 10410.0
Row: 17, Col: 1, Value: 10611.0
Row: 18, Col: 1, Value: 10537.0
Row: 19, Col: 1, Value: 10974.0
Row: 20, Col: 1, Value: 10899.0
Row: 21, Col: 1, Value: 10738.0
Row: 22, Col: 1, Value: 10879.0
Row: 23, Col: 1, Value: 11053.0
Row: 24, Col: 1, Value: 10890.0
Row: 25, Col: 1, Value: 11024.0
Row: 26, Col: 1, Value: 11495.0
Row: 27, Col: 1, Value: 11618.0
Row: 28, Col: 1, Value: 11956.0
Row: 29, Col: 1, Value: 12400.0
Row: 30, Col: 1, Value: 12684.0
Row: 31, Col: 1, Value: 12786.0
Row: 32, Col: 1, Value: 13361.0
Row: 33, Col: 1, Value: 13798.0
Row: 34, Col: 1, Value: 13810.0
Row: 35, Col: 1, Value: 13531.0
Row: 36, Col: 1, Value: 13752.0
Row: 37, Col: 1, Value: 13921.0
Row: 38, Col: 1, Value: 13405.0
Row: 39, Col: 1, Value: 13561.0
Row: 40, Col: 1, Value: 13827.0
Row: 41, Col: 1, Value: 13718.0
Row: 42, Col: 1, Value: 14265.0
Row: 43, Col: 1, Value: 14424.0
Row: 44, Col: 1, Value: 14326.0
Row: 45, Col: 1, Value: 13379.0
Row: 46, Col: 1, Value: 12719.0
Row: 47, Col: 1, Value: 12470.0
Row: 48, Col: 1, Value: 13117.0
Row: 49, Col: 1, Value: 13518.0
Row: 50, Col: 1, Value: 14356.0
Row: 51, Col: 1, Value: 15283.0
Row: 52, Col: 1, Value: 15689.0
Row: 53, Col: 1, Value: 15869.0
Row: 54, Col: 1, Value: 16408.0
Row: 55, Col: 1, Value: 16096.0
Row: 56, Col: 1, Value: 16745.0
Row: 57, Col: 1, Value: 17382.0
Row: 58, Col: 1, Value: 17672.0
Row: 59, Col: 1, Value: 18433.0
Row: 60, Col: 1, Value: 17645.0
Row: 61, Col: 1, Value: 18755.0
Row: 62, Col: 1, Value: 19702.0
Row: 63, Col: 1, Value: 20346.0
Row: 64, Col: 1, Value: 20003.0
Row: 65, Col: 1, Value: 20170.0
Row: 66, Col: 1, Value: 20557.0
Row: 67, Col: 1, Value: 20435.0
Row: 68, Col: 1, Value: 20994.0
Row: 69, Col: 1, Value: 20589.0
Row: 70, Col: 1, Value: 21079.0
Row: 71, Col: 1, Value: 21573.0
Row: 72, Col: 1, Value: 22265.0
Row: 73, Col: 1, Value: 22885.0
Row: 74, Col: 1, Value: 23650.0
Row: 75, Col: 1, Value: 23238.0
Row: 76, Col: 1, Value: 24394.0
Row: 77, Col: 1, Value: 24617.0
Row: 78, Col: 1, Value: 25227.0
Row: 79, Col: 1, Value: 25198.0
Row: 80, Col: 1, Value: 25453.0
Row: 81, Col: 1, Value: 26053.0
Row: 82, Col: 1, Value: 26356.0
Row: 83, Col: 1, Value: 26962.0
Row: 84, Col: 1, Value: 26704.0
Row: 85, Col: 1, Value: 26955.0
Row: 86, Col: 1, Value: 27627.0
Row: 87, Col: 1, Value: 27185.0
Row: 88, Col: 1, Value: 25995.0
Row: 89, Col: 1, Value: 25564.0
Row: 90, Col: 1, Value: 25465.0
Row: 91, Col: 1, Value: 25445.0
Row: 92, Col: 1, Value: 25899.0
Row: 93, Col: 1, Value: 27275.0
Row: 94, Col: 1, Value: 27105.0
Row: 95, Col: 1, Value: 27275.0
Row: 96, Col: 1, Value: 26561.0
Row: 97, Col: 1, Value: 26482.0
Row: 98, Col: 1, Value: 26482.0
Row: 99, Col: 1, Value: 27034.0
Row: 100, Col: 1, Value: 27833.0
Row: 101, Col: 1, Value: 28460.0
Row: 102, Col: 1, Value: 28773.0
Row: 103, Col: 1, Value: 29493.0
Row: 104, Col: 1, Value: 30267.0
Row: 105, Col: 1, Value: 30618.0
Row: 106, Col: 1, Value: 31200.0
Row: 107, Col: 1, Value: 30436.0
Row: 108, Col: 1, Value: 31342.0
Row: 109, Col: 1, Value: 31614.0
Row: 110, Col: 1, Value: 32258.0
Row: 111, Col: 1, Value: 33035.0
Row: 112, Col: 1, Value: 33457.0
Row: 113, Col: 1, Value: 34241.0
Row: 114, Col: 1, Value: 34795.0
Row: 115, Col: 1, Value: 34410.0
Row: 116, Col: 1, Value: 32788.0
Row: 117, Col: 1, Value: 33696.0
Row: 118, Col: 1, Value: 34432.0
Row: 119, Col: 1, Value: 34841.0
Row: 120, Col: 1, Value: 36363.0
$
$36,363
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
TOTAL RETURN is the change in value of an investment in the fund over a
given period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. A
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN reflects actual performance over a stated period of
time. An AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN is a hypothetical rate of return that,
if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total return
if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results.
YIELD refers to the income generated by an investment in the fund over a
given period of time, expressed as an annual percentage rate. Yields are
calculated according to a standard that is required for all stock and bond
funds. Because this differs from other accounting methods, the quoted yield
may not equal the income actually paid to shareholders.
MERRILL LYNCH CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES INDEX (registered trademark) is a
market capitalization weighted index of over 450 non-mandatory domestic
corporate convertible securities.
Unlike the fund's returns, the total returns of the comparative index do
not include the effect of any brokerage commissions, transaction fees, or
other costs of investing.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX is a widely recognized measure of inflation
calculated by the U.S. Government.
THE COMPETITIVE FUNDS AVERAGE is the Lipper Convertible Securities Funds
Average, which currently reflects the performance of 33 mutual funds
with similar investment objectives. This average , published
by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc ., excludes the effect of sales
charges .
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS
Calendar year 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES 15.89% 26.28% -2.89% 38.74% 22.02% 17.79% -1.7
6% 19.38%
Merrill Lynch Conv. Secs. Index 12.81% 12.46% -6.99% 31.96% 22.41% 18.9
1% -7.08% 24.75%
Lipper Conv. Secs. Funds Avg. 12.12% 14.16% -5.53% 29.39% 14.38% 15.6
8% -2.54% 20.81%
Consumer Price Index 4.42% 4.65% 6.11% 3.06% 2.90% 2.75% 2.67% 2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 15.89
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 26.28
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: -2.89
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 38.74
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 22.02
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 17.79
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: -1.76
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 19.38
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Convertible
Securities
Other illustrations of fund performance may show moving averages over
specified periods.
The fund's recent strategies, performance, and holdings are detailed twice
a year in financial reports, which are sent to all shareholders. For
current performance or a free annual report, call 1-800-544-8888.
TOTAL RETURNS AND YIELDS ARE BASED ON PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT AN
INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
THE FUND IN DETAIL
CHARTER
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES IS A MUTUAL FUND: an investment that pools
shareholders' money and invests it toward a specified goal. The fund is a
diversified fund of Fidelity Financial Trust, an open-end management
investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October
20, 1982.
THE FUND IS GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced
executives who meet throughout the year to oversee the fund's activities,
review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the
fund, and review the fund's performance. The majority of trustees are not
otherwise affiliated with Fidelity.
THE FUND MAY HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS AND MAIL PROXY MATERIALS. These meetings
may be called to elect or remove trustees, change fundamental policies,
approve a management contract, or for other purposes. Shareholders not
attending these meetings are encouraged to vote by proxy. Fidelity will
mail proxy materials in advance, including a voting card and information
about the proposals to be voted on. The number of votes you are entitled to
is based upon the dollar value of your investment.
FMR AND ITS AFFILIATES
The fund is managed by FMR, which chooses the fund's investments and
handles its business affairs. Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc.
(FMR U.K.), in London, England, and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc. (FMR Far East), in Tokyo, Japan, assist FMR with foreign
investments.
Stephen Dufour is manager of Convertible Securities, which he has
managed since January 1997. He also manages another Fidelity fund. Mr.
Dufour joined Fidelity as an analyst in 1992, after earning an MBA in
finance from the University of Chicago.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions.
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) distributes and markets Fidelity's
funds and services. Fidelity Service Co mpany, Inc. (FSC) performs
transfer agent servicing functions for the fund.
FMR Corp. is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR U.K., and FMR Far
East. Members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family are the predominant owners
of a class of shares of common stock representing approximately 49% of the
voting power of FMR Corp. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
1940 Act), control of a company is presumed where one individual or group
of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company;
therefore, the Johnson family may be deemed under the 1940 Act to form a
controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
A broker-dealer may use a portion of the commissions paid by the fund to
reduce the fund's custodian or transfer agent fees. FMR may use its
broker-dealer affiliates and other firms that sell fund shares to carry out
the fund's transactions, provided that the fund receives brokerage services
and commission rates comparable to those of other broker-dealers.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT APPROACH
THE FUND SEEKS HIGH TOTAL RETURN through a combination of current income
and capital appreciation by investing in convertible securities. FMR
normally invests at least 65% of the fund's total assets in these
securities. The fund has the flexibility to invest the balance in other
types of securities.
Convertible securities are bonds, preferred stocks, and other securities
that pay a fixed rate of interest or a dividend. As an additional feature,
they offer the buyer the option of converting the security into common
stock. Because of this feature, convertible securities pay less income than
similar non-convertible bonds, and when selecting the fund's investments,
FMR considers the growth potential of the underlying stock. Convertible
securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common
stock. Many of the fund's investments may be in lower-quality securities.
Because convertible securities have both a fixed-income and an equity
component, the value of the fund's investments varies in response to many
factors. The equity component makes the value of convertible securities
subject to the activities of individual companies, and general market and
economic conditions. The bond component causes fluctuations based on
changes in interest rates and in the credit quality of the issuer.
Investments in foreign securities may involve risks in addition to those of
U.S. investments, including increased political and economic risk, as well
as exposure to currency fluctuations.
FMR may use various investment techniques to hedge a portion of the fund's
risks, but there is no guarantee that these strategies will work as FMR
intends. Also, as a mutual fund, the fund seeks to spread investment risk
by diversifying its holdings among many companies and industries. Of
course, when you sell your shares of the fund, they may be worth more or
less than what you paid for them.
FMR normally invests the fund's assets according to its investment
strategy. The fund also reserves the right to invest without limitation in
preferred stocks and investment-grade debt instruments for temporary,
defensive purposes.
SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
Any restrictions listed supplement those discussed earlier in this section.
A complete listing of the fund's limitations and more detailed information
about the fund's investments are contained in the fund's SAI. Policies and
limitations are considered at the time of purchase; the sale of instruments
is not required in the event of a subsequent change in circumstances.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that they are consistent with the fund's investment
objective and policies and that doing so will help the fund achieve its
goal. Fund holdings and recent investment strategies are detailed in the
fund's financial reports, which are sent to shareholders twice a year. For
a free SAI or financial report, call 1-800-544-8888.
EQUITY SECURITIES may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible
securities, and warrants. Common stocks, the most familiar type, represent
an equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. Although equity securities
have a history of long-term growth in value, their prices fluctuate based
on changes in a company's financial condition and on overall market and
economic conditions. Smaller companies are especially sensitive to these
factors.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of total assets, the fund may not
purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single
issuer.
DEBT SECURITIES. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or
variable rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity.
Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current
interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values. In
general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. Debt
securities have varying degrees of quality and varying levels of
sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Longer-term bonds are generally
more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term bonds.
Lower-quality debt securities are considered to have speculative
characteristics, and involve greater risk of default or price changes due
to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness, or they may already be in
default. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate more than
higher-quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of
general economic difficulty.
The table on page provides a summary of ratings assigned to debt
holdings (not including money market instruments) in the fund's portfolio.
These figures are dollar-weighted averages of month-end portfolio holdings
during fiscal 19 96 , and are presented as a percentage of total
security investments. These percentages are historical and do not
necessarily indicate the fund's current or future debt holdings.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve additional risks and considerations. These include risks relating
to political or economic conditions in foreign countries, fluctuations in
foreign currencies, withholding or other taxes, operational risks,
increased regulatory burdens, and the potentially less stringent investor
protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Additionally,
governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to pay
interest and repay principal when due and may require that the conditions
for payment be renegotiated. All of these factors can make foreign
investments, especially those in developing countries, more volatile than
U.S. investments.
ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE SECURITIES include interests in pools of
lower-rated debt securities, consumer loans or mortgages, or complex
instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped
mortgage-backed securities. The value of these securities may be
significantly affected by changes in interest rates, the market's
perception of issuers, and the creditworthiness of the parties involved.
Some securities may have a structure that makes their reaction to interest
rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their value highly
volatile. These securities may also be subject to prepayment risk.
FISCAL 1996 DEBT HOLDINGS, BY RATING
MOODY'S INVESTORS
SERVICE STANDARD & POOR'S
(AS A % OF INVESTMENTS) (AS A % OF
INVESTMENTS)
Rating Average Rating Average
INVESTMENT GRADE*
Highest quality Aaa -- AAA --
High quality Aa 2.1 % AA 1.7 %
Upper-medium grade A 5.1 % A 4.5 %
Medium grade Baa 3.8 % BBB 6.3 %
LOWER QUALITY*
Moderately speculative Ba 9.2 % BB 7.7 %
Speculative B 19.7 % B 16.5 %
Highly speculative Caa 0.2 % CCC 0.6 %
Poor quality Ca -- CC --
Lowest quality, no interest C C
In default, in arrears -- D --
40.1 % 37.3 %
(AS A % OF INVESTMENTS)
SECURITIES NOT RATED BY MOODY'S OR S&P(dagger)
Investment Grade (double dagger) --
Lower Quality (double dagger) 11.3 %
Total 11.3 %
* FOR SOME FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS, FMR ASSIGNS THE RATINGS OF
THE
SOVEREIGN CREDIT OF THE ISSUING GOVERNMENT.
(dagger) THE DOLLAR-WEIGHTED AVERAGE PERCENTAGES REFLECTED IN THE TABLE MAY
INCLUDE SECURITIES RATED BY OTHER NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RATING SERVICES, AS
WELL AS UNRATED SECURITIES.
(double dagger) AS DETERMINED BY FMR
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults
or becomes insolvent.
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE. The fund can use various techniques to
increase or decrease its exposure to changing security prices, interest
rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices, or other factors that
affect security values. These techniques may involve derivative
transactions such as buying and selling options and futures contracts,
entering into currency exchange contracts or swap agreements, purchasing
indexed securities, and selling securities short.
FMR can use these practices to adjust the risk and return characteristics
of the fund's portfolio of investments. If FMR judges market conditions
incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the
fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques
may increase the volatility of the fund and may involve a small investment
of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these
techniques could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction
does not perform as promised.
DIRECT DEBT. Loans and other direct debt instruments are interests in
amounts owed to another party by a company, government, or other borrower.
They have additional risks beyond conventional debt securities because they
may entail less legal protection for the fund, or there may be a
requirement that the fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Some investments may be determined by
FMR, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, to be illiquid, which
means that they may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price.
The sale of some illiquid securities, and some other securities, may be
subject to legal restrictions. Difficulty in selling securities may result
in a loss or may be costly to the fund.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more
than 10% of its assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
OTHER INSTRUMENTS may include securities of closed-end investment companies
and real estate-related instruments.
CASH MANAGEMENT. The fund may invest in money market securities, in
repurchase agreements, and in a money market fund available only to funds
and accounts managed by FMR or its affiliates, whose goal is to seek a high
level of current income while maintaining a stable $1.00 share price. A
major change in interest rates or a default on the money market fund's
investments could cause its share price to change.
DIVERSIFICATION. Diversifying a fund's investment portfolio can reduce the
risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not
purchase a security if, as a result, more than 5% would be invested in the
securities of any issuer. The fund may not invest more than 25% of its
total assets in any one industry. These limitations do not apply to U.S.
Government securities.
BORROWING. The fund may borrow from banks or from other funds advised by
FMR, or through reverse repurchase agreements. If the fund borrows money,
its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing
is paid off. If the fund makes additional investments while borrowings are
outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes,
but not in an amount exceeding 331/3% of its total assets.
LENDING securities to broker-dealers and institutions, including Fidelity
Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI), an affiliate of FMR, is a means of earning
income. This practice could result in a loss or a delay in recovering the
fund's securities. The fund may also lend money to other funds advised by
FMR.
RESTRICTIONS: Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 331/3% of the fund's
total assets.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Some of the policies and restrictions discussed on the preceding pages are
fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval. The
following paragraphs restate all those that are fundamental. All policies
stated throughout this prospectus, other than those identified in the
following paragraphs, can be changed without shareholder approval.
The fund seeks a high level of total return through a combination of
current income and capital appreciation. The fund seeks to achieve this
objective by investing primarily in convertible securities.
With respect to 75% of total assets, the fund may not invest more than 5%
of its total assets in any one issuer and may not own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
The fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one
industry.
The fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes, but not in an
amount exceeding 33% of its total assets.
Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 33% of the fund's total assets.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
Like all mutual funds, the fund pays fees related to its daily operations.
Expenses paid out of the fund's assets are reflected in its share price or
dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor deducted
from shareholder accounts.
The fund pays a MANAGEMENT FEE to FMR for managing its investments and
business affairs. FMR in turn pays fees to affiliates who provide
assistance with these services. The fund also pays OTHER EXPENSES, which
are explained on page .
FMR may, from time to time, agree to reimburse the fund for management fees
and other expenses above a specified limit. FMR retains the ability to be
repaid by the fund if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the
end of the fiscal year. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated
at any time without notice, can decrease the fund's expenses and boost its
performance.
MANAGEMENT FEE
The management fee is calculated and paid to FMR every month. The amount of
the fee is determined by taking a BASIC FEE and then applying a PERFORMANCE
ADJUSTMENT. The performance adjustment either increases or decreases the
management fee, depending on how well the fund has performed relative to
the Merrill Lynch Convertible Securities Index.
Manage = Ba +/- Performa
ment sic nce
fee fee adjustme
nt
THE BASIC FEE (calculated monthly) is calculated by adding a group fee rate
to an individual fund fee rate, and multiplying the result by the fund's
average net assets. The group fee rate is based on the average net assets
of all the mutual funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above .52%,
and it drops as total assets under management increase.
For November 19 96 , the group fee rate was .30 %. The
individual fund fee rate is .20%. The basic fee rate for the fiscal year
ended November 19 96 was .51 %.
THE PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENT rate is calculated monthly by comparing the
fund's performance to that of the Merrill Lynch Convertible Securities
Index over the most recent 36-month period. The difference is translated
into a dollar amount that is added to or subtracted from the basic fee. The
maximum annualized performance adjustment rate is ".15%.
The total management fee rate for the fiscal year ended November
19 96 was .56 %.
UNDERSTANDING THE
MANAGEMENT FEE
The basic fee FMR receives
is designed to be responsive
to changes in FMR's total
assets under management.
Building this variable into the
fee calculation assures
shareholders that they will
pay a lower rate as FMR's
assets under management
increase.
Another variable, the
performance adjustment,
rewards FMR when the fund
outperforms the Merrill Lynch
Convertible Securities Index
(an established index of stock
market performance) and
reduces FMR's fee when the
fund underperforms this
index.
(checkmark)
FMR HAS SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS with FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. These
sub-advisers provide FMR with investment research and advice on issuers
based outside the United States. Under the sub-advisory agreements, FMR
pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal to 110% and 105%, respectively,
of the costs of providing these services.
The sub-advisers may also provide investment management services. In
return, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal to 50% of its
management fee rate with respect to the fund's investments that the
sub-adviser manages on a discretionary basis.
OTHER EXPENSES
While the management fee is a significant component of the fund's annual
operating costs, the fund has other expenses as well.
The fund contracts with FSC to perform many transaction and accounting
functions. These services include processing shareholder transactions,
valuing the fund's investments, and handling securities loans. In the
fiscal year ended November 199 6, the fund paid FSC fees equal to
.27% of its average net assets.
The fund also pays other expenses, such as legal, audit, and custodian
fees; proxy solicitation costs; and the compensation of trustees who are
not affiliated with Fidelity. A broker-dealer may use a portion of the
commissions paid by the fund to reduce the fund's custodian or transfer
agent fees.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan. This plan recognizes
that FMR may use its resources, including management fees, to pay expenses
associated with the sale of fund shares. This may include payments to third
parties, such as banks or broker-dealers, that provide shareholder support
services or engage in the sale of the fund's shares. It is important to
note, however, that the fund does not pay FMR any separate fees for this
service.
The fund's portfolio turnover rate for fiscal 19 96 was 175 %.
This rate varies from year to year. High turnover rates increase
transaction costs and may increase taxable capital gains. FMR considers
these effects when evaluating the anticipated benefits of short-term
investing.
YOUR ACCOUNT
DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's
first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in
the country, and is known as an innovative provider of high-quality
financial services to individuals and institutions.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of
America's leading discount brokerage firms, FBSI. Fidelity is also a leader
in providing tax-sheltered retirement plans for individuals investing on
their own or through their employer.
Fidelity is committed to providing investors with practical information to
make investment decisions. Based in Boston, Fidelity provides customers
with complete service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through a network of
telephone service centers around the country.
To reach Fidelity for general information, call these numbers:
(small solid bullet) For mutual funds, 1-800-544-8888
(small solid bullet) For brokerage, 1-800-544-7272
If you would prefer to speak with a representative in person, Fidelity has
over 80 walk-in Investor Centers across the country.
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
You may set up an account directly in the fund or, if you own or intend to
purchase individual securities as part of your total investment portfolio,
you may consider investing in the fund through a brokerage account.
You may purchase or sell shares of the fund through an investment
professional, including a broker, who may charge you a transaction fee for
this service. If you invest through FBSI, another financial institution, or
an investment professional, read their program materials for any special
provisions, additional service features or fees that may apply to your
investment in the fund. Certain features of the fund, such as the minimum
initial or subsequent investment amounts, may be modified.
The different ways to set up (register) your account with Fidelity are
listed in the table that follows.
The account guidelines that follow may not apply to certain retirement
accounts. If you are investing through a retirement account or if your
employer offers the fund through a retirement program, you may be subject
to additional fees. For more information, please refer to your program
materials, contact your employer, or call your retirement benefits number
or Fidelity directly, as appropriate.
FIDELITY FACTS
Fidelity offers the broadest
selection of mutual funds in
the world.
(solid bullet) Number of Fidelity mutual
funds: over 22 5
(solid bullet) Assets in Fidelity mutual
funds: over $43 5 billion
(solid bullet) Number of shareholder
accounts: over 2 9 million
(solid bullet) Number of investment
analysts and portfolio
managers: over 21 5
(checkmark)
WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT
INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT TENANT
FOR YOUR GENERAL INVESTMENT NEEDS
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts can have two or
more owners (tenants).
RETIREMENT
TO SHELTER YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS FROM TAXES
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and
capital gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these
accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement accounts require special
applications and typically have lower minimums.
(solid bullet) INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS) allow anyone of legal
age and under 70 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year.
Individuals can also invest in a spouse's IRA if the spouse has earned
income of less than $250.
(solid bullet) ROLLOVER IRAS retain special tax advantages for certain
distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans.
(solid bullet) KEOGH OR CORPORATE PROFIT SHARING AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS allow self-employed individuals or small business owners (and their
employees) to make tax-deductible contributions for themselves and any
eligible employees up to $30,000 per year.
(solid bullet) SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP-IRAS) provide small
business owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible
employees) with many of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer
administrative requirements.
(solid bullet) 403(B) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS are available to employees of most
tax-exempt institutions, including schools, hospitals, and other charitable
organizations.
(solid bullet) 401(K) PROGRAMS allow employees of corporations of all sizes
to contribute a percentage of their wages on a tax-deferred basis. These
accounts need to be established by the trustee of the plan.
GIFTS OR TRANSFERS TO A MINOR (UGMA, UTMA)
TO INVEST FOR A CHILD'S EDUCATION OR OTHER FUTURE NEEDS
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
tax benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child without
paying federal gift tax. Depending on state laws, you can set up a
custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
TRUST
FOR MONEY BEING INVESTED BY A TRUST
The trust must be established before an account can be opened.
BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION
FOR INVESTMENT NEEDS OF CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, OR OTHER
GROUPS
Requires a special application.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
THE FUND'S SHARE PRICE, called net asset value (NAV), is calculated every
business day. The fund's shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares are purchased at the next share price calculated after your
investment is received and accepted. Share price is normally calculated at
4 p.m. Eastern time.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO FIDELITY, complete and sign an account application and
mail it along with your check. You may also open your account in person or
by wire as described on page . If there is no application accompanying this
prospectus, call 1-800-544-8888.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE MONEY INVESTED IN A FIDELITY FUND, you can:
(small solid bullet) Mail in an application with a check, or
(small solid bullet) Open your account by exchanging from another Fidelity
fund.
IF YOU ARE INVESTING THROUGH A TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLAN, such as an
IRA, for the first time, you will need a special application. Retirement
investing also involves its own investment procedures. Call 1-800-544-8888
for more information and a retirement application.
If you buy shares by check or Fidelity Money Line(registered trademark),
and then sell those shares by any method other than by exchange to another
Fidelity fund, the payment may be delayed for up to seven business days to
ensure that your previous investment has cleared.
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT $2,500
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA,
SEP-IRA and Keogh accounts $500
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT $250
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA,
SEP-IRA and Keogh accounts $250
Through regular investment plans* $100
MINIMUM BALANCE $ 2 ,000
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA,
SEP-IRA and Keogh accounts $500
* FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS, PLEASE REFER TO
THE "INVESTORS SERVICES," PAGE .
These minimums may vary for investments through Fidelity Portfolio Advisory
Services. There is no minimum account balance or initial or subsequent
investment minimums for certain retirement accounts funded through salary
reduction, or accounts opened with the proceeds of distributions from such
Fidelity retirement accounts. Refer to the program materials for
details.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) (small solid bullet) Exchange from another (small solid bullet) Exchange from another
Fidelity fund account Fidelity fund account
with the same with the same
registration, including registration, including
name, address, and name, address, and
taxpayer ID number. taxpayer ID number.
(small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Money
Line to transfer from
your bank account. Call
before your first use to
verify that this service
is in place on your
account. Maximum
Money Line: $50,000.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Mail (mail_graphic) (small solid bullet) Complete and sign the (small solid bullet) Make your check
application. Make your payable to "Fidelity
check payable to Convertible Securities
"Fidelity Convertible Fund." Indicate your
Securities Fund." Mail fund account number
to the address on your check and mail
indicated on the to the address printed
application. on your account
statement.
(small solid bullet) Exchange by mail: call
1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
In Person (hand_graphic) (small solid bullet) Bring your application (small solid bullet) Bring your check to a
and check to a Fidelity Fidelity Investor Center.
Investor Center. Call Call 1-800-544-9797 for
1-800-544-9797 for the the center nearest you.
center nearest you.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Wire (wire_graphic) (small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-7777 to (small solid bullet) Not available for
set up your account retirement accounts.
and to arrange a wire (small solid bullet) Wire to:
transaction. Not Bankers Trust
available for retirement Company,
accounts. Bank Routing
(small solid bullet) Wire within 24 hours to: #021001033,
Bankers Trust Account #00163053.
Company, Specify "Fidelity
Bank Routing Convertible Securities
#021001033, Fund." and include your
Account #00163053. account number and
Specify "Fidelity your name.
Convertible Securities
Fund." and include your
new account number
and your name.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Automatically (automatic_graphic) (small solid bullet) Not available. (small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Automatic
Account Builder. Sign
up for this service
when opening your
account, or call
1-800-544-6666 to add
it.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can arrange to take money out of your fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Your shares will be sold at
the next share price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Share price is normally calculated at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
TO SELL SHARES IN A NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, you may use any of the methods
described on these two pages.
TO SELL SHARES IN A FIDELITY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, your request must be made
in writing, except for exchanges to other Fidelity funds, which can be
requested by phone or in writing. Call 1-800-544-6666 for a retirement
distribution form.
IF YOU ARE SELLING SOME BUT NOT ALL OF YOUR SHARES, leave at least
$ 2 ,000 worth of shares in the account to keep it open ($500 for
retirement accounts).
TO SELL SHARES BY BANK WIRE OR FIDELITY MONEY LINE, you will need to sign
up for these services in advance.
CERTAIN REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. It is designed to
protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Your request must be made in writing
and include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations apply:
(small solid bullet) You wish to redeem more than $100,000 worth of shares,
(small solid bullet) Your account registration has changed within the last
30 days,
(small solid bullet) The check is being mailed to a different address than
the one on your account (record address),
(small solid bullet) The check is being made payable to someone other than
the account owner, or
(small solid bullet) The redemption proceeds are being transferred to a
Fidelity account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker
(including Fidelity Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized
under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or
savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
SELLING SHARES IN WRITING
Write a "letter of instruction" with:
(small solid bullet) Your name,
(small solid bullet) The fund's name,
(small solid bullet) Your fund account number,
(small solid bullet) The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed,
and
(small solid bullet) Any other applicable requirements listed in the table
that follows.
Unless otherwise instructed, Fidelity will send a check to the record
address. Deliver your letter to a Fidelity Investor Center, or mail it to:
Fidelity Investments
P.O. Box 660602
Dallas, TX 75266-0602
ACCOUNT TYPE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) Maximum check request:
except retirement $100,000.
(small solid bullet) For Money Line transfers to
All account types your bank account; minimum:
$10; maximum: $100,000.
(small solid bullet) You may exchange to other
Fidelity funds if both
accounts are registered with
the same name(s), address,
and taxpayer ID number.
Mail or in Person (mail_graphic)(hand_graphic) Individual, Joint (small solid bullet) The letter of instruction must
Tenant, be signed by all persons
Sole Proprietorship required to sign for
, UGMA, UTMA transactions, exactly as their
Retirement account names appear on the
account.
(small solid bullet) The account owner should
Trust complete a retirement
distribution form. Call
1-800-544-6666 to request
one.
Business or (small solid bullet) The trustee must sign the
Organization letter indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's name
is not in the account
registration, provide a copy of
the trust document certified
Executor, within the last 60 days.
Administrator, (small solid bullet) At least one person
Conservator, authorized by corporate
Guardian resolution to act on the
account must sign the letter.
(small solid bullet) Include a corporate
resolution with corporate seal
or a signature guarantee.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
Wire (wire_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) You must sign up for the wire
except retirement feature before using it. To
verify that it is in place, call
1-800-544-6666. Minimum
wire: $5,000.
(small solid bullet) Your wire redemption request
must be received and
accepted by Fidelity before 4
p.m. Eastern time for money
to be wired on the next
business day.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
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(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
INVESTOR SERVICES
Fidelity provides a variety of services to help you manage your account.
INFORMATION SERVICES
FIDELITY'S TELEPHONE REPRESENTATIVES are available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. Whenever you call, you can speak with someone equipped to provide
the information or service you need.
24-HOUR SERVICE
ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-6666
ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
1-800-544-7777
PRODUCT INFORMATION
1-800-544-8888
RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-4774
TOUCHTONE XPRESSSM
1-800-544-5555
AUTOMATED SERVICE
(checkmark)
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS that Fidelity sends to you include the following:
(small solid bullet) Confirmation statements (after every transaction,
except reinvestments, that affects your account balance or your account
registration)
(small solid bullet) Account statements (quarterly)
(small solid bullet) Financial reports (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most financial reports and
prospectuses will be mailed to your household, even if you have more than
one account in the fund. Call 1-800-544-6666 if you need copies of
financial reports, prospectuses, or historical account information.
TRANSACTION SERVICES
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may sell your fund shares and buy shares of other
Fidelity funds by telephone or in writing.
Note that exchanges out of the fund are limited to four per calendar year,
and that they may have tax consequences for you. For details on policies
and restrictions governing exchanges, including circumstances under which a
shareholder's exchange privilege may be suspended or revoked, see page .
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS let you set up periodic redemptions from your
account.
FIDELITY MONEY LINE(registered trademark) enables you to transfer money by
phone between your bank account and your fund account. Most transfers are
complete within three business days of your call.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
One easy way to pursue your financial goals is to invest money regularly.
Fidelity offers convenient services that let you transfer money into your
fund account, or between fund accounts, automatically. While regular
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect you against
loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest for
retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial
goals. Certain restrictions apply for retirement accounts. Call
1-800-544-6666 for more information.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT BUILDERSM
TO MOVE MONEY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO A FIDELITY FUND
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly or (small solid bullet) For a new account, complete the
quarterly appropriate section on the fund
application.
(small solid bullet) For existing accounts, call
1-800-544-6666 for an application.
(small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
your investment, call 1-800-544-6666 at
least three business days prior to your
next scheduled investment date.
</TABLE>
DIRECT DEPOSIT
TO SEND ALL OR A PORTION OF YOUR PAYCHECK OR GOVERNMENT CHECK TO A FIDELITY
FUNDA
<TABLE>
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<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Every pay (small solid bullet) Check the appropriate box on the fund
period application, or call 1-800-544-6666 for an
authorization form.
(small solid bullet) Changes require a new authorization
form.
</TABLE>
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE
TO MOVE MONEY FROM A FIDELITY MONEY MARKET FUND TO ANOTHER FIDELITY FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly, (small solid bullet) To establish, call 1-800-544-6666 after
bimonthly, both accounts are opened.
quarterly, or (small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
annually your investment, call 1-800-544-6666.
</TABLE>
A BECAUSE ITS SHARE PRICE FLUCTUATES, THE FUND MAY NOT BE AN APPROPRIATE
CHOICE FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT OF YOUR ENTIRE CHECK.
SHAREHOLDER AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
The fund distributes substantially all of its net income and capital gains
to shareholders each year. Normally, dividends are distributed in March,
June, September, and December. Capital gains are distributed in January and
December.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to
receive your distributions. If the option you prefer is not listed on the
application, call 1-800-544-6666 for instructions. The fund offers four
options:
1. REINVESTMENT OPTION. Your dividend and capital gain distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. If you do not
indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
2. INCOME-EARNED OPTION. Your capital gain distributions will be
automatically reinvested, but you will be sent a check for each dividend
distribution.
3. CASH OPTION. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital gain
distributions.
4. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS(registered trademark) OPTION. Your dividend and
capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in another
identically registered Fidelity fund.
FOR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, all distributions are automatically reinvested.
When you are over 59 years old, you can receive distributions in cash.
When the fund deducts a distribution from its NAV, the reinvestment price
is the fund's NAV at the close of business that day. Cash distribution
checks will be mailed within seven days.
UNDERSTANDING
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a fund shareholder, you
are entitled to your share of
the fund's net income and
gains on its investments. The
fund passes its earnings
along to its investors as
DISTRIBUTIONS.
The fund earns dividends
from stocks and interest from
bond, money market, and
other investments. These are
passed along as DIVIDEND
DISTRIBUTIONS. The fund
realizes capital gains
whenever it sells securities
for a higher price than it paid
for them. These are passed
along as CAPITAL GAIN
DISTRIBUTIONS.
(checkmark)
TAXES
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account,
you should be aware of these tax implications.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions are subject to federal income tax,
and may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you live outside the
United States, your distributions could also be taxed by the country in
which you reside. Your distributions are taxable when they are paid,
whether you take them in cash or reinvest them. However, distributions
declared in December and paid in January are taxable as if they were paid
on December 31.
For federal tax purposes, the fund's income and short-term capital gain
distributions are taxed as dividends; long-term capital gain distributions
are taxed as long-term capital gains. Every January, Fidelity will send you
and the IRS a statement showing the taxable distributions paid to you in
the previous year.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS. Your redemptions - including exchanges to other
Fidelity funds - are subject to capital gains tax. A capital gain or loss
is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive
when you sell them.
Whenever you sell shares of the fund, Fidelity will send you a confirmation
statement showing how many shares you sold and at what price. You will also
receive a consolidated transaction statement every January. However, it is
up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether this sale resulted in a
capital gain and, if so, the amount of tax to be paid. Be sure to keep your
regular account statements; the information they contain will be essential
in calculating the amount of your capital gains.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND." If you buy shares when the fund has realized but not
yet distributed income or capital gains, you will pay the full price for
the shares and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a
taxable distribution.
EFFECT OF FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may impose taxes on the fund
and its investments and these taxes generally will reduce the fund's
distributions. However, an offsetting tax credit or deduction may be
available to you. If so, your tax statement will show more taxable income
or capital gains than were actually distributed by the fund, but will also
show the amount of the available offsetting credit or deduction.
There are tax requirements that all funds must follow in order to avoid
federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the fund
may have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
THE FUND IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
is open. Fidelity normally calculates the fund's NAV as of the close of
business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time.
THE FUND'S NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by
adding the value of the fund's investments, cash, and other assets,
subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing the result by the number of
shares outstanding.
The fund's assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary
market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency
into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Short-term securities
with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which quotations are
not readily available are valued on the basis of amortized cost. This
method minimizes the effect of changes in a security's market value. In
addition, if quotations are not readily available, or if the values
have been materially affected by events occurring after the closing of a
foreign market, assets are valued by a method that the Board of
Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value.
THE FUND'S OFFERING PRICE (price to buy one share) and REDEMPTION PRICE
(price to sell one share) are its NAV.
WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION, you will be asked to certify that
your Social Security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that
you are not subject to 31% backup withholding for failing to report income
to the IRS. If you violate IRS regulations, the IRS can require the fund to
withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and redemptions.
YOU MAY INITIATE MANY TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Fidelity may only be
liable for losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it does not
follow reasonable procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller.
Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and
may also record calls. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation
statements immediately after you receive them. If you do not want the
ability to redeem and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for
instructions.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH FIDELITY BY PHONE (for example, during periods
of unusual market activity), consider placing your order by mail or by
visiting a Fidelity Investor Center.
THE FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES for a period
of time. The fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including certain purchases by exchange. See "Exchange Restrictions"
on page . Purchase orders may be refused if, in FMR's opinion, they would
disrupt management of the fund.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO BUY SHARES, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Note the following:
(small solid bullet) All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and
checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity does not accept cash.
(small solid bullet) When making a purchase with more than one check, each
check must have a value of at least $50.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to limit the number of
checks processed at one time.
(small solid bullet) If your check does not clear, your purchase will be
cancelled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the fund or its
transfer agent has incurred.
TO AVOID THE COLLECTION PERIOD associated with check and Money Line
purchases, consider buying shares by bank wire, U.S. Postal money order,
U.S. Treasury check, Federal Reserve check, or direct deposit instead.
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS that have entered into sales agreements with
FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone,
with payment to follow no later than the time when the fund is priced on
the following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the
financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO SELL SHARES, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after your request is received and accepted. Note the
following:
(small solid bullet) Normally, redemption proceeds will be mailed to you on
the next business day, but if making immediate payment could adversely
affect the fund, it may take up to seven days to pay you.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity Money Line redemptions generally will be
credited to your bank account on the second or third business day after
your phone call.
(small solid bullet) The fund may hold payment on redemptions until it is
reasonably satisfied that investments made by check or Fidelity Money Line
have been collected, which can take up to seven business days.
(small solid bullet) Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates
postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when
trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
FIDELITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DEDUCT AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE of $12.00
from accounts with a value of less than $2,500, subject to an annual
maximum charge of $ 24 .00 per shareholder. It is expected that
accounts will be valued on the second Friday in November of each year.
Accounts opened after September 30 will not be subject to the fee for that
year. The fee, which is payable to the transfer agent, is designed to
offset in part the relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts.
Th is fee will not be deducted from Fidelity brokerage accounts,
retirement accounts (except non-prototype retirement accounts),
accounts using regular investment plans, or if total assets in Fidelity
funds exceed $ 3 0,000. Eligibility for the $ 3 0,000 waiver is
determined by aggregating Fidelity accounts maintained by FSC or FBSI which
are registered under the same social security number or which list the same
social security number for the custodian of a Uniform Gifts/Transfers to
Minors Act account.
IF YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE FALLS BELOW $ 2 ,000, you will be given 30
days' notice to reestablish the minimum balance. If you do not increase
your balance, Fidelity reserves the right to close your account and send
the proceeds to you. Your shares will be redeemed at the NAV on the day
your account is closed.
FIDELITY MAY CHARGE A FEE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, such as providing
historical account documents, that are beyond the normal scope of its
services.
FDC may, at its own expense, provide promotional incentives to qualified
recipients who support the sale of shares of the fund without reimbursement
from the fund. Qualified recipients are securities dealers who have sold
fund shares or others, including banks and other financial institutions,
under special arrangements in connection with FDC's sales activities. In
some instances, these incentives may be offered only to certain
institutions whose representatives provide services in connection with the
sale or expected sale of significant amounts of shares.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of the fund
for shares of other Fidelity funds. However, you should note the following:
(small solid bullet) The fund you are exchanging into must be
available for sale in your state.
(small solid bullet) You may only exchange between accounts that are
registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
(small solid bullet) Before exchanging into a fund, read its prospectus.
(small solid bullet) If you exchange into a fund with a sales charge, you
pay the percentage-point difference between that fund's sales charge and
any sales charge you have previously paid in connection with the shares you
are exchanging. For example, if you had already paid a sales charge of 2%
on your shares and you exchange them into a fund with a 3% sales charge,
you would pay an additional 1% sales charge.
(small solid bullet) Exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
(small solid bullet) Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance
and shareholders, the fund reserves the right to temporarily or permanently
terminate the exchange privilege of any investor who makes more than four
exchanges out of the fund per calendar year. Accounts under common
ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer
identification number, will be counted together for purposes of the four
exchange limit.
(small solid bullet) The exchange limit may be modified for accounts in
certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits
and Department of Labor regulations. See your plan materials for further
information.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to refuse exchange
purchases by any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be
unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment
objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected.
(small solid bullet) Your exchanges may be restricted or refused if the
fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant
portions of the fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that
coincides with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to the fund.
Although the fund will attempt to give you prior notice whenever it is
reasonably able to do so, it may impose these restrictions at any time. The
fund reserves the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege in
the future.
OTHER FUNDS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS, and may impose
administrative fees of up to $7.50 and redemption fees of up to 1.50% on
exchanges. Check each fund's prospectus for details.
APPENDIX
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA -Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.
AA - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
larger than the Aaa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may
be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
BAA - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable
over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
BA - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance
of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
CAA - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
CA - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
short-comings.
C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest-rated class of bonds and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3, in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA - Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's
to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong.
AA - Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher-rated issues only in small degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher-rated
categories.
BB - Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt
that is assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B - Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual
or implied BB or BB- rating.
CCC - Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal.
In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is
not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The
CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.
CC - Debt rated CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C - The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may
be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed but
debt service payments are continued.
CI - The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D - Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating will also
be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments
are jeopardized.
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
This prospectus is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
FIDELITY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND
A FUND OF FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JANUARY 22, 1997
This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the fund's current Prospectus (dated January 22, 1997 ). Please
retain this document for future reference. The fund's financial statements
and financial highlights, included in the Annual Report for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 199 6 , are incorporated herein by reference. To
obtain an additional copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report, please
call Fidelity Distributors Corporation at 1-800-544-8888.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Investment Policies and Limitations
Portfolio Transactions
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Performance
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
Distributions and Taxes
FMR
Trustees and Officers
Management Contract
Distribution and Service Plan
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
Description of the Trust
Financial Statements
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.)
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (FMR Far East)
DISTRIBUTOR
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC)
TRANSFER AGENT
Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC)
CVS-ptb- 0197
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the
Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or
limitation states a maximum percentage of the fund's assets that may be
invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding
quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be
determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values,
net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining
whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and
limitations.
The fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be
changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the fund.
However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below,
the investment policies and limitations described in this Statement of
Additional Information are not fundamental and may be changed without
shareholder approval.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than obligations issued or
guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result thereof, more than 5% of the fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer. or it
would hold more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer, except
that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to these limitations;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;
(4) underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the
sale of restricted securities or the purchase of bonds in accordance with
the fund's investment objective, policies, and limitations, either directly
from the issuer, or from an underwriter for an issuer, may be deemed to be
underwriting;
(5) purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of its total
assets would be invested in the securities of companies having their
principal business activities in the same industry (this limitation does
not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
government or its agencies or instrumentalities);
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);
(7) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this
limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase
agreements; or
(8) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities).
THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED
WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iii) the fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(iv) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to purchase interests in real estate
investment trusts that are not readily marketable, or interests in real
estate limited partnerships that are not listed on an exchange or traded on
the NASDAQ National Market System if, as a result, the sum of such
interests and other investments considered illiquid under limitation (iv)
would exceed 10% of the fund's net assets
(vi) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 5% of the
fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for
which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) acquiring
loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt instruments and,
in connection therewith, assuming any associated unfunded commitments of
the sellers. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt
securities or to repurchase agreements.)
(vii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commissions
except the ordinary brokers' commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open- end investment companies. Limitations
(a) and (b) do not apply (i) to securities received as dividends, through
offers of exchange, or as a result of a reorganization, consolidation, or
merger, or (ii) to securities of other open-end investment companies
managed by FMR or a successor or affiliate purchased pursuant to an
exemptive order granted by the SEC.
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by domestic or foreign
governments or political subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than
5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of business
enterprises that, including predecessors, have a record of less than three
years of continuous operation.
(ix) the fund does not currently intend to purchase warrants, valued at the
lower of cost or market, in excess of 5% of the fund's net assets. Included
in that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the fund's net assets, may be
warrants that are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American
Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to
securities are not subject to these restrictions.
(x) The fund does not currently intend to invest in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
(xi) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of
any issuer if those officers and Trustees of the trust and those officers
and directors of FMR who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of such issuer together own more than 5% of such issuer's
securities.
For purposes of limitation (viii), pass-through entities and other special
purpose vehicles or pools of financial assets, such as issuers of
asset-backed securities or investment companies, are not considered
"business enterprises."
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions" on page
.
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which a fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of a fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that doing so will help the fund achieve its goal.
AFFILIATED BANK TRANSACTIONS. The fund may engage in transactions with
financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated
persons" of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These
transactions may include repurchase agreements with custodian banks;
short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest
U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. government
securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers
in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term
borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Board of Trustees has established and
periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving
affiliated financial institutions.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Asset-backed securities represent interests in
pools of consumer loans (generally unrelated to mortgage loans) and most
often are structured as pass-through securities. Interest and principal
payments ultimately depend upon payment of the underlying loans by
individuals, although the securities may be supported by letters of credit
or other credit enhancements. The value of asset-backed securities may also
depend on the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool,
the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing the
credit enhancement.
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The fund may purchase the shares of
closed-end investment companies to facilitate investment in certain
countries. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade at a premium
or a discount to their net asset value.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or
other securities that may be converted or exchanged into shares of the
underlying common stock at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security
may also be subject to redemption by the issuer, but only after a
particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified
price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the fund
is called for redemption, the fund could be required to tender it for
redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a
third party.
Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying
common stocks (but generally lower than comparable non-convertible
securities). Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally
sell at prices above their "conversion value," which is the current market
value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between
this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary
over time depending on the value of the underlying common stocks and
interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value,
convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because
the yield acts as a price support. When the underlying common stocks rise
in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to
increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market
value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow,
which means that the convertible securities will generally not increase to
the same extent as the underlying common stocks. Because convertible
securities are also interest-rate sensitive, their value will tend to
increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S.
investments. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and
of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will
fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
Foreign investments involve a risk of local political, economic, or social
instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments,
and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the
interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include the possibility of
expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation,
restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or
convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There
is no assurance that FMR will be able to anticipate these potential events
or counter their effects. These risks are magnified for investments in
developing countries, which may have relatively unstable governments,
economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade
a small number of securities.
Economies of particular countries or areas of the world may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States. Foreign
markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. It is
anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign
securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter markets located
outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in
volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the
United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those
located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading practices,
including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be
released prior to receipt of payment, may result in increased risk in the
event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. In addition, the costs of foreign
investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investors. In general, there is
less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities
exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. It may
also be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries. Foreign
issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to
those applicable to U.S. issuers.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United
States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) as well as other "hybrid" forms of ADRs
including European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary
Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a
foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depositary banks and
generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere.
The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar
financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depositary bank may
not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may
charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and
interest and corporate actions. ADRs are an alternative to directly
purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and
currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks
associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks
include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks
of the underlying issuer's country.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The fund may conduct foreign currency
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or by entering into forward
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date and
price. The fund will convert currency on a spot basis from time to time,
and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although
foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for conversion, they
do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which
they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to
sell a foreign currency to the fund at one rate, while offering a lesser
rate of exchange should the fund desire to resell that currency to the
dealer. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market
conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the
contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The fund may use currency forward contracts for any purpose consistent with
its investment objective. The following discussion summarizes the principal
currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be
used by the fund. The fund may also use swap agreements, indexed
securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign
currencies for the same purposes.
When the fund agrees to buy or sell a security denominated in a foreign
currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security.
By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed
amount of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying security transaction, the fund will be able to protect itself
against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or
received. This technique is sometimes referred to as a "settlement hedge"
or "transaction hedge." The fund may also enter into forward contracts to
purchase or sell a foreign currency in anticipation of future purchases or
sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific
investments have not yet been selected by FMR.
The fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the
value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example,
if the fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter
into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars
to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge,
sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both
positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes
in security values caused by other factors. The fund could also hedge the
position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the
pound sterling - for example, by entering into a forward contract to sell
Deutschemarks or European Currency Units in return for U.S. dollars. This
type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer
advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not
hedge currency exposure as effectively as a simple hedge into U.S. dollars.
Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not
perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are
denominated.
The fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure
from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from
U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another
foreign currency. For example, if the fund held investments denominated in
Deutschemarks, the fund could enter into forward contracts to sell
Deutschemarks and purchase Swiss Francs. This type of strategy, sometimes
known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the
currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is
purchased, much as if the fund had sold a security denominated in one
currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another.
Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged
currency, but will cause the fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the
value of the currency it purchases.
Under certain conditions, SEC guidelines require mutual funds to set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover
currency forward contracts. As required by SEC guidelines, the fund will
segregate assets to cover currency forward contracts, if any, whose purpose
is essentially speculative. The fund will not segregate assets to cover
forward contracts entered into for hedging purposes, including settlement
hedges, position hedges, and proxy hedges.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on FMR's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Currency management strategies
may substantially change the fund's investment exposure to changes in
currency exchange rates, and could result in losses to the fund if
currencies do not perform as FMR anticipates. For example, if a currency's
value rose at a time when FMR had hedged the fund by selling that currency
in exchange for dollars, the fund would be unable to participate in the
currency's appreciation. If FMR hedges currency exposure through proxy
hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from the hedge and the
security position at the same time if the two currencies do not move in
tandem. Similarly, if FMR increases the fund's exposure to a foreign
currency, and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss.
There is no assurance that FMR's use of currency management strategies will
be advantageous to the fund or that it will hedge at an appropriate time.
FUND'S RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. The fund does not intend to direct or
administer the day-to-day operations of any company. The fund, however, may
exercise its rights as a shareholder and may communicate its views on
important matters of policy to management, the Board of Directors, and
shareholders of a company when FMR determines that such matters could have
a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company.
The activities that the fund may engage in, either individually or in
conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing
proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities;
seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in
a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of
the company or a portion of its assets; or supporting or opposing third
party takeover efforts. This area of corporate activity is increasingly
prone to litigation and it is possible that the fund could be involved in
lawsuits related to such activities. FMR will monitor such activities with
a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation
against the fund and the risk of actual liability if the fund is involved
in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against
the fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS. The following sections pertain to futures and options:
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions, Combined Positions,
Correlation of Price Changes, Futures Contracts, Futures Margin Payments,
Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions, Liquidity of Options and
Futures Contracts, Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies, OTC
Options, Purchasing Put and Call Options, and Writing Put and Call Options.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES AND OPTIONS POSITIONS. The fund will comply with
guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission with
respect to coverage of options and futures strategies by mutual funds, and
if the guidelines so require will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account in the amount prescribed. Securities held in a
segregated account cannot be sold while the futures or option strategy is
outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a
result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of
the fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the fund's ability
to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
COMBINED POSITIONS. The fund may purchase and write options in combination
with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to
adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For
example, the fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the
same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose
risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract.
Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at
one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial
price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades,
they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open
and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of types
of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized contracts available will not match the fund's current or
anticipated investments exactly. The fund may invest in options and futures
contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other
characteristics from the securities in which it typically invests, which
involves a risk that the options or futures position will not track the
performance of the fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors
as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility
of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of
the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect
correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options
and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences
in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of
daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. The fund may purchase or
sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the
securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to
compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price
changes in the fund's options or futures positions are poorly correlated
with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated
gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other
investments.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. When the fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to
purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. When
the fund sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell the underlying
instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and
sale will take place is fixed when the fund enters into the contract. Some
currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities,
such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are based on indices of
securities prices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500).
Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out before
then if a liquid secondary market is available.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem
with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures
contracts will tend to increase the fund's exposure to positive and
negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had
purchased the underlying instrument directly. When the fund sells a futures
contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move
in a direction contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts,
therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price
changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
FUTURES MARGIN PAYMENTS. The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the
contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and
seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker,
known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered
into. Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a percentage of the
contract's value. If the value of either party's position declines, that
party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to
settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a gain may
be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and
variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin
for purposes of the fund's investment limitations. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the fund, the fund may
be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to
the fund.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The fund has filed a
notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(CFTC) and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the
futures markets. The fund intends to comply with Rule 4.5 under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which the fund can
commit assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums.
In addition, the fund will not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase put
options, or write call options if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's
total assets would be hedged with futures and options under normal
conditions; (b) purchase futures contracts or write put options if, as a
result, the fund's total obligations upon settlement or exercise of
purchased futures contracts and written put options would exceed 25% of its
total assets; or (c) purchase call options if, as a result, the current
value of option premiums for call options purchased by the fund would
exceed 5% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to
options attached to or acquired or traded together with their underlying
securities, and do not apply to securities that incorporate features
similar to options.
The above limitations on the fund's investments in futures contracts and
options, and the fund's policies regarding futures contracts and options
discussed elsewhere in this SAI, may be changed as regulatory agencies
permit.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. There is no assurance a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular options or futures contract
at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and
liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying
instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily
price fluctuation limits for options and futures contracts, and may halt
trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit
in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit
is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for the fund
to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the
secondary market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation
limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable
positions, and potentially could require the fund to continue to hold a
position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value.
As a result, the fund's access to other assets held to cover its options or
futures positions could also be impaired.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES RELATING TO FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Currency futures
contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that
they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are
standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures
contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying
instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally
is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures
contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase
the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the
right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options
and futures relating to securities or indices, as discussed above. The fund
may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency
options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign
currencies. The fund may also purchase and write currency options in
conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with
exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of
the fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a
Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect
the fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the
issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of the fund's
foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other
than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency
options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over
time.
OTC OPTIONS. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with
respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and
strike price, the terms of over-the-counter (OTC) options (options not
traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the
other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows
the fund greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options
generally involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which
are guaranteed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are
traded.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, the fund
obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying
instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the fund pays
the current market price for the option (known as the option premium).
Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific
securities, indices of securities prices, and futures contracts. The fund
may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it
to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire,
the fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If the fund exercises the
option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike
price. The fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out
in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if security
prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price
does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put
buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium
paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's
strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential
price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost
of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can
expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to
offset the cost of the option.
WRITING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. When the fund writes a put option, it takes
the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return
for receipt of the premium, the fund assumes the obligation to pay the
strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to
the option chooses to exercise it. When writing an option on a futures
contract, the fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as
described above for futures contracts. The fund may seek to terminate its
position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the
option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary
market is not liquid for a put option the fund has written, however, the
fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option
is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside
assets to cover its position.
If security prices rise, a put writer would generally expect to profit,
although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it
received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that
the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the
option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the put writer would
expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from
purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the fund to sell or deliver the option's
underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the
option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the
same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is
greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security
price increases.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in
the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they
are valued. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, FMR determines
the liquidity of the fund's investments and, through reports from FMR, the
Board monitors investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the
liquidity of the fund's investments, FMR may consider various factors,
including (1) the frequency of trades and quotations, (2) the number of
dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market, (4) the nature of the security (including
any demand or tender features), and (5) the nature of the marketplace for
trades (including the ability to assign or offset the fund's rights and
obligations relating to the investment).
Investments currently considered by the fund to be illiquid include
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and
interest within seven days, over-the-counter options, and non-government
stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities. Also, FMR may determine
some restricted securities, government-stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed
securities, loans and other direct debt instruments, emerging market
securities, and swap agreements to be illiquid. However, with respect to
over-the-counter options the fund writes, all or a portion of the value of
the underlying instrument may be illiquid depending on the assets held to
cover the option and the nature and terms of any agreement the fund may
have to close out the option before expiration.
In the absence of market quotations, illiquid investments are priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the
Board of Trustees. If through a change in values, net assets, or other
circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net
assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take
appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
INDEXED SECURITIES. The fund may purchase securities whose prices are
indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, currencies,
precious metals or other commodities, or other financial indicators.
Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or
deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference
to a specific instrument or statistic. Gold-indexed securities, for
example, typically provide for a maturity value that depends on the price
of gold, resulting in a security whose price tends to rise and fall
together with gold prices. Currency-indexed securities typically are
short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or
interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more
specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of equivalent issuers. Currency-indexed
securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity
value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting
in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument,
or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase,
resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on
the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices
that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies
relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the
performance of the security, currency, or other instrument to which they
are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the
United States and abroad. At the same time, indexed securities are subject
to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their
values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness
deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks,
corporations, and certain U.S. government agencies. Indexed securities may
be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
INTERFUND BORROWING AND LENDING PROGRAM. Pursuant to an exemptive order
issued by the SEC, the fund has received permission to lend money to, and
borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. Interfund
loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum
duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. The
fund will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than
those available from an investment in repurchase agreements, and
will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower
than the cost of bank loans. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a
higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any
delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment
opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
LOANS AND OTHER DIRECT DEBT INSTRUMENTS. Direct debt instruments are
interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower
to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to
suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to
other parties. Direct debt instruments are subject to the fund's policies
regarding the quality of debt securities.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily
upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and
interest. Direct debt instruments may not be rated by any nationally
recognized rating service. If the fund does not receive scheduled interest
or principal payments on such indebtedness, the fund's share price and
yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the
fund more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of
scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the
liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's
obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of
borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater
risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or
restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small
fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of developing countries
also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the
repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and
repay principal when due.
Investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's
interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to the fund.
For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the fund could become part owner of
any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with
owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that
under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the fund could be held
liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary. Direct debt
instruments that are not in the form of securities may offer less legal
protection to the fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. In the
absence of definitive regulatory guidance, the fund relies on FMR's
research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation
could adversely affect the fund.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that
acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan,
as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or
other indebtedness, the fund has direct recourse against the borrower, it
may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against
a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of the fund were
determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors,
the fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the
loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or
interest.
Direct indebtedness purchased by the fund may include letters of credit,
revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments
obligating the fund to pay additional cash on demand. These commitments may
have the effect of requiring the fund to increase its investment in a
borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the
borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
The fund will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its potential obligations under standby financing
commitments.
The fund limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one
issuer or in issuers within the same industry (see limitations 1 and 5).
For purposes of these limitations, the fund generally will treat the
borrower as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the case of
loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as
financial intermediary between the fund and the borrower, if the
participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor
relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require the fund, in
appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending
institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a
financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict the fund's
ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial
intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry,
even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and
industries.
LOWER-QUALITY DEBT SECURITIES. While the market for high-yield corporate
debt securities has been in existence for many years and has weathered
previous economic downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in the
use of such securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of
the future performance of the high-yield bond market, especially during
periods of economic recession.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active
than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect
the prices at which the former are sold. If market quotations are not
available, lower-quality debt securities will be valued in accordance with
procedures established by the Board of Trustees, including the use of
outside pricing services. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing
high-yield corporate debt securities than is the case for securities for
which more external sources for quotations and last-sale information are
available. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect
the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt
securities and the fund's ability to dispose of these securities.
Since the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities,
FMR's research and credit analysis are an especially important part of
managing securities of this type held by the fund. In considering
investments for the fund, FMR will attempt to identify those issuers of
high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet
future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
FMR's analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest
or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the
experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
The fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to
pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder
to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this
to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
REAL ESTATE-RELATED INSTRUMENTS include real estate investment trusts,
commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, and real estate
financings. Real estate-related instruments are sensitive to factors such
as real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of
underlying real estate assets, overbuilding, and the management skill and
creditworthiness of the issuer. Real estate-related instruments may also be
affected by tax and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the
environment.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases a
security and simultaneously commits to sell that security back to the
original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the
purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to
the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. To protect the fund
from risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the
securities are held in an account of the fund at a bank, marked-to-market
daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the
accrued incremental amount. While it does not presently appear possible to
eliminate all risks from these transactions (particularly the possibility
that the value of the underlying security will be less than the resale
price, as well as delays and costs to the fund in connection with
bankruptcy proceedings), it is the fund's current policy to engage in
repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has
been reviewed and found satisfactory by FMR.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES generally can be sold in privately negotiated
transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, or in a registered public offering. Where
registration is required, the fund may be obligated to pay all or part of
the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the
time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to
sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such
a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the fund might obtain
a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration
of the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund
sells a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or
broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument
at a particular price and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is
outstanding, the fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement.
The fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties
whose creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by FMR. Such
transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's
assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
SECURITIES LENDING. The fund may lend securities to parties such as
broker-dealers or institutional investors, including Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc. (FBSI). FBSI is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and
a subsidiary of FMR Corp.
Securities lending allows the fund to retain ownership of the securities
loaned and, at the same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be
delays in the recovery of loaned securities, or even a loss of rights in
collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially, loans will be
made only to parties deemed by FMR to be of good standing. Furthermore,
they will only be made if, in FMR's judgment, the consideration to be
earned from such loans would justify the risk.
FMR understands that it is the current view of the SEC Staff that a fund
may engage in loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1)
the fund must receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the
securities loaned (determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of
the collateral; (3) after giving notice, the fund must be able to terminate
the loan at any time; (4) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the
loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any
dividends, interest, or other distributions on the securities loaned and to
any increase in market value; (5) the fund may pay only reasonable
custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board of Trustees
must be able to vote proxies on the securities loaned, either by
terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative arrangement with
the borrower.
Cash received through loan transactions may be invested in any security in
which the fund is authorized to invest. Investing this cash subjects that
investment, as well as the security loaned, to market forces (i.e., capital
appreciation or depreciation).
SHORT SALES. The fund may enter into short sales with respect to stocks
underlying its convertible security holdings. For example, if FMR
anticipates a decline in the price of the stock underlying a convertible
security a fund holds, it may sell the stock short. If the stock price
subsequently declines, the proceeds of the short sale could be expected to
offset all or a portion of the effect of the stock's decline on the value
of the convertible security. The fund currently intends to hedge no more
than 15% of its total assets with short sales on equity securities
underlying its convertible security holdings under normal circumstances.
When the fund enters into a short sale, it will be required to set aside
securities equivalent in kind and amount to those sold short (or securities
convertible or exchangeable into such securities) and will be required to
hold them aside while the short sale is outstanding. The fund will incur
transaction costs, including interest expense, in connection with opening,
maintaining, and closing short sales.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and
structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of
investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap
agreements may increase or decrease the fund's exposure to long- or
short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign
currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other
factors such as security prices or inflation rates. Swap agreements can
take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The fund is
not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if FMR determines it
is consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only
under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by
the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the
right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is
obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements
of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift the fund's investment exposure from one
type of investment to another. For example, if the fund agreed to exchange
payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement
would tend to decrease the fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and
increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Caps and
floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Depending on
how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall
volatility of the fund's investments and its share price and yield.
The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the
change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors
that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the fund. If a swap
agreement calls for payments by the fund, the fund must be prepared to make
such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness
declined, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline,
potentially resulting in losses. The fund expects to be able to eliminate
its exposure under swap agreements either by assignment or other
disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same
party or a similarly creditworthy party.
The fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its current obligations under swap agreements. If the fund
enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with
a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the fund's accrued
obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the fund is
entitled to receive under the agreement. If the fund enters into a swap
agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value
equal to the full amount of the fund's accrued obligations under the
agreement.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on
behalf of the fund by FMR pursuant to authority contained in the management
contract. If FMR grants investment management authority to the sub-advisers
(see the section entitled "Management Contract"), the sub-advisers are
authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities, and will do so in accordance with the policies described below.
FMR is also responsible for the placement of transaction orders for other
investment companies and accounts for which it or its affiliates act as
investment adviser. In selecting broker-dealers, subject to applicable
limitations of the federal securities laws, FMR considers various relevant
factors, including, but not limited to: the size and type of the
transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the security to be
purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and
financial condition of the broker-dealer firm; the broker-dealer's
execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the reasonableness of
any commissions; and arrangements for payment of fund expenses. Generally,
commissions for investments traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than
for investments traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be subject to
negotiation.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with broker-dealers who provide
research and execution services to the fund or other accounts over which
FMR or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. Such services may
include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of
investing in, purchasing, or selling securities; and the availability of
securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities. In addition, such
broker-dealers may furnish analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy,
and performance of accounts; effect securities transactions, and perform
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). The
selection of such broker-dealers generally is made by FMR (to the extent
possible consistent with execution considerations) in accordance with a
ranking of broker-dealers determined periodically by FMR's investment staff
based upon the quality of research and execution services provided.
The receipt of research from broker-dealers that execute transactions on
behalf of the fund may be useful to FMR in rendering investment management
services to the fund or its other clients, and conversely, such research
provided by broker-dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf
of other FMR clients may be useful to FMR in carrying out its obligations
to the fund. The receipt of such research has not reduced FMR's normal
independent research activities; however, it enables FMR to avoid the
additional expenses that could be incurred if FMR tried to develop
comparable information through its own efforts.
Subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws,
broker-dealers may receive commissions for agency transactions that are in
excess of the amount of commissions charged by other broker-dealers in
recognition of their research and execution services. In order to cause the
fund to pay such higher commissions, FMR must determine in good faith that
such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services provided by such executing broker-dealers, viewed in
terms of a particular transaction or FMR's overall responsibilities to the
fund and its other clients. In reaching this determination, FMR will not
attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and research
services provided, or to determine what portion of the compensation should
be related to those services.
FMR is authorized to use research services provided by and to place
portfolio transactions with brokerage firms that have provided assistance
in the distribution of shares of the fund or shares of other Fidelity funds
to the extent permitted by law. FMR may use research services provided by
and place agency transactions with Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI)
and Fidelity Brokerage Services (FBS), subsidiaries of FMR Corp., if the
commissions are fair, reasonable, and comparable to commissions charged by
non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms for similar services. From
September 1992 through December 1994, FBS operated under the name Fidelity
Brokerage Services Limited, Inc. (FBSL). As of January 1995, FBSL was
converted to an unlimited liability company and assumed the name FBS. Prior
to September 4, 1992, FBSL operated under the name Fidelity Portfolio
Services, Ltd. (FPSL) as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity
International Limited (FIL). Edward C. Johnson 3d is Chairman of FIL. Mr.
Johnson 3d, Johnson family members, and various trusts for the benefit of
the Johnson family own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting
common stock of FIL.
FMR may allocate brokerage transactions to broker-dealers who have entered
into arrangements with FMR under which the broker-dealer allocates a
portion of the commissions paid by the fund toward payment of the fund's
expenses, such as transfer agent fees or custodian fees. The transaction
quality must, however, be comparable to those of other qualified
broker-dealers.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits members of
national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for
accounts which they or their affiliates manage, unless certain requirements
are satisfied. Pursuant to such requirements, the Board of Trustees has
authorized FBSI to execute portfolio transactions on national securities
exchanges in accordance with approved procedures and applicable SEC rules.
The Trustees periodically review FMR's performance of its responsibilities
in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the
fund and review the commissions paid by the fund over representative
periods of time to determine if they are reasonable in relation to the
benefits to the fund.
For the fiscal periods ended November 30, 199 6 and 199 5 , the
fund's portfolio turnover rates were 175 % and 203 %,
respectively. Because a high turnover rate increases transaction costs and
may increase taxable gains, FMR carefully weighs the anticipated benefits
of short-term investing against these consequences.
For fiscal 199 6 , 199 5 , and 199 4 , the fund paid
brokerage commissions of $1,596,000, $ 1,404,000 , and
$3,480,000, respectively. The fund pays both commissions and spreads in
connection with the placement of portfolio transactions. FBSI is paid on a
commission basis. During fiscal 199 6 , 199 5 , and 199 4 ,
the fund paid brokerage commissions of $ 133,000 , $ 196,000 ,
and $ 729,000 , respectively, to FBSI. During fiscal 1996, this
amounted to approximately 8 % of the aggregate brokerage commissions
paid by the fund for transactions involving approximately 15 % of the
aggregate dollar amount of transactions for which the fund paid brokerage
commissions. The difference between the percentage of brokerage commissions
paid to and the percentage of the dollar amount of transactions effected
through FBSI is a result of the low commission rates charged by FBSI.
During fiscal 199 6 , the fund paid $ 1,529,000 in commissions
to brokerage firms that provided research services involving approximately
$ 990,363,000 of transactions. The provision of research services was
not necessarily a factor in the placement of all this business with such
firms.
From time to time the Trustees will review whether the recapture for the
benefit of the fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar
fees paid by the fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and
advisable. The fund seeks to recapture soliciting broker-dealer fees on the
tender of portfolio securities, but at present no other recapture
arrangements are in effect. The Trustees intend to continue to review
whether recapture opportunities are available and are legally permissible
and, if so, to determine in the exercise of their business judgment whether
it would be advisable for the fund to seek such recapture.
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same
as those of other funds managed by FMR, investment decisions for the fund
are made independently from those of other funds managed by FMR or accounts
managed by FMR affiliates. It sometimes happens that the same security is
held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or accounts.
Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and accounts
are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same
security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or
account.
When two or more funds are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale
of the same security, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance
with procedures believed to be appropriate and equitable for each fund. In
some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or
value of the security as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases,
however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will
produce better executions and prices for the fund. It is the current
opinion of the Trustees that the desirability of retaining FMR as
investment adviser to the fund outweighs any disadvantages that may be said
to exist from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
FSC normally determines the fund's net asset value per share (NAV) as of
the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time). The valuation of portfolio securities is determined as of this time
for the purpose of computing the fund's NAV.
Portfolio securities are valued by various methods depending on the primary
market or exchange on which they trade. Most equity securities for which
the primary market is the United States are valued at last sale price or,
if no sale has occurred, at the closing bid price. Most equity securities
for which the primary market is outside the United States are valued using
the official closing price or the last sale price in the principal market
in which they are traded. If the last sale price (on the local exchange) is
unavailable, the last evaluated quote or last bid price normally is used.
Fixed-income securities and other assets for which market quotations are
readily available may be valued at market values determined by such
securities' most recent bid prices (sales prices if the principal market is
an exchange) in the principal market in which they normally are traded, as
furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Fixed-income
securities and convertible securities may also be valued on the basis of
information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix
which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data
processing techniques. Use of pricing services has been approved by the
Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available, and the fund
may use various pricing services or discontinue the use of any pricing
service.
Futures contracts and options are valued on the basis of market quotations,
if available.
Foreign securities are valued based on prices furnished by independent
brokers or quotation services which express the value of securities in
their local currency. FSC gathers all exchange rates daily at the close of
the NYSE using the last quoted price on the local currency and then
translates the value of foreign securities from their local currencies into
U.S. dollars. Any changes in the value of forward contracts due to exchange
rate fluctuations and days to maturity are included in the calculation of
NAV. If an extraordinary event that is expected to materially affect the
value of a portfolio security occurs after the close of an exchange on
which that security is traded, then that security will be valued as
determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for
which market quotations are not readily available are valued either at
amortized cost or at original cost plus accrued interest, both of which
approximate current value. In addition, securities and other assets for
which there is no readily available market market value may be valued in
good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. The
procedures set forth above need not be used to determine the value of the
securities owned by the fund if, in the opinion of a committee appointed by
the Board of Trustees, some other method would more accurately reflect the
fair market value of such securities.
PERFORMANCE
The fund may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the fund in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The fund's share price, yield, and total return
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value
of fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields for the fund are computed by dividing the fund's
interest and dividend income for a given 30-day or one-month period, net of
expenses, by the average number of shares entitled to receive distributions
during the period, dividing this figure by the fund's net asset value (NAV)
at the end of the period, and annualizing the result (assuming compounding
of income) in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate. Income is
calculated for purposes of yield quotations in accordance with standardized
methods applicable to all stock and bond funds. Dividends from equity
investments are treated as if they were accrued on a daily basis, solely
for the purposes of yield calculations. In general, interest income is
reduced with respect to bonds trading at a premium over their par value by
subtracting a portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and is
increased with respect to bonds trading at a discount by adding a portion
of the discount to daily income. For the fund's investments denominated in
foreign currencies, income and expenses are calculated first in their
respective currencies, and are then converted to U.S. dollars, either when
they are actually converted or at the end of the 30-day or one month
period, whichever is earlier. Capital gains and losses generally are
excluded from the calculation as are gains and losses from currency
exchange rate fluctuations.
Income calculated for the purposes of calculating the fund's yield differs
from income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the
different accounting methods used, and because of the compounding of income
assumed in yield calculations, the fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account, or the income reported
in the fund's financial statements.
Yield information may be useful in reviewing the fund's performance and in
providing a basis for comparison with other investment alternatives.
However, the fund's yield fluctuates, unlike investments that pay a fixed
interest rate over a stated period of time. When comparing investment
alternatives, investors should also note the quality and maturity of the
portfolio securities of respective investment companies they have chosen to
consider.
Investors should recognize that in periods of declining interest rates the
fund's yield will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates,
and in periods of rising interest rates the fund's yield will tend to be
somewhat lower. Also, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net
new money to the fund from the continuous sale of its shares will likely be
invested in instruments producing lower yields than the balance of the
fund's holdings, thereby reducing the fund's current yield. In periods of
rising interest rates, the opposite can be expected to occur.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS. Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all
aspects of the fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting dividends
and capital gain distributions, and any change in the fund's NAV over a
stated period. Average annual total returns are calculated by determining
the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical historical investment in
the fund over a stated period, and then calculating the annually compounded
percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate of
growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. For example,
a cumulative total return of 100% over ten years would produce an average
annual total return of 7.18%, which is the steady annual rate of return
that would equal 100% growth on a compounded basis in ten years. While
average annual total returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that the fund's performance is not
constant over time, but changes from year to year, and that average annual
total returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the fund.
In addition to average annual total returns, the fund may quote unaveraged
or cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period. Average annual and cumulative total
returns may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single investment, a series of investments, or a series of
redemptions, over any time period. Total returns may be broken down into
their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes
in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship of these factors
and their contributions to total return. Total returns may be quoted on a
before-tax or after-tax basis. Total returns, yields, and other performance
information may be quoted numerically or in a table, graph, or similar
illustration.
NET ASSET VALUE. Charts and graphs using the fund's net asset values,
adjusted net asset values, and benchmark indices may be used to exhibit
performance. An adjusted NAV includes any distributions paid by the fund
and reflects all elements of its return. Unless otherwise indicated, the
fund's adjusted NAVs are not adjusted for sales charges, if any.
MOVING AVERAGES. The fund may illustrate performance using moving averages.
A long-term moving average is the average of each week's adjusted closing
NAV for a specified period. A short-term moving average is the average of
each day's adjusted closing NAV for a specified period. Moving Average
Activity Indicators combine adjusted closing NAVs from the last business
day of each week with moving averages for a specified period to produce
indicators showing when an NAV has crossed, stayed above, or stayed below
its moving average. On November 29, 1996 , the 13-week and 39-week
long-term moving averages were $ 17.90 and $ 17.53 ,
respectively.
HISTORICAL FUND RESULTS. The following table shows the fund's total returns
for periods ended November 30, 199 6 .
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns
One Five Life of One Five Life of
Year Years Fund* Year Years Fund*
16.02% 15.56% 13.91% 16.02% 106.08% 263.63%
</TABLE>
* From January 5, 1987 (commencement of operations).
The following table shows the income and capital elements of the fund's
cumulative total return. The table compares the fund's return to the record
of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500(registered trademark)), the
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the cost of living (measured by
the Consumer Price Index, or CPI) over the same period. The CPI information
is as of the month end closest to the initial investment date for each
fund. The S&P 500 and the DJIA comparisons are provided to show how the
fund's total return compared to the record of a broad average of common
stock prices and a narrower set of stocks of major industrial companies,
respectively, over the same period. The fund has the ability to invest in
securities not included in either index, and its investment portfolio may
or may not be similar in composition to the indices. Figures for the S&P
500 and DJIA are based on the prices of unmanaged groups of stocks and,
unlike the fund's returns, do not include the effect of paying brokerage
commissions and other costs of investing.
During the period from January 5, 1987 (commencement of operations) to
November 30, 199 6 , a hypothetical $10,000 investment in Convertible
Securities would have grown to $ 36,363 , assuming all distributions
were reinvested. This was a period of fluctuating interest rates, bond
prices, and stock prices and the figures below should not be considered
representative of the dividend income or capital gain or loss that could be
realized from an investment in the fund today. Tax consequences of
different investments have not been factored into the figures below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FIDELITY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND INDICES
Year Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
Ended Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living**
$10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
Investment Distributions Distributions
19 96 $18,640 $ 12,783 $ 4,940 $ 36,363 $ 41,588 $45,856 $14,353
19 95 $ 17,660 $ 10,587 $ 3,095 $ 31,342 $ 32,526 $34,927 $13,900
19 94 $ 15,630 $ 8,191 $ 2,740 $ 26,561 $ 23,745 $25,111 $ 13,566
1993 $ 17,630 $ 7,761 $ 1,313 $ 26,704 $ 23,500 $ 24,074 $ 13,195
1992 $ 15,770 $ 5,901 $ 594 $ 22,265 $ 21,344 $ 20,988 $ 12,851
1991 $ 13,450 $ 4,195 $ 0 $ 17,645 $ 18,012 $ 17,848 $ 12,471
1990 $ 10,530 $ 2,587 $ 0 $ 13,117 $ 14,965 $ 15,259 $ 12,109
1989 $ 11,810 $ 1,942 $ 0 $ 13,752 $ 15,506 $ 15,519 $ 11,394
1988 $ 10,010 $ 880 $ 0 $ 10,890 $ 11,850 $ 11,685 $ 10,887
1987* $ 9,050 $ 203 $ 0 $ 9,253 $ 9,609 $ 9,775 $ 10,443
</TABLE>
* From January 5, 1987 (commencement of operations).
** From month-end closest to initial investment date.
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 in the fund
on January 5, 1987, the net amount invested in fund shares was $10,000. The
cost of the initial investment ($10,000), together with the aggregate cost
of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for the period
covered (their cash value at the time they were reinvested), amounted to
$ 23,559 . If distributions had not been reinvested, the amount of
distributions earned from the fund over time would have been smaller, and
cash payments for the period would have amounted to $ 6,650 for
dividends and $ 2,700 for capital gains distributions.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS. The fund's performance may be compared to the
performance of other mutual funds in general, or to the performance of
particular types of mutual funds. These comparisons may be expressed as
mutual fund rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (Lipper),
an independent service located in Summit, New Jersey that monitors the
performance of mutual funds. Generally, Lipper rankings are based on total
return, assume reinvestment of distributions, do not take sales charges or
redemption fees into consideration, and are prepared without regard to tax
consequences. In addition to the mutual fund rankings, the fund's
performance may be compared to stock, bond, and money market mutual fund
performance indices prepared by Lipper or other organizations. When
comparing these indices, it is important to remember the risk and return
characteristics of each type of investment. For example, while stock mutual
funds may offer higher potential returns, they also carry the highest
degree of share price volatility. Likewise, money market funds may offer
greater stability of principal, but generally do not offer the higher
potential returns available from stock mutual funds.
From time to time, the fund's performance may also be compared to other
mutual funds tracked by financial or business publications and periodicals.
For example, the fund may quote Morningstar, Inc. in its advertising
materials. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates
mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Rankings that
compare the performance of Fidelity funds to one another in appropriate
categories over specific periods of time may also be quoted in advertising.
The fund's performance may also be compared to that of a benchmark index
representing the universe of securities in which the fund may invest. The
total return of a benchmark index reflects reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains paid by securities included in the index. Unlike the
fund's returns, however, the index returns do not reflect brokerage
commissions, transaction fees, or other costs of investing directly in the
securities included in the index.
Convertible Securities may compare its performance to that of the Merrill
Lynch Convertible Securities Index, a market capitalization weighted index
of over 450 non-mandatory domestic corporate convertible securities,
representing approximately 95% of the total outstanding market value of
U.S. convertible securities. To be included in the index, bonds and
preferred stocks must be convertible only to common stock and have a market
value or original par value of at least $50 million.
Convertible Securities may also compare its performance to that of the
First Boston Convertible Securities Index, a market capitalization weighted
index of over 250 convertible bonds and preferred stocks rated B- or above.
To be included in the index, convertible bonds must have an original par
value of at least $50 million and preferred stocks must have a minimum of
500,000 shares outstanding. The index also includes U.S. dollar-denominated
Eurobonds that have been issued by U.S. domiciled companies, are rated B-
or above, and have an original par value of at least $100 million.
The fund may be compared in advertising to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) or
other investments issued by banks or other depository institutions. Mutual
funds differ from bank investments in several respects. For example, the
fund may offer greater liquidity or higher potential returns than CDs, the
fund does not guarantee your principal or your return, and fund shares are
not FDIC insured.
Fidelity may provide information designed to help individuals understand
their investment goals and explore various financial strategies. Such
information may include information about current economic, market, and
political conditions; materials that describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk tolerance, and
goal setting; questionnaires designed to help create a personal financial
profile; worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed rates of
inflation and hypothetical rates of return; and action plans offering
investment alternatives. Materials may also include discussions of
Fidelity's asset allocation funds and other Fidelity funds, products, and
services.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois (Ibbotson) provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury
bills, the U.S. rate of inflation (based on the CPI) , and
combinations of various capital markets. The performance of these capital
markets is based on the returns of different indices.
Fidelity funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any
of these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in
any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the
funds. Ibbotson calculates total returns in the same method as the funds.
The funds may also compare performance to that of other compilations or
indices that may be developed and made available in the future.
In advertising materials, Fidelity may reference or discuss its products
and services, which may include other Fidelity funds; retirement investing;
brokerage products and services; model portfolios or allocations; saving
for college or other goals; charitable giving; and the Fidelity credit
card. In addition, Fidelity may quote or reprint financial or business
publications and periodicals as they relate to current economic and
political conditions, fund management, portfolio composition, investment
philosophy, investment techniques, the desirability of owning a particular
mutual fund, and Fidelity services and products. Fidelity may also reprint,
and use as advertising and sales literature, articles from Fidelity Focus,
a quarterly magazine provided free of charge to Fidelity fund shareholders.
The fund may present its fund number, Quotron(trademark) number, and CUSIP
number, and discuss or quote its current portfolio manager.
VOLATILITY. The fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the fund may compare these
measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare
the fund's historical share price fluctuations or total returns to those of
a benchmark. Measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
comparative benchmark may be. All measures of volatility and correlation
are calculated using averages of historical data. In advertising, the fund
may also discuss or illustrate examples of interest rate sensitivity.
MOMENTUM INDICATORS indicate the fund's price movements over specific
periods of time. Each point on the momentum indicator represents the fund's
percentage change in price movements over that period.
The fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment
plans, including the principle of dollar cost averaging. In such a program,
an investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals,
thereby purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when
prices are low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard
against loss in a declining market, the investor's average cost per share
can be lower than if fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same
intervals. In evaluating such a plan, investors should consider their
ability to continue purchasing shares during periods of low price levels.
The fund may be available for purchase through retirement plans or other
programs offering deferral of, or exemption from, income taxes, which may
produce superior after-tax returns over time. For example, a $1,000
investment earning a taxable return of 10% annually would have an after-tax
value of $1,949 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted from the return
each year at a 31% rate. An equivalent tax-deferred investment would have
an after-tax value of $2,100 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at
a 31% rate from the tax-deferred earnings at the end of the ten-year
period.
As of November 30, 199 6 , FMR advised over $ 28 billion in
tax-free fund assets, $ 94 billion in money market fund assets,
$ 308 billion in equity fund assets, $ 60 billion in
international fund assets, and $ 24 billion in Spartan fund assets.
The fund may reference the growth and variety of money market mutual funds
and the adviser's innovation and participation in the industry. The equity
funds under management figure represents the largest amount of equity fund
assets under management by a mutual fund investment adviser in the United
States, making FMR America's leading equity (stock) fund manager. FMR, its
subsidiaries, and affiliates maintain a worldwide information and
communications network for the purpose of researching and managing
investments abroad.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
The fund is open for business and its net asset value per share (NAV) is
calculated each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading.
The NYSE has designated the following holiday closings for 19 97 : New
Year's Day, President's Day (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day
(observed), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas
Day. Although FMR expects the same holiday schedule to be observed in the
future, the NYSE may modify its holiday schedule at any time. In addition,
the fund will not process wire purchases and redemptions on days when the
Federal Reserve Wire System is closed.
FSC normally determines the fund's NAV as of the close of the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). However, NAV may be calculated earlier
if trading on the NYSE is restricted or as permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). To the extent that portfolio securities are
traded in other markets on days when the NYSE is closed, the fund's NAV may
be affected on days when investors do not have access to the fund to
purchase or redeem shares. In addition, trading in some of the fund's
portfolio securities may not occur on days when the fund is open for
business.
If the Trustees determine that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in
securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing the fund's NAV. Shareholders receiving securities or other
property on redemption may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and
will incur any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences.
Pursuant to Rule 11a-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940
Act), the fund is required to give shareholders at least 60 days' notice
prior to terminating or modifying its exchange privilege. Under the Rule,
the 60-day notification requirement may be waived if (i) the only effect of
a modification would be to reduce or eliminate an administrative fee,
redemption fee, or deferred sales charge ordinarily payable at the time of
an exchange, or (ii) the fund suspends the redemption of the shares to be
exchanged as permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations
thereunder, or the fund to be acquired suspends the sale of its shares
because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its
investment objective and policies.
In the Prospectus, the fund has notified shareholders that it reserves the
right at any time, without prior notice, to refuse exchange purchases by
any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be unable to
invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS. If you request to have distributions mailed to you and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your checks, or if your checks remain
uncashed for six months, Fidelity may reinvest your distributions at the
then-current NAV. All subsequent distributions will then be reinvested
until you provide Fidelity with alternate instructions.
DIVIDENDS. A portion of the fund's income may qualify for the
dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders to the
extent that the fund's income is derived from qualifying dividends. Because
the fund may earn other types of income, such as interest, income from
securities loans, non-qualifying dividends, and short-term capital gains,
the percentage of dividends from the fund that qualifies for the deduction
generally will be less than 100%. The fund will notify corporate
shareholders annually of the percentage of fund dividends that qualifies
for the dividends-received deduction. A portion of the fund's dividends
derived from certain U.S. government obligations may be exempt from state
and local taxation. Gains (losses) attributable to foreign currency
fluctuations are generally taxable as ordinary income, and therefore will
increase (decrease) dividend distributions. Short-term capital gains are
distributed as dividend income. The fund will send each shareholder a
notice in January describing the tax status of dividends and capital gain
distributions for the prior year.
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. Long-term capital gains earned by the fund on
the sale of securities and distributed to shareholders are federally
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time
shareholders have held their shares. If a shareholder receives a long-term
capital gain distribution on shares of the fund, and such shares are held
six months or less and are sold at a loss, the portion of the loss equal to
the amount of the long-term capital gain distribution will be considered a
long-term loss for tax purposes. Short-term capital gains distributed by
the fund are taxable to shareholders as dividends, not as capital gains.
As of November 30, 1996, the fund hereby designates approximately
$ 8,324,000 as a capital gain dividend for the purpose of the
dividend-paid deduction.
FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may withhold taxes on dividends and
interest paid with respect to foreign securities. Foreign governments may
also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign
securities. If, at the close of its fiscal year, more than 50% of the
fund's total assets are invested in securities of foreign issuers, the fund
may elect to pass through foreign taxes paid and thereby allow shareholders
to take a credit or deduction on their individual tax returns.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. The fund intends to qualify each year as a
"regulated investment company" for tax purposes so that it will not be
liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to
shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company and
avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level,
the fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as
on a fiscal year basis. The fund intends to comply with other tax rules
applicable to regulated investment companies, including a requirement that
capital gains from the sale of securities held less than three months
constitute less than 30% of the fund's gross income for each fiscal year.
Gains from some forward currency contracts, futures contracts, and options
are included in this 30% calculation, which may limit the fund's
investments in such instruments.
If the fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities,
defined as passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) in the Internal
Revenue Code, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of
any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares.
Interest charges may also be imposed on the fund with respect to deferred
taxes arising from such distributions or gains. Generally, the fund will
elect to mark-to-market any PFIC shares. Unrealized gains will be
recognized as income for tax purposes and must be distributed to
shareholders as dividends.
The fund is treated as a separate entity from the other funds of Fidelity
Financial Trust for tax purposes.
OTHER TAX INFORMATION. The information above is only a summary of some of
the tax consequences generally affecting the fund and its shareholders, and
no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. In
addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and
local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and
local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers
to determine whether the fund is suitable to their particular tax
situation.
FMR
All of the stock of FMR is owned by FMR Corp., its parent organized in
1972. The voting common stock of FMR Corp. is divided into two classes.
Class B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family
and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting
common stock. Class A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member
employees of FMR Corp. and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the
vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Class B
shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which
all Class B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of
Class B shares. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act),
control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of
individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company.
Therefore, through their ownership of voting common stock and the execution
of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be
deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR
Corp.
At present, the principal operating activities of FMR Corp. are those
conducted by its division , Fidelity Investments Retail Marketing
Company, which provides marketing services to various companies within the
Fidelity organization.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that sets forth all employees'
fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions. For example, all
personal trades in most securities require pre-clearance, and participation
in initial public offerings is prohibited. In addition, restrictions on the
timing of personal investing in relation to trades by Fidelity funds and on
short-term trading have been adopted.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees and executive officers of the trust are listed below. Except
as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in
the same company for the last five years. All persons named as Trustees
also serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by FMR. The
business address of each Trustee and officer who is an "interested person"
(as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) is 82 Devonshire Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109, which is also the address of FMR. The business
address of all the other Trustees is Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 9235,
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9235. Those Trustees who are "interested
persons" by virtue of their affiliation with either the trust or FMR are
indicated by an asterisk (*).
*EDWARD C. JOHNSON 3d ( 66 ), Trustee and President, is Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and
Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; Chairman and a
Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
*J. GARY BURKHEAD (55 ), Trustee and Senior Vice President, is
President of FMR; and President and a Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc.
RALPH F. COX ( 64 ), Trustee (1991), is a management consultant
(1994). Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill Petroleum
Corporation (petroleum exploration and production). Until March 1990, Mr.
Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific Resources
Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of Sanifill
Corporation (non-hazardous waste, 1993), CH2M Hill Companies (engineering),
Rio Grande, Inc. (oil and gas production), and Daniel Industries (petroleum
measurement equipment manufacturer). In addition, he is a member of
advisory boards of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at
Austin.
PHYLLIS BURKE DAVIS ( 64 ), Trustee (1992). Prior to her retirement in
September 1991, Mrs. Davis was the Senior Vice President of Corporate
Affairs of Avon Products, Inc. She is currently a Director of BellSouth
Corporation (telecommunications), Eaton Corporation (manufacturing, 1991),
and the TJX Companies, Inc. (retail stores), and previously served as a
Director of Hallmark Cards, Inc. (1985-1991) and Nabisco Brands, Inc. In
addition, she is a member of the President's Advisory Council of The
University of Vermont School of Business Administration.
E. BRADLEY JONES ( 69 ), Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mr.
Jones was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LTV Steel Company. He is
a Director of TRW Inc. (original equipment and replacement products),
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (mining), Consolidated Rail Corporation, Birmingham
Steel Corporation, and RPM, Inc. (manufacturer of chemical products), and
he previously served as a Director of NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining and
marketing, 1985-1995) and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (1985-1995).
In addition, he serves as a Trustee of First Union Real Estate Investments,
a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation, a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of University
School (Cleveland), and a Trustee of Cleveland Clinic Florida.
DONALD J. KIRK (64 ), Trustee, is Executive-in-Residence (1995) at
Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a financial consultant.
From 1987 to January 1995, Mr. Kirk was a Professor at Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board. Mr. Kirk is a Director of General Re
Corporation (reinsurance), and he previously served as a Director of
Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations, 1993-1995). In
addition, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National
Arts Stabilization Fund, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Greenwich
Hospital Association, a Member of the Public Oversight Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC Practice Section
(1995), and as a Public Governor of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (1996).
*PETER S. LYNCH ( 53 ), Trustee, is Vice Chairman and Director of FMR
(1992). Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice
President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991); Vice President
of Fidelity Magellan Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity
Investments Corporate Services (1991-1992). He is a Director of W.R. Grace
& Co. (chemicals) and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (engineering and
construction). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College,
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield (1989) and Society
for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and as an Overseer of the
Museum of Fine Arts of Boston.
GERALD C. McDONOUGH ( 67 ), Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the
non-interested Trustees, is Chairman of G.M. Management Group (strategic
advisory services). Prior to his retirement in July 1988, he was Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Leaseway Transportation Corp. (physical
distribution services). Mr. McDonough is a Director of Brush-Wellman Inc.
(metal refining), York International Corp. (air conditioning and
refrigeration), Commercial Intertech Corp. (hydraulic systems, building
systems and metal products, 1992), CUNO, Inc. (liquid and gas
filtration products, 1996), and Associated Estates Realty Corporation
(a real estate investment trust, 1993). Mr. McDonough served as a
Director of ACME - Cleveland Corp. (metal working, telecommunications, and
electronic products) from 1987-1996.
MARVIN L. MANN ( 63 ), Trustee (1993) is Chairman of the Board,
President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lexmark International, Inc.
(office machines, 1991). Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice
President of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and
President and General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries.
Mr. Mann is a Director of M.A. Hanna Company (chemicals, 1993) and Infomart
(marketing services, 1991), a Trammell Crow Co. In addition, he serves as
the Campaign Vice Chairman of the Tri-State United Way (1993) and is a
member of the University of Alabama President's Cabinet.
WILLIAM O. McCOY (63), Trustee (1997), is the Vice President of Finance
for the University of North Carolina (16-school system, 1995). Prior to his
retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was Vice Chairman of the Board of
BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) and President of BellSouth
Enterprises. He is currently a Director of Liberty Corporation (holding
company), Weeks Corporation of Atlanta (real estate, 1994), and Carolina
Power and Light Company (electric utility, 1996). Previously, he was a
Director of First American Corporation (bank holding company, 1979-191996).
In addition, Mr. McCoy serves as a member of the Board of Visitors for the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994) and for the Kenan Flager
Business School (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
THOMAS R. WILLIAMS ( 68 ), Trustee, is President of The Wales Group,
Inc. (management and financial advisory services). Prior to retiring in
1987, Mr. Williams served as Chairman of the Board of First Wachovia
Corporation (bank holding company), and Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of The First National Bank of Atlanta and First Atlanta Corporation
(bank holding company). He is currently a Director of BellSouth Corporation
(telecommunications), ConAgra, Inc. (agricultural products), Fisher
Business Systems, Inc. (computer software), Georgia Power Company (electric
utility), Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (computer software), National
Life Insurance Company of Vermont, American Software, Inc., and AppleSouth,
Inc. (restaurants, 1992).
WILLIAM J. HAYES ( 62 ), Vice President (1994), is Vice President of
Fidelity's equity funds; Senior Vice President of FMR; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp.
ARTHUR S. LORING ( 49 ), Secretary, is Senior Vice President (1993)
and General Counsel of FMR, Vice President-Legal of FMR Corp., and Vice
President and Clerk of FDC.
KENNETH A. RATHGEBER ( 49 ), Treasurer (1995), is Treasurer of the
Fidelity funds and is an employee of FMR (1995). Before joining FMR, Mr.
Rathgeber was a Vice President of Goldman Sachs & Co. (1978-1995), where he
served in various positions, including Vice President of Proprietary
Accounting (1988-1992), Global Co-Controller (1992-1994), and Chief
Operations Officer of Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (1994-1995).
ROBERT H. MORRISON ( 56 ), Manager of Security Transactions of
Fidelity's equity funds is Vice President of FMR.
JOHN H. COSTELLO ( 50 ), Assistant Treasurer, is an employee of FMR.
LEONARD M. RUSH ( 50 ), Assistant Treasurer (1994), is an employee of
FMR (1994). Prior to becoming Assistant Treasurer of the Fidelity funds,
Mr. Rush was Chief Compliance Officer of FMR Corp. (1993-1994) and Chief
Financial Officer of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (1990-1993).
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of
each Trustee of the fund for his or her services as trustee for the
fiscal year ended November 30, 1996 .
COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Trustees Aggregate Pension or Estimated Annual Total
Compensation Retirement Benefits Upon Compensation
from Benefits Accrued Retirement from the Fund
the Fund as Part of Fund from the Fund Complex*
Expenses from the Complex*
Fund Complex*
J. Gary Burkhead ** $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Ralph F. Cox 372 5,200 52,000 132,500
Phyllis Burke Davis 361 5,200 52,000 129,500
Richard J. Flynn*** 476 0 52,000 168,000
Edward C. Johnson 3d ** 0 0 0 0
E. Bradley Jones 365 5,200 49,400 129,500
Donald J. Kirk 369 5,200 52,000 131,000
Peter S. Lynch ** 0 0 0 0
Gerald C. McDonough 365 5,200 52,000 131,000
Edward H. Malone*** 363 5,200 44,200 131,000
Marvin L. Mann 363 5,200 52,000 129,500
William O. McCoy
(double dagger) 207 N/A N/A 85,333
Thomas R. Williams 365 5,200 52,000 131,000
</TABLE>
* Information is as of December 31, 1996 for 235 funds in the complex.
** Interested trustees of the fund are compensated by FMR.
*** Prior to December 31, 1996, Richard J. Flynn and Edward H. Malone
served on the Board of Trustees.
(double dagger) During the period from May 1, 1996 through December 31,
1996, William O. McCoy served as a Member of the Advisory Board.
The non-interested Trustees may elect to defer receipt of all or a
percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, compensation deferred by a
Trustee is periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been
invested and reinvested in shares of one or more funds in the complex
designated by such Trustee (designated securities). The amount paid to the
Trustee under the Plan will be determined based upon the performance of
such investments. Deferral of Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan
will have a negligible effect on the fund's assets, liabilities, and net
income per share, and will not obligate the fund to retain the services of
any Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
The fund may invest in such designated securities under the Plan without
shareholder approval.
Under a retirement program adopted in July 1988 and modified in November
1995, each non-interested Trustee may receive payments from a Fidelity fund
during his or her lifetime based on his or her basic trustee fees and
length of service. The obligation of a fund to make such payments is
neither secured nor funded. A Trustee becomes eligible to participate in
the program at the end of the calender year in which he or she reaches age
72, provided that, at the time of retirement, he or she has served as a
Fidelity fund Trustee for at least five years. Currently, Messrs. Ralph S.
Saul, William R. Spaulding, Bertram H. Witham, and David L. Yunich, all
former non-interested Trustees, receive retirement benefits under the
program.
As of November 30, 1996, the Trustees and officers of the fund owned, in
the aggregate, less than 1% of the fund's total outstanding shares. As of
November 30, 1996, the following owned of record or beneficially 5% or more
of outstanding shares of the fund: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc./Mutual Fund
department, San Francisco, CA (8.69%).
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
The fund employs FMR to furnish investment advisory and other services.
Under its management contract with the fund, FMR acts as investment adviser
and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, directs the
investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective,
policies, and limitations. FMR also provides the fund with all necessary
office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's investments,
compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are "interested
persons" of the trust or of FMR, and all personnel of the fund or FMR
performing services relating to research, statistical, and investment
activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board
of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary
for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities
for maintaining the fund's organization; supervising relations with
custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters, and
other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder
communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund's
records and the registration of the fund's shares under federal and state
laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and
furnishing reports, evaluations, and analyses on a variety of subjects to
the Trustees.
In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to
FSC, the fund pays all of its expenses, without limitation, that are not
assumed by those parties. The fund pays for the typesetting, printing, and
mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the
fees of the custodian, auditor and non-interested Trustees. Although the
fund's current management contract provides that the fund will pay for
typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional
information, notices, and reports to shareholders, the trust, on behalf of
the fund has entered into a revised transfer agent agreement with FSC,
pursuant to which FSC bears the costs of providing these services to
existing shareholders. Other expenses paid by the fund include interest,
taxes, brokerage commissions, and the fund's proportionate share of
insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues. The fund is also
liable for such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any
litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have
to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
FMR is the fund's manager pursuant to a management contract dated
December 1, 1993 , which was approved by shareholders on
November 17, 1993 .
For the services of FMR under the contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly
management fee composed of the sum of two elements: a basic fee and a
performance adjustment based on a comparison of the fund's performance to
that of the Merrill Lynch Convertible Securities Index.
COMPUTING THE BASIC FEE. The fund's basic fee rate is composed of two
elements: a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of all of the
registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts and
is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate
schedule shown below on the left. The schedule below on the right shows the
effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the
result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For
example, the effective annual fee rate at $ 447 billion of group net
assets - the approximate level for November 1996 - was
.3026 %, which is the weighted average of the respective fee rates
for each level of group net assets up to $ 447 billion.
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
0 - $3 billion .5200% $ 0.5 billion .5200%
3 - 6 .4900 25 .4238
6 - 9 .4600 50 .3823
9 - 12 .4300 75 .3626
12 - 15 .4000 100 .3512
15 - 18 .3850 125 .3430
18 - 21 .3700 150 .3371
21 - 24 .3600 175 .3325
24 - 30 .3500 200 .3284
30 - 36 .3450 225 .3253
36 - 42 .3400 250 .3223
42 - 48 .3350 275 .3198
48 - 66 .3250 300 .3175
66 - 84 .3200 325 .3153
84 - 102 .3150 350 .3133
102 - 138 .3100
138 - 174 .3050
174 - 228 .3000
228 - 282 .2950
282 - 336 .2900
Over 336 .2850
Prior to December 1, 1993 , the group fee rate was based on a
schedule with breakpoints ending at .3000% for average group assets in
excess of $174 billion. The group fee rate breakpoints shown above for
average group assets in excess of $138 billion and under $228 billion were
voluntarily adopted by FMR on January 1, 1992. The additional breakpoints
shown above for average group assets in excess of $228 billion were
voluntarily adopted by FMR on November 1, 1993. The fund's current
management contract reflects these extensions of the group fee rate
schedule.
On August 1, 1994, FMR voluntarily revised the prior extensions to the
group fee rate schedule, and added new breakpoints for average group assets
in excess of $210 billion and under $390 billion as shown in the schedule
below. The revised group fee rate schedule was identical to the above
schedule for average group assets under $210 billion.
On January 1, 1996, FMR voluntarily added new breakpoints to the revised
schedule for average group assets in excess of $390 billion, pending
shareholder approval of a new management contract reflecting the revised
schedule and additional breakpoints. The revised group fee rate schedule
and its extensions provide for lower management fee rates as FMR's assets
under management increase. For average group assets in excess of $210
billion, the revised group fee rate schedule with additional breakpoints
voluntarily adopted by FMR is as follows:
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
174 - $210 billion .3000% $ 150 billion .3371%
210 - 246 .2950 175 .3325
246 - 282 .2900 200 .3284
282 - 318 .2850 225 .3249
318 - 354 .2800 250 .3219
354 - 390 .2750 275 .3190
390 - 426 .2700 300 .3163
426 - 462 .2650 325 .3137
462 - 498 .2600 350 .3113
498 - 534 .2550 375 .3090
Over 534 .2500 400 .3067
425 .3046
450 .3024
475 .3003
500 .2982
525 .2962
550 .2942
The individual fund fee rate is .20 %. Based on the average group net
assets of the funds advised by FMR for November 1996, the annual
basic fee rate would be calculated as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Group Fee Rate Individual Fund Fee Rate Basic Fee Rate
.3026% + .20% = .5026%
</TABLE>
One-twelfth of this annual basic fee rate is applied to the fund's net
assets averaged for the most recent month, giving a dollar amount, which is
the fee for that month.
COMPUTING THE PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENT. The basic fee is subject to upward or
downward adjustment, depending upon whether, and to what extent, the fund's
investment performance for the performance period exceeds, or is exceeded
by, the record of the Merrill Lynch Convertible Securities Index
(the Index) over the same period. T he performance period consists of
the most recent month plus the previous 35 months. Each percentage point of
difference, calculated to the nearest 0.01%, (up to a maximum difference of
(plus/minus)7.50) is multiplied by a performance adjustment rate of .02%.
Thus, the maximum annualized adjustment rate is (plus/minus).15%. This
performance comparison is made at the end of each month. One twelfth (1/12)
of this rate is then applied to the fund's average net assets for the
entire performance period, giving a dollar amount which will be added to
(or subtracted from) the basic fee.
The fund's performance is calculated based on change in net asset value.
For purposes of calculating the performance adjustment, any dividends or
capital gain distributions paid by the fund are treated as if reinvested in
fund shares at the net asset value as of the record date for payment. The
record of the Index is based on change in value and is adjusted for any
cash distributions from the companies whose securities compose the Index.
Because the adjustment to the basic fee is based on the fund's performance
compared to the investment record of the Index, the controlling factor is
not whether the fund's performance is up or down per se, but whether it is
up or down more or less than the record of the Index. Moreover, the
comparative investment performance of the fund is based solely on the
relevant performance period without regard to the cumulative performance
over a longer or shorter period of time.
During the fiscal years ended November 1996, 1995 and 1994 , FMR
received $ 6,194,000 , $ 3,933,000 and $ 5,039,000 ,
respectively, for its services as investment adviser to the fund. These
fees, which include both the basic fee and the performance adjustment, were
equivalent to .56 %, .41 %, and .52 %, respectively, of
the average net assets of the fund for each of those years. For fiscal
1996, the upward performance adjustment amounted to $588,000. For fiscal
1995 and 1994, the downward performance adjustments amounted to $1,041,000
and $43,000, respectively.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of the
fund's operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, and extraordinary expenses). FMR retains the ability to be
repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall
below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Expense reimbursements
by FMR will increase the fund's total returns and yield and repayment of
the reimbursement by the fund will lower its total returns and yield.
To comply with the California Code of Regulations, FMR will reimburse the
fund if and to the extent that the fund's aggregate annual operating
expenses exceed specified percentages of its average net assets. The
applicable percentages are 2 1/2% of the first $30 million, 2% of the next
$70 million, and 1 1/2% of average net assets in excess of $100 million.
When calculating the fund's expenses for purposes of this regulation, the
fund may exclude interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and extraordinary
expenses, as well as a portion of its distribution plan expenses and
custodian fees attributable to investments in foreign securities.
SUB-ADVISERS. FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR U.K.
and FMR Far East . Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR
may receive investment advice and research services outside the United
States from the sub-advisers. FMR may also grant the sub-advisers
investment management authority as well as the authority to buy and sell
securities if FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund.
Currently, FMR U.K. and FMR Far East each focus on issuers in countries
other than the United States such as those in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific
Basin.
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East, which were organized in 1986, are wholly owned
subsidiaries of FMR. Under the sub-advisory agreements FMR pays the fees of
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. For providing non-discretionary investment
advice and research services, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal
to 110% and 105%, respectively, of FMR U.K.'s and FMR Far East's costs
incurred in connection with providing investment advice and research
services.
For providing discretionary investment management and executing portfolio
transactions, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal to 50 %
of its monthly management fee rate with respect to the fund's average net
assets managed by the sub-adviser on a discretionary basis.
For providing investment advice and research services, the fees paid
to the sub-advisers for fiscal 199 6 , 199 5 , and 199 4
were as follows:
Fiscal Year FMR U.K. FMR Far East
1996 $ 28,039 $ 29,790
1995 $ 16,602 $ 18,450
1994 $ 20,402 $ 24,709
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan on behalf of the
fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may not
engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily
intended to result in the sale of shares of a fund except pursuant to a
plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plan, as approved
by the Trustees, allows the fund and FMR to incur certain expenses that
might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of
distribution expenses.
Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is
deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its
shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan also specifically
recognizes that FMR, either directly or through FDC, may use its management
fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without limitation, to pay
promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and
sale of shares of the fund. In addition, the Plan provides that FMR may use
its resources, including its management fee revenues, to make payments to
third parties that assist in selling shares of the fund, or to third
parties, including banks, that render shareholder support services.
Payments made by FMR to third parties during the fiscal year ended
November 30 , 199 6 amounted to $ 6,000.
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and have
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit
the the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that
the Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than those made to
FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the
Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the
distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of fund shares may
result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided
more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders
have other relationships.
The Plan was approved by shareholders on August 25, 1987 .
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state chartered or
supervised banks from engaging in the business of underwriting, selling, or
distributing securities. Although the scope of this prohibition under the
Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly defined by the courts or
appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes that the Glass-Steagall Act
should not preclude a bank from performing shareholder support services, or
servicing and recordkeeping functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to
perform such functions. However, changes in federal or state statutes and
regulations pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their
affiliates or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if
any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and effective
shareholder services. In such event, changes in the operation of the fund
might occur, including possible termination of any automatic investment or
redemption or other services then provided by the bank. It is not expected
that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on
this issue may differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed
herein, and banks and financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase securities
issued by, depository institutions that receive payments under the Plan. No
preference for the instruments of such depository institutions will be
shown in the selection of investments.
CONTRACTS WITH FMR AFFILIATES
FSC, an affiliate of FMR, is transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder
servicing agent for the fund. FSC receives an annual account fee and an
asset-based fee each based on account size and fund type for each retail
account and certain institutional accounts. With respect to certain
institutional retirement accounts, FSC receives an annual account fee and
an asset-based fee based on account type or fund type. These annual account
fees are subject to increase based on postal rate changes. The asset-based
fees are subject to adjustment if the year-to-date total return of the S&P
500 exceeds a positive or negative 15%. FSC also collects small account
fees from certain accounts with balances of less than $2,500.
FSC pays out-of-pocket expenses associated with providing transfer agent
services. In addition, FSC bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and
mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other
reports, notices, and statements to shareholders, with the exception of
proxy statements.
FSC also performs the calculations necessary to determine the fund's NAV
and dividends, and maintains the fund's accounting records. The annual fee
rates for these pricing and bookkeeping services are based on the fund's
average net assets, specifically, .0600% of the first $500 million of
average net assets and .0300% of average net assets in excess of $500
million. The fee is limited to a minimum of $60,000 and a maximum of
$800,000 per year. Pricing and bookkeeping fees, including related
out-of-pocket expenses, paid to FSC for fiscal 1996, 1995, and 1994 were
$ 486,000 , $44 3 ,000, and $4 45 ,000, respectively.
FSC also receives fees for administering the fund's securities lending
program. Securities lending fees are based on the number and duration of
individual securities loans. Securities lending fees for fiscal 1996, 1995,
and 1994 were $ 3,000 , $ 1 ,000, and $6, 0 00,
respectively.
The fund has a distribution agreement with FDC, a Massachusetts corporation
organized on July 18, 1960. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreement calls for FDC to use
all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure
purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered at net
asset value. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the
offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund is a fund of
Fidelity Financial Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 20, 1982. On
December 17, 1982, the Declaration of Trust was amended to change the name
of the trust from Fidelity Tax-Qualified Equity Fund to Fidelity Freedom
Fund, and on January 1, 1987, the Declaration of Trust was further amended
to change the name of the trust to Fidelity Financial Trust. Currently,
there are three funds of the trust: Fidelity Convertible
Securities fund, Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund, and Fidelity
Equity-Income II Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to
create additional funds.
In the event that FMR ceases to be the investment adviser to the trust or a
fund, the right of the trust or fund to use the identifying name "Fidelity"
may be withdrawn.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each
fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are especially allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of
each fund are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged
with the liabilities with respect to such fund and with a share of the
general expenses of the trust. Expenses with respect to the trust are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective funds, except
where allocations of direct expense can otherwise be fairly made. The
officers of the trust, subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees, have the power to determine which expenses are allocable to a
given fund, or which are general or allocable to all of the funds. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each
fund are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such fund
available for distribution.
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY. The trust is an entity of the type
commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts
law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of
Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders
except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that
each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees include a provision limiting the obligations created
thereby to the trust and its assets. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund. The Declaration of Trust
also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any
claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund
and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to
circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal
liability to shareholders is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees, if they have
exercised reasonable care, will not be liable for any neglect or
wrongdoing, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects Trustees
against any liability to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial
interest. As a shareholder, you receive one vote for each dollar value of
net asset value you own. The shares have no preemptive or conversion
rights; the voting and dividend rights, the right of redemption, and the
privilege of exchange are described in the Prospectus. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder
and Trustee Liability" above. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the
trust or a fund may, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust, call
meetings of the trust or a fund for any purpose related to the trust or
fund, as the case may be, including, in the case of a meeting of the entire
trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees. The trust
or any fund may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to another
open-end management investment company, or upon liquidation and
distribution of its assets, if approved by vote of the holders of a
majority of the trust or the fund, as determined by the current value of
each shareholder's investment in the fund or trust. If not so terminated,
the trust and its funds will continue indefinitely.
CUSTODIAN. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian is
responsible for the safekeeping of a fund's assets and the appointment of
any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The custodian takes no part
in determining the investment policies of a fund or in deciding which
securities are purchased or sold by a fund. However, a fund may invest in
obligations of the custodian and may purchase securities from or sell
securities to the custodian. The Bank of New York and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, each headquartered in New York, also may serve as special purpose
custodians of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement
transactions.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and the Board of
Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks,
including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FMR. The
Boston branch of the fund's custodian leases its office space from an
affiliate of FMR at a lease payment which, when entered into, was
consistent with prevailing market rates. Transactions that have occurred to
date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the
judgment of FMR, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not
influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
AUDITOR. Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts
serves as the trust's independent accountant. The auditor examines
financial statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax, and
related services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal
year ended November 30, 199 6 and the report of the auditor thereon
are included in the fund's Annual Report, which is a separate report
supplied with this Statement of Additional Information. The fund's
financial statements and financial highlights and the report of the
auditor thereon are incorporated herein by reference.
FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST:
FIDELITY RETIREMENT GROWTH FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER PROSPECTUS SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 .............................. Cover Page
2 a .............................. Expenses
b, c .............................. Contents; The Fund at a Glance; Who May Want
to Invest
3 a .............................. Financial Highlights
b .............................. *
c .............................. Performance
4 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... The Fund at a Glance; Investment Principles and
Risks
b .............................. Investment Principles and Risks
c .............................. Who May Want to Invest; Investment Principles
and Risks
5 a .............................. Charter
b i............................. Cover Page; The Fund at a Glance; Charter; Doing
Business with Fidelity
ii........................... Charter
iii.......................... Expenses; Breakdown of Expenses
c .............................. Charter
d .............................. Charter; Breakdown of Expenses
e .............................. Cover Page; Charter
f .............................. Expenses
g i............................. Charter
.
ii............................ *
..
5A .............................. Performance
6 a i............................. Charter
ii........................... How to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares;
Transaction Details; Exchange Restrictions
iii.......................... Charter
b ............................. Charter
c .............................. Transactions Details; Exchange Restrictions
d .............................. *
e .............................. Doing Business with Fidelity; How to Buy Shares;
How to Sell Shares; Investor Services
f, g .............................. Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes
7 a .............................. Cover Page; Charter
b .............................. Expenses; How to Buy Shares; Transaction Details
c .............................. *
d .............................. How to Buy Shares
e .............................. *
f .............................. Breakdown of Expenses
8 .............................. How to Sell Shares; Investor Services; Transaction
Details; Exchange Restrictions
9 .............................. *
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST:
FIDELITY RETIREMENT GROWTH FUND
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(CONTINUED)
FORM N-1A
ITEM NUMBER STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
10, 11 ............................ Cover Page
12 ............................ Description of the Trust
13 a - c ............................ Investment Policies and Limitations
d ............................ Portfolio Transactions
14 a - c ............................ Trustees and Officers
15 a, b ............................ *
c ............................ Trustees and Officers
16 a i ............................ FMR, Portfolio Transactions
ii ............................ Trustees and Officers
iii ............................ Management Contract
b ............................ Management Contract
c, d ............................ Contracts with Companies Affiliated with FMR
e ............................ *
f ............................ Distribution and Service Plan
g ............................ *
h ............................ Description of the Trust
i ............................ Contracts with Companies Affiliated with FMR
17 a - c ............................ Portfolio Transactions
d, e ............................ *
18 a ............................ Description of the Trust
b ............................ *
19 a ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
b ............................ Additional Purchase and Redemption Information;
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
c ............................ *
20 ............................ Distributions and Taxes
21 a, b ............................ Contracts with Companies Affiliated with FMR
c ............................ *
22 a, b ............................ Performance
23 ............................ Financial Statements
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
Please read this prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for
future reference. It contains important information, including how the fund
invests and the services available to shareholders.
To learn more about the fund and its investments, you can obtain a copy of
the fund's most recent financial report and portfolio listing, or a copy of
the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) dated January 22, 1997. The
SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is
available along with other related materials on the SEC's Internet Web
site (http://www.sec.gov). The SAI is incorporated herein by reference
(legally forms a part of the prospectus). For a free copy of either
document, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8888.
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by,
any depository institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal
Reserve Board, or any other agency, and are subject to investment risks,
including possible loss of principal amount invested.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL
FUNDS, THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
FRE-pro- 0197
(fund number 073, trading symbol FDFFX)
Retirement Growth is a growth fund designed for retirement investors and
non-profit organizations. It seeks to increase the value of your investment
over the long term by investing mainly in common stocks.
FIDELITY
RETIREMENT
GROWTH
FUND
PROSPECTUS
JANUARY 22, 1997(FIDELITY_LOGO_GRAPHIC) 82 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON, MA
02109
CONTENTS
KEY FACTS THE FUND AT A GLANCE
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
EXPENSES The fund's yearly
operating expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS A summary
of the fund's financial data.
PERFORMANCE How the fund has
done over time.
THE FUND IN DETAIL CHARTER How the fund is
organized.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
The fund's overall approach to
investing.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES How
operating costs are calculated and
what they include.
YOUR ACCOUNT DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS Different
ways to set up your account,
including tax-sheltered retirement
plans.
HOW TO BUY SHARES Opening an
account and making additional
investments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES Taking money
out and closing your account.
INVESTOR SERVICES Services to
help you manage your account.
SHAREHOLDER AND DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS,
ACCOUNT POLICIES AND TAXES
TRANSACTION DETAILS Share price
calculations and the timing of
purchases and redemptions.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
KEY FACTS
THE FUND AT A GLANCE
GOAL: Capital appreciation (increase in the value of the fund's shares). As
with any mutual fund, there is no assurance that the fund will achieve its
goal.
STRATEGY: Invests mainly in common stocks that offer the potential for
growth.
MANAGEMENT: Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) is the management
arm of Fidelity Investments, which was established in 1946 and is now
America's largest mutual fund manager. Foreign affiliates of FMR may help
choose investments for the fund.
SIZE: As of November 30, 199 6 , the fund had over $ 4.2 b illion
in assets.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
The fund may be appropriate for investors who are willing to ride out stock
market fluctuations in pursuit of potentially high long-term returns. The
fund is designed for non-profit organizations and investors in
tax-qualified retirement plans and does not consider the effect of taxes
when it buys and sells securities.
The value of the fund's investments will vary from day to day, and
generally reflect market conditions, interest rates, and other company,
political, or economic news both here and abroad. In the short-term, stock
prices can fluctuate dramatically in response to these factors. Over time,
however, stocks have shown greater growth potential than other types of
securities. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks in addition
to those of U.S. investments, including increased political and economic
risk, as well as exposure to currency fluctuations. When you sell your
shares, they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them. By
itself, the fund does not constitute a balanced investment plan.
THE SPECTRUM OF
FIDELITY FUNDS
Broad categories of Fidelity
funds are presented here in
order of ascending risk.
Generally, investors seeking
to maximize return must
assume greater risk.
Retirement Growth is in the
GROWTH category.
(solid bullet) MONEY MARKET Seeks
income and stability by
investing in high-quality,
short-term investments.
(solid bullet) INCOME Seeks income by
investing in bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH AND INCOME
Seeks long-term growth and
income by investing in stocks
and bonds.
(right arrow) GROWTH Seeks long-term
growth by investing mainly
in stocks.
(checkmark)
EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are charges you may pay when you
buy or sell shares of a fund. In addition, you may be charged an
annual account maintenance fee if your account balance falls below $2,500.
See "Transaction Details," page , for an explanation
of how and when these charges apply.
Maximum sales charge on purchases None
and reinvested distributions
Deferred sales charge on redemptions None
Exchange fee None
Annual account maintenance fee $12.0
(for accounts under $2,500) 0
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of the fund's assets. The fund
pays a management fee that varies based on its performance. It also incurs
other expenses for services such as maintaining shareholder records and
furnishing shareholder statements and financial reports. The fund's
expenses are factored into its share price or dividends and are not charged
directly to shareholder accounts (see page ).
The following figures are based on historical expenses, and are
calculated as a percentage of average net assets. A portion of the
brokerage commissions that the fund pays is used to reduce fund
expenses. In addition, the fund has entered into arrangements with its
custodian and transfer agent whereby interest earned on uninvested cash
balances is used to reduce custodian and transfer agent expenses.
Including these reduction s , the total operating expenses
presented in the table would have been .70% .
Management fee .50 %
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .24 %
Total fund operating expenses .74 %
EXAMPLES: Let's say, hypothetically, that the fund's annual return is 5%
and that its operating expenses are exactly as just described. For every
$1,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you
close your account after the number of years indicated:
After 1 year $ 8
After 3 years $ 24
After 5 years $ 41
After 10 years $ 92
These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to
suggest actual or expected costs or returns, all of which may vary.
UNDERSTANDING
EXPENSES
Operating a mutual fund
involves a variety of
expenses for portfolio
management, shareholder
statements, tax reporting, and
other services. These costs
are paid from the fund's
assets; their effect is already
factored into any quoted
share price or return.
(checkmark)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table that follows is included in the fund's Annual Report and has been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. Their report on
the financial statements and financial highlights is included in the Annual
Report. The financial statements and financial highlights are incorporated
by reference into (are legally a part of) the fund's Statement of
Additional Information.
SELECTED PER-SHARE DATA
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended 1996 1995 1994B 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
November 30
Net asset value, $ 19.5 $ 18.0 $ 19.2 $ 19.7 $ 17.2 $ 13.1 $ 15.6 $ 12.5 $ 12.9 $ 16.9
beginning 0 1 6 7 1 3 2 5 4 3
of period
Income from
Investment
Operations
Net investment .26 .34 .19 .09 .14 .27 .34 .37 .22 .19
income
Net realized and 2.14 3.09 .58 3.09 3.66 3.92 (1.88) 2.91 2.80 (.54)
unrealized gain
(loss)
Total from 2.40 3.43 .77 3.18 3.80 4.19 (1.54) 3.28 3.02 (.35)
investment
operations
Less Distributions
From net (.34)C (.20) (.14) (.16) (.20) (.11) (.45) (.21) (.23) (.14)
investment
income
From net (1.52) (1.74) (1.88) (3.53) (1.04) -- (.50) -- (3.18) (3.50)
realized gain C
Total (1.86) (1.94) (2.02) (3.69) (1.24) (.11) (.95) (.21) (3.41) (3.64)
distributions
Net asset value, $ 20.0 $ 19.5 $ 18.0 $ 19.2 $ 19.7 $ 17.2 $ 13.1 $ 15.6 $ 12.5 $ 12.9
end 4 0 1 6 7 1 3 2 5 4
of period
Total returnA 13.45 21.43 4.24 19.47 23.39 32.15 (10.59 26.62 26.94 (3.95)
% % % % % % )% % % %
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of $ 4,20 $ 3,97 $ 3,16 $ 2,68 $ 2,16 $ 1,57 $ 1,29 $ 1,44 $ 1,24 $ 993
period 5 0 3 8 6 7 2 8 4
(In millions)
Ratio of expenses .74% .99% 1.07 1.05 1.02 .83% .98% .92% 1.09 .97%
to % % % %
average net
assets
Ratio of expenses .70% .99% 1.07 1.05 1.02 .83% .98% .92% 1.09 .97%
to average net D % % % %
assets after
expense
reductions
Ratio of net 1.26 1.92 1.13 .80% 1.01 1.56 2.34% 2.51 1.79 1.25
investment % % % % % % % %
income to average
net assets
Portfolio turnover 230% 108% 72% 101% 138% 119% 127% 139% 156% 171%
rate
Average $ .030
commission rateE 7
</TABLE>
A THE TOTAL RETURNS WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN EXPENSES NOT BEEN
REDUCED DURING THE PERIODS SHOWN.
B EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES."
AS A RESULT, NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
C THE AMOUNTS SHOWN REFLECT CERTAIN RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO
TAX DIFFERENCES.
D FMR OR THE FUND HAS ENTERED INTO VARYING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES
WHO EITHER PAID OR REDUCED A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES.
E FOR FISCAL YEARS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1995, A FUND IS
REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ITS AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE PER SHARE FOR SECURITY
TRADES ON WHICH COMMISSIONS ARE CHARGED. THIS AMOUNT MAY VARY FROM PERIOD
TO PERIOD AND FUND TO FUND DEPENDING ON THE MIX OF TRADES EXECUTED IN
VARIOUS MARKETS WHERE TRADING PRACTICES AND COMMISSION RATE STRUCTURES MAY
DIFFER.
PERFORMANCE
Mutual fund performance is commonly measured as TOTAL RETURN. The total
returns that follow are based on historical fund results and do not reflect
the effect of taxes.
The fund's fiscal year runs from December 1 through November 30. The tables
below show the fund's performance over past fiscal years compared to
different measures, including a comparative index and a competitive
funds average. The chart on page presents calendar year
performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
Fiscal periods ended Pas Past Past
November 30, 199 6 t 1 5 10
yea year year
r s s
Retirement Growth 13.45 16.18 14.47
% % %
S&P 500 (registered trademark) 27.86 18.21 15.16
% % %
Lipper Cap. App. 18.05 15.37 12.29
Funds Avg. % % %
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
Fiscal periods ended Pas Past Past
November 30, 1996 t 1 5 10
yea year year
r s s
Retirement Growth 13.45 111.70 286.16
% % %
S&P 500 (registered trademark) 27.86 130.9 310.22
% 0 % %
Lipper Cap. App. 18.05 109.5 243.35
Funds Avg. % 8% %
</TABLE>
UNDERSTANDING
PERFORMANCE
Because this fund invests in
stocks, its performance is
related to that of the overall
stock market. Historically,
stock market performance
has been characterized by
volatility in the short run and
growth in the long run. You
can see these two
characteristics reflected in the
fund's performance; the
year-by-year total returns on
page show that short-term
returns can vary widely, while
the returns in the mountain
chart show long-term growth.
(checkmark)
EXAMPLE: Let's say, hypothetically, that you had $10,000 invested in the
fund on December 1, 198 6 . From that date through November
30, 199 6 , the fund's total return was 286.16 %. Your
$10,000 would have grown to $ 38,616 (the initial investment plus
286.16 % of $10,000).
$10,000 OVER TEN YEARS
Fiscal years 19 86 19 91 199 6
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 10000.0
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 9633.790000000001
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 10985.91
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 11720.78
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 12143.89
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 12151.31
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 12388.85
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 12804.53
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: 13791.78
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 14207.46
Row: 11, Col: 1, Value: 14096.12
Row: 12, Col: 1, Value: 10295.58
Row: 13, Col: 1, Value: 9605.25
Row: 14, Col: 1, Value: 10531.8
Row: 15, Col: 1, Value: 10716.4
Row: 16, Col: 1, Value: 11629.67
Row: 17, Col: 1, Value: 11619.96
Row: 18, Col: 1, Value: 11833.7
Row: 19, Col: 1, Value: 11775.41
Row: 20, Col: 1, Value: 12387.49
Row: 21, Col: 1, Value: 12241.76
Row: 22, Col: 1, Value: 11901.71
Row: 23, Col: 1, Value: 12261.19
Row: 24, Col: 1, Value: 12348.63
Row: 25, Col: 1, Value: 12193.18
Row: 26, Col: 1, Value: 12166.89
Row: 27, Col: 1, Value: 13105.85
Row: 28, Col: 1, Value: 12838.99
Row: 29, Col: 1, Value: 13175.03
Row: 30, Col: 1, Value: 13797.71
Row: 31, Col: 1, Value: 14064.57
Row: 32, Col: 1, Value: 13866.89
Row: 33, Col: 1, Value: 15171.55
Row: 34, Col: 1, Value: 15349.46
Row: 35, Col: 1, Value: 15576.78
Row: 36, Col: 1, Value: 15033.18
Row: 37, Col: 1, Value: 15438.41
Row: 38, Col: 1, Value: 15866.94
Row: 39, Col: 1, Value: 15085.23
Row: 40, Col: 1, Value: 15242.91
Row: 41, Col: 1, Value: 15369.06
Row: 42, Col: 1, Value: 14927.54
Row: 43, Col: 1, Value: 16325.68
Row: 44, Col: 1, Value: 16693.62
Row: 45, Col: 1, Value: 16630.54
Row: 46, Col: 1, Value: 14927.54
Row: 47, Col: 1, Value: 13340.17
Row: 48, Col: 1, Value: 12909.17
Row: 49, Col: 1, Value: 13802.72
Row: 50, Col: 1, Value: 14255.62
Row: 51, Col: 1, Value: 14912.75
Row: 52, Col: 1, Value: 16142.23
Row: 53, Col: 1, Value: 16566.19
Row: 54, Col: 1, Value: 16672.18
Row: 55, Col: 1, Value: 17223.33
Row: 56, Col: 1, Value: 16121.03
Row: 57, Col: 1, Value: 17170.33
Row: 58, Col: 1, Value: 17901.66
Row: 59, Col: 1, Value: 18124.24
Row: 60, Col: 1, Value: 18770.78
Row: 61, Col: 1, Value: 18240.83
Row: 62, Col: 1, Value: 20754.03
Row: 63, Col: 1, Value: 20799.57
Row: 64, Col: 1, Value: 21095.57
Row: 65, Col: 1, Value: 20446.65
Row: 66, Col: 1, Value: 20674.34
Row: 67, Col: 1, Value: 21061.42
Row: 68, Col: 1, Value: 20287.27
Row: 69, Col: 1, Value: 20981.72
Row: 70, Col: 1, Value: 20412.5
Row: 71, Col: 1, Value: 20651.57
Row: 72, Col: 1, Value: 21300.49
Row: 73, Col: 1, Value: 22507.25
Row: 74, Col: 1, Value: 22953.18
Row: 75, Col: 1, Value: 23525.61
Row: 76, Col: 1, Value: 22785.64
Row: 77, Col: 1, Value: 23427.88
Row: 78, Col: 1, Value: 23246.38
Row: 79, Col: 1, Value: 24475.01
Row: 80, Col: 1, Value: 24796.13
Row: 81, Col: 1, Value: 24963.68
Row: 82, Col: 1, Value: 26359.85
Row: 83, Col: 1, Value: 26457.59
Row: 84, Col: 1, Value: 27239.45
Row: 85, Col: 1, Value: 26890.4
Row: 86, Col: 1, Value: 28032.59
Row: 87, Col: 1, Value: 28824.69
Row: 88, Col: 1, Value: 28528.98
Row: 89, Col: 1, Value: 27221.59
Row: 90, Col: 1, Value: 27470.62
Row: 91, Col: 1, Value: 27657.39
Row: 92, Col: 1, Value: 27050.39
Row: 93, Col: 1, Value: 27735.21
Row: 94, Col: 1, Value: 29073.72
Row: 95, Col: 1, Value: 28746.87
Row: 96, Col: 1, Value: 28871.39
Row: 97, Col: 1, Value: 28030.93
Row: 98, Col: 1, Value: 28049.71
Row: 99, Col: 1, Value: 28172.26
Row: 100, Col: 1, Value: 28818.1
Row: 101, Col: 1, Value: 29429.02
Row: 102, Col: 1, Value: 30197.04
Row: 103, Col: 1, Value: 30581.04
Row: 104, Col: 1, Value: 31209.42
Row: 105, Col: 1, Value: 32728.0
Row: 106, Col: 1, Value: 32972.37
Row: 107, Col: 1, Value: 33688.02
Row: 108, Col: 1, Value: 32954.92
Row: 109, Col: 1, Value: 34037.12
Row: 110, Col: 1, Value: 34860.2
Row: 111, Col: 1, Value: 35378.91
Row: 112, Col: 1, Value: 35745.03
Row: 113, Col: 1, Value: 35860.64
Row: 114, Col: 1, Value: 36997.55
Row: 115, Col: 1, Value: 37325.13
Row: 116, Col: 1, Value: 36515.81
Row: 117, Col: 1, Value: 34453.97
Row: 118, Col: 1, Value: 35051.32
Row: 119, Col: 1, Value: 36650.7
Row: 120, Col: 1, Value: 36361.65
Row: 121, Col: 1, Value: 38616.19
$
$38,616
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
TOTAL RETURN is the change in value of an investment in the fund over a
given period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. A
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN reflects actual performance over a stated period of
time. An AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN is a hypothetical rate of return that,
if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total return
if performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual
total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results.
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURN S
Calendar years 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
1995
RETIREMENT GROWTH 14.14% 9.32 % 15.53 % 30.41 %
-10.16 % 45.58 % 10.60 % 22.13 %
0.06 % 24.28 %
Lipper Cap . App . Funds Avg. 14.02% -0.03% 14.09% 26.60%
- -8.24% 39.91% 8.78% 15.
68% -3.38 % 30.34 %
S&P 500 Index 18.56% 5.10 % 16.61 % 31.69 % -3.10 %
30.47 % 7.62 % 10.08 % 1.3
2 % 37.58 %
Consumer Price Index 1.10% 4.43 % 4.42 % 4.65 %
6.11 % 3.06 % 2.90 % 2.75 % 2.67 % 2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 14.14
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 9.32
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 15.53
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 30.41
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: -10.16
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 45.58
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 10.6
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 22.13
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: 0.6000000000000001
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 24.28
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Retirement
Growth
THE STANDARD & POOR ' S 500 INDEX (S&P 500(registered
trademark)) is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common
stock s .
Unlike the fund's returns, the total returns of the comparative index do
not include the effect of any brokerage commissions, transaction fees, or
other costs of investing.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX is a widely recognized measure of inflation
calculated by the U.S. Government.
THE COMPETITIVE FUNDS AVERAGE is the Lipper Capital Appreciation Funds
Average, which currently reflects the performance of 185 mutual
funds with similar investment objectives. This average, published by
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. , excludes the effect of sales
charges.
Other illustrations of fund performance may show moving averages over
specified periods.
The fund's recent strategies, performance, and holdings are detailed twice
a year in financial reports, which are sent to all shareholders. For
current performance or a free annual report, call 1-800-544-8888.
TOTAL RETURNS ARE BASED ON PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT AN INDICATION OF FUTURE
PERFORMANCE.
THE FUND IN DETAIL
CHARTER
RETIREMENT GROWTH IS A MUTUAL FUND: an investment that pools shareholders'
money and invests it toward a specified goal. The fund is a diversified
fund of Fidelity Financial Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 20, 1982.
THE FUND IS GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced
executives who meet throughout the year to oversee the fund's activities,
review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the
fund, and review the fund's performance. The majority of trustees are not
otherwise affiliated with Fidelity.
THE FUND MAY HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS AND MAIL PROXY MATERIALS. These meetings
may be called to elect or remove trustees, change fundamental policies,
approve a management contract, or for other purposes. Shareholders not
attending these meetings are encouraged to vote by proxy. Fidelity will
mail proxy materials in advance, including a voting card and information
about the proposals to be voted on. The number of votes you are entitled to
is based upon the dollar value of your investment.
FMR AND ITS AFFILIATES
The fund is managed by FMR, which chooses the fund's investments and
handles its business affairs. Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc.
(FMR U.K.), in London, England, and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc. (FMR Far East), in Tokyo, Japan, assist FMR with foreign
investments.
J. Fergus Shiel is vice president and manager of Retirement Growth,
which he has managed since June 1996. Previously, he managed other Fidelity
funds. Since joining Fidelity in 1989, Mr. Shiel has worked as an analyst,
portfolio assistant and manager.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions.
Fidelity Distributors Corp oration (FDC) distributes and markets
Fidelity's funds and services. Fidelity Service Co mpany, Inc . (FSC)
performs transfer agent servicing functions for the fund.
FMR Corp. is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR U.K., and FMR Far
East. Members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family are the predominant owners
of a class of shares of common stock representing approximately 49% of the
voting power of FMR Corp. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
1940 Act), control of a company is presumed where one individual or group
of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company;
therefore, the Johnson family may be deemed under the 1940 Act to form a
controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
A broker-dealer may use a portion of the commissions paid by the fund to
reduce the fund's custodian or transfer agent fees. FMR may use its
broker-dealer affiliates and other firms that sell fund shares to carry out
the fund's transactions, provided that the fund receives brokerage services
and commission rates comparable to those of other broker-dealers.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT APPROACH
The fund seeks capital appreciation by investing substantially in common
stocks, although it may invest in other types of instruments as well. FMR
considers economic, financial, and security trends when choosing the types
of securities the fund will buy. In pursuit of its goal, the fund has the
flexibility to invest in large or small domestic or foreign companies.
The fund may buy securities that provide income. However, it does not place
any emphasis on the income, except when FMR believes this income will have
a favorable influence on the securities' market value. Because the fund is
designed for investors in tax-qualified retirement plans and for non-profit
organizations, it may realize capital gains without regard to shareholders'
current tax liability.
The value of the fund's domestic and foreign investments varies in response
to many factors. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of
individual companies, and general market and economic conditions.
Investments in foreign securities may involve risks in addition to those of
U.S. investments, including increased political and economic risk, as well
as exposure to currency fluctuations.
FMR may use various investment techniques to hedge a portion of the fund's
risks, but there is no guarantee that these strategies will work as FMR
intends. Also, as a mutual fund, the fund seeks to spread investment risk
by diversifying its holdings among many companies and industries. Of
course, when you sell your shares of the fund, they may be worth more or
less than what you paid for them.
FMR normally invests the fund's assets according to its investment
strategy. The fund also reserves the right to invest without limitation in
preferred stocks and investment-grade debt instruments for temporary,
defensive purposes.
SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
Any restrictions listed supplement those discussed earlier in this section.
A complete listing of the fund's limitations and more detailed information
about the fund's investments are contained in the fund's SAI. Policies and
limitations are considered at the time of purchase; the sale of instruments
is not required in the event of a subsequent change in circumstances.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that they are consistent with the fund's investment
objective and policies and that doing so will help the fund achieve its
goal. Fund holdings and recent investment strategies are detailed in the
fund's financial reports, which are sent to shareholders twice a year. For
a free SAI or financial report, call 1-800-544-8888.
EQUITY SECURITIES may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible
securities, and warrants. Common stocks, the most familiar type, represent
an equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. Although equity securities
have a history of long-term growth in value, their prices fluctuate based
on changes in a company's financial condition and on overall market and
economic conditions. Smaller companies are especially sensitive to these
factors.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of total assets, the fund may not
purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single
issuer.
DEBT SECURITIES. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or
variable rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity.
Some debt securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current
interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values. In
general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. Debt
securities, loans, and other direct debt have varying degrees of quality
and varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Longer-term
bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term
bonds.
Investment-grade debt securities are medium- and high-quality securities.
Some, however, may possess speculative characteristics, and may be more
sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial condition of
issuers. Lower-quality debt securities are sometimes called "junk bonds."
RESTRICTIONS: Purchase of a debt security is consistent with the fund's
debt quality policy if it is rated at or above the stated level by Moody's
or rated in the equivalent categories by S&P, or is unrated but judged to
be of equivalent quality by FMR. The fund currently intends to limit its
investments in lower than Baa-quality debt securities to 5% of its assets.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve additional risks and considerations. These include risks relating
to political or economic conditions in foreign countries, fluctuations in
foreign currencies, withholding or other taxes, operational risks,
increased regulatory burdens, and the potentially less stringent investor
protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Additionally,
governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to pay
interest and repay principal when due and may require that the conditions
for payment be renegotiated. All of these factors can make foreign
investments, especially those in developing countries, more volatile
than U.S. investments.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults
or becomes insolvent.
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE. The fund can use various techniques to
increase or decrease its exposure to changing security prices, interest
rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices, or other factors that
affect security values. These techniques may involve derivative
transactions such as buying and selling options and futures contracts,
entering into currency exchange contracts or swap agreements, and
purchasing indexed securities.
FMR can use these practices to adjust the risk and return characteristics
of the fund's portfolio of investments. If FMR judges market conditions
incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the
fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques
may increase the volatility of the fund and may involve a small investment
of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these
techniques could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction
does not perform as promised.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Some investments may be determined by
FMR, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, to be illiquid, which
means that they may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price.
The sale of some illiquid securities, and some other securities, may be
subject to legal restrictions. Difficulty in selling securities may result
in a loss or may be costly to the fund.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more
than 10% of its assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
OTHER INSTRUMENTS may include securities of closed-end investment companies
and real estate-related instruments.
CASH MANAGEMENT. The fund may invest in money market securities,
in repurchase agreements, and in a money market fund available only to
funds and accounts managed by FMR or its affiliates, whose goal is to seek
a high level of current income while maintaining a stable $1.00 share
price. A major change in interest rates or a default on the money market
fund's investments could cause its share price to change.
DIVERSIFICATION. Diversifying a fund's investment portfolio can reduce the
risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not
purchase a security if, as a result, more than 5% would be invested in the
securities of any issuer. The fund may not invest more than 25% of its
total assets in any one industry. These limitations do not apply to U.S.
Government securities.
BORROWING. The fund may borrow from banks or from other funds advised by
FMR, or through reverse repurchase agreements. If the fund borrows money,
its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing
is paid off. If the fund makes additional investments while borrowings are
outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes,
but not in an amount exceeding 331/3% of its total assets.
LENDING securities to broker-dealers and institutions, including Fidelity
Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI), an affiliate of FMR, is a means of earning
income. This practice could result in a loss or a delay in recovering the
fund's securities. The fund may also lend money to other funds advised by
FMR.
RESTRICTIONS: Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 331/3% of the fund's
total assets.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Some of the policies and restrictions discussed on the preceding pages are
fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval. The
following paragraphs restate all those that are fundamental. All policies
stated throughout this prospectus, other than those identified in the
following paragraphs, can be changed without shareholder approval.
The fund seeks capital appreciation. FMR will usually invest the fund's
assets substantially in common stock. However, investments are not
restricted to any one type of security. The fund does not place any
emphasis on dividend or interest income, except when FMR believes this
income will have a favorable influence on the market value of a security.
It is the fund's policy to invest in the securities of both well-known and
established companies and in securities of smaller, less well-known and
established companies. The emphasis placed on a particular type of security
will depend on FMR's interpretation of underlying economic, financial, and
security trends. When, in FMR's judgment, economic or market conditions
warrant a more conservative approach to investment, the fund's portfolio
may be temporarily adjusted to favor more defensive securities, including
investment grade, fixed-income securities of all types.
With respect to 75% of its assets, the fund may not purchase a security
if, as a result, more than 5% would be invested in the securities of any
one issuer and may not purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer.
The fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one
industry.
The fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes, but not in an
amount exceeding 33% of its total assets.
Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 33% of the fund's total assets.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
Like all mutual funds, the fund pays fees related to its daily operations.
Expenses paid out of the fund's assets are reflected in its share price or
dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor deducted
from shareholder accounts.
The fund pays a MANAGEMENT FEE to FMR for managing its investments and
business affairs. FMR in turn pays fees to affiliates who provide
assistance with these services. The fund also pays OTHER EXPENSES, which
are explained on page .
FMR may, from time to time, agree to reimburse the fund for management fees
and other expenses above a specified limit. FMR retains the ability to be
repaid by the fund if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the
end of the fiscal year. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated
at any time without notice, can decrease the fund's expenses and boost its
performance.
MANAGEMENT FEE
The management fee is calculated and paid to FMR every month. The amount of
the fee is determined by taking a BASIC FEE and then applying a PERFORMANCE
ADJUSTMENT. The performance adjustment either increases or decreases the
management fee, depending on how well the fund has performed relative to
the S&P 500.
Manage = Ba +/- Performa
ment sic nce
fee fee adjustme
nt
THE BASIC FEE (calculated monthly) is calculated by adding a group fee rate
to an individual fund fee rate, and multiplying the result by the fund's
average net assets. The group fee rate is based on the average net assets
of all the mutual funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above .52%,
and it drops as total assets under management increase.
For Novembe r 1996, the group fee rate was .3026 %. The
individual fund fee rate is .30%. The basic fee rate for the fiscal year
ended November 199 6 was .61 %.
THE PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENT rate is calculated monthly by comparing the
fund's performance to that of the S&P 500 over the most recent 36-month
period. The difference is translated into a dollar amount that is added to
or subtracted from the basic fee. The maximum annualized performance
adjustment rate is " .20%.
T he total management fee rate for the fiscal year ended November
19 96 was .50 %.
UNDERSTANDING THE
MANAGEMENT FEE
The basic fee FMR receives
is designed to be responsive
to changes in FMR's total
assets under management.
Building this variable into the
fee calculation assures
shareholders that they will
pay a lower rate as FMR's
assets under management
increase.
Another variable, the
performance adjustment,
rewards FMR when the fund
outperforms the S&P 500 (an
established index of stock
market performance) and
reduces FMR's fee when the
fund underperforms this
index.
(checkmark)
FMR HAS SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS with FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. These
sub-advisers provide FMR with investment research and advice on issuers
based outside the United States. Under the sub-advisory agreements, FMR
pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal to 110% and 105%, respectively,
of the costs of providing these services.
The sub-advisers may also provide investment management services. In
return, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal to 50% of its
management fee rate with respect to the fund's investments that the
sub-adviser manages on a discretionary basis.
OTHER EXPENSES
While the management fee is a significant component of the fund's annual
operating costs, the fund has other expenses as well.
The fund contracts with FSC to perform many transaction and accounting
functions. These services include processing shareholder transactions,
valuing the fund's investments, and handling securities loans. In the
fiscal year ended November 19 96 , the fund paid FSC fees equal to
.22 % of its average net assets.
The fund also pays other expenses, such as legal, audit, and custodian
fees; proxy solicitation costs; and the compensation of trustees who are
not affiliated with Fidelity. A broker-dealer may use a portion of the
commissions paid by the fund to reduce the fund's custodian or transfer
agent fees.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan. This plan recognizes
that FMR may use its resources, including management fees, to pay expenses
associated with the sale of fund shares. This may include payments to third
parties, such as banks or broker-dealers, that provide shareholder support
services or engage in the sale of the fund's shares. It is important to
note, however, that the fund does not pay FMR any separate fees for this
service.
The fund's portfolio turnover rate for fiscal 19 96 was 230 %.
This rate varies from year to year. High turnover rates increase
transaction costs and may increase taxable capital gains. FMR considers
these effects when evaluating the anticipated benefits of short-term
investing.
YOUR ACCOUNT
DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's
first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in
the country, and is known as an innovative provider of high-quality
financial services to individuals and institutions.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of
America's leading discount brokerage firms, FBSI. Fidelity is also a leader
in providing tax-sheltered retirement plans for individuals investing on
their own or through their employer.
Fidelity is committed to providing investors with practical information to
make investment decisions. Based in Boston, Fidelity provides customers
with complete service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through a network of
telephone service centers around the country.
To reach Fidelity for general information, call these numbers:
(small solid bullet) For mutual funds, 1-800-544-8888
(small solid bullet) For brokerage, 1-800-544-7272
If you would prefer to speak with a representative in person, Fidelity has
over 80 walk-in Investor Centers across the country.
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
You may set up an account directly in the fund or, if you own or intend to
purchase individual securities as part of your total investment portfolio,
you may consider investing in the fund through a brokerage account.
You may purchase or sell shares of the fund through an investment
professional, including a broker, who may charge you a transaction fee for
this service. If you invest through FBSI, another financial institution, or
an investment professional, read their program materials for any special
provisions, additional service features or fees that may apply to your
investment in the fund. Certain features of the fund, such as the minimum
initial or subsequent investment amounts, may be modified.
The different ways to set up (register) your account with Fidelity are
listed in the table that follows.
The account guidelines that follow may not apply to certain retirement
accounts. If you are investing through a retirement account or if
your employer offers the fund through a retirement program, you may be
subject to additional fees. For more information, please refer to your
program materials, contact your employer, or call your
retirement benefits number or Fidelity directly , as appropriate.
FIDELITY FACTS
Fidelity offers the broadest
selection of mutual funds
in the world.
(solid bullet) Number of Fidelity mutual
funds: over 225
(solid bullet) Assets in Fidelity mutual
funds: over $ 435 billion
(solid bullet) Number of shareholder
accounts: over 29 million
(solid bullet) Number of investment
analysts and portfolio
managers: over 215
(checkmark)
WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT
INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT TENANT
FOR YOUR GENERAL INVESTMENT NEEDS
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts can have two or
more owners (tenants).
RETIREMENT
TO SHELTER YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS FROM TAXES
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and
capital gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these
accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement accounts require special
applications and typically have lower minimums.
(solid bullet) INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS) allow anyone of legal
age and under 70 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year.
Individuals can also invest in a spouse's IRA if the spouse has earned
income of less than $250.
(solid bullet) ROLLOVER IRAS retain special tax advantages for certain
distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans.
(solid bullet) KEOGH OR CORPORATE PROFIT SHARING AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS allow self-employed individuals or small business owners (and their
employees) to make tax-deductible contributions for themselves and any
eligible employees up to $30,000 per year.
(solid bullet) SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP-IRAS) provide small
business owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible
employees) with many of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer
administrative requirements.
(solid bullet) 403(B) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS are available to employees of most
tax-exempt institutions, including schools, hospitals, and other charitable
organizations.
(solid bullet) 401(K) PROGRAMS allow employees of corporations of all sizes
to contribute a percentage of their wages on a tax-deferred basis. These
accounts need to be established by the trustee of the plan.
GIFTS OR TRANSFERS TO A MINOR (UGMA, UTMA)
TO INVEST FOR A CHILD'S EDUCATION OR OTHER FUTURE NEEDS
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
tax benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child without
paying federal gift tax. Depending on state laws, you can set up a
custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
TRUST
FOR MONEY BEING INVESTED BY A TRUST
The trust must be established before an account can be opened.
BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION
FOR INVESTMENT NEEDS OF CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, OR OTHER
GROUPS
Requires a special application.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
THE FUND'S SHARE PRICE, called net asset value (NAV), is calculated every
business day. The fund's shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares are purchased at the next share price calculated after your
investment is received and accepted. Share price is normally calculated at
4 p.m. Eastern time.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO FIDELITY, complete and sign an account application and
mail it along with your check. You may also open your account in person or
by wire as described on page . If there is no application accompanying this
prospectus, call 1-800-544-8888.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE MONEY INVESTED IN A FIDELITY FUND, you can:
(small solid bullet) Mail in an application with a check, or
(small solid bullet) Open your account by exchanging from another Fidelity
fund.
IF YOU ARE INVESTING THROUGH A TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLAN, such as an
IRA, for the first time, you will need a special application. Retirement
investing also involves its own investment procedures. Call 1-800-544-8888
for more information and a retirement application.
If you buy shares by check or Fidelity Money Line(registered trademark),
and then sell those shares by any method other than by exchange to another
Fidelity fund, the payment may be delayed for up to seven business days to
ensure that your previous investment has cleared.
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT $2500
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA
and Keogh accounts $500
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT $250
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA
and Keogh accounts $250
Through regular investment plans* $100
MINIMUM BALANCE $2000
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA
and Keogh accounts $500
* FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS, PLEASE REFER TO
"INVESTOR SERVICES," PAGE .
These minimums may vary for investments through Fidelity Portfolio Advisory
Services. There is no minimum account balance or initial or subsequent
investment minimums for certain retirement accounts funded through salary
reduction, or accounts opened with the proceeds of distributions from such
Fidelity retirement accounts. Refer to the program materials for
details.
<TABLE>
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TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) (small solid bullet) Exchange from another (small solid bullet) Exchange from another
Fidelity fund account Fidelity fund account
with the same with the same
registration, including registration, including
name, address, and name, address, and
taxpayer ID number. taxpayer ID number.
(small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Money
Line to transfer from
your bank account. Call
before your first use to
verify that this service
is in place on your
account. Maximum
Money Line: $50,000.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Mail (mail_graphic) (small solid bullet) Complete and sign the (small solid bullet) Make your check
application. Make your payable to "Fidelity
check payable to Retirement Growth
"Fidelity Retirement Fund." Indicate your
Growth Fund." Mail to fund account number
the address indicated on your check and mail
on the application. to the address printed
on your account
statement.
(small solid bullet) Exchange by mail: call
1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
In Person (hand_graphic) (small solid bullet) Bring your application (small solid bullet) Bring your check to a
and check to a Fidelity Fidelity Investor Center.
Investor Center. Call Call 1-800-544-9797 for
1-800-544-9797 for the the center nearest you.
center nearest you.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Wire (wire_graphic) (small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-7777 to (small solid bullet) Not available for
set up your account retirement accounts.
and to arrange a wire (small solid bullet) Wire to:
transaction. Not Bankers Trust
available for retirement Company,
accounts. Bank Routing
(small solid bullet) Wire within 24 hours to: #021001033,
Bankers Trust Account #00163053.
Company, Specify "Fidelity
Bank Routing Retirement Growth
#021001033, Fund" and include your
Account #00163053. account number and
Specify "Fidelity your name.
Retirement Growth
Fund" and include your
new account number
and your name.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Automatically (automatic_graphic) (small solid bullet) Not available. (small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Automatic
Account Builder. Sign
up for this service
when opening your
account, or call
1-800-544-6666 to add
it.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can arrange to take money out of your fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Your shares will be sold at
the next share price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Share price is normally calculated at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
TO SELL SHARES IN A NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, you may use any of the methods
described on these two pages.
TO SELL SHARES IN A FIDELITY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, your request must be made
in writing, except for exchanges to other Fidelity funds, which can be
requested by phone or in writing. Call 1-800-544-6666 for a retirement
distribution form.
IF YOU ARE SELLING SOME BUT NOT ALL OF YOUR SHARES, leave at least
$ 2,000 ($500 for retirement accounts) worth of shares in the account
to keep it open.
TO SELL SHARES BY BANK WIRE OR FIDELITY MONEY LINE, you will need to sign
up for these services in advance.
CERTAIN REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. It is designed to
protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Your request must be made in writing
and include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations apply:
(small solid bullet) You wish to redeem more than $100,000 worth of shares,
(small solid bullet) Your account registration has changed within the last
30 days,
(small solid bullet) The check is being mailed to a different address than
the one on your account (record address),
(small solid bullet) The check is being made payable to someone other than
the account owner, or
(small solid bullet) The redemption proceeds are being transferred to a
Fidelity account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker
(including Fidelity Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized
under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or
savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
SELLING SHARES IN WRITING
Write a "letter of instruction" with:
(small solid bullet) Your name,
(small solid bullet) The fund's name,
(small solid bullet) Your fund account number,
(small solid bullet) The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed,
and
(small solid bullet) Any other applicable requirements listed in the table
that follows.
Unless otherwise instructed, Fidelity will send a check to the record
address. Deliver your letter to a Fidelity Investor Center, or mail it to:
Fidelity Investments
P.O. Box 660602
Dallas, TX 75266-0602
ACCOUNT TYPE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
<TABLE>
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<S> <C> <C>
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) Maximum check request:
except retirement $100,000.
(small solid bullet) For Money Line transfers to
All account types your bank account; minimum:
$10; maximum: $100,000.
(small solid bullet) You may exchange to other
Fidelity funds if both
accounts are registered with
the same name(s), address,
and taxpayer ID number.
Mail or in Person (mail_graphic)(hand_graphic) Individual, Joint (small solid bullet) The letter of instruction must
Tenant, be signed by all persons
Sole Proprietorship required to sign for
, UGMA, UTMA transactions, exactly as their
Retirement account names appear on the
account.
(small solid bullet) The account owner should
Trust complete a retirement
distribution form. Call
1-800-544-6666 to request
one.
Business or (small solid bullet) The trustee must sign the
Organization letter indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's name
is not in the account
registration, provide a copy of
the trust document certified
Executor, within the last 60 days.
Administrator, (small solid bullet) At least one person
Conservator, authorized by corporate
Guardian resolution to act on the
account must sign the letter.
(small solid bullet) Include a corporate
resolution with corporate seal
or a signature guarantee.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
Wire (wire_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) You must sign up for the wire
except retirement feature before using it. To
verify that it is in place, call
1-800-544-6666. Minimum
wire: $5,000.
(small solid bullet) Your wire redemption request
must be received and
accepted by Fidelity before 4
p.m. Eastern time for money
to be wired on the next
business day.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
INVESTOR SERVICES
Fidelity provides a variety of services to help you manage your account.
INFORMATION SERVICES
FIDELITY'S TELEPHONE REPRESENTATIVES are available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. Whenever you call, you can speak with someone equipped to provide
the information or service you need.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS that Fidelity sends to you include the following:
(small solid bullet) Confirmation statements (after every transaction,
except reinvestments, that affects your account balance or your account
registration)
(small solid bullet) Account statements (quarterly)
(small solid bullet) Financial reports (every six months)
24-HOUR SERVICE
ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-6666
ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
1-800-544-7777
PRODUCT INFORMATION
1-800-544-8888
RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-4774
TOUCHTONE XPRESSSM
1-800-544-5555
AUTOMATED SERVICE
(checkmark)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most financial reports and
prospectuses will be mailed to your household, even if you have more than
one account in the fund. Call 1-800-544-6666 if you need copies of
financial reports, prospectuses, or historical account information.
TRANSACTION SERVICES
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may sell your fund shares and buy shares of other
Fidelity funds by telephone or in writing.
Note that exchanges out of the fund are limited to four per calendar year,
and that they may have tax consequences for you. For details on policies
and restrictions governing exchanges, including circumstances under which a
shareholder's exchange privilege may be suspended or revoked, see page .
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS let you set up periodic redemptions from your
account.
FIDELITY MONEY LINE(registered trademark) enables you to transfer money by
phone between your bank account and your fund account. Most transfers are
complete within three business days of your call.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
One easy way to pursue your financial goals is to invest money regularly.
Fidelity offers convenient services that let you transfer money into your
fund account, or between fund accounts, automatically. While regular
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect you against
loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest for
retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial
goals. Certain restrictions apply for retirement accounts. Call
1-800-544-6666 for more information.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT BUILDERSM
TO MOVE MONEY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO A FIDELITY FUND
<TABLE>
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly or (small solid bullet) For a new account, complete the
quarterly appropriate section on the fund
application.
(small solid bullet) For existing accounts, call
1-800-544-6666 for an application.
(small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
your investment, call 1-800-544-6666 at
least three business days prior to your
next scheduled investment date.
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DIRECT DEPOSIT
TO SEND ALL OR A PORTION OF YOUR PAYCHECK OR GOVERNMENT CHECK TO A FIDELITY
FUNDA
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Every pay (small solid bullet) Check the appropriate box on the fund
period application, or call 1-800-544-6666 for an
authorization form.
(small solid bullet) Changes require a new authorization
form.
</TABLE>
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE
TO MOVE MONEY FROM A FIDELITY MONEY MARKET FUND TO ANOTHER FIDELITY FUND
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly, (small solid bullet) To establish, call 1-800-544-6666 after
bimonthly, both accounts are opened.
quarterly, or (small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
annually your investment, call 1-800-544-6666.
</TABLE>
A BECAUSE ITS SHARE PRICE FLUCTUATES, THE FUND MAY NOT BE AN APPROPRIATE
CHOICE FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT OF YOUR ENTIRE CHECK.
SHAREHOLDER AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
The fund distributes substantially all of its net income and capital gains
to shareholders each year. Normally, dividends and capital gains are
distributed in December and January.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to
receive your distributions. If the option you prefer is not listed on the
application, call 1-800-544-6666 for instructions. The fund offers four
options:
5. REINVESTMENT OPTION. Your dividend and capital gain distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. If you do not
indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
6. INCOME-EARNED OPTION. Your capital gain distributions will be
automatically reinvested, but you will be sent a check for each dividend
distribution.
7. CASH OPTION. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital gain
distributions.
8. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS(registered trademark) OPTION. Your dividend and
capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in another
identically registered Fidelity fund.
FOR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, all distributions are automatically reinvested.
When you are over 59 years old, you can receive distributions in cash.
When the fund deducts a distribution from its NAV, the reinvestment price
is the fund's NAV at the close of business that day. Cash distribution
checks will be mailed within seven days.
UNDERSTANDING
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a fund shareholder, you
are entitled to your share of
the fund's net income and
gains on its investments. The
fund passes its earnings
along to its investors as
DISTRIBUTIONS.
The fund earns dividends
from stocks and interest from
bond, money market, and
other investments. These are
passed along as DIVIDEND
DISTRIBUTIONS. The fund
realizes capital gains
whenever it sells securities
for a higher price than it paid
for them. These are passed
along as CAPITAL GAIN
DISTRIBUTIONS.
(checkmark)
TAXES
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account,
you should be aware of these tax implications.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions are subject to federal income tax,
and may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you live outside the
United States, your distributions could also be taxed by the country in
which you reside. Your distributions are taxable when they are paid,
whether you take them in cash or reinvest them. However, distributions
declared in December and
paid in January are taxable as if they were paid on December 31.
For federal tax purposes, the fund's income and short-term capital gain
distributions are taxed as dividends; long-term capital gain distributions
are taxed as long-term capital gains. Every January, Fidelity will send you
and the IRS a statement showing the taxable distributions paid to you in
the previous year.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS. Your redemptions - including exchanges to other
Fidelity funds - are subject to capital gains tax. A capital gain or loss
is the difference between the cost of your shares and the price you receive
when you sell them.
Whenever you sell shares of the fund, Fidelity will send you a confirmation
statement showing how many shares you sold and at what price. You will also
receive a consolidated transaction statement every January. However, it is
up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether this sale resulted in a
capital gain and, if so, the amount of tax to be paid. Be sure to keep your
regular account statements; the information they contain will be essential
in calculating the amount of your capital gains.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND." If you buy shares when the fund has realized but not
yet distributed income or capital gains, you will pay the full price for
the shares and then receive a portion of the price back in the form of a
taxable distribution.
EFFECT OF FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may impose taxes on the fund
and its investments and these taxes generally will reduce the fund's
distributions.
There are tax requirements that all funds must follow in order to avoid
federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the fund
may have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
THE FUND IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
is open. Fidelity normally calculates the fund's NAV as of the close of
business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time.
THE FUND'S NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by
adding the value of the fund's investments, cash, and other assets,
subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing the result by the number of
shares outstanding.
The fund's assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary
market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency
into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Short-term securities
with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which quotations are
not readily available are valued on the basis of amortized cost. This
method minimizes the effect of changes in a security's market value. In
addition, i f quotations are not readily available, or if the values
have been materially affected by events occurring after the closing of a
foreign market, assets are valued by a method that the Board of Trustees
believes accurately reflects fair value.
THE FUND'S OFFERING PRICE (price to buy one share) and REDEMPTION PRICE
(price to sell one share) are its NAV.
WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION, you will be asked to certify that
your Social Security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that
you are not subject to 31% backup withholding for failing to report income
to the IRS. If you violate IRS regulations, the IRS can require the fund to
withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and redemptions.
YOU MAY INITIATE MANY TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Fidelity may only be
liable for losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it does not
follow reasonable procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller.
Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and
may also record calls. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation
statements immediately after you receive them. If you do not want the
ability to redeem and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for
instructions.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH FIDELITY BY PHONE (for example, during periods
of unusual market activity), consider placing your order by mail or by
visiting a Fidelity Investor Center.
THE FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES for a period
of time. The fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including certain purchases by exchange. See "Exchange Restrictions"
on page . Purchase orders may be refused if, in FMR's opinion, they would
disrupt management of the fund.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO BUY SHARES, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Note the following:
(small solid bullet) All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and
checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity does not accept cash.
(small solid bullet) When making a purchase with more than one check, each
check must have a value of at least $50.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to limit the number of
checks processed at one time.
(small solid bullet) If your check does not clear, your purchase will be
cancelled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the fund or its
transfer agent has incurred.
TO AVOID THE COLLECTION PERIOD associated with check and Money Line
purchases, consider buying shares by bank wire, U.S. Postal money order,
U.S. Treasury check, Federal Reserve check, or direct deposit instead.
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS that have entered into sales agreements with
FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone,
with payment to follow no later than the time when the fund is priced on
the following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the
financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO SELL SHARES, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after your request is received and accepted. Note the
following:
(small solid bullet) Normally, redemption proceeds will be mailed to you on
the next business day, but if making immediate payment could adversely
affect the fund, it may take up to seven days to pay you.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity Money Line redemptions generally will be
credited to your bank account on the second or third business day after
your phone call.
(small solid bullet) The fund may hold payment on redemptions until it is
reasonably satisfied that investments made by check or Fidelity Money Line
have been collected, which can take up to seven business days.
(small solid bullet) Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates
postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when
trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
FIDELITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DEDUCT AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE of $12.00
from accounts with a value of less than $2,500, subject to an annual
maximum charge of $ 24.00 per shareholder. It is expected that
accounts will be valued on the second Friday in November of each year.
Accounts opened after September 30 will not be subject to the fee for that
year. The fee, which is payable to the transfer agent, is designed to
offset in part the relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts.
This fee will not be deducted from Fidelity brokerage accounts,
retirement accounts (except non-prototype retirement accounts),
accounts using regular investment plans, or if total assets in Fidelity
funds exceed $ 3 0,000. Eligibility for the $ 3 0,000 waiver is
determined by aggregating Fidelity accounts maintained by FSC or FBSI which
are registered under the same S ocial S ecurity number or which
list the same S ocial S ecurity number for the custodian of a
Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act account.
IF YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE FALLS BELOW $2, 00 0, you will be given 30
days' notice to reestablish the minimum balance. If you do not increase
your balance, Fidelity reserves the right to close your account and send
the proceeds to you. Your shares will be redeemed at the NAV on the day
your account is closed.
FIDELITY MAY CHARGE A FEE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, such as providing
historical account documents, that are beyond the normal scope of its
services.
FDC may, at its own expense, provide promotional incentives to qualified
recipients who support the sale of shares of the fund without reimbursement
from the fund. Qualified recipients are securities dealers who have sold
fund shares or others, including banks and other financial institutions,
under special arrangements in connection with FDC's sales activities. In
some instances, these incentives may be offered only to certain
institutions whose representatives provide services in connection with the
sale or expected sale of significant amounts of shares.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of the fund
for shares of other Fidelity funds. However, you should note the following:
(small solid bullet) The fund you are exchanging into must be
available for sale in your state.
(small solid bullet) You may only exchange between accounts that are
registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
(small solid bullet) Before exchanging into a fund, read its prospectus.
(small solid bullet) If you exchange into a fund with a sales charge, you
pay the percentage-point difference between that fund's sales charge and
any sales charge you have previously paid in connection with the shares you
are exchanging. For example, if you had already paid a sales charge of 2%
on your shares and you exchange them into a fund with a 3% sales charge,
you would pay an additional 1% sales charge.
(small solid bullet) Exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
(small solid bullet) Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance
and shareholders, the fund reserves the right to temporarily or permanently
terminate the exchange privilege of any investor who makes more than four
exchanges out of the fund per calendar year. Accounts under common
ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer
identification number, will be counted together for purposes of the four
exchange limit.
(small solid bullet) The exchange limit may be modified for accounts in
certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits
and Department of Labor regulations. See your plan materials for further
information.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to refuse exchange
purchases by any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be
unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment
objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected.
(small solid bullet) Your exchanges may be restricted or refused if the
fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant
portions of the fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that
coincides with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to the fund.
Although the fund will attempt to give you prior notice whenever it is
reasonably able to do so, it may impose these restrictions at any time. The
fund reserves the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege in
the future.
OTHER FUNDS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS, and may impose
administrative fees of up to $7.50 and redemption fees of up to 1.50% on
exchanges. Check each fund's prospectus for details.
This prospectus is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
FIDELITY RETIREMENT GROWTH FUND
A FUND OF FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JANUARY 22, 1997
This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the fund's current Prospectus (dated January 22, 1997). Please retain
this document for fut ure reference. The fund's financial statements and
financial highlights, included in the Annual Report for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 199 6 , are incorporated herein by reference. To
obtain an additional copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report, please
call Fidelity Distributors Corporation at 1-800-544-8888.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Investment Policies and Limitations
Portfolio Transactions
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Performance
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
Distributions and Taxes
FMR
Trustees and Officers
Management Contract
Distribution and Service Plan
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
Description of the Trust
Financial Statements
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.)
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (FMR Far East)
DISTRIBUTOR
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC)
TRANSFER AGENT
Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC)
FRE-ptb-0197
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the
Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or
limitation states a maximum percentage of the fund's assets that may be
invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding
quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be
determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values,
net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining
whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and
limitations.
The fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be
changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the fund.
However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below,
the investment policies and limitations described in this Statement of
Additional Information are not fundamental and may be changed without
shareholder approval. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT
LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities
of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result,
(a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less
liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that come to exceed
this amount will be reduced within three days (not including Sundays and
holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3% limitation;
(4) underwrite any issue of securities (except to the extent that the fund
may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act
of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities);
(5) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than obligations issued or
guaranteed by the government of the United States or its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result thereof, more than 25% of the fund's
total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in securities of
one or more issuers having their principal business activities in the same
industry;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities); or
(8) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, but this
limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase
agreements.
THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED
WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(iv) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to purchase interests in real estate
investment trusts that are not readily marketable or interests in real
estate limited partnerships that are not listed on an exchange or traded on
the NASDAQ National Market System if , as a result, the sum of such
interests and other investments considered illiquid under limitation (iv)
would exceed 10% of the fund's net assets.
(vi) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 5% of the
fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for
which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) acquiring
loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt instruments and,
in connection therewith, assuming any associated unfunded commitments of
the sellers. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt
securities or to repurchase agreements).
(vii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commission
except the ordinary broker's commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open-end investment companies. Limitations (a)
and (b) do not apply (i) to securities received as dividends, through
offers of exchange, or as a result of reorganization, consolidation, or
merger, or (ii) to securities of other open-end investment companies
managed by FMR or a successor or affiliate purchased pursuant to an
exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of
any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by domestic or
foreign governments or political subdivisions thereof) if, as a result,
more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of
business enterprises that, including predecessors, have a record of less
than three years of continuous operation.
(ix) The fund does not currently intend to purchase warrants, valued at the
lower of cost or market, in excess of 5% of the fund's net assets. Included
in that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the fund's net assets, may be
warrants that are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American
Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached to
securities are not subject to these restrictions.
(x) The fund does not currently intend to invest in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
(xi) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer if those officers and Trustees of the trust and those officers and
directors of FMR who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities
of such issuer together own more than 5% of such issuer's securities.
For purposes of limitation (viii), pass-through entities and other special
purpose vehicles or pools of financial assets, such as issuers of
asset-backed securities or investment companies, are not considered
"business enterprises."
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions" on page
.
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that doing so will help the fund achieve its goal.
AFFILIATED BANK TRANSACTIONS. The fund may engage in transactions with
financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated
persons" of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These
transactions may include repurchase agreements with custodian banks;
short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest
U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S.
G overnment securities with affiliated financial institutions that
are primary dealers in these securities; short-term currency transactions;
and short-term borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Board of Trustees has
established and periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions
involving affiliated financial institutions.
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIE S. The fund may purchase the shares of
closed-end investment companies to facilitate investment in certain
countries. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade at a premium
or a discount to their net asset value .
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S.
investments. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and
of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will
fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
Foreign investments involve a risk of local political, economic, or social
instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments,
and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the
interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include the possibility of
expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation,
restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or
convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There
is no assurance that FMR will be able to anticipate these potential events
or counter their effects. These risks are magnified for investments in
developing countries, which may have relatively unstable governments,
economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade
a small number of securities.
Economies of particular countries or areas of the world may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States. Foreign
markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. It is
anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign
securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter markets located
outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in
volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the
United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those
located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading practices,
including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be
released prior to receipt of payment, may result in increased risk in the
event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. In addition, the costs of foreign
investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investors. In general, there is
less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities
exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. It may
also be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries. Foreign
issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to
those applicable to U.S. issuers.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United
States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts (ADR's) as well as other "hybrid" forms of
ADRs including European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary
Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a
foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depositary banks and
generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere.
The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar
financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depositary bank may
not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may
charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and
interest and corporate actions. ADRs are an alternative to directly
purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and
currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks
associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks
include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks
of the underlying issuer's country.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. The fund may conduct foreign currency
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or by entering into forward
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date and
price. The fund will convert currency on a spot basis from time to time,
and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although
foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for conversion, they
do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which
they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to
sell a foreign currency to the fund at one rate, while offering a lesser
rate of exchange should the fund desire to resell that currency to the
dealer. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market
conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the
contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The fund may use currency forward contracts for any purpose consistent with
its investment objective. The following discussion summarizes the principal
currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be
used by the fund. The fund may also use swap agreements, indexed
securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign
currencies for the same purposes.
When the fund agrees to buy or sell a security denominated in a foreign
currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security.
By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed
amount of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying security transaction, the fund will be able to protect itself
against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or
received. This technique is sometimes referred to as a "settlement hedge"
or "transaction hedge." The fund may also enter into forward contracts to
purchase or sell a foreign currency in anticipation of future purchases or
sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific
investments have not yet been selected by FMR.
The fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the
value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example,
if the fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter
into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars
to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge,
sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both
positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes
in security values caused by other factors. The fund could also hedge the
position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the
pound sterling - for example, by entering into a forward contract to sell
Deutschemarks or European Currency Units in return for U.S. dollars. This
type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer
advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not
hedge currency exposure as effectively as a simple hedge into U.S. dollars.
Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not
perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are
denominated.
The fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure
from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from
U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another
foreign currency. For example, if the fund held investments denominated in
Deutschemarks, the fund could enter into forward contracts to sell
Deutschemarks and purchase Swiss Francs. This type of strategy, sometimes
known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the
currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is
purchased, much as if the fund had sold a security denominated in one
currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another.
Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged
currency, but will cause the fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the
value of the currency it purchases.
Under certain conditions, SEC guidelines require mutual funds to set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover
currency forward contracts. As required by SEC guidelines, the fund will
segregate assets to cover currency forward contracts, if any, whose purpose
is essentially speculative. The fund will not segregate assets to cover
forward contracts entered into for hedging purposes, including settlement
hedges, position hedges, and proxy hedges.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on FMR's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Currency management strategies
may substantially change the fund's investment exposure to changes in
currency exchange rates, and could result in losses to the fund if
currencies do not perform as FMR anticipates. For example, if a currency's
value rose at a time when FMR had hedged the fund by selling that currency
in exchange for dollars, the fund would be unable to participate in the
currency's appreciation. If FMR hedges currency exposure through proxy
hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from the hedge and the
security position at the same time if the two currencies do not move in
tandem. Similarly, if FMR increases the fund's exposure to a foreign
currency, and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss.
There is no assurance that FMR's use of currency management strategies will
be advantageous to the fund or that it will hedge at an appropriate time.
FUND'S RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. The fund does not intend to direct or
administer the day-to-day operations of any company. The fund, however, may
exercise its rights as a shareholder and may communicate its views on
important matters of policy to management, the Board of Directors, and
shareholders of a company when FMR determines that such matters could have
a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company.
The activities that the fund may engage in, either individually or in
conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing
proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities;
seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in
a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of
the company or a portion of its assets; or supporting or opposing third
party takeover efforts. This area of corporate activity is increasingly
prone to litigation and it is possible that the fund could be involved in
lawsuits related to such activities. FMR will monitor such activities with
a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation
against the fund and the risk of actual liability if the fund is involved
in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against
the fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS. The following sections pertain to futures and options:
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions, Combined Positions,
Correlation of Price Changes, Futures Contracts, Futures Margin Payments,
Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions, Liquidity of Options and
Futures Contracts, Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies, OTC
Options, Purchasing Put and Call Options, and Writing Put and Call Options.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES AND OPTIONS POSITIONS. The fund will comply with
guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of
options and futures strategies by mutual funds, and if the guidelines so
require will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account in the amount prescribed. Securities held in a segregated account
cannot be sold while the futures or option strategy is outstanding, unless
they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, there is a
possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the fund's assets
could impede portfolio management or the fund's ability to meet redemption
requests or other current obligations.
COMBINED POSITIONS. The fund may purchase and write options in combination
with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to
adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For
example, the fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the
same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose
risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract.
Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at
one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial
price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades,
they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open
and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of types
of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized contracts available will not match the fund's current or
anticipated investments exactly. The fund may invest in options and futures
contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other
characteristics from the securities in which it typically invests, which
involves a risk that the options or futures position will not track the
performance of the fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors
as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility
of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of
the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect
correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options
and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences
in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of
daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. The fund may purchase or
sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the
securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to
compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price
changes in the fund's options or futures positions are poorly correlated
with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated
gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other
investments.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. When the fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to
purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. When
the fund sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell the underlying
instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and
sale will take place is fixed when the fund enters into the contract. Some
currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities,
such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are based on indices of
securities prices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P
500 (registered trademark) ). Futures can be held until their delivery
dates, or can be closed out before then if a liquid secondary market is
available.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem
with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures
contracts will tend to increase the fund's exposure to positive and
negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had
purchased the underlying instrument directly. When the fund sells a futures
contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move
in a direction contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts,
therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price
changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
FUTURES MARGIN PAYMENTS. The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the
contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and
seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker,
known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered
into. Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a percentage of the
contract's value. If the value of either party's position declines, that
party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to
settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a gain may
be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and
variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin
for purposes of the fund's investment limitations. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the fund, the fund may
be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to
the fund.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The fund has filed a
notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(CFTC) and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the
futures markets. The fund intends to comply with Rule 4.5 under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which the fund can
commit assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums.
In addition, the fund will not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase put
options, or write call options if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's
total assets would be hedged with futures and options under normal
conditions; (b) purchase futures contracts or write put options if, as a
result, the fund's total obligations upon settlement or exercise of
purchased futures contracts and written put options would exceed 25% of its
total assets; or (c) purchase call options if, as a result, the current
value of option premiums for call options purchased by the fund would
exceed 5% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to
options attached to or acquired or traded together with their underlying
securities, and do not apply to securities that incorporate features
similar to options.
The above limitations on the fund's investments in futures contracts and
options, and the fund's policies regarding futures contracts and options
discussed elsewhere in this SAI, may be changed as regulatory agencies
permit.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. There is no assurance a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular options or futures contract
at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and
liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying
instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily
price fluctuation limits for options and futures contracts, and may halt
trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit
in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit
is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for the fund
to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the
secondary market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation
limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable
positions, and potentially could require the fund to continue to hold a
position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value.
As a result, the fund's access to other assets held to cover its options or
futures positions could also be impaired.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES RELATING TO FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Currency futures
contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that
they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are
standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures
contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying
instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally
is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures
contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase
the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the
right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options
and futures relating to securities or indices, as discussed above. The fund
may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency
options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign
currencies. The fund may also purchase and write currency options in
conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with
exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of
the fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a
Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect
the fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the
issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of the fund's
foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other
than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency
options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over
time.
OTC OPTIONS. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with
respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and
strike price, the terms of over-the-counter (OTC) options (options not
traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the
other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows
the fund greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options
generally involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which
are guaranteed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are
traded.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, the fund
obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying
instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the fund pays
the current market price for the option (known as the option premium).
Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific
securities, indices of securities prices, and futures contracts. The fund
may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it
to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire,
the fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If the fund exercises the
option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike
price. The fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out
in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if security
prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price
does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put
buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium
paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's
strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential
price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost
of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can
expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to
offset the cost of the option.
WRITING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. When the fund writes a put option, it takes
the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return
for receipt of the premium, the fund assumes the obligation to pay the
strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to
the option chooses to exercise it. When writing an option on a futures
contract, the fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as
described above for futures contracts. The fund may seek to terminate its
position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the
option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary
market is not liquid for a put option the fund has written, however, the
fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option
is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside
assets to cover its position.
If security prices rise, a put writer would generally expect to profit,
although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it
received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that
the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the
option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the put writer would
expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from
purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the fund to sell or deliver the option's
underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the
option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the
same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is
greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security
price increases.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in
the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they
are valued. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, FMR determines
the liquidity of the fund's investments and, through reports from FMR, the
Board monitors investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the
liquidity of the fund's investments, FMR may consider various factors,
including (1) the frequency of trades and quotations, (2) the number of
dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market, (4) the nature of the security (including
any demand or tender features), and (5) the nature of the marketplace for
trades (including the ability to assign or offset the fund's rights and
obligations relating to the investment).
Investments currently considered by the fund to be illiquid include
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and
interest within seven days, over-the-counter options, and non-government
stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities. Also, FMR may determine
some restricted securities, government-stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed
securities, loans and other direct debt instruments, emerging market
securities, and swap agreements to be illiquid. However, with respect to
over-the-counter options the fund writes, all or a portion of the value of
the underlying instrument may be illiquid depending on the assets held to
cover the option and the nature and terms of any agreement the fund may
have to close out the option before expiration.
In the absence of market quotations, illiquid investments are priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the
Board of Trustees. If through a change in values, net assets, or other
circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net
assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take
appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
INDEXED SECURITIES. The fund may purchase securities whose prices are
indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, currencies,
precious metals or other commodities, or other financial indicators.
Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or
deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference
to a specific instrument or statistic. Gold-indexed securities, for
example, typically provide for a maturity value that depends on the price
of gold, resulting in a security whose price tends to rise and fall
together with gold prices. Currency-indexed securities typically are
short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or
interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more
specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of equivalent issuers. Currency-indexed
securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity
value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting
in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument,
or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase,
resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on
the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices
that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies
relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the
performance of the security, currency, or other instrument to which they
are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the
United States and abroad. At the same time, indexed securities are subject
to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their
values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness
deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks,
corporations, and certain U.S. G overnment agencies. Indexed
securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
INTERFUND BORROWING AND LENDING PROGRAM. Pursuant to an exemptive order
issued by the SEC, the fund has received permission to lend money to, and
borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. Interfund
loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum
duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. The
fund will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than
those available from an investment in repurchase agreements, and
will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower
than the cost of bank loans. The fund may have to borrow from a bank
at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed.
Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment
opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
LOANS AND OTHER DIRECT DEBT INSTRUMENTS are interests in amounts owed by a
corporate, governmental, or other borrower to another party. They may
represent amounts owed to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan
participations), to suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other
receivables), or to other parties. Direct debt instruments involve a risk
of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less
legal protection to the fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. In
addition, loan participations involve a risk of insolvency of the lending
bank or other financial intermediary. Direct debt instruments may also
include standby financing commitments that obligate the fund to supply
additional cash to the borrower on demand.
LOWER-QUALITY DEBT SECURITIES. The fund may purchase lower-quality debt
securities (those rated below Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or BBB
by Standard & Poor's, and unrated securities judged by FMR to be of
equivalent quality) that have poor protection with respect to the payment
of interest and repayment of principal or may be in default. These
securities are often considered to be speculative and involve greater risk
of loss or price changes due to changes in the issuer's capacity to pay.
The market prices of lower-quality debt securities may fluctuate more than
those of higher-quality debt securities and may decline significantly in
periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising
interest rates.
While the market for high-yield corporate debt securities has been in
existence for many years and has weathered previous economic downturns, the
1980s brought a dramatic increase in the use of such securities to fund
highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and restructurings. Past experience
may not provide an accurate indication of the future performance of the
high-yield bond market, especially during periods of economic recession.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active
than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect
the prices at which the former are sold. If market quotations are not
available, lower-quality debt securities will be valued in accordance with
procedures established by the Board of Trustees, including the use of
outside pricing services. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing
high-yield corporate debt securities than is the case for securities for
which more external sources for quotations and last-sale information are
available. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect
the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt
securities and the fund's ability to sell these securities.
Since the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities,
FMR's research and credit analysis are an especially important part of
managing securities of this type held by the fund. In considering
investments for the fund, FMR will attempt to identify those issuers of
high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet
future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
FMR's analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest
or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the
experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
The fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to
pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder
to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this
to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
REAL ESTATE-RELATED INSTRUMENTS include securities of real estate
investment trusts, commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities,
and real estate financings. Real estate-related instruments are sensitive
to factors such as real estate values and property taxes, interest rates,
cash flow of underlying real estate assets, overbuilding, and the
management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Real estate-related
instruments may also be affected by tax and regulatory requirements, such
as those relating to the environment.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases a
security and simultaneously commits to sell that security back to the
original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the
purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to
the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. To protect the fund
from risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the
securities are held in an account of the fund at a bank, marked-to-market
daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the
accrued incremental amount. While it does not presently appear possible to
eliminate all risks from these transactions (particularly the possibility
that the value of the underlying security will be less than the resale
price, as well as delays and costs to the fund in connection with
bankruptcy proceedings), it is the fund's current policy to engage in
repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has
been reviewed and found satisfactory by FMR.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES generally can be sold in privately negotiated
transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, or in a registered public offering. Where
registration is required, the fund may be obligated to pay all or part of
the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the
time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to
sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such
a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the fund might obtain
a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration
of the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund
sells a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or
broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument
at a particular price and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is
outstanding, the fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement.
The fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties
whose creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by FMR. Such
transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's
assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
SECURITIES LENDING. The fund may lend securities to parties such as
broker-dealers or institutional investors, including Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc. (FBSI). FBSI is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and
a subsidiary of FMR Corp.
Securities lending allows the fund to retain ownership of the securities
loaned and, at the same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be
delays in the recovery of loaned securities, or even a loss of rights in
collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially, loans will be
made only to parties deemed by FMR to be of good standing. Furthermore,
they will only be made if, in FMR's judgment, the consideration to be
earned from such loans would justify the risk.
FMR understands that it is the current view of the SEC Staff that a fund
may engage in loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1)
the fund must receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the
securities loaned (determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of
the collateral; (3) after giving notice, the fund must be able to terminate
the loan at any time; (4) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the
loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any
dividends, interest, or other distributions on the securities loaned and to
any increase in market value; (5) the fund may pay only reasonable
custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board of Trustees
must be able to vote proxies on the securities loaned, either by
terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative arrangement with
the borrower.
Cash received through loan transactions may be invested in any security in
which the fund is authorized to invest. Investing this cash subjects that
investment, as well as the security loaned, to market forces (i.e., capital
appreciation or depreciation).
SHORT SALES "AGAINST THE BOX." If the fund enters into a short sale against
the box, it will be required to set aside securities equivalent in kind and
amount to the securities sold short (or securities convertible or
exchangeable into such securities) and will be required to hold such
securities while the short sale is outstanding. The fund will incur
transaction costs, including interest expenses, in connection with opening,
maintaining, and closing short sales against the box.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and
structured to include exposure to a variety of investments or market
factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or
decrease the fund's exposure to long- or short-term interest rates (in the
United States or abroad), foreign currency values, mortgage securities,
corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or
inflation rates. Swap agreements can take many different forms and are
known by a variety of names. The fund is not limited to any particular form
of swap agreement if FMR determines it is consistent with the fund's
investment objective and policies.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only
under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by
the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the
right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is
obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements
of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift the fund's investment exposure from one
type of investment to another . For example, if the fund agreed to
exchange payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap
agreement would tend to decrease the fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates
and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Caps and
floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Depending on
how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall
volatility of the fund's investments and its share price.
The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the
change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that
determine the amounts of payments due to and from the fund. If a swap
agreement calls for payments by the fund, the fund must be prepared to make
such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness
declined, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline,
potentially resulting in losses. The fund expects to be able to eliminate
its exposure under swap agreements either by assignment or other
disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same
party or a similarly creditworthy party.
The fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its current obligations under swap agreements. If the fund
enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with
a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the fund's accrued
obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the fund is
entitled to receive under the agreement. If the fund enters into a swap
agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value
equal to the full amount of the fund's accrued obligations under the
agreement.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on
behalf of the fund by FMR pursuant to authority contained in the management
contract. If FMR grants investment management authority to the sub-advisers
(see the section entitled "Management Contract"), the sub-advisers are
authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities, and will do so in accordance with the policies described below.
FMR is also responsible for the placement of transaction orders for other
investment companies and accounts for which it or its affiliates act as
investment adviser. In selecting broker-dealers, subject to applicable
limitations of the federal securities laws, FMR considers various relevant
factors, including, but not limited to: the size and type of the
transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the security to be
purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and
financial condition of the broker-dealer firm; the broker-dealer's
execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the reasonableness of
any commissions; and arrangements for payment of fund expenses. Generally,
commissions for investments traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than
for investments traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be subject to
negotiation.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with broker-dealers who provide
research and execution services to the fund or other accounts over which
FMR or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. Such services may
include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of
investing in, purchasing, or selling securities; and the availability of
securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities. In addition, such
broker-dealers may furnish analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy,
and performance of accounts; effect securities transactions, and perform
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). The
selection of such broker-dealers generally is made by FMR (to the extent
possible consistent with execution considerations) in accordance with a
ranking of broker-dealers determined periodically by FMR's investment staff
based upon the quality of research and execution services provided.
The receipt of research from broker-dealers that execute transactions on
behalf of the fund may be useful to FMR in rendering investment management
services to the fund or its other clients, and conversely, such research
provided by broker-dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf
of other FMR clients may be useful to FMR in carrying out its obligations
to the fund. The receipt of such research has not reduced FMR's normal
independent research activities; however, it enables FMR to avoid the
additional expenses that could be incurred if FMR tried to develop
comparable information through its own efforts.
Subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws,
broker-dealers may receive commissions for agency transactions that are in
excess of the amount of commissions charged by other broker-dealers in
recognition of their research and execution services. In order to cause the
fund to pay such higher commissions, FMR must determine in good faith that
such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services provided by such executing broker-dealers, viewed in
terms of a particular transaction or FMR's overall responsibilities to the
fund and its other clients. In reaching this determination, FMR will not
attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and research
services provided, or to determine what portion of the compensation should
be related to those services.
FMR is authorized to use research services provided by and to place
portfolio transactions with brokerage firms that have provided assistance
in the distribution of shares of the fund or shares of other Fidelity funds
to the extent permitted by law. FMR may use research services provided by
and place agency transactions with Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI)
and Fidelity Brokerage Services (FBS), subsidiaries of FMR Corp., if the
commissions are fair, reasonable, and comparable to commissions charged by
non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms for similar services. From
September 1992 through December 1994, FBS operated under the name Fidelity
Brokerage Services Limited (FBSL). As of January 1995, FBSL was converted
to an unlimited liability company and assumed the name FBS.
FMR may allocate brokerage transactions to broker-dealers who have entered
into arrangements with FMR under which the broker-dealer allocates a
portion of the commissions paid by the fund toward payment of the fund's
expenses, such as transfer agent fees or custodian fees. The transaction
quality must, however, be comparable to those of other qualified
broker-dealers.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits members of
national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for
accounts which they or their affiliates manage, unless certain requirements
are satisfied. Pursuant to such requirements, the Board of Trustees has
authorized FBSI to execute portfolio transactions on national securities
exchanges in accordance with approved procedures and applicable SEC rules.
The Trustees periodically review FMR's performance of its responsibilities
in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the
fund and review the commissions paid by the fund over representative
periods of time to determine if they are reasonable in relation to the
benefits to the fund.
For the fiscal years ended November 30, 199 6 and 199 5 , the
fund's portfolio turnover rates were 230 % and 108 %,
respectively. Because a high turnover rate increases transaction costs and
may increase taxable gains, FMR carefully weighs the anticipated benefits
of short-term investing against these consequences. An increased turnover
rate is due to a greater volume of shareholder purchase orders, short-term
interest rate volatility and other special market conditions.
For the fiscal years ended November 199 6 , 199 5 , and
199 4 , the fund paid brokerage commissions of $ 13,488,000 ,
$ 3,901,000 , and $ 4,393,000 , respectively. The fund pays both
commissions and spreads in connection with the placement of portfolio
transactions. During the fiscal years ended November 199 6 ,
199 5 , and 199 4 , the fund paid brokerage commissions of
$ 3,072,000 , $ 813,000 , and $ 868,000 , respectively, to
FBSI. During the fiscal year ended November 199 6 , this amounted to
approximately 23 % of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the
fund for transactions involving approximately 35 % of the aggregate
dollar amount of transactions for which the fund paid brokerage
commissions. The difference between the percentage of brokerage
commissions paid to and the percentage of the dollar amount of transactions
effected through FBSI is a result of the low commission rates charged by
FBSI.
During the fiscal years ended November 1996 and 1995 , the fund paid
brokerage commissions of $ 93,000 and $91,000 to FBS. During the
fiscal year ended November 199 6 , this amounted to approximately
0.7 % of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the fund
involving approximately 0.5 % of the aggregate dollar amount of
transactions for which the fund paid brokerage commissions.
During the fiscal year ended November 199 6 , the fund paid
$ 12,571,000 in commissions to brokerage firms that provided research
services involving approximately 92% of transactions. The provision
of research services was not necessarily a factor in the placement of all
this business with such firms.
From time to time the Trustees will review whether the recapture for the
benefit of the fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar
fees paid by the fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and
advisable. The fund seeks to recapture soliciting broker-dealer fees on the
tender of portfolio securities, but at present no other recapture
arrangements are in effect. The Trustees intend to continue to review
whether recapture opportunities are available and are legally permissible
and, if so, to determine in the exercise of their business judgment whether
it would be advisable for the fund to seek such recapture.
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same
as those of other funds managed by FMR, investment decisions for the fund
are made independently from those of other funds managed by FMR or accounts
managed by FMR affiliates. It sometimes happens that the same security is
held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or accounts.
Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and accounts
are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same
security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or
account.
When two or more funds are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale
of the same security, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance
with procedures believed to be appropriate and equitable for each fund. In
some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or
value of the security as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases,
however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will
produce better executions and prices for the fund. It is the current
opinion of the Trustees that the desirability of retaining FMR as
investment adviser to the fund outweighs any disadvantages that may be said
to exist from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
FSC normally determines the fund's net asset value per share (NAV) as of
the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time). The valuation of portfolio securities is determined as of this time
for the purpose of computing the fund's NAV.
Portfolio securities are valued by various methods depending on the primary
market or exchange on which they trade. Most equity securities for which
the primary market is the United States are valued at last sale price or,
if no sale has occurred, at the closing bid price. Most equity securities
for which the primary market is outside the United States are valued using
the official closing price or the last sale price in the principal market
in which they are traded. If the last sale price (on the local exchange) is
unavailable, the last evaluated quote or last bid price normally is used.
Fixed-income securities and other assets for which market quotations are
readily available may be valued at market values determined by such
securities' most recent bid prices (sales prices if the principal market is
an exchange) in the principal market in which they normally are traded, as
furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Fixed-income
securities and convertible securities may also be valued on the basis of
information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix
which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data
processing techniques. Use of pricing services has been approved by the
Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available, and the fund
may use various pricing services or discontinue the use of any pricing
service.
Futures contracts and options are valued on the basis of market quotations,
if available.
Foreign securities are valued based on prices furnished by independent
brokers or quotation services which express the value of securities in
their local currency. FSC gathers all exchange rates daily at the close of
the NYSE using the last quoted price on the local currency and then
translates the value of foreign securities from their local currencies into
U.S. dollars. Any changes in the value of forward contracts due to exchange
rate fluctuations and days to maturity are included in the calculation of
NAV. If an extraordinary event that is expected to materially affect the
value of a portfolio security occurs after the close of an exchange on
which that security is traded, then that security will be valued as
determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for
which market quotations are not readily available are valued either at
amortized cost or at original cost plus accrued interest, both of which
approximate current value. In addition, securities and other assets for
which there is no readily available market market value may be valued in
good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. The
procedures set forth above need not be used to determine the value of the
securities owned by the fund if, in the opinion of a committee appointed by
the Board of Trustees, some other method would more accurately reflect the
fair market value of such securities.
PERFORMANCE
The fund may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the fund in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The fund's share price and total return fluctuate
in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value of fund
shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS. Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all
aspects of the fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting dividends
and capital gain distributions, and any change in the fund's net asset
value (NAV) over a stated period. Average annual total returns are
calculated by determining the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical
historical investment in the fund over a stated period, and then
calculating the annually compounded percentage rate that would have
produced the same result if the rate of growth or decline in value had been
constant over the period. For example, a cumulative total return of 100%
over ten years would produce an average annual total return of 7.18%, which
is the steady annual rate of return that would equal 100% growth on a
compounded basis in ten years. While average annual total returns are a
convenient means of comparing investment alternatives, investors should
realize that the fund's performance is not constant over time, but changes
from year to year, and that average annual total returns represent averaged
figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year performance of the fund.
In addition to average annual total returns, the fund may quote unaveraged
or cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period. Average annual and cumulative total
returns may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single investment, a series of investments, or a series of
redemptions, over any time period. Total returns may be broken down into
their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes
in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship of these factors
and their contributions to total return. Total returns may be quoted on a
before-tax or after-tax basis . Total returns and other performance
information may be quoted numerically or in a table, graph, or similar
illustration.
NET ASSET VALUE. Charts and graphs using the fund's net asset values,
adjusted net asset values, and benchmark indices may be used to exhibit
performance. An adjusted NAV includes any distributions paid by the fund
and reflects all elements of its return. Unless otherwise indicated, the
fund's adjusted NAVs are not adjusted for sales charges, if any.
MOVING AVERAGES. The fund may illustrate performance using moving averages.
A long-term moving average is the average of each week's adjusted closing
NAV for a specified period. A short-term moving average is the average of
each day's adjusted closing NAV for a specified period. Moving Average
Activity Indicators combine adjusted closing NAVs from the last business
day of each week with moving averages for a specified period to produce
indicators showing when an NAV has crossed, stayed above, or stayed below
its moving average. On November 29, 199 6 , the 13-week and
39-week long-term moving averages were $ 19.15 and $18.86 ,
respectively.
HISTORICAL FUND RESULTS. The following table shows the fund's total returns
for periods ended November 30, 199 6 .
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns
One Five Ten One Five Ten
Year Years Years Year Years Years
Retirement Growth 13.45 % 16.18 % 14.47 % 13.45 % 111.70 % 286.16 %
</TABLE>
The following table shows the income and capital elements of the fund's
cumulative total return. The table compares the fund's return to the record
of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500(registered trademark)),
the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the cost of living (measured
by the Consumer Price Index, or CPI) over the same period. The CPI
information is as of the month end closest to the initial investment date
for the fund. The S&P 500 and the DJIA comparisons are provided to
show how the fund's total return compared to the record of a broad average
of common stock prices and a narrower set of stocks of major industrial
companies, respectively, over the same period. The fund has the ability to
invest in securities not included in either index, and its investment
portfolio may or may not be similar in composition to the indices. Figures
for the S&P 500 and DJIA are based on the prices of unmanaged groups of
stocks and, unlike the fund's returns, do not include the effect of paying
brokerage commissions and other costs of investing.
During the 10-year period ended November 30, 199 6 , a hypothetical
$10,000 investment in Retirement Growth would have grown to $ 38,616 ,
assuming all distributions were reinvested. This was a period of
fluctuating stock prices and the figures below should not be considered
representative of the dividend income or capital gain or loss that could be
realized from an investment in the fund today. T ax consequences of
different investments have not been factored into the figures below.
FIDELITY RETIREMENT GROWTH FUND INDICES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal Year Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
Ended Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living**
November 30 $10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
Investment Distributions Distributions
19 96 $ 11,837 $ 3,241 $ 23,538 $ 38,616 $ 41,022 $46,321 $14,366
19 95 $ 11,518 $ 2,491 $ 20,028 $ 34,037 $ 32,084 $35,282 $13,913
19 94 $ 10,638 $ 1,918 $ 15,475 $ 28,031 $ 23,557 $25,366 $13,578
1993 $ 11,376 $ 1,838 $ 13,676 $ 26,890 $ 23,313 $24,318 $13,207
1992 $ 11,677 $ 1,666 $ 9,164 $ 22,507 $ 21,174 $21,201 $12,862
1991 $ 10,165 $ 1,232 $ 6,844 $ 18,241 $ 17,766 $18,029 $12,482
1990 $ 7,755 $ 826 $ 5,222 $ 13,803 $ 14,846 $15,414 $12,120
1989 $ 9,226 $ 595 $ 5,617 $ 15,438 $ 15,382 $15,676 $11,404
1988 $ 7,413 $ 267 $ 4,513 $ 12,193 $ 11,756 $11,803 $10,897
1987 $ 7,643 $ 75 $ 1,887 $ 9,605 $ 9,532 $9,874 $10,453
</TABLE>
** From month-end closest to initial investment date.
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 in the fund on
December 1, 19 86 , the net amount invested in fund shares was
$10,000. The cost of the initial investment ($10,000), together with the
aggregate cost of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for
the period covered (their cash value at the time they were reinvested),
amounted to $ 30,621 . If distributions had not been reinvested, the
amount of distributions earned from the fund over time would have been
smaller, and cash payments for the period would have amounted to
$ 1,264 for dividends and $ 10,000 for capital gains
distributions.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS. The fund's performance may be compared to the
performance of other mutual funds in general, or to the performance of
particular types of mutual funds. These comparisons may be expressed as
mutual fund rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (Lipper),
an independent service located in Summit, New Jersey that monitors the
performance of mutual funds. Generally, Lipper rankings are based on total
return, assume reinvestment of distributions, do not take sales charges or
redemption fees into consideration, and are prepared without regard to tax
consequences. In addition to the mutual fund rankings, the fund's
performance may be compared to stock, bond, and money market mutual fund
performance indices prepared by Lipper or other organizations. When
comparing these indices, it is important to remember the risk and return
characteristics of each type of investment. For example, while stock mutual
funds may offer higher potential returns, they also carry the highest
degree of share price volatility. Likewise, money market funds may offer
greater stability of principal, but generally do not offer the higher
potential returns available from stock mutual funds.
From time to time, the fund's performance may also be compared to other
mutual funds tracked by financial or business publications and periodicals.
For example, the fund may quote Morningstar, Inc. in its advertising
materials. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates
mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Rankings that
compare the performance of Fidelity funds to one another in appropriate
categories over specific periods of time may also be quoted in advertising.
The fund's performance may also be compared to that of a benchmark index
representing the universe of securities in which the fund may invest. The
total return of a benchmark index reflects reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains paid by securities included in the index. Unlike the
fund's returns, however, the index returns do not reflect brokerage
commissions, transaction fees, or other costs of investing directly in the
securities included in the index.
The fund may compare its performance to that of the Standard & Poor's 500
Index, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stocks.
The fund may be compared in advertising to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) or
other investments issued by banks or other depository institutions. Mutual
funds differ from bank investments in several respects. For example, the
fund may offer greater liquidity or higher potential returns than CDs, the
fund does not guarantee your principal or your return, and fund shares are
not FDIC insured.
Fidelity may provide information designed to help individuals understand
their investment goals and explore various financial strategies. Such
information may include information about current economic, market, and
political conditions; materials that describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk tolerance, and
goal setting; questionnaires designed to help create a personal financial
profile; worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed rates of
inflation and hypothetical rates of return; and action plans offering
investment alternatives. Materials may also include discussions of
Fidelity's asset allocation funds and other Fidelity funds, products, and
services.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois (Ibbotson) provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury
bills, the U.S. rate of inflation (based on the CPI), and
combinations of various capital markets. The performance of these capital
markets is based on the returns of different indices.
Fidelity funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any
of these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in
any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the
funds. Ibbotson calculates total returns in the same method as the funds.
The funds may also compare performance to that of other compilations or
indices that may be developed and made available in the future.
In advertising materials, Fidelity may reference or discuss its products
and services, which may include other Fidelity funds; retirement investing;
brokerage products and services; model portfolios or allocations; saving
for college or other goals; charitable giving; and the Fidelity credit
card. In addition, Fidelity may quote or reprint financial or business
publications and periodicals as they relate to current economic and
political conditions, fund management, portfolio composition, investment
philosophy, investment techniques, the desirability of owning a particular
mutual fund, and Fidelity services and products. Fidelity may also reprint,
and use as advertising and sales literature, articles from Fidelity Focus,
a quarterly magazine provided free of charge to Fidelity fund shareholders.
The fund may present its fund number, Quotron(trademark) number, and CUSIP
number, and discuss or quote its current portfolio manager.
VOLATILITY. The fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the fund may compare these
measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare
the fund's historical share price fluctuations or total returns to those of
a benchmark. Measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
comparative benchmark may be. All measures of volatility and correlation
are calculated using averages of historical data.
MOMENTUM INDICATORS indicate the fund's price movements over specific
periods of time. Each point on the momentum indicator represents the fund's
percentage change in price movements over that period.
The fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment
plans, including the principle of dollar cost averaging. In such a program,
an investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals,
thereby purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when
prices are low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard
against loss in a declining market, the investor's average cost per share
can be lower than if fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same
intervals. In evaluating such a plan, investors should consider their
ability to continue purchasing shares during periods of low price levels.
The fund may be available for purchase through retirement plans or other
programs offering deferral of, or exemption from, income taxes, which may
produce superior after-tax returns over time. For example, a $1,000
investment earning a taxable return of 10% annually would have an after-tax
value of $1,949 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted from the return
each year at a 31% rate. An equivalent tax-deferred investment would have
an after-tax value of $2,100 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at
a 31% rate from the tax-deferred earnings at the end of the ten-year
period.
As of November 30, 199 6 , FMR advised over $ 28 billion in
tax-free fund assets, $ 94 billion in money market fund assets,
$ 308 billion in equity fund assets, $ 60 billion in
international fund assets, and $ 24 billion in Spartan fund assets.
The fund may reference the growth and variety of money market mutual funds
and the adviser's innovation and participation in the industry. The equity
funds under management figure represents the largest amount of equity fund
assets under management by a mutual fund investment adviser in the United
States, making FMR America's leading equity (stock) fund manager. FMR, its
subsidiaries, and affiliates maintain a worldwide information and
communications network for the purpose of researching and managing
investments abroad.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
The fund is open for business and its net asset value per share (NAV) is
calculated each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading.
The NYSE has designated the following holiday closings for 1997 : New
Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed) ,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day .
Although FMR expects the same holiday schedule to be observed in the
future, the NYSE may modify its holiday schedule at any time. In addition,
the fund will not process wire purchases and redemptions on days when the
Federal Reserve Wire System is closed.
FSC normally determines the fund's NAV as of the close of the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). However, NAV may be calculated earlier
if trading on the NYSE is restricted or as permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). To the extent that portfolio securities are
traded in other markets on days when the NYSE is closed, the fund's NAV may
be affected on days when investors do not have access to the fund to
purchase or redeem shares. In addition, trading in some of the fund's
portfolio securities may not occur on days when the fund is open for
business.
If the Trustees determine that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in
securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing the fund's NAV. Shareholders receiving securities or other
property on redemption may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and
will incur any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences.
Pursuant to Rule 11a-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940
Act), the fund is required to give shareholders at least 60 days' notice
prior to terminating or modifying its exchange privilege. Under the Rule,
the 60-day notification requirement may be waived if (i) the only effect of
a modification would be to reduce or eliminate an administrative fee,
redemption fee, or deferred sales charge ordinarily payable at the time of
an exchange, or (ii) the fund suspends the redemption of the shares to be
exchanged as permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations
thereunder, or the fund to be acquired suspends the sale of its shares
because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its
investment objective and policies.
In the Prospectus, the fund has notified shareholders that it reserves the
right at any time, without prior notice, to refuse exchange purchases by
any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be unable to
invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS. If you request to have distributions mailed to you and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your checks, or if your checks remain
uncashed for six months, Fidelity may reinvest your distributions at the
then-current NAV. All subsequent distributions will then be reinvested
until you provide Fidelity with alternate instructions.
DIVIDENDS. A portion of the fund's income may qualify for the
dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders to the
extent that the fund's income is derived from qualifying dividends. Because
the fund may earn other types of income, such as interest, income from
securities loans, non-qualifying dividends, and short-term capital gains,
the percentage of dividends from the fund that qualifies for the deduction
generally will be less than 100%. The fund will notify corporate
shareholders annually of the percentage of fund dividends that qualifies
for the dividends-received deduction. A portion of the fund's dividends
derived from certain U.S. G overnment obligations may be exempt from
state and local taxation. Gains (losses) attributable to foreign
currency fluctuations are generally taxable as ordinary income, and
therefore will increase (decrease) dividend distributions. Short-term
capital gains are distributed as dividend income. The fund will send each
shareholder a notice in January describing the tax status of dividends and
capital gain distributions for the prior year.
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. Long-term capital gains earned by the fund on
the sale of securities and distributed to shareholders are federally
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time
shareholders have held their shares. If a shareholder receives a long-term
capital gain distribution on shares of the fund, and such shares are held
six months or less and are sold at a loss, the portion of the loss equal to
the amount of the long-term capital gain distribution will be considered a
long-term loss for tax purposes. Short-term capital gains distributed by
the fund are taxable to shareholders as dividends, not as capital gains.
As of November 30, 1996, the fund hereby designates approximately
$ 378,654,000 as a capital gain dividend for the purpose of the
dividend-paid deduction.
FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may withhold taxes on dividends and
interest paid with respect to foreign securities. Foreign governments may
also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign
securities. Because the fund does not currently anticipate that securities
of foreign issuers will constitute more than 50% of its total assets at the
end of its fiscal year, shareholders should not expect to claim a foreign
tax credit or deduction on their federal income tax returns with respect to
foreign taxes withheld.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. The fund intends to qualify each year as a
"regulated investment company" for tax purposes so that it will not be
liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to
shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company and
avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level,
the fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as
on a fiscal year basis. The fund intends to comply with other tax rules
applicable to regulated investment companies, including a requirement that
capital gains from the sale of securities held less than three months
constitute less than 30% of the fund's gross income for each fiscal year.
Gains from some forward currency contracts, futures contracts, and options
are included in this 30% calculation, which may limit the fund's
investments in such instruments.
If the fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities,
defined as passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) in the Internal
Revenue Code, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of
any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares.
Interest charges may also be imposed on the fund with respect to deferred
taxes arising from such distributions or gains. Generally, the fund will
elect to mark-to-market any PFIC shares. Unrealized gains will be
recognized as income for tax purposes and must be distributed to
shareholders as dividends.
The fund is treated as a separate entity from the other funds of Fidelity
Financial Trust for tax purposes.
OTHER TAX INFORMATION. The information above is only a summary of some of
the tax consequences generally affecting the fund and its shareholders, and
no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. In
addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and
local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and
local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers
to determine whether the fund is suitable to their particular tax
situation.
FMR
All of the stock of FMR is owned by FMR Corp., its parent organized in
1972. The voting common stock of FMR Corp. is divided into two classes.
Class B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family
and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting
common stock. Class A is held predominantly by non - Johnson family
member employees of FMR Corp. and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of
the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Class B
shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement under which
all Class B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of
Class B shares. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act),
control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of
individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company.
Therefore, through their ownership of voting common stock and the execution
of the shareholders' voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be
deemed, under the 1940 Act, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR
Corp.
At present, the principal operating activities of FMR Corp. are those
conducted by its division , Fidelity Investments Retail Marketing
Company, which provides marketing services to various companies within the
Fidelity organization.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that sets forth all employees'
fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions. For example, all
personal trades in most securities require pre-clearance, and participation
in initial public offerings is prohibited. In addition, restrictions on the
timing of personal investing in relation to trades by Fidelity funds and on
short-term trading have been adopted.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees and executive officers of the trust are listed below.
Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other
offices in the same company for the last five years. All persons named as
Trustees also serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by
FMR. The business address of each Trustee and officer who is an "interested
person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) is 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, which is also the address of FMR. The
business address of all the other Trustees is Fidelity Investments, P.O.
Box 9235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9235. Those Trustees who are
"interested persons" by virtue of their affiliation with either the trust
or FMR are indicated by an asterisk (*).
*EDWARD C. JOHNSON 3d (66), Trustee and President, is Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and Chairman of
the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; Chairman and a Director of
FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
*J. GARY BURKHEAD ( 55), Trustee and Senior Vice President, is
President of FMR; and President and a Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc.
RALPH F. COX ( 64 ), Trustee (1991), is a management consultant
(1994). Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill Petroleum
Corporation (petroleum exploration and production). Until March 1990, Mr.
Cox was President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific Resources
Company (exploration and production). He is a Director of Sanifill
Corporation (non-hazardous waste, 1993), CH2M Hill Companies (engineering),
Rio Grande, Inc. (oil and gas production), and Daniel Industries (petroleum
measurement equipment manufacturer). In addition, he is a member of
advisory boards of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at
Austin.
PHYLLIS BURKE DAVIS ( 6 4), Trustee (1992). Prior to her retirement in
September 1991, Mrs. Davis was the Senior Vice President of Corporate
Affairs of Avon Products, Inc. She is currently a Director of BellSouth
Corporation (telecommunications), Eaton Corporation (manufacturing, 1991),
and the TJX Companies, Inc. (retail stores), and previously served as a
Director of Hallmark Cards, Inc. (1985-1991) and Nabisco Brands, Inc. In
addition, she is a member of the President's Advisory Council of The
University of Vermont School of Business Administration.
E. BRADLEY JONES ( 69 ), Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mr.
Jones was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LTV Steel Company. He is
a Director of TRW Inc. (original equipment and replacement products),
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (mining), Consolidated Rail Corporation, Birmingham
Steel Corporation, and RPM, Inc. (manufacturer of chemical products), and
he previously served as a Director of NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining and
marketing, 1985-1995) and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (1985-1995).
In addition, he serves as a Trustee of First Union Real Estate Investments,
a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation, a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of University
School (Cleveland), and a Trustee of Cleveland Clinic Florida.
DONALD J. KIRK ( 64 ), Trustee, is Executive-in-Residence (1995) at
Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a financial consultant.
From 1987 to January 1995, Mr. Kirk was a Professor at Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board. Mr. Kirk is a Director of General Re
Corporation (reinsurance), and he previously served as a Director of
Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations, 1993-1995). In
addition, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National
Arts Stabilization Fund, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Greenwich
Hospital Association, a Member of the Public Oversight Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC Practice Section
(1995), and as a Public Governor of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (1996).
*PETER S. LYNCH ( 53 ), Trustee, is Vice Chairman and Director of FMR
(1992). Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice
President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991); Vice President
of Fidelity Magellan Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity
Investments Corporate Services (1991-1992). He is a Director of W.R. Grace
& Co. (chemicals) and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (engineering and
construction). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College,
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield (1989) and Society
for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and as an Overseer of the
Museum of Fine Arts of Boston.
GERALD C. McDONOUGH (67), Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the
non-interested Trustees, is Chairman of G.M. Management Group
(strategic advisory services). Prior to his retirement in July 1988, he was
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Leaseway Transportation Corp.
(physical distribution services). Mr. McDonough is a Director of
Brush-Wellman Inc. (metal refining), York International Corp. (air
conditioning and refrigeration), Commercial Intertech Corp. (hydraulic
systems, building systems, and metal products, 1992), CUNO, Inc. (liquid
and gas filtration products, 1996), and Associated Estates Realty
Corporation (a real estate investment trust, 1993). Mr. McDonough served as
a Director of ACME-Cleveland Corp. (metal working, telecommunications, and
electronic products) from 1987-1996.
MARVIN L. MANN ( 63 ), Trustee (1993) is Chairman of the Board,
President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lexmark International, Inc.
(office machines, 1991). Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice
President of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and
President and General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries.
Mr. Mann is a Director of M.A. Hanna Company (chemicals, 1993) and Infomart
(marketing services, 1991), a Trammell Crow Co. In addition, he serves as
the Campaign Vice Chairman of the Tri-State United Way (1993) and is a
member of the University of Alabama President's Cabinet.
WILLIAM O. McCOY (63), Trustee (1997), is the Vice President of Finance
for the University of North Carolina (16-school system, 1995). Prior to his
retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was Vice Chairman of the Board of
BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) and President of BellSouth
Enterprises. He is currently a Director of Liberty Corporation (holding
company), Weeks Corporation of Atlanta (real estate, 1994), and Carolina
Power and Light Company (electric utility, 1996). Previously, he was a
Director of First American Corporation (bank holding company, 1979-1996).
In addition, Mr. McCoy serves as a member of the Board of Visitors for the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994) and for the Kenan Flager
Business School (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
THOMAS R. WILLIAMS ( 68 ), Trustee, is President of The Wales Group,
Inc. (management and financial advisory services). Prior to retiring in
1987, Mr. Williams served as Chairman of the Board of First Wachovia
Corporation (bank holding company), and Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of The First National Bank of Atlanta and First Atlanta Corporation
(bank holding company). He is currently a Director of BellSouth Corporation
(telecommunications), ConAgra, Inc. (agricultural products), Fisher
Business Systems, Inc. (computer software), Georgia Power Company (electric
utility), Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (computer software), National
Life Insurance Company of Vermont, American Software, Inc., and AppleSouth,
Inc. (restaurants, 1992).
WILLIAM J. HAYES ( 62 ), Vice President (1994), is Vice President of
Fidelity's equity funds; Senior Vice President of FMR; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp.
J. FERGUS SHIEL (39) is Vice President of Retirement Growth (1996) and
an employee of FMR.
ARTHUR S. LORING ( 49 ), Secretary, is Senior Vice President (1993)
and General Counsel of FMR, Vice President-Legal of FMR Corp., and Vice
President and Clerk of FDC.
KENNETH A. RATHGEBER ( 49 ), Treasurer (1995), is Treasurer of the
Fidelity funds and is an employee of FMR (1995). Before joining FMR, Mr.
Rathgeber was a Vice President of Goldman Sachs & Co. (1978-1995), where he
served in various positions, including Vice President of Proprietary
Accounting (1988-1992), Global Co-Controller (1992-1994), and Chief
Operations Officer of Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (1994-1995).
ROBERT H. MORRISON ( 56 ), Manager of Security Transactions of
Fidelity's equity funds is Vice President of FMR.
JOHN H. COSTELLO ( 50 ), Assistant Treasurer, is an employee of FMR.
LEONARD M. RUSH ( 50 ), Assistant Treasurer (1994), is an employee of
FMR (1994). Prior to becoming Assistant Treasurer of the Fidelity funds,
Mr. Rush was Chief Compliance Officer of FMR Corp. (1993-1994) and Chief
Financial Officer of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (1990-1993).
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of
each Trustee of the fund for his or her services as trustee for the
fiscal year ended November 30, 1996 .
COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Trustees Aggregate Pension or Estimated Annual Total
Compensation Retirement Benefits Upon Compensation
from Benefits Accrued Retirement from the Fund
the Fund as Part of Fund from the Fund Complex*
Expenses from the Complex*
Fund Complex*
J. Gary Burkhead ** $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Ralph F. Cox *** 1,572 5,200 52,000 1 32 , 5 00
Phyllis Burke Davis 1,354 5,200 52,000 12 9 , 5 00
Richard J. Flynn
(double dagger) 1,785 0 52,000 168,000
Edward C. Johnson 3d ** 0 0 0 0
E. Bradley Jones 1,371 5,200 49,400 1 29 , 5 00
Donald J. Kirk 1,385 5,200 52,000 1 31 , 0 00
Peter S. Lynch ** 0 0 0 0
Gerald C. McDonough 1,368 5,200 52,000 1 31 ,000
Edward H. Malone***,
(double dagger) 1,546 0 44,200 131,000
Marvin L. Mann *** 1,521 5,200 52,000 12 9 , 5 00
William O. McCoy
(double dagger)
(double dagger) 764 N/A N/A 85,333
Thomas R. Williams 1,371 5,200 52,000 1 31 ,000
</TABLE>
* Information is as of December 31, 199 6 for 235 funds in the
complex.
** Interested trustees of the fund are compensated by FMR.
*** For the fiscal year ended November 30 , 1996, certain of the
non-interested trustees' aggregate compensation from the fund
includes accrued deferred compensation as follows: Ralph F. Cox,
$1,572; Edward H. Malone, $1,546; and Marvin L. Mann, $1,521.
(double dagger) Prior to December 31, 1996, Richard J. Flynn and Edward H.
Malone served on the Board of Trustees.
(double dagger)(double dagger) During the period from May 1, 1996 through
December 31, 1996, William O. McCoy served as a Member of the Advisory
Board.
The non-interested Trustees may elect to defer receipt of all or a
percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, compensation deferred by a
Trustee is periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been
invested and reinvested in shares of one or more funds in the complex
designated by such Trustee (designated securities). The amount paid to the
Trustee under the Plan will be determined based upon the performance of
such investments. Deferral of Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan
will have a negligible effect on the fund's assets, liabilities, and net
income per share, and will not obligate the fund to retain the services of
any Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
The fund may invest in such designated securities under the Plan without
shareholder approval.
Under a retirement program adopted in July 1988 and modified in November
1995, each non-interested Trustee may receive payments from a Fidelity fund
during his or her lifetime based on his or her basic trustee fees and
length of service. The obligation of a fund to make such payments is
neither secured nor funded. A Trustee becomes eligible to participate in
the program at the end of the calender year in which he or she reaches age
72, provided that, at the time of retirement, he or she has served as a
Fidelity fund Trustee for at least five years. Currently, Messrs. Ralph S.
Saul, William R. Spaulding, Bertram H. Witham, and David L. Yunich, all
former non-interested Trustees, receive retirement benefits under the
program.
As of November 30, 1996 , the Trustees and officers of the fund
owned, in the aggregate, less than 1 % of the fund's total
outstanding shares.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
The fund employs FMR to furnish investment advisory and other services.
Under its management contract with the fund, FMR acts as investment adviser
and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, directs the
investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective,
policies, and limitations. FMR also provides the fund with all necessary
office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's investments,
compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are "interested
persons" of the trust or of FMR, and all personnel of the fund or FMR
performing services relating to research, statistical, and investment
activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board
of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary
for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities
for maintaining the fund's organization; supervising relations with
custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters, and
other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder
communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund's
records and the registration of the fund's shares under federal and state
laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and
furnishing reports, evaluations, and analyses on a variety of subjects to
the Trustees.
In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to
FSC, the fund pays all of its expenses, without limitation, that are not
assumed by those parties. The fund pays for the typesetting, printing, and
mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the
fees of the custodian, auditor and non-interested Trustees. Although the
fund's current management contract provides that the fund will pay for
typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional
information, notices, and reports to shareholders, the trust, on behalf of
the fund has entered into a revised transfer agent agreement with FSC,
pursuant to which FSC bears the costs of providing these services to
existing shareholders. Other expenses paid by the fund include interest,
taxes, brokerage commissions, and the fund's proportionate share of
insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues. The fund is also
liable for such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any
litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have
to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
FMR is the fund's manager pursuant to a management contract dated December
1, 1993, which was approved by shareholders on November 17, 1993.
For the services of FMR under the contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly
management fee composed of the sum of two elements: a basic fee and a
performance adjustment based on a comparison of the fund's performance to
that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500).
COMPUTING THE BASIC FEE. The fund's basic fee rate is composed of two
elements: a group fee rate and an individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of all of the
registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts and
is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate
schedule shown below on the left. The schedule below on the right shows the
effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the
result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For
example, the effective annual fee rate at $ 446 billion of group net
assets - the approximate level for November 1996 - was
.3026 %, which is the weighted average of the respective fee rates
for each level of group net assets up to $ 446 billion.
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
0 - $3 billion .5200% $ 0.5 billion .5200%
3 - 6 .4900 25 .4238
6 - 9 .4600 50 .3823
9 - 12 .4300 75 .3626
12 - 15 .4000 100 .3512
15 - 18 .3850 125 .3430
18 - 21 .3700 150 .3371
21 - 24 .3600 175 .3325
24 - 30 .3500 200 .3284
30 - 36 .3450 225 .3253
36 - 42 .3400 250 .3223
42 - 48 .3350 275 .3198
48 - 66 .3250 300 .3175
66 - 84 .3200 325 .3153
84 - 102 .3150 350 .3133
102 - 138 .3100
138 - 174 .3050
174 - 228 .3000
228 - 282 .2950
282 - 336 .2900
Over 336 .2850
Under the fund's current management contract with FMR, the group fee rate
is based on a schedule with breakpoints ending at .3000% for average group
assets in excess of $174 billion. Prior to December 1, 1993 , the
group fee rate breakpoints shown above for average group assets in excess
of $138 billion and under $228 billion were voluntarily adopted by FMR on
January 1, 1992. The additional breakpoints shown above for average group
assets in excess of $228 billion were voluntarily adopted by FMR on
November 1, 1993.
On August 1, 1994, FMR voluntarily revised the prior extensions to the
group fee rate schedule, and added new breakpoints for average group assets
in excess of $210 billion and under $390 billion as shown in the schedule
below. The revised group fee rate schedule was identical to the above
schedule for average group assets under $210 billion.
On January 1, 1996, FMR voluntarily added new breakpoints to the revised
schedule for average group assets in excess of $390 billion, pending
shareholder approval of a new management contract reflecting the revised
schedule and additional breakpoints. The revised group fee rate schedule
and its extensions provide for lower management fee rates as FMR's assets
under management increase. For average group assets in excess of $210
billion, the revised group fee rate schedule with additional breakpoints
voluntarily adopted by FMR is as follows:
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
174 - $210 billion .3000% $ 150 billion .3371%
210 - 246 .2950 175 .3325
246 - 282 .2900 200 .3284
282 - 318 .2850 225 .3249
318 - 354 .2800 250 .3219
354 - 390 .2750 275 .3190
390 - 426 .2700 300 .3163
426 - 462 .2650 325 .3137
462 - 498 .2600 350 .3113
498 - 534 .2550 375 .3090
Over 534 - .2500 400 .3067
425 .3046
450 .3024
475 .3003
500 .2982
525 .2962
550 .2942
The individual fund fee rate is .30 %. Based on the average group net
assets of the funds advised by FMR for November 199 6 , the
annual basic fee rate would be calculated as follows:
Group Fee Rate Individual Fund Fee Rate Basic Fee Rate
. 3026 % + .30% = . 6026 %
One-twelfth of this annual basic fee rate is applied to the fund's net
assets averaged for the most recent month, giving a dollar amount, which is
the fee for that month.
COMPUTING THE PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENT. The basic fee is subject to upward or
downward adjustment, depending upon whether, and to what extent, the fund's
investment performance for the performance period exceeds, or is exceeded
by, the record of the S&P 500 (the Index) over the same period. The
performance period consists of the most recent month plus the previous 35
months. Each percentage point of difference, calculated to the nearest 1.0%
(up to a maximum difference of (plus/minus)10.00 ) is multiplied by a
performance adjustment rate of .02%. Thus, the maximum annualized
adjustment rate is (plus/minus).20%. This performance comparison is
made at the end of each month. One twelfth (1/12) of this rate is then
applied to the fund's average net assets for the entire performance period,
giving a dollar amount which will be added to (or subtracted from) the
basic fee.
The fund's performance is calculated based on change in net asset value.
For purposes of calculating the performance adjustment, any dividends or
capital gain distributions paid by the fund are treated as if reinvested in
fund shares at the net asset value as of the record date for payment. The
record of the Index is based on change in value and is adjusted for any
cash distributions from the companies whose securities compose the Index.
Because the adjustment to the basic fee is based on the fund's performance
compared to the investment record of the Index, the controlling factor is
not whether the fund's performance is up or down per se, but whether it is
up or down more or less than the record of the Index. Moreover, the
comparative investment performance of the fund is based solely on the
relevant performance period without regard to the cumulative performance
over a longer or shorter period of time.
During the fiscal years ended November, 1996, 1995, and 1994 , FMR
received $ 20,788,000 , $ 26,294,000 and $ 22,973,000 ,
respectively, for its services as investment adviser to the fund .
These fees, which include both the basic fee and the performance
adjustment, were equivalent to .50 %, .74 %, and .77 %,
respectively, of the average net assets of the fund for each of those
years. For the fiscal year ended November, 1996, the downward
performance adjustment amounted to $4,324,000. For the fiscal years
ended November 1995 and 1994 the upward performance adjustments
amounted to $ 4,332,000 , and $ 4,407,000 , respectively.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of the
fund's operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, and extraordinary expenses). FMR retains the ability to be
repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall
below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Expense reimbursements
by FMR will increase the fund's total returns and repayment of the
reimbursement by the fund will lower its total returns.
To comply with the California Code of Regulations, FMR will reimburse the
fund if and to the extent that the fund's aggregate annual operating
expenses exceed specified percentages of its average net assets. The
applicable percentages are 2 1/2% of the first $30 million, 2% of the next
$70 million, and 1 1/2% of average net assets in excess of $100 million.
When calculating the fund's expenses for purposes of this regulation, the
fund may exclude interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and extraordinary
expenses, as well as a portion of its custodian fees attributable to
investments in foreign securities.
SUB-ADVISERS. FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR U.K.
and FMR Far East. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may
receive investment advice and research services outside the United States
from the sub-advisers. FMR may also grant the sub-advisers investment
management authority as well as the authority to buy and sell securities if
FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund .
Currently, FMR U.K. and FMR Far East each focus on issuers in countries
other than the United States such as those in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific
Basin.
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East, which were organized in 1986, are wholly owned
subsidiaries of FMR. Under the sub-advisory agreements, FMR pays the fees
of FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. For providing non-discretionary investment
advice and research services, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal
to 110% and 105%, respectively, of FMR U.K.'s and FMR Far East's costs
incurred in connection with providing investment advice and research
services.
For providing discretionary investment management and executing portfolio
transactions, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal to 50% of its
monthly management fee rate (including any performance adjustment) with
respect to the fund's average net assets managed by the sub-adviser on a
discretionary basis.
For providing investment advice and research services, the fees paid to the
sub-advisers for the fiscal years ended November 30, 199 6 ,
199 5 , and 199 4 were as follows:
Fiscal Year FMR U.K. FMR Far East
1996 $ 398,914 $ 434,933
1995 $ 368,000 $ 365,000
1994 $ 188,000 $ 218,000
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan on behalf of the
fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may not
engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily
intended to result in the sale of shares of a fund except pursuant to a
plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plan, as approved
by the Trustees, allows the fund and FMR to incur certain expenses that
might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of
distribution expenses.
Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is
deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its
shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan also specifically
recognizes that FMR, either directly or through FDC, may use its management
fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without limitation, to pay
promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and
sale of shares of the fund. In addition, the Plan provides that FMR may use
its resources, including its management fee revenues, to make payments to
third parties that assist in selling shares of the fund, or to third
parties, including banks, that render shareholder support services.
P ayments made by FMR to third parties during the fiscal year ended
November 30 , 199 6 amounted to $ 5,000 .
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and have
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit
the the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that
the Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than those made to
FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the
Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the
distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of fund shares may
result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided
more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders
have other relationships.
The Plan was approved by shareholders of the fund on September
30 , 19 86 .
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state chartered or
supervised banks from engaging in the business of underwriting, selling, or
distributing securities. Although the scope of this prohibition under the
Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly defined by the courts or
appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes that the Glass-Steagall Act
should not preclude a bank from performing shareholder support services, or
servicing and recordkeeping functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to
perform such functions. However, changes in federal or state statutes and
regulations pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their
affiliates or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if
any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and effective
shareholder services. In such event, changes in the operation of the fund
might occur, including possible termination of any automatic investment or
redemption or other services then provided by the bank. It is not expected
that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on
this issue may differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed
herein, and banks and financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase securities
issued by, depository institutions that receive payments under the Plan. No
preference for the instruments of such depository institutions will be
shown in the selection of investments.
CONTRACTS WITH FMR AFFILIATES
FSC, an affiliate of FMR, is transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder
servicing agent for the fund. FSC receives an annual account fee and an
asset-based fee each based on account size and fund type for each retail
account and certain institutional accounts. With respect to certain
institutional retirement accounts, FSC receives an annual account fee and
an asset-based fee based on account type or fund type. These annual account
fees are subject to increase based on postal rate changes. The asset-based
fees are subject to adjustment if the year-to-date total return of the S&P
500 exceeds a positive or negative 15%. FSC also collects small account
fees from certain accounts with balances of less than $2,500.
FSC pays out-of-pocket expenses associated with providing transfer agent
services. In addition, FSC bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and
mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other
reports, notices, and statements to shareholders, with the exception of
proxy statements.
FSC also performs the calculations necessary to determine the fund's NAV
and dividends, and maintains the fund's accounting records. The annual fee
rates for these pricing and bookkeeping services are based on the fund's
average net assets, specifically, .0600% of the first $500 million of
average net assets and .0300% of average net assets in excess of $500
million. The fee is limited to a minimum of $60,000 and a maximum of
$800,000 per year. Pricing and bookkeeping fees, including related
out-of-pocket expenses, paid to FSC for the fiscal years ended November
199 6 , 199 5 , and 199 4 were $ 808,000 ,
$ 756,000 , and $ 758,000 , respectively.
FSC also receives fees for administering the fund's securities lending
program. Securities lending fees are based on the number and duration of
individual securities loans. Securities lending fees for the fiscal years
ended November 199 6 , 199 5 , and 199 4 were
$ 3,000 , $ 23,000 , and $ 36,000 , respectively.
The fund has a distribution agreement with FDC, a Massachusetts corporation
organized on July 18, 1960. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreement calls for FDC to use
all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure
purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered at net
asset value. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the
offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund is a fund of Fidelity
Financial Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a
Massachusetts business trust on October 20, 1982. On December 17, 1982, the
Declaration of Trust was amended to change the name of the trust from
Fidelity Tax-Qualified Equity Fund to Fidelity Freedom Fund, and on January
1, 1987, the Declaration of Trust was further amended to change the name of
the trust to Fidelity Financial Trust. Currently, there are three funds of
the trust: Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund, Fidelity Retirement Growth
Fund, and Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits
the Trustees to create additional funds.
In the event that FMR ceases to be the investment adviser to the trust or a
fund, the right of the trust or fund to use the identifying name "Fidelity"
may be withdrawn.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each
fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are especially allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of
each fund are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged
with the liabilities with respect to such fund and with a share of the
general expenses of the trust. Expenses with respect to the trust are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective funds, except
where allocations of direct expense can otherwise be fairly made. The
officers of the trust, subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees, have the power to determine which expenses are allocable to a
given fund, or which are general or allocable to all of the funds. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each
fund are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such fund
available for distribution.
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY. The trust is an entity of the type
commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts
law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of
Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders
except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that
each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees include a provision limiting the obligations created
thereby to the trust and its assets. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund. The Declaration of Trust
also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any
claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund
and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to
circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal
liability to shareholders is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees, if they have
exercised reasonable care, will not be liable for any neglect or
wrongdoing, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects Trustees
against any liability to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial
interest. As a shareholder, you receive one vote for each dollar value of
net asset value you own. The shares have no preemptive or conversion
rights; the voting and dividend rights, the right of redemption, and the
privilege of exchange are described in the Prospectus. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder
and Trustee Liability" above. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the
trust or a fund may, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust, call
meetings of the trust or a fund for any purpose related to the trust or
fund, as the case may be, including, in the case of a meeting of the entire
trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees. The trust
or any fund may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to another
open-end management investment company, or upon liquidation and
distribution of its assets, if approved by vote of the holders of a
majority of the trust or the fund, as determined by the current value of
each shareholder's investment in the fund or trust. If not so terminated,
the trust and its funds will continue indefinitely.
CUSTODIAN. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts is custodian of the assets of the fun d . The custodian
is responsible for the safekeeping of the fund's assets and the
appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The custodian
takes no part in determining the investment policies of the fund or
in deciding which securities are purchased or sold by the fund.
However, the fund may invest in obligations of its custodian
and may purchase securities from or sell securities to the custodian. The
Bank of New York and The Chase Manhattan Bank, each headquartered in
New York, also may serve as special purpose custodians of certain assets in
connection with repurchase agreement transactions.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and the Board of
Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks,
including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FMR. The
Boston branch of the fund's custodian leases its office space from an
affiliate of FMR at a lease payment which, when entered into, was
consistent with prevailing market rates. Transactions that have occurred to
date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the
judgment of FMR, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not
influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
AUDITOR. Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts
serves as the trust's independent accountant. The auditor examines
financial statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax, and
related services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fund's financial statements and financial highlights and the report
of the auditor thereon for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1996 are
included in the fund's Annual Report, which is a separate report supplied
with this Statement of Additional Information. The fund's financial
statements and financial highlights and the report of the auditor
thereon are incorporated herein by reference.
FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST
FIDELITY EQUITY-INCOME II FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
Form N-1A
Item Number Prospectus Section
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
1 Cover Page
2 a Expenses
b, c Contents; The Fund at a Glance; Who May Want to Invest
3 a Financial Highlights
b *
c, d Performance
4 a(i) Charter
(ii) The Fund at a Glance; Investment Principles and Risks
b Investment Principles and Risks
c Who May Want to Invest; Investment Principles and Risks
5 a Charter
b(i) Cover Page; The Fund at a Glance; Charter; Doing Business with Fidelity
b(ii) Charter
b(iii) Expenses; Breakdown of Expenses
c Charter
d Charter; Breakdown of Expenses
e Cover Page; Charter
f Expenses
g(i) Charter
g(ii) *
5 A Performance
6 a(i) Charter
a(ii) How to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares; Transaction Details; Exchange
Restrictions
a(iii) Charter
b *
c Transaction Details; Exchange Restrictions
d *
e Doing Business with Fidelity; How to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares;
Investor Services
f, g Dividends, Capital Gains, and Taxes
7 a Cover Page; Charter
b Expenses; How to Buy Shares; Transaction Details
c *
d How to Buy Shares
e *
f Breakdown of Expenses
8 How to Sell Shares; Investor Services; Transaction Details; Exchange
Restrictions
9 *
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
Form N-1A
Item Number Statement of Additional Information Section
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
10, 11 Cover Page
12 Description of the Trust
13 a-c Investment Policies and Limitations
d Portfolio Transactions
14 a - c Trustees and Officers
15 a, b *
c Trustees and Officers
16 a(i) FMR; Portfolio Transactions
a(ii) Trustees and Officers
a(iii), b Management Contract
c, d Contracts with FMR Affiliates
e *
f Distribution and Service Plan
g *
h Description of the Trust
i Contracts with FMR Affiliates
17 a, b, c Portfolio Transactions
d, e *
18 a Description of the Trust
b *
19 a Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
b Valuation of Portfolio Securities; Additional Purchase and Redemption
Information
c *
20 Distributions and Taxes
21 a Contracts with FMR Affiliates
b Contracts with FMR Affiliates
c *
22 a *
b Performance
23 Financial Statements
</TABLE>
* Not Applicable
FIDELITY
EQUITY-INCOME II
FUND
Please read this prospectus before investing, and keep it on file for
future reference. It contains important information, including how the fund
invests and the services available to shareholders.
To learn more about the fund and its investments, you can obtain a copy
of the fund's most recent financial report and portfolio listing, or a copy
of the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) dated January 22, 1997.
The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and is available along with other related materials on the SEC's Internet
Web site (http://www.sec.gov). The SAI is incorporated herein by reference
(legally forms a part of the prospectus). For a free copy of either
document, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8888.
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by,
any depository institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal
Reserve Board, or any other agency, and are subject to investment risks,
including possible loss of principal amount invested.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL
FUNDS, THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
EII-pro-0197
(fund number 319, trading symbol FEQTX)
Equity-Income II seeks reasonable income by investing mainly in
income-producing equity securities. In selecting investments, the fund also
considers the potential for capital appreciation.
PROSPECTUS
JANUARY 22, 1997(FIDELITY_LOGO_GRAPHIC) 82 DEVONSHIRE STREET, BOSTON, MA
02109
CONTENTS
KEY FACTS THE FUND AT A GLANCE
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
EXPENSES The fund's yearly
operating expenses.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS A summary
of the fund's financial data.
PERFORMANCE How the fund has
done over time.
THE FUND IN DETAIL CHARTER How the fund is
organized.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
The fund's overall approach to
investing.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES How
operating costs are calculated and
what they include.
YOUR ACCOUNT DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS Different
ways to set up your account,
including tax-sheltered retirement
plans.
HOW TO BUY SHARES Opening an
account and making additional
investments.
HOW TO SELL SHARES Taking money
out and closing your account.
INVESTOR SERVICES Services to
help you manage your account.
SHAREHOLDER AND DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS,
ACCOUNT POLICIES AND TAXES
TRANSACTION DETAILS Share price
calculations and the timing of
purchases and redemptions.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
KEY FACTS
THE FUND AT A GLANCE
GOAL: Reasonable income. The fund also considers the potential for capital
appreciation. As with any mutual fund, there is no assurance that the fund
will achieve its goal.
STRATEGY: Invests mainly in income-producing equity securities.
MANAGEMENT: Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR) is the management
arm of Fidelity Investments, which was established in 1946 and is now
America's largest mutual fund manager. Foreign affiliates of FMR may help
choose investments for the fund.
SIZE: As of November 30, 1996, the fund had over $15.5 billion in
assets.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
The fund may be appropriate for investors who are willing to ride out stock
market fluctuations in pursuit of potentially high long-term returns. The
fund is designed for those who want some income from domestic and foreign
equity and bond investments, but also want to be invested in the stock
market for its long-term growth potential.
The value of the fund's investments and the income they generate will vary
from day to day, and generally reflect market conditions, interest rates,
and other company, political, or economic news both here and abroad. In the
short-term, stock prices can fluctuate dramatically in response to these
factors. Over time, however, stocks have shown greater growth potential
than other types of securities. The prices of bonds generally move in the
opposite direction from interest rates. Investments in foreign securities
may involve risks in addition to those of U.S. investments, including
increased political and economic risk, as well as exposure to currency
fluctuations. When you sell your shares, they may be worth more or less
than what you paid for them. By itself, the fund does not constitute a
balanced investment plan.
THE SPECTRUM OF
FIDELITY FUNDS
Broad categories of Fidelity
funds are presented here in
order of ascending risk.
Generally, investors seeking to
maximize return must assume
greater risk. Equity-Income II is
in the GROWTH AND INCOME
category.
(solid bullet) MONEY MARKET Seeks
income and stability by
investing in high-quality,
short-term investments.
(solid bullet) INCOME Seeks income by
investing in bonds.
(right arrow) GROWTH AND INCOME
Seeks long-term growth and
income by investing in stocks
and bonds.
(solid bullet) GROWTH Seeks long-term
growth by investing mainly in
stocks.
(checkmark)
EXPENSES
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES are charges you may pay when you
bu y or sell shares of a fund. In addition, you may be
charged an annual account maintenance fee if your account balance falls
below $2,500. See "Transaction Details" page , for an
explanation of how and when these charges apply.
Maximum sales charge on purchases None
and reinvested distributions
Deferred sales charge on redemptions None
Exchange fee None
Annual account maintenance fee $12.0
(for accounts under $2,500) 0
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES are paid out of the fund's assets. The fund
pays a management fee to FMR. It also incurs other expenses for services
such as maintaining shareholder records and furnishing shareholder
statements and financial reports. The fund's expenses are factored into its
share price or dividends and are not charged directly to shareholder
accounts (see page ).
The following figures are based on historical expenses, and are
calculated as a percentage of average net assets. A portion of the
brokerage commissions that the fund pays is used to reduce fund expenses.
In addition, the fund has entered into arrangements with its custodian and
transfer agent whereby interest earned on uninvested cash balances is used
to reduce custodian and transfer agent expenses. Including these
reductions, the total operating expenses presented in the table would have
been .72%.
Management fee .51%
12b-1 fee None
Other expenses .22 %
Total fund operating expenses .73 %
EXAMPLES: Let's say, hypothetically, that the fund's annual return is 5%
and that its operating expenses are exactly as just described. For every
$1,000 you invested, here's how much you would pay in total expenses if you
close your account after the number of years indicated:
After 1 year $ 7
After 3 years $ 23
After 5 years $ 41
After 10 years $ 91
These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to
suggest actual or expected costs or returns, all of which may vary.
UNDERSTANDING
EXPENSES
Operating a mutual fund
involves a variety of
expenses for portfolio
management, shareholder
statements, tax reporting, and
other services. These costs
are paid from the fund's
assets; their effect is already
factored into any quoted
share price or return.
(checkmark)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table that follows is included in the fund's Annual Report and has been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. Their report on
the financial statements and financial highlights is included in the Annual
Report. The financial statements and financial highlights are incorporated
by reference into (are legally a part of) the fund's Statement of
Additional Information.
SELECTED PER-SHARE DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Years ended November 1996 1995 1994F 1993 1992 1991 1990G
30
Net asset value, $ 21.53 $ 18.57 $ 18.85 $ 16.57 $ 13.87 $ 10.18 $ 10.00
beginning of period
Income from
Investment Operations
Net investment .48 .42 .37 .44 .40 .45D .03
income
Net realized and 4.23 3.80 .53 2.62 2.75 3.76 .15
unrealized gain (loss)
Total from 4.71 4.22 .90 3.06 3.15 4.21 .18
investment operations
Less Distributions
From net investment (.43) (.40) (.47) (.41) (.32) (.44) --
income
From net realized (.64) (.86) (.71) (.37) (.13) (.08) --
gain
Total distributions (1.07) (1.26) (1.18) (.78) (.45) (.52) --
Net asset value, end of $ 25.17 $ 21.53 $ 18.57 $ 18.85 $ 16.57 $ 13.87 $ 10.18
period
Total returnB 22.75 24.13 4.91 19.08 23.18 42.01 1.80%
% % % % % %
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of $ 15,596 $ 11,553 $ 7,605 $ 4,815 $ 1,942 $ 292 $ 3
period (in millions)
Ratio of expenses to .73 .76 .83 .89 1.01 1.52 2.50%A
average net assets % % % % % % ,C
Ratio of expenses to .72 .75 .81 .88 1.01 1.52 2.50%A
average net assets %E %E %E %E % %
after expense
reductions
Ratio of net investment 2.13 2.37 2.36 2.69 3.09 3.83 3.89%A
income % % % % % %
to average net assets
Portfolio turnover rate 46 45 75 55 89 206 167%A
% % % % % %
Average commission $ .0397
rateH
</TABLE>
A ANNUALIZED
B THE TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN ONE YEAR ARE NOT ANNUALIZED
AND WOULD HAVE BEEN LOWER HAD CERTAIN EXPENSES NOT BEEN REDUCED DURING THE
PERIODS SHOWN.
C DURING THE PERIOD AUGUST 21, 1990 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO
NOVEMBER 30, 1990, EXPENSES WERE LIMITED IN ACCORDANCE WITH A STATE EXPENSE
LIMITATION.
D NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE REFLECTS $.12 PER SHARE RELATING TO A
NONRECURRING INITIATIVE TO INVEST IN DIVIDEND INCOME PRODUCING SECURITIES
WHICH WAS IN EFFECT FOR A PORTION OF 1991.
E FMR OR THE FUND HAS ENTERED INTO VARYING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES
WHO EITHER PAID OR REDUCED A PORTION OF THE FUND'S EXPENSES.
F EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 1993, THE FUND ADOPTED STATEMENT OF POSITION 93-2,
"DETERMINATION, DISCLOSURE, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION OF INCOME,
CAPITAL GAIN, AND RETURN OF CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS BY INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
"AS A RESULT, NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE MAY REFLECT CERTAIN
RECLASSIFICATIONS RELATED TO BOOK TO TAX DIFFERENCES.
G FROM AUGUST 21, 1990 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1990.
H FOR FISCAL YEARS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1995, A FUND IS
REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ITS AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE PER SHARE FOR SECURITY
TRADES ON WHICH COMMISSIONS ARE CHARGED. THIS AMOUNT MAY VARY FROM PERIOD
TO PERIOD AND FUND TO FUND DEPENDING ON THE MIX OF TRADES EXECUTED IN
VARIOUS MARKETS WHERE TRADING PRACTICES AND COMMISSION RATE STRUCTURES MAY
DIFFER.
PERFORMANCE
Mutual fund performance is commonly measured as TOTAL RETURN. The total
returns that follow are based on historical fund results and do not reflect
the effect of taxes.
The fund's fiscal year runs from December 1 through November 30. The
tables below show the fund's performance over past fiscal years compared to
different measures, including a comparative index and a competitive funds
average. The chart on page presents calendar year performance .
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fiscal periods ended Past Past Life
November 30, 1996 1 5 of
year years fundA
Equity-Income II 22.75 18.58 21.44
% % %
S&P 500 27.86 18.21 17.50
% % %
Lipper Equity Income Funds Average 22.28 15.43 n/a
% %
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
Fiscal periods ended Past Past Life
November 30, 1996 1 5 of
year years fundA
Equity-Income II 22.75 134.4 238.94
% 5 % %
S&P 500 27.86 130.9 175.58
% 0% %
Lipper Equity Income Funds Average 22.28 105.9 n/a
% 3%
</TABLE>
A FROM AUGUST 21, 1990 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS).
EXAMPLE: Let's say, hypothetically, that you put $10,000 in the fund
on August 21, 1990. From that date through November 30, 1996, the fund's
total return was 238.94%. Your $10,000 would have grown to $33,894 (the
initial investment plus 238.94% of $10,000).
$10,000 OVER LIFE OF FUND
Fiscal years 1990 1993 1996
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 10000.0
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 10090.0
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 9790.0
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 9790.0
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 10180.0
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 10451.06
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 10954.0
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 11929.7
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: 12424.99
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 12770.41
Row: 11, Col: 1, Value: 13420.62
Row: 12, Col: 1, Value: 13105.67
Row: 13, Col: 1, Value: 13833.74
Row: 14, Col: 1, Value: 14361.43
Row: 15, Col: 1, Value: 14456.53
Row: 16, Col: 1, Value: 14904.71
Row: 17, Col: 1, Value: 14456.53
Row: 18, Col: 1, Value: 15320.99
Row: 19, Col: 1, Value: 15754.68
Row: 20, Col: 1, Value: 16262.56
Row: 21, Col: 1, Value: 16199.86
Row: 22, Col: 1, Value: 16550.87
Row: 23, Col: 1, Value: 16731.7
Row: 24, Col: 1, Value: 16626.27
Row: 25, Col: 1, Value: 17139.5
Row: 26, Col: 1, Value: 16786.65
Row: 27, Col: 1, Value: 17001.04
Row: 28, Col: 1, Value: 17140.75
Row: 29, Col: 1, Value: 17807.03
Row: 30, Col: 1, Value: 18240.51
Row: 31, Col: 1, Value: 18739.36
Row: 32, Col: 1, Value: 19071.82
Row: 33, Col: 1, Value: 19793.85
Row: 34, Col: 1, Value: 19849.55
Row: 35, Col: 1, Value: 20150.3
Row: 36, Col: 1, Value: 20341.51
Row: 37, Col: 1, Value: 20543.02
Row: 38, Col: 1, Value: 21214.73
Row: 39, Col: 1, Value: 21136.47
Row: 40, Col: 1, Value: 21530.18
Row: 41, Col: 1, Value: 21203.96
Row: 42, Col: 1, Value: 21685.43
Row: 43, Col: 1, Value: 22723.07
Row: 44, Col: 1, Value: 22286.55
Row: 45, Col: 1, Value: 21374.4
Row: 46, Col: 1, Value: 21955.29
Row: 47, Col: 1, Value: 22216.1
Row: 48, Col: 1, Value: 22047.5
Row: 49, Col: 1, Value: 22643.38
Row: 50, Col: 1, Value: 23418.02
Row: 51, Col: 1, Value: 22879.58
Row: 52, Col: 1, Value: 23274.88
Row: 53, Col: 1, Value: 22244.7
Row: 54, Col: 1, Value: 22370.95
Row: 55, Col: 1, Value: 22345.6
Row: 56, Col: 1, Value: 23154.03
Row: 57, Col: 1, Value: 23916.45
Row: 58, Col: 1, Value: 24475.31
Row: 59, Col: 1, Value: 25046.86
Row: 60, Col: 1, Value: 25390.89
Row: 61, Col: 1, Value: 26386.61
Row: 62, Col: 1, Value: 26527.03
Row: 63, Col: 1, Value: 27125.59
Row: 64, Col: 1, Value: 26317.59
Row: 65, Col: 1, Value: 27612.95
Row: 66, Col: 1, Value: 28274.79
Row: 67, Col: 1, Value: 29056.25
Row: 68, Col: 1, Value: 29427.41
Row: 69, Col: 1, Value: 30226.9
Row: 70, Col: 1, Value: 30706.27
Row: 71, Col: 1, Value: 30999.21
Row: 72, Col: 1, Value: 30759.08
Row: 73, Col: 1, Value: 29714.58
Row: 74, Col: 1, Value: 30397.52
Row: 75, Col: 1, Value: 31443.22
Row: 76, Col: 1, Value: 32022.26
Row: 77, Col: 1, Value: 33894.04
$
$33,894
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
TOTAL RETURN is the change in value of an investment over a given
period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. A
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN reflects actual performance over a stated period
of time. An AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN is a hypothetical rate of
return that, if achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative
total return if performance had been constant over the entire period.
Average annual total returns smooth out variations in performance; they are
not the same as actual year-by-year results.
UNDERSTANDING
PERFORMANCE
Because this fund invests in
stocks, its performance is
related to that of the overall
stock market. Historically,
stock market performance
has been characterized by
volatility in the short run and
growth in the long run. You
can see these two
characteristics reflected in the
fund's performance; the
year-by-year total returns on
page show that short-term
returns can vary widely, while
the returns in the mountain
chart show long-term growth.
(checkmark)
YIELD refers to the income generated by an investment in the fund over a
given period of time, expressed as an annual percentage rate. Yields are
calculated according to a standard that is required for all stock and bond
funds. Because this differs from other accounting methods, the quoted yield
may not equal the income actually paid to shareholders.
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX (S&P 500(registered trademark)) is a
widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stocks. Unlike the fund's
returns, the total returns of the comparative index do not include the
effect of any brokerage commissions, transaction fees, or other costs of
investing.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX is a widely recognized measure of inflation
calculated by the U.S. government.
THE COMPETITIVE FUNDS AVERAGE is the Lipper Equity Income Funds
Average, which reflects the performance of over 130 mutual funds with
similar investment objectives. This average, published by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., excludes the effect of sales charges.
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS
Calendar years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
EQUITY-INCOME II 46.60 % 19.06 % 18.89 %
3.16 %
26.39 %
S&P 500 30.47% 7.62 % 10.08 % 1.32 % 37.
58 %
Lipper Equity Income Funds Average 26.86 % 9.77 % 13.6
6% -2.54 % 30.17 %
Consumer Price Index 3.06 % 2.90 % 2.75 %
2.67 % 2.54
%
Percentage (%)
Row: 1, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 2, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 3, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 4, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 5, Col: 1, Value: 0.0
Row: 6, Col: 1, Value: 46.6
Row: 7, Col: 1, Value: 19.06
Row: 8, Col: 1, Value: 18.89
Row: 9, Col: 1, Value: 3.16
Row: 10, Col: 1, Value: 26.39
(LARGE SOLID BOX) Equity-Inco
me II
Other illustrations of fund performance may show moving averages over
specified periods.
The fund's recent strategies, performance, and holdings are detailed twice
a year in financial reports, which are sent to all shareholders. For
current performance or a free annual report, call 1-800-544-8888.
TOTAL RETURNS AND YIELDS ARE BASED ON PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT AN
INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
THE FUND IN DETAIL
CHARTER
EQUITY-INCOME II IS A MUTUAL FUND: an investment that pools
shareholders' money and invests it toward a specified goal. The fund is a
diversified fund of Fidelity Financial Trust, an open-end management
investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October
20, 1982.
THE FUND IS GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced
executives who meet throughout the year to oversee the fund's activities,
review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the
fund, and review the fund's performance. The majority of trustees
are not otherwise affiliated with Fidelity.
THE FUND MAY HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS AND MAIL PROXY MATERIALS. These meetings
may be called to elect or remove trustees, change fundamental policies,
approve a management contract, or for other purposes. Shareholders not
attending these meetings are encouraged to vote by proxy. Fidelity will
mail proxy materials in advance, including a voting card and information
about the proposals to be voted on. The number of votes you are entitled to
is based upon the dollar value of your investment.
FMR AND ITS AFFILIATES
The fund is managed by FMR, which chooses the fund's investments and
handles its business affairs. Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc.
(FMR U.K.), in London, England, and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc. (FMR Far East), in Tokyo, Japan, assist FMR with foreign
investments.
Bettina Doulton is Vice President and manager of Equity-Income II, which
she has managed since December 1996. She also manages other Fidelity funds.
Since joining Fidelity in 1986, Ms. Doulton has worked as an analyst and
manager.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions.
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) di stributes and markets
Fidelity's funds and services. Fidelity Service Co mpany, Inc . (FSC)
performs transfer agent servicing functions for the fund.
FMR Corp. is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR U.K., and FMR Far
East. Members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family are the predominant owners
of a class of shares of common stock representing approximately 49% of the
voting power of FMR Corp. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
1940 Act), control of a company is presumed where one individual or group
of individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company;
therefore, the Johnson family may be deemed under the 1940 Act to form a
controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
A broker-dealer may use a portion of the commissions paid by the fund to
reduce the fund's custodian or transfer agent fees. FMR may use its
broker-dealer affiliates and other firms that sell fund shares to carry out
the fund's transactions, provided that the fund receives brokerage services
and commission rates comparable to those of other broker-dealers.
INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES AND RISKS
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT APPROACH
The fund seeks reasonable income by investing primarily in income-producing
equity securities. FMR normally invests at least 65% of the fund's total
assets in these securities. The fund has the flexibility, however, to
invest the balance in all types of domestic and foreign securities,
including bonds. The fund seeks to achieve a yield that beats that of the
S&P 500. When choosing the fund's investments, FMR also considers the
potential for capital appreciation.
The value of the fund's domestic and foreign investments varies in response
to many factors. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of
individual companies, and general market and economic conditions. The value
of bonds fluctuates based on changes in interest rates and in the credit
quality of the issuer. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks
in addition to those of U.S. investments, including increased political and
economic risk, as well as exposure to currency fluctuations.
FMR may use various investment techniques to hedge a portion of the fund's
risks, but there is no guarantee that these strategies will work as FMR
intends. Also, as a mutual fund, the fund seeks to spread investment risk
by diversifying its holdings among many companies and industries. Of
course, when you sell your shares of the fund, they may be worth more or
less than what you paid for them.
FMR normally invests the fund's assets according to its investment
strategy. The fund also reserves the right to invest without limitation in
preferred stocks and investment-grade debt instruments for temporary,
defensive purposes.
SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which the fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of the fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
Any restrictions listed supplement those discussed earlier in this section.
A complete listing of the fund's limitations and more detailed information
about the fund's investments are contained in the fund's SAI. Policies and
limitations are considered at the time of purchase; the sale of instruments
is not required in the event of a subsequent change in circumstances.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that they are consistent with the fund's investment
objective and policies and that doing so will help the fund achieve its
goal. Fund holdings and recent investment strategies are detailed in the
fund's financial reports, which are sent to shareholders twice a year.
For a free SAI or financial report, call 1-800-544-8888.
EQUITY SECURITIES may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible
securities, and warrants. Common stocks, the most familiar type, represent
an equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. Although equity securities
have a history of long-term growth in value, their prices fluctuate based
on changes in a company's financial condition and on overall market and
economic conditions. Smaller companies are especially sensitive to these
factors.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of total assets, the fund may
not purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single
issuer.
DEBT SECURITIES. Bonds and other debt instruments are used by issuers to
borrow money from investors. The issuer generally pays the investor
a fixed , variable , or floating rate of interest, and must
repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Some debt securities, such as zero
coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are sold at a
discount from their face values.
Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in
interest rates and varying degrees of credit quality. In general, bond
prices rise when interest rates fall, and fall when interest rates rise.
Longer-term bonds and zero coupon bonds are generally more sensitive to
interest rate changes.
In addition, bond prices are also affected by the credit quality of the
issuer. Investment-grade debt securities are medium- and high-quality
securities. Some, however, may possess speculative characteristics and may
be more sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial
condition of issuers.
Lower-quality debt securities (sometimes called "junk bonds") are
considered to have speculative characteristics, and involve greater risk of
default or price changes due to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness,
or they may already be in default. The market prices of these securities
may fluctuate more than higher-quality securities and may decline
significantly in periods of general or regional economic
difficulty.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 1996 DEBT HOLDINGS, BY RATING
MOODY'S INVESTORS
SERVICE STANDARD & POOR'S
(AS A % OF INVESTMENTS) (AS A % OF
INVESTMENTS)
Rating Average Rating Average
INVESTMENT GRADE*
Highest quality Aaa 0.0% AAA 0.0%
High quality Aa 0.0% AA 0.0%
Upper-medium grade A 0.4% A 0.1%
Medium grade Baa 0.3% BBB 0.3%
LOWER QUALITY*
Moderately speculative Ba 1.3% BB 1.9%
Speculative B 1.2% B 0.8%
Highly speculative Caa 0.0% CCC 0.0%
Poor quality Ca -- CC --
Lowest quality, no interest C C
In default, in arrears -- D --
3.2% 3.1%
(AS A % OF INVESTMENTS)
SECURITIES NOT RATED BY MOODY'S OR S&P(dagger)
Investment Grade (double dagger) 0.0%
Lower Quality (double dagger) 0.4%
Total 0.4%
* FOR SOME FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS, FMR ASSIGNS THE RATINGS OF THE
SOVEREIGN CREDIT OF THE ISSUING GOVERNMENT.
(dagger) THE DOLLAR-WEIGHTED AVERAGE PERCENTAGES REFLECTED IN THE TABLE MAY
INCLUDE SECURITIES RATED BY OTHER NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED RATING SERVICES, AS
WELL AS UNRATED SECURITIES.
(double dagger) AS DETERMINED BY FMR
The following table provides a summary of ratings assigned to debt
holdings (not including money market instruments) in the fund's portfolio.
These figures are dollar-weighted averages of month-end portfolio holdings
during the fiscal year ended November 1996, and are presented as a
percentage of total security investments. These percentages are
historical and do not necessarily indicate the fund's current or future
debt holdings.
RESTRICTIONS: Purchase of a debt security is consistent with the fund's
debt quality policy if it is rated at or above the stated level by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or rated in the equivalent
categories by S&P, or is unrated but judged to be of equivalent quality by
FMR. The fund currently intends to limit its investments i n lower than
Baa-quality debt securities to less than 35% of its assets.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and
securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may
involve additional risks and considerations. These include risks relating
to political or economic conditions in foreign countries, fluctuations in
foreign currencies, withholding or other taxes, operational risks,
increased regulatory burdens, and the potentially less stringent investor
protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Additionally,
governmental issuers of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to pay
interest and repay principal when due and may require that the conditions
for payment be renegotiated. All of these factors can make foreign
investments, especially those in developing countries, more volatile than
U.S. investments.
ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE SECU RITIES include interests in pools of
lower-rated debt securities, consumer loan s or mortgages, or complex
instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped
mortgage-backed securities. The value of these securities may be
significantly affected by changes in interest rates, the market's
percep tion of issuers, and the creditworthiness of the parties
involved. Some securities may have a structure that makes their reaction to
interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their value
highly volatile. These securities may also be subject to prepayment risk.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund buys a security
at one price and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price.
Delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults
or becomes insolvent.
ADJUSTING INVESTMENT EXPOSURE. The fund can use various techniques to
increase or decrease its exposure to changing security prices, interest
rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices, or other factors that
affect security values. These techniques may involve derivative
transactions such as buying and selling options and futures contracts,
entering into currency exchange contracts or swap agreements, purchasing
indexed securities, and selling securities short.
FMR can use these practices to adjust the risk and return characteristics
of the fund's portfolio of investments. If FMR judges market conditions
incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the
fund's investments, these techniques could result in a loss, regardless of
whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return. These techniques
may increase the volatility of the fund and may involve a small investment
of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition, these
techniques could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction
does not perform as promised.
DIRECT DEBT. Loans and other direct debt instruments are interests in
amounts owed to another party by a company, government, or other borrower.
They have additional risks beyond conventional debt securities because they
may entail less legal protection for the fund, or there may be a
requirement that the fund supply additional cash to a borrower on demand.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Some investments may be determined by
FMR, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, to be illiquid, which
means that they may be difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price.
The sale of some illiquid securities, and some other securities, may be
subject to legal restrictions. Difficulty in selling securities may result
in a loss or may be costly to the fund.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, more
than 10% of its assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
OTHER INSTRUMENTS may include securities of closed-end investment
compa nies and real estate-related instrument s.
CASH MANAGEMENT. The fund may invest in money market securities,
in repurchase agreements, and in a money market fund available only to
funds and accounts managed by FMR or its affiliates, whose goal is to seek
a high level of current income while maintaining a stable $1.00 share
price. A major change in interest rates or a default on the money market
fund's investments could cause its share price to change.
DIVERSIFICATION. Diversifying a fund's investment portfolio can reduce the
risks of investing. This may include limiting the amount of money invested
in any one issuer or, on a broader scale, in any one industry.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund
may not purchase a security if, as a result, more than 5% would be invested
in the securities of any issuer. The fund may not invest more than 25% of
its total assets in any one industry. These limitations do not apply to
U.S. Government securities.
BORROWING. The fund may borrow from banks or from other funds advised by
FMR, or through reverse repurchase agreements. If the fund borrows money,
its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing
is paid off. If the fund makes additional investments while borrowings are
outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
RESTRICTIONS: The fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes,
but not in an amount exceeding 331/3% of its total assets.
LENDING securities to broker-dealers and institutions, including
Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI), an affiliate of FMR, is a means
of earning income. This practice could result in a loss or a delay in
recovering the fund's securities. The fund may also lend money to other
funds advised by FMR.
RESTRICTIONS: Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 331/3% of the fund's
total assets.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
Some of the policies and restrictions discussed on the preceding pages are
fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval.
The following paragraphs restate all those that are fundamental. All
policies stated throughout this prospectus, other than those identified in
the following paragraphs, can be changed without shareholder approva l.
The fund seeks reasonable income by investing primarily in income-producing
equity securities. In choosing these securities, the fund will also
consider the potential for capital appreciation. The fund looks for a yield
that exceeds the composite yield on the securities comprising the S&P 500.
With respect to 75% of total assets, the fund may not invest more than 5%
of its total assets in any one issuer and may not own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
The fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one
industry.
The fund may borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes, but not in an
amount exceeding 33% of its total assets.
Loans, in the aggregate, may not exceed 33% of the fund's total asset s.
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
Like all mutual funds, the fund pays fees related to its daily operations.
Expenses paid out of the fund's assets are reflected in its share price or
dividends; they are neither billed directly to shareholders nor deducted
from shareholder accounts.
The fund pays a MANAGEMENT FEE to FMR for managing its investments and
business affairs. FMR in turn pays fees to affiliates who provide
assistance with these services. The fund also pays OTHER EXPENSES, which
are explained on page .
FMR may, from time to time, agree to reimburse the fund for management fees
and other expenses above a specified limit. FMR retains the ability to be
repaid by the fund if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the
end of the fiscal year. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated
at any time without notice, can decrease the fund's expenses and boost its
performance.
MANAGEMENT FEE
The management fee is calculated and paid to FMR every month. The fee is
calculated by adding a group fee rate to an individual fund fee rate, and
multiplying the result by the fund's average net assets.
The group fee rate is based on the average net assets of all the mutual
funds advised by FMR. This rate cannot rise above .52%, and it drops as
total assets under management increase.
For November 1996, the group fee rate was .3026%. The individual fund
fee rate is .20%. The total management fee rate for fiscal year ended
November 1996 was .51%.
UNDERSTANDING THE
MANAGEMENT FEE
The management fee FMR
receives is designed to be
responsive to changes in
FMR's total assets under
management. Building this
variable into the fee
calculation assures
shareholders that they will
pay a lower rate as FMR's
assets under management
increase.
(checkmark)
FMR HAS SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS with FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. These
sub-advisers provide FMR with investment research and advice on issuers
based outside the United States. Under the sub-advisory agreements, FMR
pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal to 110% and 105%, respectively,
of the costs of providing these services.
The sub-advisers may also provide investment management services. In
return, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal to 50% of its
management fee rate with respect to the fund's investments that the
sub-adviser manages on a discretionary basis.
OTHER EXPENSES
While the management fee is a significant component of the fund's annual
operating costs, the fund has other expenses as well.
The fund contracts with FSC to perform many transaction and accounting
functions. These services include processing shareholder transactions,
valuing the fund's investments, and handling securi ties loans. In the
fiscal year ended November 1996, the fund paid FSC fees equal to .21% of
its average net assets .
The fund also pays other expenses, such as legal, audit, and custodian
fees; proxy solicitation costs; and the compensation of trustees who are
not affiliated with Fidelity. A broker-dealer may use a portion of the
commissions paid by the fund to reduce the fund's custodian or transfer
agent fees.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan. This plan recognizes
that FMR may use its resources, including management fees, to pay expenses
associated with the sale of fund shares. This may include payments to third
parties, such as banks or broker-dealers, that provide shareholder support
services or engage in the sale of the fund's shares. It is important to
note, however, that the fund does not pay FMR any separate fees for this
service .
The fund's portfolio turnover rate for fiscal year ended November 1996 was
46%. This rate varies from year to year.
YOUR ACCOUNT
DOING BUSINESS WITH FIDELITY
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America's
first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in
the country, and is known as an innovative provider of high-quality
financial services to individuals and institutions.
In addition to its mutual fund business, the company operates one of
America's leading discount brokerage firms, FBSI. Fidelity is also a leader
in providing tax-sheltered retirement plans for individuals investing on
their own or through their employer.
Fidelity is committed to providing investors with practical information to
make investment decisions. Based in Boston, Fidelity provides customers
with complete service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through a network of
telephone service centers around the country.
To reach Fidelity for general information, call these numbers:
(small solid bullet) For mutual funds, 1-800-544-8888
(small solid bullet) For brokerage, 1-800-544-7272
If you would prefer to speak with a rep resentative in person, Fidelity
has over 80 walk-in Investor Centers across the country .
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
You may set up an account directly in the fund or, if you own or intend to
purchase individual securities as part of your total investment portfolio,
you may consider investing in the fund through a brokerage account.
You may purchase or sell shares of the fund through an investment
professional, including a broker, who may charge you a transaction fee for
this service. If you invest through FBSI, another financial institution, or
an investment professional, read their program materials for any special
provisions, additional service features or fees that may apply to your
investment in the fund. Certain features of the fund, such as the minimum
initial or subsequent investment amounts, may be modified.
FIDELITY FACTS
Fidelity offers the broadest
selection of mutual funds
in the world.
(solid bullet) Number of Fidelity mutual
funds: over 225
(solid bullet) Assets in Fidelity mutual
funds: over $ 435 billion
(solid bullet) Number of shareholder
accounts: over 29 million
(solid bullet) Number of investment
analysts and portfolio
managers: over 215
(checkmark)
The different ways to set up (register) your account with Fidelity are
listed in the table that follow s.
The account guidelines that follow may not apply to certain retirement
accounts. If you are investing through a retirement account or if your
employer offers the fund through a retirement program, you may be subject
to additional fees. For more information, please refer to your program
materials, contact your employer, or call your retirement benefits number
or Fidelity directly, as appropriate.
WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT
INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT TENANT
FOR YOUR GENERAL INVESTMENT NEEDS
Individual accounts are owned by one person. Joint accounts can have two or
more owners (tenants).
RETIREMENT
TO SHELTER YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS FROM TAXES
Retirement plans allow individuals to shelter investment income and
capital gains from current taxes. In addition, contributions to these
accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement accounts require special
applications and typically have lower minimums.
(solid bullet) INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS) allow anyone of legal
age and under 70 with earned income to invest up to $2,000 per tax year.
Individuals can also invest in a spouse's IRA if the spouse has earned
income of less than $250.
(solid bullet) ROLLOVER IRAS retain special tax advantages for certain
distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans.
(solid bullet) KEOGH OR CORPORATE PROFIT SHARING AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION
PLANS allow self-employed individuals or small business owners (and their
employees) to make tax-deductible contributions for themselves and any
eligible employees up to $30,000 per year.
(solid bullet) SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP-IRAS) provide small
business owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible
employees) with many of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer
administrative requirements.
(solid bullet) 403(B) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS are available to employees of most
tax-exempt institutions, including schools, hospitals, and other charitable
organizations.
(solid bullet) 401(K) PROGRAMS allow employees of corporations of all sizes
to contribute a percentage of their wages on a tax-deferred basis. These
accounts need to be established by the trustee of the plan.
GIFTS OR TRANSFERS TO A MINOR (UGMA, UTMA)
TO INVEST FOR A CHILD'S EDUCATION OR OTHER FUTURE NEEDS
These custodial accounts provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
tax benefits. An individual can give up to $10,000 a year per child without
paying federal gift tax. Depending on state laws, you can set up a
custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
TRUST
FOR MONEY BEING INVESTED BY A TRUST
The trust must be established before an account can be opened.
BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION
FOR INVESTMENT NEEDS OF CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, OR OTHER
GROUPS
Requires a special application.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
THE FUND'S SHARE PRICE, called net asset value (NAV), is calculated every
business day. The fund's shares are sold without a sales charge.
Shares are purchased at the next share price calculated after your
investment is received and accepted. Share price is normally calculated at
4 p.m. Eastern time.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO FIDELITY, complete and sign an account application and
mail it along with your check. You may also open your account in person or
by wire as described on page . If there is no application accompanying this
prospectus, call 1-800-544-8888.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE MONEY INVESTED IN A FIDELITY FUND, you can:
(small solid bullet) Mail in an application with a check, or
(small solid bullet) Open your account by exchanging from another Fidelity
fund.
IF YOU ARE INVESTING THROUGH A TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLAN, such as an
IRA, for the first time, you will need a special application. Retirement
investing also involves its own investment procedures. Call 1-800-544-8888
for more information and a retirement application.
If you buy shares by check or Fidelity Money Line(registered trademark),
and then sell those shares by any method other than by exchange to another
Fidelity fund, the payment may be delayed for up to seven business days to
ensure that your previous investment has cleared.
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT $2,500
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA,
SEP-IRA and Keough accounts $500
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT $250
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA,
SEP-IRA and Keough accounts $250
Through regular investment plans* $100
MINIMUM BALANCE $ 2 ,000
For Fidelity IRA, Rollover IRA,
SEP-IRA and Keough accounts $500
* FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS, PLEASE REFER TO
"INVESTOR SERVICES," PAGE .
These minimums may vary for investments through Fidelity Portfolio Advisory
Services. There is no minimum account balance or initial or subsequent
investment minimums for certain retirement accounts funded through salary
reduction, or accounts opened with the proceeds of distributions from such
Fidelity retirement accounts. Refer to the program materials for
details.
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TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) (small solid bullet) Exchange from another (small solid bullet) Exchange from another
Fidelity fund account Fidelity fund account
with the same with the same
registration, including registration, including
name, address, and name, address, and
taxpayer ID number. taxpayer ID number.
(small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Money
Line to transfer from
your bank account. Call
before your first use to
verify that this service
is in place on your
account. Maximum
Money Line: $50,000.
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Mail (mail_graphic) (small solid bullet) Complete and sign the (small solid bullet) Make your check
application. Make your payable to "Fidelity
check payable to Equity-Income ll Fund."
"Fidelity Equity-Income Indicate your fund
ll Fund." Mail to the account number on
address indicated on your check and mail to
the application. the address printed on
your account statement.
(small solid bullet) Exchange by mail: call
1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
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In Person (hand_graphic) (small solid bullet) Bring your application (small solid bullet) Bring your check to a
and check to a Fidelity Fidelity Investor Center.
Investor Center. Call Call 1-800-544-9797 for
1-800-544-9797 for the the center nearest you.
center nearest you.
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Wire (wire_graphic) (small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-7777 to (small solid bullet) Not available for
set up your account retirement accounts.
and to arrange a wire (small solid bullet) Wire to:
transaction. Not Bankers Trust
available for retirement Company,
accounts. Bank Routing
(small solid bullet) Wire within 24 hours to: #021001033,
Bankers Trust Account #00163053.
Company, Specify "Fidelity
Bank Routing Equity-Income ll Fund"
#021001033, and include your
Account #00163053. account number and
Specify "Fidelity your name.
Equity-Income ll Fund"
and include your new
account number and
your name.
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Automatically (automatic_graphic) (small solid bullet) Not available. (small solid bullet) Use Fidelity Automatic
Account Builder. Sign
up for this service
when opening your
account, or call
1-800-544-6666 to add
it.
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(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
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HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can arrange to take money out of your fund account at any time by
selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Your shares will be sold at
the next share price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Share price is normally calculated at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
TO SELL SHARES IN A NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, you may use any of the methods
described on these two pages.
TO SELL SHARES IN A FIDELITY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, your request must be made
in writing, except for exchanges to other Fidelity funds, which can be
requested by phone or in writing. Call 1-800-544-6666 for a retirement
distribution form.
IF YOU ARE SELLING SOME BUT NOT ALL OF YOUR SHARES, l eave at least
$ 2 ,000 worth of shares in the account to keep it open ($500 for
retirement accounts).
TO SELL SHARES BY BANK WIRE OR FIDELITY MONEY LINE, you will need to sign
up for these services in advance.
CERTAIN REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. It is designed to
protect you and Fidelity from fraud. Your request must be made in writing
and include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations apply:
(small solid bullet) You wish to redeem more than $100,000 worth of shares,
(small solid bullet) Your account registration has changed within the last
30 days,
(small solid bullet) The check is being mailed to a different address than
the one on your account (record address),
(small solid bullet) The check is being made payable to someone other than
the account owner, or
(small solid bullet) The redemption proceeds are being transferred to a
Fidelity account with a different registration.
You should be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker
(including Fidelity Investor Centers), dealer, credit union (if authorized
under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency, or
savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
SELLING SHARES IN WRITING
Write a "letter of instruction" with:
(small solid bullet) Your name,
(small solid bullet) The fund's name,
(small solid bullet) Your fund account number,
(small solid bullet) The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed,
and
(small solid bullet) Any other applicable requirements listed in the
table that follows .
Unless otherwise instructed, Fidelity will send a check to the record
address. Deliver your letter to a Fidelity Investor Center, or mail it to:
Fidelity Investments
P.O. Box 660602
Dallas, TX 75266-0602
ACCOUNT TYPE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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Phone 1-800-544-777 (phone_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) Maximum check request:
except retirement $100,000.
(small solid bullet) For Money Line transfers to
All account types your bank account; minimum:
$10; maximum: $100,000.
(small solid bullet) You may exchange to other
Fidelity funds if both
accounts are registered with
the same name(s), address,
and taxpayer ID number.
Mail or in Person (mail_graphic)(hand_graphic) Individual, Joint (small solid bullet) The letter of instruction must
Tenant, be signed by all persons
Sole Proprietorship required to sign for
, UGMA, UTMA transactions, exactly as their
Retirement account names appear on the
account.
(small solid bullet) The account owner should
Trust complete a retirement
distribution form. Call
1-800-544-6666 to request
one.
Business or (small solid bullet) The trustee must sign the
Organization letter indicating capacity as
trustee. If the trustee's name
is not in the account
registration, provide a copy of
the trust document certified
Executor, within the last 60 days.
Administrator, (small solid bullet) At least one person
Conservator, authorized by corporate
Guardian resolution to act on the
account must sign the letter.
(small solid bullet) Include a corporate
resolution with corporate seal
or a signature guarantee.
(small solid bullet) Call 1-800-544-6666 for
instructions.
Wire (wire_graphic) All account types (small solid bullet) You must sign up for the wire
except retirement feature before using it. To
verify that it is in place, call
1-800-544-6666. Minimum
wire: $5,000.
(small solid bullet) Your wire redemption request
must be received and
accepted by Fidelity before 4
p.m. Eastern time for money
to be wired on the next
business day.
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(tdd_graphic) TDD - Service for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired: 1-800-544-0118
</TABLE>
INVESTOR SERVICES
Fidelity provides a variety of services to help you manage your account.
INFORMATION SERVICES
FIDELITY'S TELEPHONE REPRESENTATIVES are available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. Whenever you call, you can speak with someone equipped to provide
the information or service you need.
24-HOUR SERVICE
ACCOUNT ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-6666
ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
1-800-544-7777
PRODUCT INFORMATION
1-800-544-8888
RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
ASSISTANCE
1-800-544-4774
TOUCHTONE XPRESSSM
1-800-544-5555
AUTOMATED SERVICE
(checkmark)
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS that Fidelity sends to you include the following:
(small solid bullet) Confirmation statements (after every transaction,
except reinvestments, that affects your account balance or your account
registration)
(small solid bullet) Account statements (quarterly)
(small solid bullet) Financial reports (every six months)
To reduce expenses, only one copy of most financial reports and
prospectuses will be mailed to your household, even if you have more than
one account in the fund. Call 1-800-544-6666 if you need copies of
financial reports, prospectuses, or historical account information .
TRANSACTION SERVICES
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. You may sell your fund shares and buy shares of other
Fidelity funds by telephone or in writing.
Note that exchanges out of the fund are limited to four per calendar year,
and that they may have tax consequences for you. For details on policies
and restrictions governing exchanges, including circumstances under which a
shareholder's exchange privilege may be suspended or revoked, see page .
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS let you set up periodic redemptions from your
account.
FIDELITY MONEY LINE enables you to transfer money by phone between your
bank account and your fund account. Most transfers are complete within
three business days of your call.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
One easy way to pursue your financial goals is to invest money regularly.
Fidelity offers convenient services that let you transfer money into your
fund account, or between fund accounts, automatically. While regular
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect you against
loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest for
retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial
goals. Certain restrictions apply for retirement accounts. Call
1-800-544-6666 for more information.
REGULAR INVESTMENT PLANS
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT BUILDERSM
TO MOVE MONEY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO A FIDELITY FUND
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly or (small solid bullet) For a new account, complete the
quarterly appropriate section on the fund
application.
(small solid bullet) For existing accounts, call
1-800-544-6666 for an application.
(small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
your investment, call 1-800-544-6666 at
least three business days prior to your
next scheduled investment date.
</TABLE>
DIRECT DEPOSIT
TO SEND ALL OR A PORTION OF YOUR PAYCHECK OR GOVERNMENT CHECK TO A FIDELITY
FUNDA
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MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Every pay (small solid bullet) Check the appropriate box on the fund
period application, or call 1-800-544-6666 for an
authorization form.
(small solid bullet) Changes require a new authorization
form.
</TABLE>
FIDELITY AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE SERVICE
TO MOVE MONEY FROM A FIDELITY MONEY MARKET FUND TO ANOTHER FIDELITY FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
MINIMUM FREQUENCY SETTING UP OR CHANGING
$100 Monthly, (small solid bullet) To establish, call 1-800-544-6666 after
bimonthly, both accounts are opened.
quarterly, or (small solid bullet) To change the amount or frequency of
annually your investment, call 1-800-544-6666.
</TABLE>
A BECAUSE ITS SHARE PRICE FLUCTUATES, THE FUND MAY NOT BE AN APPROPRIATE
CHOICE FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT OF YOUR ENTIRE CHECK.
SHAREHOLDER AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS, AND TAXES
The fund distributes substantially all of its net income and capital gains
to shareholders each year. Normally, dividends are distributed in March,
June, September, and December. Capital gains are distributed in January and
December.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
When you open an account, specify on your application how you want to
receive your distributions. If the option you prefer is not listed on the
application, call 1-800-544-6666 for instructions. The fund offers four
options:
9. REINVESTMENT OPTION. Your dividend and capital gain distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the fund. If you do not
indicate a choice on your application, you will be assigned this option.
10. INCOME-EARNED OPTION. Your capital gain distributions will be
automatically reinvested, but you will be sent a check for each dividend
distribution.
11. CASH OPTION. You will be sent a check for your dividend and capital
gain distributions.
12. DIRECTED DIVIDENDS(registered trademark) OPTION. Your dividend and
capital gain distributions will be automatically invested in another
identically registered Fidelity fund.
FOR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, all distributions are automatically reinvested.
When you are over 59 years old, you can receive distributions in cash.
When the fund deducts a distribution from its NAV, the reinvestment price
is the fund's NAV at the close of business that day. Cash distribution
checks will be mailed within seven days.
UNDERSTANDING
DISTRIBUTIONS
As a fund shareholder, you
are entitled to your share of
the fund's net income and
gains on its investments. The
fund passes its earnings
along to its investors as
DISTRIBUTIONS.
The fund earns dividends
from stocks and interest from
bond, money market, and
other investments. These are
passed along as DIVIDEND
DISTRIBUTIONS. The fund
realizes capital gains
whenever it sells securities
for a higher price than it paid
for them. These are passed
along as CAPITAL GAIN
DISTRIBUTIONS.
(checkmark)
TAXES
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in the fund
will be taxed. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account,
you should be aware of these tax implications.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions are subject to federal income tax,
and may also be subject to state or local taxes. If you live outside the
United States, your distributions could also be taxed by the country in
which you reside. Your distributions are taxable when they are paid,
whether you take them in cash or reinvest them. However, distributions
declared in December and paid in January are taxable as if they were paid
on December 31.
For federal tax purposes, the fund's income and short-term capital gain
distributions are taxed as dividends; long-term capital gain distributions
are taxed as long-term capital gains. Every January, Fidelity will send you
and the IRS a statement showing the taxable distributions paid to you in
the previous year.
TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS. Your redemptions - including exchanges to
other Fidelity funds - are subject to capital gains tax. A capital
gain or loss is the difference between the cost of your shares and the
price you receive when you sell them.
Whenever you sell shares of the fund, Fidelity will send you a confirmation
statement showing how many shares you sold and at what price. You will also
receive a consolidated transaction statement every January. However, it is
up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether this sale resulted in a
capital gain and, if so, the amount of tax to be paid. Be sure to keep your
regular account statements; the information they contain will be essential
in calculating the amount of your capital gains.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND." If you buy shares when the fund has realized but
not yet distributed income or capital gains , you will pay the full
price for the shares and then receive a portion of the price back in
the form of a taxable distribution.
EFFECT OF FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may impose taxes on the fund
and its investments and these taxes generally will reduce the fund's
distributions. However, an offsetting tax credit or deduction may be
available to you. If so, your tax statement will show more taxable income
or capital gains than were actually distributed by the fund, but will also
show the amount of the available offsetting credit or deduction.
There are tax requirements that all funds must follow in order to avoid
federal taxation. In its effort to adhere to these requirements, the fund
may have to limit its investment activity in some types of instruments.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
THE FUND IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
is open. Fidelity normally calculates the fund's NAV as of the close of
business of the NYSE, normally 4 p.m. Eastern time.
THE FUND'S NAV is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by
adding the value of the fund's investments, cash, and other assets,
subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing the result by the number of
shares outstanding.
The fund's assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary
market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency
into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Short-term securities
with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which quotations are
not readily available are valued on the basis of amortized cost. This
method minimizes the effect of changes in a security's market value. In
addition, i f quotations are not readily available, or if the values
have been materially affected by events occurring after the closing of a
foreign market, assets may be valued by a method that the Board of
Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value.
THE FUND'S OFFERING PRICE (price to buy one share) and REDEMPTION PRICE
(price to sell one share) are its NAV.
WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION, you will be asked to certify that
your Social Security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that
you are not subject to 31% backup withholding for failing to report income
to the IRS. If you violate IRS regulations, the IRS can require the fund to
withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and redemptions.
YOU MAY INITIATE MANY TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Fidelity may only be
liable for losses resulting from unauthorized transactions if it does not
follow reasonable procedures designed to verify the identity of the caller.
Fidelity will request personalized security codes or other information, and
may also record calls. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation
statements immediately after you receive them. If you do not want the
ability to redeem and exchange by telephone, call Fidelity for
instructions.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH FIDELITY BY PHONE (for example, during periods
of unusual market activity), consider placing your order by mail or by
visiting a Fidelity Investor Center.
THE FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES for a period
of time. The fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including certain purchases by exchange. See "Exchange Restrictions"
on page . Purchase orders may be refused if, in FMR's opinion, they would
disrupt management of the fund.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO BUY SHARES, your order will be processed at the
next offering price calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Note the following:
(small solid bullet) All of your purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and
checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity does not accept cash.
(small solid bullet) When making a purchase with more than one check, each
check must have a value of at least $50.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to limit the number of
checks processed at one time.
(small solid bullet) If your check does not clear, your purchase will be
cancelled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the fund or its
transfer agent has incurred.
TO AVOID THE COLLECTION PERIOD associated with check and Money Line
purchases, consider buying shares by bank wire, U.S. Postal money order,
U.S. Treasury check, Federal Reserve check, or direct deposit instead.
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS that have entered into sales agreements with
FDC may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of customers by phone,
with payment to follow no later than the time when the fund is priced on
the following business day. If payment is not received by that time, the
financial institution could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER TO SELL SHARES, your shares will be sold at the
next NAV calculated after your request is received and accepted. Note the
following:
(small solid bullet) Normally, redemption proceeds will be mailed to you on
the next business day, but if making immediate payment could adversely
affect the fund, it may take up to seven days to pay you.
(small solid bullet) Fidelity Money Line redemptions generally will be
credited to your bank account on the second or third business day after
your phone call.
(small solid bullet) The fund may hold payment on redemptions until it is
reasonably satisfied that investments made by check or Fidelity Money Line
have been collected, which can take up to seven business days.
(small solid bullet) Redemptions may be suspended or payment dates
postponed when the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when
trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
FIDELITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DEDUCT AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FEE of $12.00
from accounts with a value of less than $2,500, subject to an annual
maximum charge of $ 24 .00 per shareholder. It is expected that
accounts will be valued on the second Friday in November of each year.
Accounts opened after September 30 will not be subject to the fee for that
year. The fee, which is payable to the transfer agent, is designed to
offset in part the relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts.
Th is fee will not be deducted from Fidelity brokerage accounts,
retirement accounts (except non-prototype retirement accounts),
accounts using regular investment plans, or if total assets in Fidelity
funds exceed $ 3 0,000. Eligibility for the $ 3 0,000 waiver is
determined by aggregating Fidelity accounts maintained by FSC or FBSI which
are registered under the same social security number or which list the same
social security number for the custodian of a Uniform Gifts/Transfers to
Minors Act account.
IF YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE FALLS BELOW $ 2 ,000, you will be given 30
days' notice to reestablish the minimum balance. If you do not increase
your balance, Fidelity reserves the right to close your account and send
the proceeds to you. Your shares will be redeemed at the NAV on the day
your account is closed.
FIDELITY MAY CHARGE A FEE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, such as providing
historical account documents, that are beyond the normal scope of its
services.
FDC may, at its own expense, provide promotional incentives to qualified
recipients who support the sale of shares of the fund without reimbursement
from the fund. Qualified recipients are securities dealers who have sold
fund shares or others, including banks and other financial institutions,
under special arrangements in connection with FDC's sales activities. In
some instances, these incentives may be offered only to certain
institutions whose representatives provide services in connection with the
sale or expected sale of significant amounts of shares.
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of the fund
for shares of other Fidelity funds. However, you should note the following:
(small solid bullet) The fund you are exchanging into must be
available for sale in your state.
(small solid bullet) You may only exchange between accounts that are
registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number.
(small solid bullet) Before exchanging into a fund, read its prospectus.
(small solid bullet) If you exchange into a fund with a sales charge, you
pay the percentage-point difference between that fund's sales charge and
any sales charge you have previously paid in connection with the shares you
are exchanging. For example, if you had already paid a sales charge of 2%
on your shares and you exchange them into a fund with a 3% sales charge,
you would pay an additional 1% sales charge.
(small solid bullet) Exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
(small solid bullet) Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance
and shareholders, the fund reserves the right to temporarily or permanently
terminate the exchange privilege of any investor who makes more than four
exchanges out of the fund per calendar year. Accounts under common
ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer
identification number, will be counted together for purposes of the four
exchange limit.
(small solid bullet) The exchange limit may be modified for accounts in
certain institutional retirement plans to conform to plan exchange limits
and Department of Labor regulations. See your plan materials for further
information.
(small solid bullet) The fund reserves the right to refuse exchange
purchases by any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be
unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment
objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected.
(small solid bullet) Your exchanges may be restricted or refused if the
fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant
portions of the fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that
coincides with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to the fund.
Although the fund will attempt to give you prior notice whenever it is
reasonably able to do so, it may impose these restrictions at any time. The
fund reserves the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege in
the future.
OTHER FUNDS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS, and may impose
administrative fees of up to $7.50 and redemption fees of up to 1.50% on
exchanges. Check each fund's prospectus for details.
This prospectus is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.
FIDELITY EQUITY-INCOME II FUND
A FUND OF FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JANUARY 22, 1997
This Statement is not a prospectus but should be read in conjunction with
the fund's current Prospectus (dated January 22, 1997 ). Please
retain this document for future reference. The fund's financial statements
and financial highlights, included in the Annual Report for the fiscal year
ended November 30 , 1996, are incorporated herein by reference. To
obtain an additional copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report, please
call Fidelity Distributors Corporation at 1-800-544-8888.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Investment Policies and Limitations
Portfolio Transactions
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Performance
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information
Distributions and Taxes
FMR
Trustees and Officers
Management Contract
Distribution and Service Plan
Contracts with FMR Affiliates
Description of the Trust
Financial Statements
Appendix
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS
Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. (FMR U.K.)
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc. (FMR Far East)
DISTRIBUTOR
Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC)
TRANSFER AGENT
Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC)
EII -ptb- 0197
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the
Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or
limitation states a maximum percentage of the fund's assets that may be
invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding
quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be
determined immediately after and as a result of the fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values,
net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining
whether the investment complies with the fund's investment policies and
limitations.
The fund's fundamental investment policies and limitations cannot be
changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the fund.
However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below,
the investment policies and limitations described in this Statement of
Additional Information are not fundamental and may be changed without
shareholder approval.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FUND MAY NOT:
(1) with respect to 75% of the fund's total assets, purchase the securities
of any issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the
government of the United States, or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result thereof, (a) more than 5% of the fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or (b) the
fund would hold more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer;
(2) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940;
(3) borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money for temporary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging or investment) in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets (including the amount
borrowed) less liabilities (other than borrowings). Any borrowings that
come to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets by reason of
a decline in net assets will be reduced within three days (exclusive of
Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3%
limitation;
(4) underwrite securities issued by others (except to the extent that the
fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities);
(5) purchase the securities of any issuer (other than obligations issued or
guaranteed by the government of the United States or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's total
assets (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of
issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry;
(6) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership
of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the fund
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);
(7) purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
the fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from
investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities); or
(8) lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33
1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties (for this purpose,
purchasing debt securities and engaging in repurchase agreements do not
constitute lending).
THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED
WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.
(i) The fund does not currently intend to sell securities short, unless it
owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures
contracts and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities
short.
(ii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase securities on margin,
except that the fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary
for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in
connection with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall
not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a registered
investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an affiliate serves as
investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse repurchase agreements with
any party (reverse repurchase agreements are treated as borrowings for
purposes of fundamental investment limitation (3)). The fund will not
purchase any security while borrowings representing more than 5% of its
total assets are outstanding. The fund will not borrow from other funds
advised by FMR or its affiliates if total outstanding borrowings
immediately after such borrowing would exceed 15% of the fund's total
assets.
(iv) The fund does not currently intend to purchase any security if, as a
result, more than 10% of its net assets would be invested in securities
that are deemed to be illiquid because they are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or because they cannot be sold or
disposed of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices
at which they are valued.
(v) The fund does not currently intend to purchase interests in real estate
investment trusts that are not readily marketable or interests in real
estate limited partnerships that are not listed on an exchange or traded on
the NASDAQ National Market System if, as a result, the sum of such
interests and other investments considered illiquid under limitation (iv)
would exceed 10% of the fund's net assets.
(vi) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 5% of the
fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio for
which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) acquiring
loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt instruments and,
in connection therewith, assuming any associated unfunded commitments of
the sellers. (This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt
securities or to repurchase agreements.)
(vii) The fund does not currently intend to (a) purchase securities of
other investment companies, except in the open market where no commission
except the ordinary broker's commission is paid, or (b) purchase or retain
securities issued by other open-end investment companies. Limitations (a)
and (b) do not apply ( i) to securities received as dividends, through
offers of exchange, or as a result of a reorganization, consolidation or
merger, or (ii) to securities of other open-end investment companies
managed by FMR or a successor or affiliate purchased pursuant to an
exemptive order granted by the SEC.
(viii) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of any
issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by domestic or foreign
governments or political subdivisions thereof) if, as a result, more than
5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of business
enterprises that, including predecessors, have a record of less than three
years of continuous operation.
(ix) The fund does not currently intend to purchase warrants, valued at
the lower of cost or market, in excess of 5% of the fund's net assets.
Included in that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the fund's net assets, may
be warrants that are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the
American Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the fund in units or attached
to securities are not subject to these restrictions.
(x) The fund does not currently intend to invest in oil, gas, or other
mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
(xi) The fund does not currently intend to purchase the securities of
any issuer if those officers and Trustees of the trust and those officers
and directors of FMR who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of such issuer together own more than 5% of such issuer's
securities.
For purposes of limitation (viii), pass-through entities and other special
purpose vehicles or pools of financial assets, such as issuers of
asset-backed securities or investment companies, are not considered
"business enterprises."
For the fund's limitations on futures and options transactions, see the
section entitled "Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions" on
page .
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of
instruments in which a fund may invest, strategies FMR may employ in
pursuit of a fund's investment objective, and a summary of related risks.
FMR may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques
unless it believes that doing so will help the fund achieve its goal.
AFFILIATED BANK TRANSACTIONS. The fund may engage in transactions with
financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, "affiliated
persons" of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These
transactions may include repurchase agreements with custodian banks;
short-term obligations of, and repurchase agreements with, the 50 largest
U.S. banks (measured by deposits); municipal securities; U.S. government
securities with affiliated financial institutions that are primary dealers
in these securities; short-term currency transactions; and short-term
borrowings. In accordance with exemptive orders issued by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Board of Trustees has established and
periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving
affiliated financial institutions.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Asset-backed securities represent interests in
pools of consumer loans (generally unrelated to mortgage loans) and most
often are structured as pass-through securities. Interest and principal
payments ultimately depend upon payment of the underlying loans by
individuals, although the securities may be supported by letters of credit
or other credit enhancements. The value of asset-backed securities may also
depend on the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool,
the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing the
credit enhancement.
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The fund may purchase the shares
of closed-end investment companies to facilitate investment in certain
countries. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade at a premium
or a discount to their net asset value.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKET S. Foreign securities, foreign currencies,
and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations
may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S.
investments. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies and
of dividends and interest paid with respect to such securities will
fluctuate based on the relative strength of the U.S. dollar.
Foreign investments involve a risk of local political, economic, or social
instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments,
and may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the
interests of U.S. investors. Such actions may include the possibility of
expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation,
restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or
convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There
is no assurance that FMR will be able to anticipate these potential events
or counter their effects. These risks are magnified for investments in
developing countries, which may have relatively unstable governments,
economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade
a small number of securities.
Economies of particular countries or areas of the world may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States. Foreign
markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. It is
anticipated that in most cases the best available market for foreign
securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter markets located
outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets, while growing in
volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the
United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those
located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading practices,
including those involving securities settlement where fund assets may be
released prior to receipt of payment, may result in increased risk in the
event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign broker-dealer, and
may involve substantial delays. In addition, the costs of foreign
investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than for U.S. investors. In general, there is
less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities
exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States. It may
also be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries. Foreign
issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to
those applicable to U.S. issuers.
Some foreign securities impose restrictions on transfer within the United
States or to U.S. persons. Although securities subject to such transfer
restrictions may be marketable abroad, they may be less liquid than foreign
securities of the same class that are not subject to such restrictions.
American Depositary Receipts (ADR's) as well as other "hybrid" forms of
ADRs including European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary
Receipts (GDRs), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a
foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depositary banks and
generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere.
The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar
financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depositary bank may
not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and
may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and
interest and corporate actions. ADRs are an alternative to directly
purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and
currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks
associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks
include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks
of the underlying issuer's country.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTION S. The fund may conduct foreign currency
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or by entering into forward
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date and
price. The fund will convert currency on a spot basis from time to time,
and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although
foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for conversion, they
do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which
they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to
sell a foreign currency to the fund at one rate, while offering a lesser
rate of exchange should the fund desire to resell that currency to the
dealer. Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market
conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the
contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange.
The fund may use currency forward contracts for any purpose consistent with
its investment objective. The following discussion summarizes the principal
currency management strategies involving forward contracts that could be
used by the fund. The fund may also use swap agreements, indexed
securities, and options and futures contracts relating to foreign
currencies for the same purposes.
When the fund agrees to buy or sell a security denominated in a foreign
currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security.
By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed
amount of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying security transaction, the fund will be able to protect itself
against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or
received. This technique is sometimes referred to as a "settlement hedge"
or "transaction hedge." The fund may also enter into forward contracts to
purchase or sell a foreign currency in anticipation of future purchases or
sales of securities denominated in foreign currency, even if the specific
investments have not yet been selected by FMR.
The fund may also use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the
value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. For example,
if the fund owned securities denominated in pounds sterling, it could enter
into a forward contract to sell pounds sterling in return for U.S. dollars
to hedge against possible declines in the pound's value. Such a hedge,
sometimes referred to as a "position hedge," would tend to offset both
positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes
in security values caused by other factors. The fund could also hedge the
position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the
pound sterling - for example, by entering into a forward contract to
sell Deutschemarks or European Currency Units in return for U.S. dollars.
This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a "proxy hedge," could offer
advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not
hedge currency exposure as effectively as a simple hedge into U.S. dollars.
Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not
perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are
denominated.
The fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure
from one currency into another. This may include shifting exposure from
U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another
foreign currency. For example, if the fund held investments denominated in
Deutschemarks, the fund could enter into forward contracts to sell
Deutschemarks and purchase Swiss Francs. This type of strategy, sometimes
known as a "cross-hedge," will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the
currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is
purchased, much as if the fund had sold a security denominated in one
currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in another.
Cross-hedges protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged
currency, but will cause the fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the
value of the currency it purchases.
Under certain conditions, SEC guidelines require mutual funds to set aside
appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover
currency forward contracts. As required by SEC guidelines, the fund will
segregate assets to cover currency forward contracts, if any, whose purpose
is essentially speculative. The fund will not segregate assets to cover
forward contracts entered into for hedging purposes, including settlement
hedges, position hedges, and proxy hedges.
Successful use of currency management strategies will depend on FMR's skill
in analyzing and predicting currency values. Currency management strategies
may substantially change the fund's investment exposure to changes in
currency exchange rates, and could result in losses to the fund if
currencies do not perform as FMR anticipates. For example, if a currency's
value rose at a time when FMR had hedged the fund by selling that currency
in exchange for dollars, the fund would be unable to participate in the
currency's appreciation. If FMR hedges currency exposure through proxy
hedges, the fund could realize currency losses from the hedge and the
security position at the same time if the two currencies do not move in
tandem. Similarly, if FMR increases the fund's exposure to a foreign
currency, and that currency's value declines, the fund will realize a loss.
There is no assurance that FMR's use of currency management strategies will
be advantageous to the fund or that it will hedge at an appropriate time.
FUND'S RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. The fund does not intend to direct or
administer the day-to-day operations of any company. The fund, however, may
exercise its rights as a shareholder and may communicate its views on
important matters of policy to management, the Board of Directors, and
shareholders of a company when FMR determines that such matters could have
a significant effect on the value of the fund's investment in the company.
The activities that the fund may engage in, either individually or in
conjunction with others, may include, among others, supporting or opposing
proposed changes in a company's corporate structure or business activities;
seeking changes in a company's directors or management; seeking changes in
a company's direction or policies; seeking the sale or reorganization of
the company or a portion of its assets; or supporting or opposing third
party takeover efforts. This area of corporate activity is increasingly
prone to litigation and it is possible that the fund could be involved in
lawsuits related to such activities. FMR will monitor such activities with
a view to mitigating, to the extent possible, the risk of litigation
against the fund and the risk of actual liability if the fund is involved
in litigation. No guarantee can be made, however, that litigation against
the fund will not be undertaken or liabilities incurred.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS. The following sections pertain to futures and options:
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions, Combined Positions,
Correlation of Price Changes, Futures Contracts, Futures Margin Payments,
Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions, Liquidity of Options and
Futures Contracts, Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies, OTC
Options, Purchasing Put and Call Options, and Writing Put and Call Options.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES AND OPTIONS POSITIONS. The fund will comply
with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission with
respect to coverage of option s and futures strategies by mutual funds,
and if the guidelines so require will set aside appropriate liquid assets
in a segregated custodial account in the amount prescribed. Securities held
in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures or option strategy
is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a
result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of
the fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the fund's ability
to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
COMBINED POSITIONS. The fund may purchase and write options in combination
with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts, to
adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For
example, the fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the
same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose
risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract.
Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at
one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial
price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades,
they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open
and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of types
of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized contracts available will not match the fund's current or
anticipated investments exactly. The fund may invest in options and futures
contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other
characteristics from the securities in which it typically invests, which
involves a risk that the options or futures position will not track the
performance of the fund's other investments.
Options and futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the fund's
investments well. Options and futures prices are affected by such factors
as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility
of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of
the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect
correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the options
and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences
in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of
daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. The fund may purchase or
sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the
securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to
compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price
changes in the fund's options or futures positions are poorly correlated
with its other investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated
gains or result in losses that are not offset by gains in other
investments.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. When the fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to
purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. When
the fund sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell the underlying
instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and
sale will take place is fixed when the fund enters into the contract. Some
currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities,
such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes, and some are based on indices of
securities prices, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500).
Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out before
then if a liquid secondary market is available .
The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem
with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures
contracts will tend to increase the fund's exposure to positive and
negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had
purchased the underlying instrument directly. When the fund sells a futures
contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move
in a direction contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts,
therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price
changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
FUTURES MARGIN PAYMENTS. The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the
contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and
seller are required to deposit "initial margin" with a futures broker,
known as a futures commission merchant (FCM), when the contract is entered
into. Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a percentage of the
contract's value. If the value of either party's position declines, that
party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to
settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a gain may
be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and
variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin
for purposes of the fund's investment limitations. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the fund, the fund may
be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to
the fund.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The fund has filed
a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term
"commodity pool operator" with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(CFTC) and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the
futures markets. The fund intends to comply with Rule 4.5 under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which the fund can
commit assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums.
In addition, the fund will not: (a) sell futures contracts, purchase put
options, or write call options if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund's
total assets would be hedged with futures and options under normal
conditions; (b) purchase futures contracts or write put options if, as a
result, the fund's total obligations upon settlement or exercise of
purchased futures contracts and written put options would exceed 25% of its
total assets; or (c) purchase call options if, as a result, the current
value of option premiums for call options purchased by the fund would
exceed 5% of the fund's total assets. These limitations do not apply to
options attached to or acquired or traded together with their underlying
securities, and do not apply to securities that incorporate features
similar to options.
The above limitations on the fund's investments in futures contracts and
options, and the fund's policies regarding futures contracts and options
discussed elsewhere in this SAI, may be changed as regulatory agencies
permit .
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. There is no assurance a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular options or futures contract
at any particular time. Options may have relatively low trading volume and
liquidity if their strike prices are not close to the underlying
instrument's current price. In addition, exchanges may establish daily
price fluctuation limits for options and futures contracts, and may halt
trading if a contract's price moves upward or downward more than the limit
in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit
is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for the fund
to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the
secondary market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation
limits or otherwise, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable
positions, and potentially could require the fund to continue to hold a
position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value.
As a result, the fund's access to other assets held to cover its options or
futures positions could also be impaired.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES RELATING TO FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Currency futures
contracts are similar to forward currency exchange contracts, except that
they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are
standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures
contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying
instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally
is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures
contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase
the underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the
right to sell the underlying currency.
The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options
and futures relating to securities or indices, as discussed above. The fund
may purchase and sell currency futures and may purchase and write currency
options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign
currencies. The fund may also purchase and write currency options in
conjunction with each other or with currency futures or forward contracts.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with
exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of
the fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a
Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect
the fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the
issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of the fund's
foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other
than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency
options and futures to the value of the fund's investments exactly over
time.
OTC OPTIONS. Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with
respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and
strike price, the terms of over-the-counter (OTC) options (options not
traded on exchanges) generally are established through negotiation with the
other party to the option contract. While this type of arrangement allows
the fund greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options
generally involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which
are guaranteed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are
traded.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, the fund
obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option's underlying
instrument at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the fund pays
the current market price for the option (known as the option premium).
Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific
securities, indices of securities prices, and futures contracts. The fund
may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it
to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire,
the fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If the fund exercises the
option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike
price. The fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out
in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market
exists.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if security
prices fall substantially. However, if the underlying instrument's price
does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put
buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the amount of the premium
paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option's
strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential
price increases of the underlying instrument with risk limited to the cost
of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can
expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to
offset the cost of the option.
WRITING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. When the fund writes a put option, it takes
the opposite side of the transaction from the option's purchaser. In return
for receipt of the premium, the fund assumes the obligation to pay the
strike price for the option's underlying instrument if the other party to
the option chooses to exercise it. When writing an option on a futures
contract, the fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as
described above for futures contracts. The fund may seek to terminate its
position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the
option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary
market is not liquid for a put option the fund has written, however, the
fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option
is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside
assets to cover its position.
If security prices rise, a put writer would generally expect to profit,
although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it
received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that
the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out the
option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the put writer would
expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from
purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the fund to sell or deliver the option's
underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the
option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium, a call writer mitigates the effects of a price decline. At the
same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is
greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security
price increases.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in
the ordinary course of business at approximately the prices at which they
are valued. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, FMR determines
the liquidity of the fund's investments and, through reports from FMR, the
Board monitors investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the
liquidity of the fund's investments, FMR may consider various factors,
including (1) the frequency of trades and quotations, (2) the number of
dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer
undertakings to make a market, (4) the nature of the security (including
any demand or tender features), and (5) the nature of the marketplace for
trades (including the ability to assign or offset the fund's rights and
obligations relating to the investment).
Investments currently considered by the fund to be illiquid include
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and
interest within seven days, over-the-counter options, and non-government
stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities. Also, FMR may determine
some restricted securities, government-stripped fixed-rate mortgage-backed
securities, loans and other direct debt instruments, emerging market
securities, and swap agreements to be illiquid. However, with respect to
over-the-counter options the fund writes, all or a portion of the value of
the underlying instrument may be illiquid depending on the assets held to
cover the option and the nature and terms of any agreement the fund may
have to close out the option before expiration.
In the absence of market quotations, illiquid investments are priced at
fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the
Board of Trustees. If through a change in values, net assets, or other
circumstances, the fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net
assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take
appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
INDEXED SECURITIES. The fund may purchase securities whose prices are
indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indices, currencies,
precious metals or other commodities, or other financial indicators.
Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or
deposits whose value at maturity or coupon rate is determined by reference
to a specific instrument or statistic. Gold-indexed securities, for
example, typically provide for a maturity value that depends on the price
of gold, resulting in a security whose price tends to rise and fall
together with gold prices. Currency-indexed securities typically are
short-term to intermediate-term debt securities whose maturity values or
interest rates are determined by reference to the values of one or more
specified foreign currencies, and may offer higher yields than U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of equivalent issuers. Currency-indexed
securities may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, their maturity
value may increase when the specified currency value increases, resulting
in a security that performs similarly to a foreign-denominated instrument,
or their maturity value may decline when foreign currencies increase,
resulting in a security whose price characteristics are similar to a put on
the underlying currency. Currency-indexed securities may also have prices
that depend on the values of a number of different foreign currencies
relative to each other.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the
performance of the security, currency, or other instrument to which they
are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the
United States and abroad. At the same time, indexed securities are subject
to the credit risks associated with the issuer of the security, and their
values may decline substantially if the issuer's creditworthiness
deteriorates. Recent issuers of indexed securities have included banks,
corporations, and certain U.S. government agencies. Indexed securities may
be more volatile than the underlying instruments.
INTERFUND BORROWING AND LENDING PROGRAM. Pursuant to an exemptive order
issued by the SEC, the fund has received permission to lend money to, and
borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. Interfund
loans and borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum
duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. The
fund will lend through the program only when the returns are higher than
those available from an investment in repurchase agreements, and will
borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than
the cost of bank loans . The fund may have to borrow from a bank at a
higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any
delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment
opportunity or additional borrowing costs.
LOANS AND OTHER DIRECT DEBT INSTRUMENTS. Direct debt instruments are
interests in amounts owed by a corporate, governmental, or other borrower
to lenders or lending syndicates (loans and loan participations), to
suppliers of goods or services (trade claims or other receivables), or to
other parties. Direct debt instruments are subject to the fund's policies
regarding the quality of debt securities.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily
upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and
interest. Direct debt instruments may not be rated by any nationally
recognized rating service. If the fund does not receive scheduled interest
or principal payments on such indebtedness, the fund's share price and
yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the
fund more protections than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of
scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the
liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the borrower's
obligation, or that the collateral could be liquidated. Indebtedness of
borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater
risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or
restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small
fraction of the amount owed. Direct indebtedness of developing countries
also involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the
repayment of the debt may be unable, or unwilling, to pay interest and
repay principal when due.
Investments in loans through direct assignment of a financial institution's
interests with respect to a loan may involve additional risks to the fund.
For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the fund could become part owner of
any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with
owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that
under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the fund could be held
liable as a co-lender. Direct debt instruments may also involve a risk of
insolvency of the lending bank or other intermediary. Direct debt
instruments that are not in the form of securities may offer less legal
protection to the fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. In the
absence of definitive regulatory guidance, the fund relies on FMR's
research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation
could adversely affect the fund.
A loan is often administered by a bank or other financial institution that
acts as agent for all holders. The agent administers the terms of the loan,
as specified in the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or
other indebtedness, the fund has direct recourse against the borrower, it
may have to rely on the agent to apply appropriate credit remedies against
a borrower. If assets held by the agent for the benefit of the fund were
determined to be subject to the claims of the agent's general creditors,
the fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on the
loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal or
interest.
Direct indebtedness purchased by the fund may include letters of credit,
revolving credit facilities, or other standby financing commitments
obligating the fund to pay additional cash on demand. These commitments may
have the effect of requiring the fund to increase its investment in a
borrower at a time when it would not otherwise have done so, even if the
borrower's condition makes it unlikely that the amount will ever be repaid.
The fund will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its potential obligations under standby financing
commitments.
The fund limits the amount of total assets that it will invest in any one
issuer or in issuers within the same industry (see limitations1 and 5). For
purposes of these limitations, the fund generally will treat the borrower
as the "issuer" of indebtedness held by the fund. In the case of loan
participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as
financial intermediary between the fund and the borrower, if the
participation does not shift to the fund the direct debtor-creditor
relationship with the borrower, SEC interpretations require the fund, in
appropriate circumstances, to treat both the lending bank or other lending
institution and the borrower as "issuers" for these purposes. Treating a
financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict the fund's
ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial
intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry,
even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and
industries.
LOWER-QUALITY DEBT SECURITIES. While the market for high-yield corporate
debt securities has been in existence for many years and has weathered
previous economic downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in the
use of such securities to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not provide an accurate indication of
the future performance of the high-yield bond market, especially during
periods of economic recession.
The market for lower-quality debt securities may be thinner and less active
than that for higher-quality debt securities, which can adversely affect
the prices at which the former are sold. If market quotations are not
available, lower-quality debt securities will be valued in accordance with
procedures established by the Board of Trustees, including the use of
outside pricing services. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing
high-yield corporate debt securities than is the case for securities for
which more external sources for quotations and last-sale information are
available. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect
the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt
securities and the fund's ability to dispose of these securities.
Since the risk of default is higher for lower-quality debt securities,
FMR's research and credit analysis are an especially important part of
managing securities of this type held by the fund. In considering
investments for the fund, FMR will attempt to identify those issuers of
high-yielding securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet
future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in the future.
FMR's analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest
or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the
experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
The fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to
pursue litigation or otherwise to exercise its rights as a security holder
to seek to protect the interests of security holders if it determines this
to be in the best interest of the fund's shareholders.
REAL ESTATE-RELATED INSTRUMENTS include real estate investment
trusts, commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, and real
estate financings. Real estate-related instruments are sensitive to factors
such as real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of
underlying real estate assets, overbuilding, and the management skill and
creditworthiness of the issuer. Real estate-related instruments may also be
affected by tax and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the
environment.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a repurchase agreement, the fund purchases a
security and simultaneously commits to sell that security back to the
original seller at an agreed-upon price. The resale price reflects the
purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to
the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. To protect the fund
from risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the
securities are held in an account of the fund at a bank, marked-to-market
daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the
accrued incremental amount. While it does not presently appear possible to
eliminate all risks from these transactions (particularly the possibility
that the value of the underlying security will be less than the resale
price, as well as delays and costs to the fund in connection with
bankruptcy proceedings), it is the fund's current policy to engage in
repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has
been reviewed and found satisfactory by FMR.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES generally can be sold in privately negotiated
transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, or in a registered public offering. Where
registration is required, the fund may be obligated to pay all or part of
the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the
time it decides to seek registration and the time it may be permitted to
sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such
a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the fund might obtain
a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration
of the security.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the fund
sells a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or
broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument
at a particular price and time. While a reverse repurchase agreement is
outstanding, the fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a
segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement.
The fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties
whose creditworthiness has been found satisfactory by FMR. Such
transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the fund's
assets and may be viewed as a form of leverage.
SECURITIES LENDING. The fund may lend securities to parties such as
broker-dealers or institutional investors, including Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc. (FBSI). FBSI is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and
a subsidiary of FMR Corp.
Securities lending allows the fund to retain ownership of the securities
loaned and, at the same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be
delays in the recovery of loaned securities, or even a loss of rights in
collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially, loans will be
made only to parties deemed by FMR to be of good standing. Furthermore,
they will only be made if, in FMR's judgment, the consideration to be
earned from such loans would justify the risk.
FMR understands that it is the current view of the SEC Staff that a fund
may engage in loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1)
the fund must receive 100% collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the
securities loaned (determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of
the collateral; (3) after giving notice, the fund must be able to terminate
the loan at any time; (4) the fund must receive reasonable interest on the
loan or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any
dividends, interest, or other distributions on the securities loaned and to
any increase in market value; (5) the fund may pay only reasonable
custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board of Trustees
must be able to vote proxies on the securities loaned, either by
terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative arrangement with
the borrower.
Cash received through loan transactions may be invested in any security in
which the fund is authorized to invest. Investing this cash subjects that
investment, as well as the security loaned, to market forces (i.e., capital
appreciation or depreciation).
SHORT SALES. The fund may enter into short sales with respect to stocks
underlying its convertible security holdings. For example, if FMR
anticipates a decline in the price of the stock underlying a convertible
security a fund holds, it may sell the stock short. If the stock price
subsequently declines, the proceeds of the short sale could be expected to
offset all or a portion of the effect of the stock's decline on the value
of the convertible security. The fund currently intends to hedge no more
than 15% of its total assets with short sales on equity securities
underlying its convertible security holdings under normal circumstances.
When the fund enters into a short sale, it will be required to set aside
securities equivalent in kind and amount to those sold short (or securities
convertible or exchangeable into such securities) and will be required to
hold them aside while the short sale is outstanding. The fund will incur
transaction costs, including interest expense, in connection with opening,
maintaining, and closing short sales.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and
structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of
investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap
agreements may increase or decrease the fund's exposure to long- or
short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign
currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other
factors such as security prices or inflation rates. Swap agreements can
take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The fund is
not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if FMR determines it
is consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only
under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by
the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the
right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
exceeds an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is
obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate
falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements
of buying a cap and selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift the fund's investment exposure from one
type of investment to another. For example, if the fund agreed to exchange
payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement
would tend to decrease the fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and
increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Caps and
floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Depending on
how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall
volatility of the fund's investments and its share price and yield.
The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the
change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that
determine the amounts of payments due to and from the fund. If a swap
agreement calls for payments by the fund, the fund must be prepared to make
such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness
declined, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline,
potentially resulting in losses. The fund expects to be able to eliminate
its exposure under swap agreements either by assignment or other
disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same
party or a similarly creditworthy party.
The fund will maintain appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its current obligations under swap agreements. If the fund
enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with
a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the fund's accrued
obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the fund is
entitled to receive under the agreement. If the fund enters into a swap
agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value
equal to the full amount of the fund's accrued obligations under the
agreement.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on
behalf of the fund by FMR pursuant to authority contained in the management
contract. If FMR grants investment management authority to the sub-advisers
(see the section entitled "Management Contract"), the sub-advisers are
authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities, and will do so in accordance with the policies described below.
FMR is also responsible for the placement of transaction orders for other
investment companies and accounts for which it or its affiliates act as
investment adviser. In selecting broker-dealers, subject to applicable
limitations of the federal securities laws, FMR considers various relevant
factors, including, but not limited to: the size and type of the
transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the security to be
purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and
financial condition of the broker-dealer firm; the broker-dealer's
execution services rendered on a continuing basis; the reasonableness of
any commissions; and arrangements for payment of fund expenses. Generally,
commissions for investments traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than
for investments traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be subject to
negotiation.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with broker-dealers who provide
research and execution services to the fund or other accounts over which
FMR or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. Such services may
include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of
investing in, purchasing, or selling securities; and the availability of
securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities. In addition, such
broker-dealers may furnish analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy,
and performance of accounts; effect securities transactions, and perform
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). The
selection of such broker-dealers generally is made by FMR (to the extent
possible consistent with execution considerations) in accordance with a
ranking of broker-dealers determined periodically by FMR's investment staff
based upon the quality of research and execution services provided.
The receipt of research from broker-dealers that execute transactions on
behalf of the fund may be useful to FMR in rendering investment management
services to the fund or its other clients, and conversely, such research
provided by broker-dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf
of other FMR clients may be useful to FMR in carrying out its obligations
to the fund. The receipt of such research has not reduced FMR's normal
independent research activities; however, it enables FMR to avoid the
additional expenses that could be incurred if FMR tried to develop
comparable information through its own efforts.
Subject to applicable limitations of the federal securities laws,
broker-dealers may receive commissions for agency transactions that are in
excess of the amount of commissions charged by other broker-dealers in
recognition of their research and execution services. In order to cause the
fund to pay such higher commissions, FMR must determine in good faith that
such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services provided by such executing broker-dealers, viewed in
terms of a particular transaction or FMR's overall responsibilities to the
fund and its other clients. In reaching this determination, FMR will not
attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and research
services provided, or to determine what portion of the compensation should
be related to those services.
FMR is authorized to use research services provided by and to place
portfolio transactions with brokerage firms that have provided assistance
in the distribution of shares of the fund or shares of other Fidelity funds
to the extent permitted by law. FMR may use research services provided by
and place agency transactions with Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (FBSI)
and Fidelity Brokerage Services (FBS), subsidiaries of FMR Corp., if the
commissions are fair, reasonable, and comparable to commissions charged by
non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms for similar services. From
September 1992 through December 1994, FBS operated under the name Fidelity
Brokerage Services Limited, Inc. (FBSL). As of January 1995, FBSL was
converted to an unlimited liability company and assumed the name FBS. Prior
to September 4, 1992, FBSL operated under the name Fidelity Portfolio
Services, Ltd. (FPSL) as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity
International Limited (FIL). Edward C. Johnson 3d is Chairman of FIL. Mr.
Johnson 3d, Johnson family members, and various trusts for the benefit of
the Johnson family own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting
common stock of FIL.
FMR may allocate brokerage transactions to broker-dealers who have entered
into arrangements with FMR under which the broker-dealer allocates a
portion of the commissions paid by the fund toward payment of the fund's
expenses, such as transfer agent fees or custodian fees. The transaction
quality must, however, be comparable to those of other qualified
broker-dealers.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits members of
national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for
accounts which they or their affiliates manage, unless certain requirements
are satisfied. Pursuant to such requirements, the Board of Trustees has
authorized FBSI to execute portfolio transactions on national securities
exchanges in accordance with approved procedures and applicable SEC rules.
The Trustees periodically review FMR's performance of its responsibilities
in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the
fund and review the commissions paid by the fund over representative
periods of time to determine if they are reasonable in relation to the
benefits to the fund.
For the fiscal years ended November 1996 and 1995, the fund's
portfolio turnover rates were 46% and 45%, respectively.
For fiscal years ended November 1996, 1995, and 1994, the fund paid
brokerage commissions of $12,208,000, $9,624,000, and $7,794,000,
respectively. The fund pays both commissions and spreads in connection with
the placement of portfolio transactions. During fiscal years ended November
1996, 1995, and 1994, the fund paid brokerage commissions of $2,560,000,
$2,881,000, and $3,810,000, respectively, to FBSI. During fiscal year ended
November 1996, this amounted to approximately 21.0% of the aggregate
brokerage commissions paid by the fund for transactions involving
approximately 33.8% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions for
which the fund paid brokerage commissions. The difference between the
percentage of brokerage commissions paid to and the percentage of the
dollar amount of transactions effected through FBSI is a result of the low
commission rates charged by FBSI.
During fiscal years ended 1996 and 1995, the fund paid brokerage
commissions of $470,000 and $85,000, respectively, to FBS. FBS is paid on a
commission basis. During fiscal year ended 1994, the fund paid no brokerage
commissions to FBSL. During fiscal year ended November 1996, this amounted
to approximately 3.9% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the
fund involving approximately 2.6% of the aggregate dollar amount of
transactions for which the fund paid brokerage commissions. The difference
between the percentage of brokerage commissions paid to and the percentage
of the dollar amount of transactions effected through FBS is a result of
the low commission rates charged by FBS.
During fiscal year ended November 1996, the fund paid $10,863,000 in
commissions to brokerage firms that provided research services involving
approximately $9,088,057,000 of transactions. The provision of research
services was not necessarily a factor in the placement of all this business
with such firms.
From time to time the Trustees will review whether the recapture for the
benefit of the fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar
fees paid by the fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and
advisable. The fund seeks to recapture soliciting broker-dealer fees on the
tender of portfolio securities, but at present no other recapture
arrangements are in effect. The Trustees intend to continue to review
whether recapture opportunities are available and are legally permissible
and, if so, to determine in the exercise of their business judgment whether
it would be advisable for the fund to seek such recapture.
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same
as those of other funds managed by FMR, investment decisions for the fund
are made independently from those of other funds managed by FMR or accounts
managed by FMR affiliates. It sometimes happens that the same security is
held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or accounts.
Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and accounts
are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same
security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or
account.
When two or more funds are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale
of the same security, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance
with procedures believed to be appropriate and equitable for each fund. In
some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or
value of the security as far as the fund is concerned. In other cases,
however, the ability of the fund to participate in volume transactions will
produce better executions and prices for the fund. It is the current
opinion of the Trustees that the desirability of retaining FMR as
investment adviser to the fund outweighs any disadvantages that may be said
to exist from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Portfolio securities are valued by various methods depending on the primary
market or exchange on which they trade. Most equity securities for which
the primary market is the U nited S tates are valued at last
sale price or, if no sale has occurred, at the closing bid price. Most
equity securities for which the primary market is outside the U nited
S tates are valued using the official closing price or the last
sale price in the principal market in wh ich they are traded.
If the last sale price (on the local exchange) is unavailable, the last
evaluated quote or last bid price is normally used.
Fixed-income securities and other assets for which market quotations are
readily available may be valued at market values determined by such
securities' most recent bid prices (sales prices if the principal market is
an exchange) in the principal market in which they normally are traded., as
furnished by recognized dealers in such securities or assets. Fixed-income
securities and convertible securities may also be valued on the basis of
information furnished by a pricing service that uses a valuation matrix
which incorporates both dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data
processing techniques. Use of pricing services has been approved by the
Board of Trustees. A number of pricing services are available, and the fund
may use various pricing services or discontinue the use of any pricing
service.
Future contracts and options are valued on the basis of market quotations,
if available.
Foreign securities are valued based on prices furnished by independent
brokers or quotation services which express the value of securities in
their local currency. FSC gathers all exchange rates daily at the close of
the NYSE using the last quoted price on the local currency and then
translates the value of foreign securities from their local currencies into
U.S. dollars. Any changes in the value of forward contracts due to exchange
rate fluctuations and days to maturity are included in the calculation of
NAV. If an extraordinary event that is expected to materially affect the
value of a portfolio security occurs after the close of an exchange on
which that security is traded, then that security will be valued as
determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for
which market quotations are not readily available are valued either at
amortized cost or at original cost plus accrued interest, both of which
approximate current value. In addition, securities and other assets for
which there is no readily available market value are valued in good faith
by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees. The procedures set forth
above need not be used to determine the value of the securities owned by
the fund if, in the opinion of a committee appointed by the Board of
Trustees, some other method would more accurately reflect the fair market
value of such securities.
Generally, the valuation of foreign and domestic equity securities, as well
as corporate bonds, U.S. government securities, money market instruments,
and repurchase agreements, is substantially completed each day at the close
of the NYSE. The values of any such securities held by the fund are
determined as of such time for the purpose of computing the fund's net
asset value. Foreign security prices are furnished by independent brokers
or quotation services which express the value of securities in their local
currency. FSC gathers all exchange rates daily at the close of the NYSE
using the last quoted price on the local currency and then translates the
value of foreign securities from their local currency into U.S. dollars.
Any changes in the value of forward contracts due to exchange rate
fluctuations and days to maturity are included in the calculation of net
asset value. If an extraordinary event that is expected to materially
affect the value of a portfolio security occurs after the close of an
exchange on which that security is traded, then the security will be valued
as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board of
Trustees.
PERFORMANCE
The fund may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the fund in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The fund's share price, yield, and total return
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value
of fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields for the fund are computed by dividing the fund's
interest and dividend income for a given 30-day or one-month period, net of
expenses, by the average number of shares entitled to receive distributions
during the period, dividing this figure by the fund's net asset value (NAV)
at the end of the period, and annualizing the result (assuming compounding
of income) in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate. Income is
calculated for purposes of yield quotations in accordance with standardized
methods applicable to all stock and bond funds. Dividends from equity
investments are treated as if they were accrued on a daily basis, solely
for the purposes of yield calculations. In general, interest income is
reduced with respect to bonds trading at a premium over their par value by
subtracting a portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and is
increased with respect to bonds trading at a discount by adding a portion
of the discount to daily income. For the fund's investments denominated in
foreign currencies, income and expenses are calculated first in their
respective currencies, and are then converted to U.S. dollars, either when
they are actually converted or at the end of the 30-day or one month
period, whichever is earlier. Capital gains and losses generally are
excluded from the calculation as are gains and losses from currency
exchange rate fluctuations.
Income calculated for the purposes of calculating the fund's yield differs
from income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the
different accounting methods used, and because of the compounding of income
assumed in yield calculations, the fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account, or the income reported
in the fund's financial statements.
In calculating the fund's yield, a fund may from time to time use a
portfolio security's coupon rate instead of its yield to maturity in order
to reflect the risk premium on that security. This practice will have the
effect of reducing the fund's yield.
Yield information may be useful in reviewing the fund's performance and in
providing a basis for comparison with other investment alternatives.
However, the fund's yield fluctuates, unlike investments that pay a fixed
interest rate over a stated period of time. When comparing investment
alternatives, investors should also note the quality and maturity of the
portfolio securities of respective investment companies they have chosen to
consider.
Investors should recognize that in periods of declining interest rates the
fund's yield will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates,
and in periods of rising interest rates the fund's yield will tend to be
somewhat lower. Also, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net
new money to the fund from the continuous sale of its shares will likely be
invested in instruments producing lower yields than the balance of the
fund's holdings, thereby reducing the fund's current yield. In periods of
rising interest rates, the opposite can be expected to occur.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS. Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all
aspects of the fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting dividends
and capital gain distributions, and any change in the fund's NAV over a
stated period. Average annual total returns are calculated by determining
the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical historical investment in
the fund over a stated period, and then calculating the annually compounded
percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate of
growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. For example,
a cumulative total return of 100% over ten years would produce an average
annual total return of 7.18%, which is the steady annual rate of return
that would equal 100% growth on a compounded basis in ten years. While
average annual total returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that the fund's performance is not
constant over time, but changes from year to year, and that average annual
total returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the fund.
In addition to average annual total returns, the fund may quote unaveraged
or cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an
investment over a stated period. Average annual and cumulative total
returns may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single investment, a series of investments, or a series of
redemptions, over any time period. Total returns may be broken down into
their components of income and capital (including capital gains and changes
in share price) in order to illustrate the relationship of these factors
and their contributions to total return. Total returns may be quoted on a
before-tax or after-tax basis. Total returns, yields, and other performance
information may be quoted numerically or in a table, graph, or similar
illustration.
NET ASSET VALUE. Charts and graphs using the fund's net asset values,
adjusted net asset values, and benchmark indices may be used to exhibit
performance. An adjusted NAV includes any distributions paid by the fund
and reflects all elements of its return. Unless otherwise indicated, the
fund's adjusted NAVs are not adjusted for sales charges, if any.
MOVING AVERAGE S. The fund may illustrate performance using moving
averages. A long-term moving average is the average of each week's adjusted
closing NAV for a specified period. A short-term moving average is the
average of each day's adjusted closing NAV for a specified period. Moving
Average Activity Indicators combine adjusted closing NAVs from the last
business day of each week with moving averages for a specified period to
produce indicators showing when an NAV has crossed, stayed above, or stayed
below its moving average. On November 29, 1996, the 13-week and 39-week
long-term moving averages were $23.86 and $23.02, respectivel y.
HISTORICAL FUND RESULTS. The following table shows the fund's total returns
for periods ended November 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns
One Five Life of One Five Life of
Year Years Fund* Year Years Fund*
Equity-Income II 22.75 % 18.58 % 21.44 % 22.75 % 134.45 % 238.94 %
</TABLE>
* From August 21, 1990 (commencement of operations).
The following table shows the income and capital elements of the fund's
cumulative total return. The table compares the fund's return to the record
of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500(registered trademark)), the
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the cost of living, as measured by
the Consumer Price Index (CPI), over the same period. The CPI information
is as of the month end closest to the initial investment date for the fund.
The S&P 500 and the DJIA comparisons are provided to show how the fund's
total return compared to the record of a broad unmanaged index of common
stock and a narrower set of stocks of major industrial companies,
respectively, over the same period. The fund has the ability to invest in
securities not included in either index, and its investment portfolio may
or may not be similar in composition to the indexes. The S&P 500 and DJIA
returns are based on the prices of unmanaged groups of stocks and, unlike
the fund's returns, do not include the effect of brokerage commissions and
other costs of investing.
During the period from August 21, 1990 (commencement of operations)
to November 30 , 1996, a hypothetical $10,000 investment in
Equity-Income II would have grown to $33,894, assuming all
distributions were reinvested. This was a period of fluctuating interest
rates, bond prices, and stock prices and the figures below should not be
considered representative of the dividend income or capital gain or loss
that could be realized from an investment in the fund today. Tax
consequences of different investments have not been factored into the
figures below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FIDELITY EQUITY-INCOME II FUND INDICES
Year Value of Value of Value of Total S&P 500 DJIA Cost of
Ended Initial Reinvested Reinvested Value Living**
$10,000 Dividend Capital Gain
Investment Distributions Distributions
1996 $ 25,170 $ 4,157 $ 4,567 $ 33,894 $ 27,558 $ 29,282 $ 12,052
1995 $ 21,530 $ 3,012 $ 3,071 $ 27,613 $ 21,553 $ 22,304 $ 11,672
1994 $ 18,570 $ 2,112 $ 1,563 $ 22,245 $ 15,734 $ 16,035 $ 11,391
1993 $ 18,850 $ 1,594 $ 760 $ 21,204 $ 15,572 $ 15,373 $ 11,079
1992 $ 16,570 $ 972 $ 265 $ 17,807 $ 14,143 $ 13,403 $ 10,790
1991 $ 13,870 $ 500 $ 87 $ 14,457 $ 11,935 $ 11,397 $ 10,471
1990* $ 10,180 $ 0 $ 0 $ 10,180 $ 9,917 $ 9,744 $ 10,167
</TABLE>
* From August 21, 1990 (commencement of operations).
** From month-end closest to initial investment date.
Explanatory Notes: With an initial investment of $10,000 in the fund on
August 21, 1990 , the net amount invested in fund shares was $10,000.
The cost of the initial investment ($10,000), together with the aggregate
cost of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions for the period
covered (their cash value at the time they were reinvested), amounted to
$16,125. If distributions had not been reinvested, the amount of
distributions earned from the fund over time would have been smaller, and
cash payments for the period would have amounted to $2,470 for dividends
and $2,790 for capital gain distributions.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS. The fund's performance may be compared to the
performance of other mutual funds in general, or to the performance of
particular types of mutual funds. These comparisons may be expressed as
mutual fund rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (Lipper),
an independent service located in Summit, New Jersey that monitors the
performance of mutual funds. Generally, Lipper rankings are based on
total return, assume reinvestment of distributions, do not take sales
charges or redemption fees into consideration, and are prepared without
regard to tax consequences. In addition to the mutual fund rankings,
the fund's performance may be compared to stock, bond, and money market
mutual fund performance indices prepared by Lipper or other organizations.
When comparing these indices, it is important to remember the risk and
return characteristics of each type of investment. For example, while stock
mutual funds may offer higher potential returns, they also carry the
highest degree of share price volatility. Likewise, money market funds may
offer greater stability of principal, but generally do not offer the higher
potential returns available from stock mutual funds.
From time to time, the fund's performance may also be compared to other
mutual funds tracked by financial or business publications and periodicals.
For example, the fund may quote Morningstar, Inc. in its advertising
materials. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates
mutual funds on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Rankings that
compare the performance of Fidelity funds to one another in appropriate
categories over specific periods of time may also be quoted in advertising.
The fund's performance may also be compared to that of a benchmark index
representing the universe of securities in which the fund may invest. The
total return of a benchmark index reflects reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains paid by securities included in the index. Unlike the
fund's returns, however, the index returns do not reflect brokerage
commissions, transaction fees, or other costs of investing directly in the
securities included in the index.
The fund may compare its performance to that of the Standard & Poor's 500
Index, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stocks.
The fund may be compared in advertising to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) or
other investments issued by banks or other depository institutions. Mutual
funds differ from bank investments in several respects. For example, the
fund may offer greater liquidity or higher potential returns than CDs, the
fund does not guarantee your principal or your return, and fund shares are
not FDIC insured.
Fidelity may provide information designed to help individuals understand
their investment goals and explore various financial strategies. Such
information may include information about current economic, market, and
political conditions; materials that describe general principles of
investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk tolerance, and
goal setting; questionnaires designed to help create a personal financial
profile; worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed rates of
inflation and hypothetical rates of return; and action plans offering
investment alternatives. Materials may also include discussions of
Fidelity's asset allocation funds and other Fidelity funds, products, and
services.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois (Ibbotson) provides historical
returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury
bills, t he U.S. rate of inflation (based on the CPI) , and
combinations of various capital markets. The performance of these capital
markets is based on the returns of different indices.
Fidelity funds may use the performance of these capital markets in order to
demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment scenarios. Performance
comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical investment in any
of these capital markets. The risks associated with the security types in
any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those of the
funds. Ibbotson calculates total returns in the same method as the funds.
The funds may also compare performance to that of other compilations or
indices that may be developed and made available in the future.
In advertising materials, Fidelity may reference or discuss its products
and services, which may include other Fidelity funds; retirement investing;
brokerage products and services; model portfolios or allocations; saving
for college or other goals; charitable giving; and the Fidelity credit
card. In addition, Fidelity may quote or reprint financial or business
publications and periodicals as they relate to current economic and
political conditions, fund management, portfolio composition, investment
philosophy, investment techniques, the desirability of owning a particular
mutual fund, and Fidelity services and products. Fidelity may also reprint,
and use as advertising and sales literature, articles from Fidelity Focus,
a quarterly magazine provided free of charge to Fidelity fund shareholders.
The fund may present its fund number, Quotron(trademark) number, and CUSIP
number, and discuss or quote its current portfolio manager.
VOLATILITY. The fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the fund may compare these
measures to those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare
the fund's historical share price fluctuations or total returns to those of
a benchmark. Measures of benchmark correlation indicate how valid a
comparative benchmark may be. All measures of volatility and correlation
are calculated using averages of historical data. In advertising, the fund
may also discuss or illustrate examples of interest rate sensitivity.
MOMENTUM INDICATORS indicate the fund's price movements over specific
periods of time. Each point on the momentum indicator represents the fund's
percentage change in price movements over that period.
The fund may advertise examples of the effects of periodic investment
plans, including the principle of dollar cost averaging. In such a program,
an investor invests a fixed dollar amount in a fund at periodic intervals,
thereby purchasing fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when
prices are low. While such a strategy does not assure a profit or guard
against loss in a declining market, the investor's average cost per share
can be lower than if fixed numbers of shares are purchased at the same
intervals. In evaluating such a plan, investors should consider their
ability to continue purchasing shares during periods of low price levels.
The fund may be available for purchase through retirement plans or other
programs offering deferral of, or exemption from, income taxes, which may
produce superior after-tax returns over time. For example, a $1,000
investment earning a taxable return of 10% annually would have an after-tax
value of $1,949 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted from the return
each year at a 31% rate. An equivalent tax-deferred investment would have
an after-tax value of $2,100 after ten years, assuming tax was deducted at
a 31% rate from the tax-deferred earnings at the end of the ten-year
period.
As of November 30, 1996, FMR advised over $28 billion in tax-free fund
assets, $94 billion in money market fund assets, $308 billion in equity
fund assets, $60 billion in international fund assets, and $24 billion in
Spartan fund assets. The fund may reference the growth and variety of
money market mutual funds and the adviser's innovation and participation in
the industry. The equity funds under management figure represents the
largest amount of equity fund assets under management by a mutual fund
investment adviser in the United States, making FMR America's leading
equity (stock) fund manager. FMR, its subsidiaries, and affiliates maintain
a worldwide information and communications network for the purpose of
researching and managing investments abroad.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
The fund is open for business and its net asset value per share (NAV) is
calculated each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for
trading. The NYSE has designated the following holiday closings for
1997: New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Although FMR expects the same holiday schedule to be observed in the
future, the NYSE may modify its holiday schedule at any time. In addition,
the fund will not process wire purchases and redemptions on days when the
Federal Reserve Wire System is closed.
FSC normally determines the fund's NAV as of the close of the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). However, NAV may be calculated earlier
if trading on the NYSE is restricted or as permitted by the SEC. To the
extent that portfolio securities are traded in other markets on days when
the NYSE is closed, the fund's NAV may be affected on days when investors
do not have access to the fund to purchase or redeem shares. In addition,
trading in some of the fund's portfolio securities may not occur on days
when the fund is open for business.
If the Trustees determine that existing conditions make cash payments
undesirable, redemption payments may be made in whole or in part in
securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in
computing the fund's NAV. Shareholders receiving securities or other
property on redemption may realize a gain or loss for tax purposes, and
will incur any costs of sale, as well as the associated inconveniences.
Pursuant to Rule 11a-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940
Act), the fund is required to give shareholders at least 60 days' notice
prior to terminating or modifying its exchange privilege. Under the Rule,
the 60-day notification requirement may be waived if (i) the only effect of
a modification would be to reduce or eliminate an administrative fee,
redemption fee, or deferred sales charge ordinarily payable at the time of
an exchange, or (ii) the fund suspends the redemption of the shares to be
exchanged as permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations
thereunder, or the fund to be acquired suspends the sale of its shares
because it is unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its
investment objective and policies.
In the Prospectus, the fund has notified shareholders that it reserves the
right at any time, without prior notice, to refuse exchange purchases by
any person or group if, in FMR's judgment, the fund would be unable to
invest effectively in accordance with its investment objective and
policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS. If you request to have distributions mailed to you and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your checks, or if your checks remain
uncashed for six months, Fidelity may reinvest your distributions at the
then-current NAV. All subsequent distributions will then be reinvested
until you provide Fidelity with alternate instructions.
DIVIDENDS. A portion of the fund's income may qualify for the
dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders to the
extent that the fund's income is derived from qualifying dividends. Because
the fund may earn other types of income, such as interest, income from
securities loans, non-qualifying dividends, and short-term capital gains,
the percentage of dividends from the fund that qualifies for the deduction
generally will be less than 100%. The fund will notify corporate
shareholders annually of the percentage of fund dividends that qualifies
for the dividends-received deduction. A portion of the fund's dividends
derived from certain U.S. government obligations may be exempt from state
and local taxation. Gains (losses) attributable to foreign currency
fluctuations are generally taxable as ordinary income, and therefore will
increase (decrease) dividend distributions. Short-term capital gains are
distributed as dividend income. The fund will send each shareholder a
notice in January describing the tax status of dividends and capital gain
distributions for the prior year.
CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. Long-term capital gains earned by the fund on
the sale of securities and distributed to shareholders are federally
taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time
shareholders have held their shares. If a shareholder receives a long-term
capital gain distribution on shares of the fund, and such shares are held
six months or less and are sold at a loss, the portion of the loss equal to
the amount of the long-term capital gain distribution will be considered a
long-term loss for tax purposes. Short-term capital gains distributed by
the fund are taxable to shareholders as dividends, not as capital gains.
As of November 30, 1996, the fund hereby designates approximately
$112,580,000 as a capital gain dividend for the purpose of the
dividend-paid deduction .
FOREIGN TAXES. Foreign governments may withhold taxes on dividends and
interest paid with respect to foreign securities. Foreign governments may
also impose taxes on other payments or gains with respect to foreign
securities. If, at the close of its fiscal year, more than 50% of the
fund's total assets are invested in securities of foreign issuers, the
fund may elect to pass through foreign taxes paid and thereby allow
shareholders to take a credit or deduction on their individual tax returns.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. The fund intends to qualify each year as a
"regulated investment company" for tax purposes so that it will not be
liable for federal tax on income and capital gains distributed to
shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company and
avoid being subject to federal income or excise taxes at the fund level,
the fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net realized capital gains within each calendar year as well as
on a fiscal year basis. The fund intends to comply with other tax rules
applicable to regulated investment companies, including a requirement that
capital gains from the sale of securities held less than three months
constitute less than 30% of the fund's gross income for each fiscal year.
Gains from some forward currency contracts, futures contracts, and options
are included in this 30% calculation, which may limit the fund's
investments in such instruments.
If the fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment entities,
defined as passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) in the Internal
Revenue Code, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of
any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of such shares.
Interest charges may also be imposed on the fund with respect to deferred
taxes arising from such distributions or gains. Generally, the fund will
elect to mark-to-market any PFIC shares. Unrealized gains will be
recognized as income for tax purposes and must be distributed to
shareholders as dividends.
The fund is treated as a separate entity from the other funds of Fidelity
Financial Trust for tax purposes.
OTHER TAX INFORMATION. The information above is only a summary of some of
the tax consequences generally affecting the fund and its shareholders, and
no attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences. In
addition to federal income taxes, shareholders may be subject to state and
local taxes on fund distributions, and shares may be subject to state and
local personal property taxes. Investors should consult their tax advisers
to determine whether the fund is suitable to their particular tax
situation.
FMR
All of the stock of FMR is owned by FMR Corp., its parent organized in
1972. The voting common stock of FMR Corp. is divided into two classes.
Class B is held predominantly by members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family
and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the
voting common stock. Class A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family
mem ber employees of FMR Corp. and its affiliates and is entitled to 51%
of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other
Class B shareholders have entered into a shareholders' voting agreement
under which all Class B shares will be voted in accordance with the
majority vote of Class B shares. Under the 1940 Act, control of a company
is presumed where one individual or group of individuals owns more than 25%
of the voting stock of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of
voting common stock and the execution of the shareholders' voting
agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the 1940 Act,
to form a controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
At present, the principal operating activities of FMR Corp. are those
conducted by its division , Fidelity Investments Retail Marketing
Company, which provides marketing services to various companies within the
Fidelity organization.
Fidelity investment personnel may invest in securities for their own
account pursuant to a code of ethics that sets forth all employees'
fiduciary responsibilities regarding the funds, establishes procedures for
personal investing and restricts certain transactions. For example, all
personal trades in most securities require pre-clearance, and participation
in initial public offerings is prohibited. In addition, restrictions on the
timing of personal investing in relation to trades by Fidelity funds and on
short-term trading have been adopted.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees and executive officers of the trust are listed below.
Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other
offices in the same company for the last five years. All persons named as
Trustees also serve in similar capacities for other funds advised by FMR.
The business address of each Trustee and officer who is an "interested
person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) is 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, which is also the address of FMR. The
business address of all the other Trustees is Fidelity Investments, P.O.
Box 9235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9235. Those Trustees who are
"interested persons" by virtue of their affiliation with either the trust
or FMR are indicated by an asterisk (*).
*EDWARD C. JOHNSON 3d (66) , Trustee and President, is Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of FMR Corp.; a Director and
Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of FMR; Chairman and a
Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and
Fidelity Management & Research (Far East) Inc.
*J. GARY BURKHEAD (55) , Trustee and Senior Vice President, is
President of FMR; and President and a Director of FMR Texas Inc., Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc., and Fidelity Management & Research (Far
East) Inc.
RALPH F. COX (64), Trustee (1991), is a management consultant (1994).
Prior to February 1994, he was President of Greenhill Petroleum Corporation
(petroleum exploration and production). Until March 1990, Mr. Cox was
President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Pacific Resources Company
(exploration and production). He is a Director of Sanifill Corporation
(non-hazardous waste, 1993), CH2M Hill Companies (engineering), Rio Grande,
Inc. (oil and gas production), and Daniel Industries (petroleum measurement
equipment manufacturer). In addition, he is a member of advisory boards of
Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin.
PHYLLIS BURKE DAVIS (64), Trustee (1992). Prior to her retirement in
September 1991, Mrs. Davis was the Senior Vice President of Corporate
Affairs of Avon Products, Inc. She is currently a Director of BellSouth
Corporation (telecommunications), Eaton Corporation (manufacturing, 1991),
and the TJX Companies, Inc. (retail stores), and previously served as a
Director of Hallmark Cards, Inc. (1985-1991) and Nabisco Brands, Inc. In
addition, she is a member of the President's Advisory Council of The
University of Vermont School of Business Administration.
E. BRADLEY JONES (69), Trustee. Prior to his retirement in 1984, Mr. Jones
was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LTV Steel Company. He is a
Director of TRW Inc. (original equipment and replacement products),
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (mining), Consolidated Rail Corporation, Birmingham
Steel Corporation, and RPM, Inc. (manufacturer of chemical products) ,
and he previously served as a Director of NACCO Industries, Inc. (mining
and marketing, 1985-1995) and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
(1985-1995). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of First Union Real Estate
Investments, a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, a Trustee and member of the Executive
Committee of University School (Cleveland), and a Trustee of Cleveland
Clinic Florida.
DONALD J. KIRK (64), Trustee, is Executive-in-Residence (1995) at
Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a financial consultant.
From 1987 to January 1995, Mr. Kirk was a Professor at Columbia University
Graduate School of Business. Prior to 1987, he was Chairman of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board. Mr. Kirk is a Director of General Re
Corporation (reinsurance), and he previously served as a Director of
Valuation Research Corp. (appraisals and valuations, 1993-1995). In
addition, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National
Arts Stabilization Fund, Ch a irman of the Board of Trustees of the
Greenwich Hospital Association, a Member of the Public Oversight Board of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' SEC Practice
Section (1995), and as a Public Governor of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (1996) .
*PETER S. LYNCH (53) , Trustee, is Vice Chairman and Director of FMR
(1992). Prior to May 31, 1990, he was a Director of FMR and Executive Vice
President of FMR (a position he held until March 31, 1991); Vice President
of Fidelity Magellan Fund and FMR Growth Group Leader; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp. Mr. Lynch was also Vice President of Fidelity
Investments Corporate Services (1991-1992). He is a Director of W.R. Grace
& Co. (chemicals) and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (engineering and
construction). In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Boston College,
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Historic Deerfield (1989) and Society
for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and as an Overseer of
the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston .
WILLIAM O. McCOY (63), Trustee (1997), is the Vice President of Finance
for the University of North Carolina (16-school system, 1995). Prior to his
retirement in December 1994, Mr. McCoy was Vice Chairman of the Board of
BellSouth Corporation (telecommunications) and President of BellSouth
Enterprises. He is currently a Director of Liberty Corporation (holding
company), Weeks Corporation of Atlanta (real estate, 1994), and Carolina
Power and Light Company (electric utility, 1996). Previously, he was a
Director of First American Corporation (bank holding company, 1979-1996).
In addition, Mr. McCoy serves as a member of the Board of Visitors for the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1994) and for the Kenan Flager
Business School (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hi ll).
GERALD C. McDONOUGH (67), Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the
non-interested Trustees, is Chairman of G.M. Management Group (strategic
advisory services). Prior to his retirement in July 1988, he was Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Leaseway Transportation Corp. (physical
distribution services). Mr. McDonough is a Director of Brush-Wellman Inc.
(metal refining), York International Corp. (air conditioning and
refrigeration), Commercial Intertech Corp. (hydraulic systems, building
systems, and metal products, 1992), CUNO, Inc. (liquid and gas filtration
products, 1996) and Associated Estates Realty Corporation (a real estate
investment trust, 1993). Mr. McDonough served as a Director of
ACME-Cleveland Corp. (metal working, telecommunications, and electronic
products) from 1987-1996.
MARVIN L. MANN (63), Trustee (1993) is Chairman of the Board,
President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lexmark International, Inc.
(office machines, 1991). Prior to 1991, he held the positions of Vice
President of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and
President and General Manager of various IBM divisions and subsidiaries.
Mr. Mann is a Director of M.A. Hanna Company (chemicals, 1993) and Infomart
(marketing services, 1991), a Trammell Crow Co. In addition, he serves as
the Campaign Vice Chairman of the Tri-State United Way (1993) and is a
member of the University of Alabama President's Cabinet .
THOMAS R. WILLIAMS (68 ), Trustee, is President of The Wales Group,
Inc. (management and financial advisory services). Prior to retiring in
1987, Mr. Williams served as Chairman of the Board of First Wachovia
Corporation (bank holding company), and Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of The First National Bank of Atlanta and First Atlanta Corporation
(bank holding company). He is currently a Director of BellSouth Corporation
(telecommunications), ConAgra, Inc. (agricultural products), Fisher
Business Systems, Inc. (computer software), Georgia Power Company (electric
utility), Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (computer software), National
Life Insurance Company of Vermont, American Software, Inc., and AppleSouth,
Inc. (restaurants, 1992).
WILLIAM J. HAYES (62), Vice President (1994), is Vice President of
Fidelity's equity funds; Senior Vice President of FMR; and Managing
Director of FMR Corp.
BETTINA DOULTON (32), is Vice President and Manager of Equity-Income
II, which s he has managed since December 199 6 . She
also manages other Fidelity funds. Since joining Fidelity in 1986, Ms.
Doulton has worked as an analyst and manager .
ARTHUR S. LORING (49), Secretary, is Senior Vice President (1993)
and General Counsel of FMR, Vice President-Legal of FMR Corp., and Vice
President and Clerk of FDC.
KENNETH A. RATHGEBER (49), Treasure r (1995), is Treasurer of the
Fidelity funds and is an employee of FMR (1995). Before joining FMR, Mr.
Rathgeber was a Vice President of Goldman Sachs & Co. (1978-1995), where he
served in various positions, including Vice President of Proprietary
Accounting (1988-1992), Global Co-Controller (1992-1994), and Chief
Operations Officer of Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (1994-1995) .
ROBERT H. MORRISON (56), Manager of Security Transactions of Fidelity's
equity funds is Vice President of FMR.
JOHN H. COSTELLO (50), Assistant Treasurer, is an employee of FMR.
LEONARD M. RUSH (50), Assistant Treasurer (1994), is an employee of FMR
(1994). Prior to becoming Assistant Treasurer of the Fidelity funds, Mr.
Rush was Chief Compliance Officer of FMR Corp. (1993-1994) and Chief
Financial Officer of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc. (1990-1993).
The following table sets forth information describing the compensation of
each Trustee of the fund for his or her ser vices as trustee for the
fiscal year ended November 30, 1996 .
COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Trustees Aggregate Pension or Estimated Annual Total
Compensation Retirement Benefits Benefits Upon Compensation
from Accrued as Part of Retirement from from the Fund
the Fund Fund Expenses the Fund Complex*
from the Fund Complex*
Complex*
J. Gary Burkhead ** $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Ralph F. Cox 5,046*** 5,200 52,000 132,500
Phyllis Burke Davis 4,344 5,200 52,000 129,000
Richard J. Flynn(double dagger) 5,744 0 52,000 168,000
Edward C. Johnson 3d ** 0 0 0 0
E. Bradley Jones 4,391 5,200 49,400 129,500
Donald J. Kirk 4,443 5,200 52,000 131,000
Peter S. Lynch ** 0 0 0 0
Gerald C. McDonough 4,400 5,200 52,000 131,000
Edward H. Malone(double dagger) 4,962*** 5,200 44,200 131,000
Marvin L. Mann 4,882*** 5,200 52,000 129,500
Thomas R. Williams 4,397 5,200 52,000 131,000
William O. McCoy(double dagger)(double dagger) 2,606 N/A N/A 85,333
</TABLE>
* Information is as of December 31, 1996 for 235 funds in the complex.
** Interested trustees of the fund are compensated by FMR.
*** For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1996, certain of the
non-interested trustees' aggregate compensation from the fund includes
accrued deferred compensation as follows: Ralph F. Cox $5,046; Edward H.
Malone $4,962; and Marvin L. Mann $4,882.
(double dagger) Prior to December 31, 1996, Richard J. Flynn and Edward
H. Malone served on the Board of Trustees.
(double dagger)(double dagger) During the period from May 1, 1996
through December 31, 1996, William O. McCoy served as a Member of the
Advisory Board.
The non-interested Trustees may elect to defer receipt of all or a
percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, compensation deferred by a
Trustee is periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been
invested and reinvested in shares of one or more funds in the complex
designated by such Trustee (designated securities). The amount paid to the
Trustee under the Plan will be determined based upon the performance of
such investments. Deferral of Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan
will have a negligible effect on the fund's assets, liabilities, and net
income per share, and will not obligate the fund to retain the services of
any Trustee or to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
The fund may invest in such designated securities under the Plan without
shareholder approval.
Under a retirement program adopted in July 1988 and modified in November
1995, each non-interested Trustee may receive payments from a Fidelity fund
during his or her lifetime based on his or her basic trustee fees and
length of service. The obligation of a fund to make such payments is
neither secured nor funded. A Trustee becomes eligible to participate in
the program at the end of the calender year in which he or she reaches age
72, provided that, at the time of retirement, he or she has served as a
Fidelity fund Trustee for at least five years. Currently, Messrs. Ralph S.
Saul, William R. Spaulding, Bertram H. Witham, and David L. Yunich, all
former non-interested Trustees, receive retirement benefits under the
program.
As of November 30, 1996, the Trustees and officers of the fund owned, in
the aggregate, less than 1% of the fund's total outstanding shares.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
The fund employs FMR to furnish investment advisory and other services.
Under its management contract with the fund, FMR acts as investment adviser
and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, directs the
investments of the fund in accordance with its investment objective,
policies, and limitations. FMR also provides the fund with all necessary
office facilities and personnel for servicing the fund's investments,
compensates all officers of the fund and all Trustees who are "interested
persons" of the trust or of FMR, and all personnel of the fund or FMR
performing services relating to research, statistical, and investment
activities.
In addition, FMR or its affiliates, subject to the supervision of the Board
of Trustees, provide the management and administrative services necessary
for the operation of the fund. These services include providing facilities
for maintaining the fund's organization; supervising relations with
custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters, and
other persons dealing with the fund; preparing all general shareholder
communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the fund's
records and the registration of the fund's shares under federal and state
laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and
furnishing reports, evaluations, and analyses on a variety of subjects to
the Trustees.
In addition to the management fee payable to FMR and the fees payable to
FSC, the fund pays all of its expenses, without limitation, that are not
assumed by those parties. The fund pays for the typesetting, printing, and
mailing of its proxy materials to shareholders, legal expenses, and the
fees of the custodian, auditor and non-interested Trustees. Although the
fund's current management contract provides that the fund will pay for
typesetting, printing, and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional
information, notices, and reports to shareholders, the trust, on behalf
of the fund has entered into a revised transfer agent agreement with
FSC, pursuant to which FSC bears the costs of providing these services to
existing shareholders. Other expenses paid by the fund include interest,
taxes, brokerage commissions, and the fund's proportionate share of
insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues. The fund is also
liable for such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including costs of any
litigation to which the fund may be a party, and any obligation it may have
to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect to litigation.
FMR is the fund's manager pursuant to a management contract dated December
1, 1993, which was approved by shareholders on November 17, 1993.
For the services of FMR under the contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly
management fee composed of the sum of two elements: a group fee rate and an
individual fund fee rate.
The group fee rate is based on the monthly average net assets of all of the
registered investment companies with which FMR has management contracts and
is calculated on a cumulative basis pursuant to the graduated fee rate
schedule shown below on the left. The schedule below on the right shows
the effective annual group fee rate at various asset levels, which is the
result of cumulatively applying the annualized rates on the left. For
example, the effective annual fee rate at $462 billion of group net assets
- - the approximate level for November 1996 was .3026%, which is the weighted
average of the respective fee rates for each level of group net assets up
to $462 billion .
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
0 - $3 billion .5200% $ 0.5 billion .5200%
3 - 6 .4900 25 .4238
6 - 9 .4600 50 .3823
9 - 12 .4300 75 .3626
12 - 15 .4000 100 .3512
15 - 18 .3850 125 .3430
18 - 21 .3700 150 .3371
21 - 24 .3600 175 .3325
24 - 30 .3500 200 .3284
30 - 36 .3450 225 .3253
36 - 42 .3400 250 .3223
42 - 48 .3350 275 .3198
48 - 66 .3250 300 .3175
66 - 84 .3200 325 .3153
84 - 102 .3150 350 .3133
102 - 138 .3100
138 - 174 .3050
174 - 228 .3000
228 - 282 .2950
282 - 336 .2900
Over 336 .2850
Under the fund's current management contract with FMR, the group fee rate
is based on a schedule with breakpoints ending at .3000% for average group
assets in excess of $174 billion. Prior to December 1, 1993, the group fee
rate breakpoints shown above for average group assets in excess of $138
billion and under $228 billion were voluntarily adopted by FMR on
January 1, 1992 . The additional breakpoints shown above for average
group assets in excess of $228 billion were voluntarily adopted by FMR on
November 1, 1993.
On August 1, 1994, FMR voluntarily revised the prior extensions to the
group fee rate schedule, and added new breakpoints for average group assets
in excess of $210 billion and under $390 billion as shown in the schedule
below. The revised group fee rate schedule was identical to the above
schedule for average group assets under $210 billion .
On January 1, 1996, FMR voluntarily added new breakpoints to the revised
schedule for average group assets in excess of $390 billion, pending
shareholder approval of a new management contract reflecting the revised
schedule and additional breakpoints. The revised group fee rate schedule
and its extensions provide for lower management fee rates as FMR's assets
under management increase. For average group assets in excess of $210
billion, the revised group fee rate schedule with additional breakpoints
voluntarily adopted by FMR is as follows:
GROUP FEE RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ANNUAL FEE RATES
Average Group Annualized Group Net Effective Annual
Assets Rate Assets Fee Rate
174 - $210 billion .3000% $ 150 billion .3371%
210 - 246 .2950 175 .3325
246 - 282 .2900 200 .3284
282 - 318 .2850 225 .3249
318 - 354 .2800 250 .3219
354 - 390 .2750 275 .3190
390 - 426 .2700 300 .3163
426 - 462 .2650 325 .3137
462 - 498 .2600 350 .3113
498 - 534 .2550 375 .3090
Over 534 .2500 400 .3067
425 .3046
450 .3024
475 .3003
500 .2982
525 .2962
550 .2942
The individual fund fee rate is .20%. Based on the average group net
assets of the funds advised by FMR for November 1996, the annual management
fee rate would be calculated as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Group Fee Rate Individual Fund Fee Rate Management Fee Rate
.3026% + .20% = .5026%
</TABLE>
One-twelfth of this annual rate is applied to the fund's net assets
averaged for the most recent month, giving a dollar amount, which is the
fee for that month.
During the fiscal years ended November 1996, 1995, and 1994, FMR received
$69,271,000, $49,461,000 and $32,556,000, respectively, for its services as
investment adviser to the fund. These fees were equivalent to .51%, .51%,
and .52%, respectively, of the average net assets of the fund for each of
those years.
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of the
fund's operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, and extraordinary expenses). FMR retains the ability to be
repaid for these expense reimbursements in the amount that expenses fall
below the limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Expense reimbursements
by FMR will increase the fund's total returns and yield and repayment of
the reimbursement by the fund will lower its total returns and yield.
To comply with the California Code of Regulations, FMR will reimburse the
fund if and to the extent that the fund's aggregate annual operating
expenses exceed specified percentages of its average net assets. The
applicable percentages are 2 1/2% of the first $30 million, 2% of the next
$70 million, and 1 1/2% of average net assets in excess of $100 million.
When calculating the fund's expenses for purposes of this regulation, the
fund may exclude interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, and extraordinary
expenses, as well as a portion of its distribution plan expenses and
custodian fees attributable to investments in foreign securities.
SUB-ADVISERS. FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with FMR U.K.,
FMR Far East. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may receive
investment advice and research services outside the United States from the
sub-advisers. FMR may also grant FMR U.K. and FMR Far East investment
managemen t authority as well as the authority to buy and sell
securities if FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund.
Currently, FMR U.K. and FMR Far East each focus on issuers in countries
other than the United States such as those in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific
Basin.
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East, which were organized in 1986, are wholly owned
subsidiaries of FMR. Under the sub-advisory agreements FMR pays the fees of
FMR U.K. and FMR Far East. For providing non-discretionary investment
advice and research services, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal
to 110% and 105%, respectively, of FMR U.K.'s and FMR Far East's costs
incurred in connection with providing investment advice and research
services.
For providing discretionary investment management and executing portfolio
transactions, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal to 50% of its
monthly management fee with respect to the fund's average net assets
managed by the sub-adviser on a discretionary basis.
For providing investment advice and research services, the fees paid to
the sub-advisers for fiscal years ended November 1996, 1995, and 1994 were
as follows:
Fiscal Year FMR U.K. FMR Far East
1996 $ 838,207 $ 854,830
1995 $ 783,240 $ 752,411
1994 $ 414,773 $ 457,816
For fiscal years ended November 1996, 1995, and 1994, no fees were paid
to FMR U.K. and FMR Far East for providing discretionary investment
management and executing portfolio transactions.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan on behalf of the
fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may not
engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily
intended to result in the sale of shares of a fund except pursuant to a
plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The Plan, as approved
by the Trustees, allows the fund and FMR to incur certain expenses that
might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of
distribution expenses.
Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to FMR is
deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution of its
shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan also specifically
recognizes that FMR, either directly or through FDC, may use its management
fee revenue, past profits, or other resources, without limitation, to pay
promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and
sale of shares of the fund. In addition, the Plan provides that FMR may use
its resources, including its management fee revenues, to make payments to
third parties that assist in selling shares of the fund, or to third
parties, including banks, that render shareholder support services.
Payments made by FMR to third parties during the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1996 amounted to $11,000.
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and have
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit
the the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees noted that
the Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than those made to
FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the extent that the
Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in connection with the
distribution of shares of the fund, additional sales of fund shares may
result. Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided
more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders
have other relationships.
The Plan was approved by shareholders on September 1, 1991.
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state chartered or
supervised banks from engaging in the business of underwriting, selling, or
distributing securities. Although the scope of this prohibition under the
Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly defined by the courts or
appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes that the Glass-Steagall Act
should not preclude a bank from performing shareholder support services, or
servicing and recordkeeping functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to
perform such functions. However, changes in federal or state statutes and
regulations pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their
affiliates or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if
any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and effective
shareholder services. In such event, changes in the operation of the fund
might occur, including possible termination of any automatic investment or
redemption or other services then provided by the bank. It is not expected
that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on
this issue may differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed
herein, and banks and financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase securities
issued by, depository institutions that receive payments under the Plan. No
preference for the instruments of such depository institutions will be
shown in the selection of investments.
CONTRACTS WITH FMR AFFILIATES
FSC, an affiliate of FMR, is transfer, dividend disbursing, and
shareholder servicing agent for the fund. FSC receives an annual account
fee and an asset-based fee each based on account size and fund type for
each retail account and certain institutional accounts. With respect to
certain institutional retirement accounts, FSC receives an annual account
fee and an asset-based fee based on account type or fund type. These annual
account fees are subject to increase based on postal rate changes. The
asset-based fees are subject to adjustment if the year-to-date total return
of the S&P 500 exceeds a positive or negative 15%. FSC also collects small
account fees from certain accounts with balances of less than $2,500.
FSC pays out-of-pocket expenses associated with providing transfer agent
services. In addition, FSC bears the expense of typesetting, printing, and
mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, and all other
reports, notices, and statements to shareholders, with the exception of
proxy statements.
FSC also performs the calculations necessary to determine the fund's NAV
and dividends, and maintains the fund's accounting records. The annual fee
rates for these pricing and bookkeeping services are based on the fund's
average net assets, specifically, .06% of the first $500 million of average
net assets and .03% of average net assets in excess of $500 million. The
fee is limited to a minimum of $60,000 and a maximum of $800,000 per year.
Pricing and bookkeeping fees, including related out-of-pocket expenses,
paid to FSC for fiscal years ended November 1996, 1995, and 1994 were
$828,000, $773,000, and $766,000, respectively.
FSC also receives fees for administering the fund's securities lending
program. Securities lending fees are based on the number and duration of
individual securities loans. For the fiscal years ended November 1996,
1995, and 1994, the fund did not incur any securities lending fees.
The fund has a distribution agreement with FDC, a Massachusetts corporation
organized on July 18, 1960. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreement calls for FDC to use
all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure
purchasers for shares of the fund, which are continuously offered at net
asset value. Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the
offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund is a fund of Fidelity
Financial Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a
Massachusetts business trust on October 20, 1982. On December 17, 1982, the
Declaration of Trust was amended to change the name of the trust from
Fidelity Tax-Qualified Equity Fund to Fidelity Freedom Fund. On January 1,
1987, the Declaration of Trust was further amended to change the name of
the trust to Fidelity Financial Trust. Currently, there are three funds of
the trust: Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund, Fidelity Retirement Growth
Fund, and Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits
the Trustees to create additional funds.
In the event that FMR ceases to be the investment adviser to the trust or a
fund, the right of the trust or fund to use the identifying name "Fidelity"
may be withdrawn.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of each
fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only
to the rights of creditors, are especially allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of
each fund are segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged
with the liabilities with respect to such fund and with a share of the
general expenses of the trust. Expenses with respect to the trust are to be
allocated in proportion to the asset value of the respective funds, except
where allocations of direct expense can otherwise be fairly made. The
officers of the trust, subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees, have the power to determine which expenses are allocable to a
given fund, or which are general or allocable to all of the funds. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust, shareholders of each
fund are entitled to receive as a class the underlying assets of such fund
available for distribution.
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY. The trust is an entity of the type
commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts
law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of
Trust provides that the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders
except for the payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that
each agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees include a provision limiting the obligations created
thereby to the trust and its assets. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification out of each fund's property of any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund. The Declaration of Trust
also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any
claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the fund
and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to
circumstances in which a fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. FMR believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal
liability to shareholders is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees, if they have
exercised reasonable care, will not be liable for any neglect or
wrongdoing, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects Trustees
against any liability to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of their office.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of beneficial
interest. As a shareholder, you receive one vote for each dollar value of
net asset value you own. The shares have no preemptive or conversion
rights; the voting and dividend rights, the right of redemption, and the
privilege of exchange are described in the Prospectus. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading "Shareholder
and Trustee Liability" above. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the
trust or a fund may, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust, call
meetings of the trust or a fund for any purpose related to the trust or
fund, as the case may be, including, in the case of a meeting of the entire
trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees. The trust
or any fund may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to another
open-end management investment company, or upon liquidation and
distribution of its assets, if approved by vote of the holders of a
majority of the trust or the fund, as determined by the current value of
each shareholder's investment in the fund or trust. If not so terminated,
the trust and its funds will continue indefinitely.
CUSTODIAN. The Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 Chase MetroTech Center,
Brooklyn, New York, is custodian of the assets of the fund. The custodian
is responsible for the safekeeping of a fund's assets and the appointment
of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies. The custodian takes no
part in determining the investment policies of a fund or in deciding which
securities are purchased or sold by a fund. However, a fund may invest in
obligations of the custodian and may purchase securities from or sell
securities to the custodian. The Bank of New York, headquartered in New
York, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, also may serve as a special purpose
custodian of certain assets in connection with repurchase agreement
transactions.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, and the Board of
Trustees may, from time to time, conduct transactions with various banks,
including banks serving as custodians for certain funds advised by FMR.
Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and
general business loans. In the judgment of FMR, the terms and conditions of
those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial
or other fund relationships.
AUDITOR. Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts
serves as the fund's independent accountant. The auditor examines financial
statements for the fund and provides other audit, tax, and related
services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal
year end ed November 30, 1996 are included in the fund's Annual Report,
which is a separate report supplied with this Statement of Additional
Information. The fund's financial statements and financial highlights are
incorporated herein by reference.
APPENDIX
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE CORPORATE BOND
RATINGS:
AAA - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are
generally referred to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a
large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While
the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can
be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position
of such issues.
AA - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat
larger than the Aaa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations.
Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate
but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future.
BAA - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade
obligations, (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured).
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present
but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as
well.
BA - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the
future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
be small.
CAA - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues
may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect
to principal or interest.
CA - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have
other marked short-comings.
C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest-rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3, in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and
the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA - Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal
is extremely strong.
AA - Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differs from the higher-rated issues only in small
degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects
of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher
rated categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to
pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher-rated
categories.
BB - Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt
that is assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B - Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but
currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal
repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely
impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating.
CCC - Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to
default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal.
In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is
not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The
CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.
CC - Debt rated CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to
senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C - The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating
may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed
but debt service payments are continued.
CI - The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest
is being paid.
D - Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is
used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date
due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D
rating will also be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt
service payments are jeopardized.
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements
1. The Financial Statements and Financial Highlights, included in the
Annual Report, for Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund for the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference into the fund's
Statement of Additional Information and were filed on January 14, 1997 for
Fidelity Financial Trust (File No. 811-3587) pursuant to Rule 30d-1 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein by
reference.
2. The Financial Statements and Financial Highlights, included in the
Annual Report, for Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference into the
fund's Statement of Additional Information and were filed on January 14,
1997 for Fidelity Financial Trust (File No. 811-3587) pursuant to Rule
30d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein
by reference.
3. The Financial Statements and Financial Highlights, included in the
Annual Report, for Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund for the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference into the
fund's Statement of Additional Information and were filed on January 14,
1997 for Fidelity Financial Trust (File No. 811-3587) pursuant to Rule
30d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are incorporated herein
by reference.
(b) Exhibits
1. (a) Amended and restated Declaration of Trust dated January 19, 1995,
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(a) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 30.
2. (a) By-laws of the Trust, as amended, are incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 2(a) to Fidelity Union Street Trust's Post-Effective
Amendment No. 87 (File No. 2-50318).
3. Not Applicable.
4. Not Applicable.
5. (a) Management Contract, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Equity-Income II Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(a) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 28.
(b) Management Contract, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Retirement Growth Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(b) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 28.
(c) Management Contract, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Convertible Securities Fund and Fidelity Management & Research Company is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5(c) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 28.
(d) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
Company, on behalf of Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 5(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
(e) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
Company, on behalf of Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 5(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
(f) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
Company, on behalf Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund, is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 5(f) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
(g) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
Company, on behalf of Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 5(g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
(h) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
Company, on behalf of Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 5(h) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
(i) Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 1993, between Fidelity
Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. and Fidelity Management & Research
Company, on behalf of Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 5(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
6. (a) General Distribution Agreement, dated April 1, 1987, between
Fidelity Freedom Fund (currently known as Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund)
and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 6(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 10.
(b) General Distribution Agreement, dated December 29, 1986, between
Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6(b) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 28.
(c) Amendment to the General Distribution Agreement, dated January 1,
1988, between Fidelity Freedom Fund (currently known as Fidelity Retirement
Growth Fund) and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 6(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11.
(d) Amendment to the General Distribution Agreement, dated January 1,
1988, between Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund and Fidelity
Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit 6(d) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 28.
(e) General Distribution Agreement, dated August 20, 1990, between
Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6(e) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 28.
(f) Amendments to the General Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and Fidelity Distributors Corporation, dated March 14, 1996 and
July 15, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6(a) of
Fidelity Court Street Trust's Post-Amendment No. 61 (File No. 58774).
7. (a) Retirement Plan for Non-Interested Person Trustees, Directors or
General Partners, as amended on November 16, 1995, is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 7(a) of Fidelity Select Portfolio's (File No.
2-69972) Post-Effective Amendment No. 54.
(b) The Fee Deferral Plan for Non-Interested Person Directors and
Trustees of the Fidelity Funds, effective as of December 1,1995 is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 7(b) of Fidelity School Street
Trust's (File No. 2-57167) Post-Effective Amendment No. 47.
(8) (a) Custodian Agreement and Appendix C, dated September 1, 1994,
between Brown Brothers Harriman & Company and Fidelity Financial Trust, on
behalf of Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund and Fidelity Convertible
Securities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a) of
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust's Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 (File No.
2-52322).
(b) Appendix A, dated January 18, 1996, to the Custodian Agreement,
dated September 1, 1994, between Brown Brothers Harriman & Company and
Fidelity Financial Trust, on behalf of Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund and
Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 8(d) of Fidelity Investment Trust's Post-Effective Amendment No.
65 (File No. 2-90649).
(c) Appendix B, dated May 16, 1996, to the Custodian Agreement, dated
September 1, 1994, between Brown Brothers Harriman & Company and Fidelity
Financial Trust, on behalf of Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund and Fidelity
Convertible Securities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
8(d) to Fidelity Investment Trust's Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 (File
No. 2-90649).
(d) Custodian Agreement and Appendix C, dated August 1, 1994, between
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and Fidelity Financial Trust, on behalf of
Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 8(a) of Fidelity Investment Trust's Post-Effective Amendment No. 59
(File No. 2-90649).
(e) Appendix A, dated October 17, 1996, to the Custodian Agreement,
dated August 1, 1994, between The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and Fidelity
Financial Trust, on behalf of Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(c) of Fidelity Charles Street
Trust's Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 (File No. 2-73133).
(f) Appendix B, dated July 18, 1996, to the Custodian Agreement, dated
August 1, 1994, between The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and Fidelity
Financial Trust, on behalf of Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b) to Fidelity Securities
Fund's Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 (File No. 2-93601).
(g) Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement among The Bank of New York,
J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., and the Registrant, dated February 12, 1996,
is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(d) of Fidelity
Institutional Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment
No. 31.
(h) Schedule 1 to the Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement between
The Bank of New York and the Registrant, dated February 12, 1996, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(e) of Fidelity Institutional
Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
(i) Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement among Chemical Bank,
Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., and the Registrant, dated November 13,
1995, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(f) of Fidelity
Institutional Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment
No. 31.
(j) Schedule 1 to the Fidelity Group Repo Custodian Agreement between
Chemical Bank and the Registrant, dated November 13, 1995, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 8(g) of Fidelity Institutional Cash
Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
(k) Joint Trading Account Custody Agreement between The Bank of New York
and the Registrant, dated May 11, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 8(h) of Fidelity Institutional Cash Portfolios' (File No.
2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
(l) First Amendment to Joint Trading Account Custody Agreement between
The Bank of New York and the Registrant, dated July 14, 1995, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(i) of Fidelity Institutional
Cash Portfolios' (File No. 2-74808) Post-Effective Amendment No. 31.
9. Not applicable.
10. Not applicable.
11. Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP is filed herein as Exhibit 11.
12. Not applicable.
13. Not applicable.
14 (a) Fidelity Individual Retirement Account Custodial Agreement and
Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 14(a) to Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File No.
2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(b) Fidelity Institutional Individual Retirement Account Custodial
Agreement and Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 14(d) to Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File
No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(c) National Financial Services Corporation Individual Retirement
Account Custodial Agreement and Disclosure Statement, as currently in
effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(h) to Fidelity
Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(d) Fidelity Portfolio Advisory Services Individual Retirement Account
Custodial Agreement and Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(i) to Fidelity Union Street
Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(e) Fidelity 403(b)(7) Custodial Account Agreement, as currently in
effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(e) to Fidelity
Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(f) National Financial Services Corporation Defined Contribution
Retirement Plan and Trust Agreement, as currently in effect, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(k) to Fidelity Union Street
Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective Amendment No. 87.
(g) The CORPORATEplan for Retirement Profit Sharing/401K Plan, as
currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(l)
to Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective
Amendment No. 87.
(h) The CORPORATEplan for Retirement Money Purchase Pension Plan, as
currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(m)
to Fidelity Union Street Trust's (File No. 2-50318) Post-Effective
Amendment No. 87.
(i) Fidelity Investments Section 403(b)(7) Individual Custodial Account
Agreement and Disclosure Statement, as currently in effect, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 14(f) to Fidelity Commonwealth Trust's (File
No. 2-52322) Post Effective Amendment No. 57.
(j) Plymouth Investments Defined Contribution Retirement Plan and Trust
Agreement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 14(o) to Fidelity Commonwealth Trust's (File No. 2-52322)
Post-Effective Amendment No. 57.
(k) The Fidelity Prototype Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Basic
Plan Document and Adoption Agreement, as currently in effect, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(d) to Fidelity Securities
Fund's (File No. 2-93601) Post-Effective Amendment No. 33.
(l) The Institutional Prototype Plan Basic Plan Document, Standardized
Adoption Agreement, and Non-Standardized Adoption Agreement, as currently
in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14(o) to Fidelity
Securities Fund's (File No. 2-93601) Post-Effective Amendment No. 33.
(m) The CORPORATEplan for Retirement 100SM Profit Sharing/401(k) Basic
Plan Document, Standardized Adoption Agreement, and Non-Standardized
Adoption Agreement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 14(f) to Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No. 2-93601)
Post-Effective Amendment No. 33.
(n) The Fidelity Investments 401(a) Prototype Plan for Tax-Exempt
Employers Basic Plan Document, Standardized Profit Sharing Plan Adoption
Agreement, Non-Standardized Discretionary Contribution Plan No. 002
Adoption Agreement, and Non-Standardized Discretionary Contribution Plan
No. 003 Adoption Agreement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 14(g) to Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No.
2-93601) Post-Effective Amendment No. 33.
(o) Fidelity Investments 403(b) Sample Plan Basic Plan Document and
Adoption Agreement, as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 14(p) to Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No. 2-93601)
Post-Effective Amendment No. 33.
(p) Fidelity Defined Contribution Retirement Plan and Trust Agreement,
as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
14(c) to Fidelity Securities Fund's (File No. 2-93601) Post-Effective
Amendment No. 33.
15. (a) Distribution and Service Plan between Fidelity Freedom Fund
(currently known as Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund) and Fidelity
Distributors Corporation is filed herein as Exhibit 15(a).
(b) Distribution and Service Plan between Fidelity Convertible Securities
Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 15(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
(c) Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity
Equity-Income II Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(c)
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28.
16. (a) Schedule for computation of total returns for Fidelity
Equity-Income II Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16(a)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 30.
(b) Schedule for computation of moving averages for Fidelity
Equity-Income II Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16(b)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 30.
17. Financial Data Schedules are incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 27 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 30.
18. Not applicable.
Item 25. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant
The Board of Trustees of Fidelity Financial Trust is the same as the
boards of other funds advised by FMR, each of which has Fidelity Management
& Research Company as its investment adviser. In addition, the officers of
these funds are substantially identical. Nonetheless, the Registrant takes
the position that it is not under common control with these other funds
since the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as
the result of an official position with the respective funds.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities November 30, 1996
Title of Class: Shares of Beneficial Interest
Name of Series Number of Record Holders
Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund 70,674
Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund 924,123
Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund 286,193
Item 27. Indemnification
Article XI, Section 2 of the Declaration of Trust sets forth the
reasonable and fair means for determining whether indemnification shall be
provided to any past or present Trustee or officer. It states that the
Registrant shall indemnify any present or past Trustee or officer to the
fullest extent permitted by law against liability and all expenses
reasonably incurred by him in connection with any claim, action, suit, or
proceeding in which he is involved by virtue of his service as a Trustee,
an officer, or both. Additionally, amounts paid or incurred in settlement
of such matters are covered by this indemnification. Indemnification will
not be provided in certain circumstances, however. These include instances
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, and reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of the particular office involved.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Distribution Agreement, the Registrant
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its
directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the
Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any
loss, liability, claim, damages or expense arising by reason of any person
acquiring any shares, based upon the ground that the registration
statement, Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, shareholder
reports or other information filed or made public by the Registrant
included a materially misleading statement or omission. However, the
Registrant does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless
to the extent that the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and
in conformity with, information furnished to the Registrant by or on behalf
of the Distributor. The Registrant does not agree to indemnify the parties
against any liability to which they would be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, and reckless disregard of the
obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement.
Pursuant to the agreement by which Fidelity Service Company, Inc.
("Service") is appointed transfer agent, the Registrant agrees to indemnify
and hold Service harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities
or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting
from:
(1) any claim, demand, action or suit brought by any person other than the
Registrant, including by a shareholder, which names the Service and/or the
Registrant as a party and is not based on and does not result from
Service's willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless
disregard of duties, and arises out of or in connection with Service's
performance under the Transfer Agency Agreement; or
(2) any claim, demand, action or suit (except to the extent contributed to
by Service's willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence or reckless
disregard of duties) which results from the negligence of the Registrant,
or from Service's acting upon any instruction(s) reasonably believed by it
to have been executed or communicated by any person duly authorized by the
Registrant, or as a result of Service's acting in reliance upon advice
reasonably believed by Service to have been given by counsel for the
Registrant, or as a result of Service's acting in reliance upon any
instrument or stock certificate reasonably believed by it to have been
genuine and signed, countersigned or executed by the proper person.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
(1) FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH COMPANY (FMR)
FMR serves as investment adviser to a number of other investment
companies. The directors and officers of the Adviser have held, during the
past two fiscal years, the following positions of a substantial nature.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Edward C. Johnson 3d Chairman of the Executive Committee of FMR;
President and Chief Executive Officer of FMR Corp.;
Chairman of the Board and Director of FMR, FMR
Corp., FMR Texas Inc., FMR (U.K.) Inc., and FMR
(Far East) Inc.; Chairman of the Board and
Representative Director of Fidelity Investments Japan
Limited; President and Trustee of funds advised by
FMR.
J. Gary Burkhead President and Director of FMR, FMR Texas Inc., FMR
(U.K.) Inc., and FMR (Far East) Inc.; Managing
Director of FMR Corp.; Senior Vice President and
Trustee of funds advised by FMR.
Peter S. Lynch Vice Chairman of the Board and Director of FMR.
Marta Amieva Vice President of FMR.
Dwight D. Churchill Vice President of FMR.
John D. Crumrine Assistant Treasurer of FMR, FMR (U.K.) Inc., FMR
(Far East) Inc., and FMR Texas Inc.; Vice President
and Treasurer of FMR Corp.
William Danoff Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Scott E. DeSano Vice President of FMR.
Craig P. Dinsell Vice President of FMR.
Penelope Dobkin Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
George C. Domolky Vice President of FMR.
Larry A. Domash Vice President of FMR.
Bettina Doulton Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Margaret L. Eagle Vice President of FMR and a fund advised by FMR.
Richard B. Fentin Senior Vice President of FMR and Vice President of a
fund advised by FMR.
Gregory Fraser Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Jay Freedman Assistant Clerk of FMR; Clerk of FMR Corp., FMR
(U.K.) Inc., and FMR (Far East) Inc.; Secretary of
FMR Texas Inc.
Robert Gervis Vice President of FMR.
David L. Glancy Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Kevin E. Grant Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Michael S. Gray Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Barry A. Greenfield Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Boyce I. Greer Vice President of FMR.
Bart Grenier Vice President of FMR.
Robert Haber Vice President of FMR.
Richard C. Habermann Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of funds
advised by FMR.
William J. Hayes Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of
Equity funds advised by FMR.
Richard Hazlewood Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Fred L. Henning Jr. Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of
Fixed-Income funds advised by FMR.
John R. Hickling Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Robert F. Hill Vice President of FMR; Director of Technical
Research.
Curt Hollingsworth Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Abigail P. Johnson Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Stephen P. Jonas Vice President of FMR; Treasurer of FMR, FMR
(U.K.) Inc., FMR (Far East) Inc., and FMR Texas Inc.
David B. Jones Vice President of FMR.
Steven Kaye Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Francis V. Knox Vice President of FMR; Compliance Officer of FMR
(U.K.) Inc.
David P. Kurrasch Vice President of FMR.
Robert A. Lawrence Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of High
Income funds advised by FMR.
Alan Leifer Vice President of FMR.
Harris Leviton Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Bradford E. Lewis Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Arthur S. Loring Senior Vice President, Clerk, and General Counsel of
FMR; Vice President/Legal, and Assistant Clerk of
FMR Corp.; Secretary of funds advised by FMR.
Richard R. Mace Jr. Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Malcolm W. MacNaught II Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Robert H. Morrison Vice President of FMR; Director of Equity Trading.
David L. Murphy Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
Jacques Perold Vice President of FMR.
Anne Punzak Vice President of FMR.
Kenneth A. Rathgeber Vice President of FMR; Treasurer of funds advised by
FMR.
Lee H. Sandwen Vice President of FMR.
Patricia A. Satterthwaite Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Thomas T. Soviero Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Richard Spillane Vice President of FMR; Senior Vice President and
Director of Operations and Compliance of FMR (U.K.)
Inc.
Robert E. Stansky Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of a
fund advised by FMR.
Thomas Sweeney Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Beth F. Terrana Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of a
fund advised by FMR.
Yoko Tilley Vice President of FMR.
Joel C. Tillinghast Vice President of FMR and of a fund advised by FMR.
Robert Tuckett Vice President of FMR.
Jennifer Uhrig Vice President of FMR and of funds advised by FMR.
George A. Vanderheiden Senior Vice President of FMR; Vice President of funds
advised by FMR.
</TABLE>
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
(a) Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC) acts as distributor for most
funds advised by FMR.
(b)
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Business Address* With Underwriter With Registrant
Edward C. Johnson 3d Director Trustee and President
Michael Mlinac Director None
Mark Peterson Director None
Paul Hondros President None
Arthur S. Loring Vice President and Clerk Secretary
Caron Ketchum Treasurer and Controller None
Gary Greenstein Assistant Treasurer None
Jay Freedman Assistant Clerk None
Linda Holland Compliance Officer None
* 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA
(c) Not applicable.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31a of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are
maintained by Fidelity Management & Research Company or Fidelity Service
Company, Inc., 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109, or the fund's
respective custodian: The Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 Chase MetroTech Center,
Brooklyn, N.Y. or Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston,
MA.
Item 31. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 32. Undertakings
The Registrant on behalf of Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund, Fidelity
Equity-Income II Fund, and Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund, provided the
information required by Item 5A is contained in the annual report,
undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus has been delivered,
upon their request and without charge, a copy of the Registrant's latest
annual report to shareholders.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all
of the requirements for the effectiveness of this Registration Statement
pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly
caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized,
in the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 14th day
of January 1997.
FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST
By /s/Edward C. Johnson 3d (dagger)
Edward C. Johnson 3d, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
(Signature) (Title) (Date)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
/s/Edward C. Johnson 3d (dagger) President and Trustee January 14,, 1997
Edward C. Johnson 3d (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/Kenneth A. Rathgeber * Treasurer January 14, 1997
Kenneth A. Rathgeber
/s/J. Gary Burkhead Trustee January 14, 1997
J. Gary Burkhead
/s/Ralph F. Cox ** Trustee January 14, 1997
Ralph F. Cox
/s/Phyllis Burke Davis ** Trustee January 14, 1997
Phyllis Burke Davis
/s/E. Bradley Jones ** Trustee January 14, 1997
E. Bradley Jones
/s/Donald J. Kirk ** Trustee January 14, 1997
Donald J. Kirk
/s/Peter S. Lynch ** Trustee January 14, 1997
Peter S. Lynch
/s/Marvin L. Mann ** Trustee January 14, 1997
Marvin L. Mann
/s/William O. McCoy ** Trustee January 14, 1997
William O. McCoy
/s/Gerald C. McDonough ** Trustee January 14, 1997
Gerald C. McDonough
/s/Thomas R. Williams ** Trustee January 14, 1997
Thomas R. Williams
</TABLE>
(dagger) Signatures affixed by J. Gary Burkhead pursuant to a power of
attorney dated January 3, 1997 and filed herewith.
* Signature affixed by John H. Costello pursuant to a power of attorney
dated December 19, 1996 and filed herewith.
** Signature affixed by Robert C. Hacker pursuant to a power of attorney
dated December 19, 1996 and filed herewith.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned President and Director, Trustee, or General Partner, as
the case may be, of the following investment companies:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust Fidelity Government Securities Fund
Fidelity Advisor Annuity Fund Fidelity Hastings Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series I Fidelity Hereford Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series II Fidelity Income Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series III Fidelity Institutional Cash Portfolios
Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Institutional Tax-Exempt Cash Portfolios
Fidelity Advisor Series V Fidelity Institutional Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VI Fidelity Investment Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VII Fidelity Magellan Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series VIII Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust
Fidelity Beacon Street Trust Fidelity Money Market Trust
Fidelity Boston Street Trust Fidelity Mt. Vernon Street Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust II Fidelity Municipal Trust II
Fidelity Capital Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust
Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust Fidelity Phillips Street Trust
Fidelity Congress Street Fund Fidelity Puritan Trust
Fidelity Contrafund Fidelity Revere Street Trust
Fidelity Corporate Trust Fidelity School Street Trust
Fidelity Court Street Trust Fidelity Securities Fund
Fidelity Court Street Trust II Fidelity Select Portfolios
Fidelity Covington Trust Fidelity Sterling Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Daily Money Fund Fidelity Summer Street Trust
Fidelity Daily Tax-Exempt Fund Fidelity Trend Fund
Fidelity Destiny Plans Fidelity U.S. Investments-Bond Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Destiny Portfolios Fidelity U.S. Investments-Government Securities
Fidelity Deutsche Mark Performance Fund, L.P.
Portfolio, L.P. Fidelity Union Street Trust
Fidelity Devonshire Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust II
Fidelity Exchange Fund Fidelity Yen Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Financial Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund II
</TABLE>
plus any other investment company for which Fidelity Management & Research
Company or an affiliate acts as investment adviser and for which the
undersigned individual serves as President and Director, Trustee, or
General Partner (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby constitute and appoint
J. Gary Burkhead my true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, and with full power to him to sign for me and in my name in
the appropriate capacity, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form
N-1A, Form N-8A, Form N-8B-2, or any successor thereto, any and all
subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments, or Post-Effective
Amendments to said Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor
thereto, any Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or
other instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in my name and behalf in connection therewith as said
attorney-in-fact deems necessary or appropriate, to comply with the
provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, and all related requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney-in-fact or
his substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of
attorney is effective for all documents filed on or after January 3, 1997.
WITNESS my hand on the date set forth below.
/s/Edward C. Johnson 3d January 3, 1997
Edward C. Johnson 3d
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned Treasurer and principal financial and accounting
officer of the following investment companies:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust Fidelity Government Securities Fund
Fidelity Advisor Annuity Fund Fidelity Hastings Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series I Fidelity Hereford Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series II Fidelity Income Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series III Fidelity Institutional Cash Portfolios
Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Institutional Tax-Exempt Cash Portfolios
Fidelity Advisor Series V Fidelity Institutional Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VI Fidelity Investment Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VII Fidelity Magellan Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series VIII Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust
Fidelity Beacon Street Trust Fidelity Money Market Trust
Fidelity Boston Street Trust Fidelity Mt. Vernon Street Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust II Fidelity Municipal Trust II
Fidelity Capital Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust
Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust Fidelity Phillips Street Trust
Fidelity Congress Street Fund Fidelity Puritan Trust
Fidelity Contrafund Fidelity Revere Street Trust
Fidelity Corporate Trust Fidelity School Street Trust
Fidelity Court Street Trust Fidelity Securities Fund
Fidelity Court Street Trust II Fidelity Select Portfolios
Fidelity Covington Trust Fidelity Sterling Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Daily Money Fund Fidelity Summer Street Trust
Fidelity Daily Tax-Exempt Fund Fidelity Trend Fund
Fidelity Destiny Portfolios Fidelity U.S. Investments-Bond Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Deutsche Mark Performance Fidelity U.S. Investments-Government Securities
Portfolio, L.P. Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Devonshire Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust
Fidelity Exchange Fund Fidelity Union Street Trust II
Fidelity Financial Trust Fidelity Yen Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund
Variable Insurance Products Fund II
</TABLE>
plus any other investment company for which Fidelity Management & Research
Company or an affiliate acts as investment adviser and for which the
undersigned individual serves as President and Director, Trustee, or
General Partner (collectively, the "Funds"), hereby constitute and appoint
John H. Costello and John E. Ferris each of them singly my true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and with full power to
each of them to sign for me and in my name in the appropriate capacity, all
Registration Statements of the Funds on Form N-1A, Form N-8A or any
successor thereto, any and all subsequent Amendments, Pre-Effective
Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said Registration Statements on
Form N-1A or any successor thereto, any Registration Statements on Form
N-14, and any supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, and
generally to do all such things in my name and behalf in connection
therewith as said attorneys-in-fact deems necessary or appropriate, to
comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, and all related requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. I hereby ratify and confirm all that said
attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. This power of attorney is effective for all documents filed on or
after January 1, 1997.
WITNESS my hand on the date set forth below.
/s/Kenneth A. Rathgeber__________ December 19, 1996
Kenneth A. Rathgeber
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned Directors, Trustees, or General Partners, as the case
may be, of the following investment companies:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Fidelity Aberdeen Street Trust Fidelity Government Securities Fund
Fidelity Advisor Annuity Fund Fidelity Hastings Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series I Fidelity Hereford Street Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series II Fidelity Income Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series III Fidelity Institutional Cash Portfolios
Fidelity Advisor Series IV Fidelity Institutional Tax-Exempt Cash Portfolios
Fidelity Advisor Series V Fidelity Institutional Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VI Fidelity Investment Trust
Fidelity Advisor Series VII Fidelity Magellan Fund
Fidelity Advisor Series VIII Fidelity Massachusetts Municipal Trust
Fidelity Beacon Street Trust Fidelity Money Market Trust
Fidelity Boston Street Trust Fidelity Mt. Vernon Street Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust Fidelity Municipal Trust
Fidelity California Municipal Trust II Fidelity Municipal Trust II
Fidelity Capital Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust
Fidelity Charles Street Trust Fidelity New York Municipal Trust II
Fidelity Commonwealth Trust Fidelity Phillips Street Trust
Fidelity Congress Street Fund Fidelity Puritan Trust
Fidelity Contrafund Fidelity Revere Street Trust
Fidelity Corporate Trust Fidelity School Street Trust
Fidelity Court Street Trust Fidelity Securities Fund
Fidelity Court Street Trust II Fidelity Select Portfolios
Fidelity Covington Trust Fidelity Sterling Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Daily Money Fund Fidelity Summer Street Trust
Fidelity Daily Tax-Exempt Fund Fidelity Trend Fund
Fidelity Destiny Portfolios Fidelity U.S. Investments-Bond Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Deutsche Mark Performance Fidelity U.S. Investments-Government Securities
Portfolio, L.P. Fund, L.P.
Fidelity Devonshire Trust Fidelity Union Street Trust
Fidelity Exchange Fund Fidelity Union Street Trust II
Fidelity Financial Trust Fidelity Yen Performance Portfolio, L.P.
Fidelity Fixed-Income Trust Variable Insurance Products Fund
Variable Insurance Products Fund II
</TABLE>
plus any other investment company for which Fidelity Management & Research
Company or an affiliate acts as investment adviser and for which the
undersigned individual serves as Directors, Trustees, or General Partners
(collectively, the "Funds"), hereby constitute and appoint Arthur J. Brown,
Arthur C. Delibert, Stephanie A. Djinis, Robert C. Hacker, Thomas M.
Leahey, Richard M. Phillips, and Dana L. Platt, each of them singly, our
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, and
with full power to each of them, to sign for us and in our names in the
appropriate capacities, all Registration Statements of the Funds on Form
N-1A, Form N-8A or any successor thereto, any and all subsequent
Amendments, Pre-Effective Amendments, or Post-Effective Amendments to said
Registration Statements on Form N-1A or any successor thereto, any
Registration Statements on Form N-14, and any supplements or other
instruments in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in
our names and behalf in connection therewith as said attorneys-in-fact
deems necessary or appropriate, to comply with the provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and all
related requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. I hereby
ratify and confirm all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes may
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is
effective for all documents filed on or after January 1, 1997.
WITNESS our hands on this nineteenth day of December, 1996.
/s/Edward C. Johnson 3d___________ /s/Peter S. Lynch________________
Edward C. Johnson 3d Peter S. Lynch
/s/J. Gary Burkhead_______________ /s/William O. McCoy______________
J. Gary Burkhead William O. McCoy
/s/Ralph F. Cox __________________ /s/Gerald C. McDonough___________
Ralph F. Cox Gerald C. McDonough
/s/Phyllis Burke Davis_____________ /s/Marvin L. Mann________________
Phyllis Burke Davis Marvin L. Mann
/s/E. Bradley Jones________________ /s/Thomas R. Williams ____________
E. Bradley Jones Thomas R. Williams
/s/Donald J. Kirk __________________
Donald J. Kirk
Exhibit 11
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference, into the Prospectuses
and Statements of Additional Information in Post-Effective Amendment No. 31
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Fidelity Financial Trust:
Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund, Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund, and
Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund, of our reports dated January 3, 1997,
January 6, 1997, and January 3, 1997, respectively, on the financial
statements and financial highlights included in the November 30, 1996
Annual Reports to Shareholders of Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund, Fidelity
Convertible Securities Fund, and Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund.
We further consent to the references to our Firm under the headings
"Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses and "Auditor" in the Statements
of Additional Information.
/s/PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 14, 1997
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
of Fidelity Freedom Fund
1. This Distribution and Service Plan (the "Plan"), when effective in
accordance with its terms, shall be the written plan contemplated by Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act") of the single
existing series of shares (the "Portfolio') of Fidelity Freedom Fund (the
"Fund").
2. The Fund has entered into a General Distribution Agreement with respect
to the Portfolio with Fidelity Distributors Corporation (the
"Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fidelity Management & Research
Company (the "Adviser"), under which the Distributor uses all reasonable
efforts, consistent with its other business, to secure purchasers for the
Portfolio's shares of beneficial interest ("shares"). Under the agreement,
the Distributor pays the expenses of printing and distributing any
prospectuses, reports and other literature used by the Distributor,
advertising, and other promotional activities in connection with the
offering of shares of the Portfolio for sale to the public. It is
understood that the Adviser may reimburse the Distributor for these
expenses from any source available to it, including management fees paid to
it by the Portfolio.
3. The Adviser directly, or through the Distributor, may, subject to the
approval of the Trustees, make payments to securities dealers and other
third parties who engage in the sale of shares or who render shareholder
support services, including but not limited to providing office space,
equipment and telephone facilities, answering routine inquires regarding
the Portfolio, processing shareholder transactions and providing such other
shareholder services as the Fund may reasonably request.
4. The Portfolio will not make separate payments as a result of this Plan
to the Adviser, Distributor or any other party, it being recognized that
the Portfolio presently pays, and will continue to pay, a management fee to
the Adviser. To the extent that any payments made by the Portfolio to the
Adviser, including payment of management fees, should be deemed to be
indirect financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale
of shares of the Portfolio within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Act,
then such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
5. This plan shall become effective upon the first business day of the
month following approval by a vote of at least a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio" (as defined in the Act),
the plan having been approved by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of
the Fund, including a majority of Trustees who are not "interested persons"
of the Fund (as defined in the Act) and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements
related to this Plan (the "Independent Trustees"), cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
6. This Plan shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, remain in
effect from the date specified above until July 31, 1987, and from year to
year thereafter, provided, however, that such continuance is subject to
approval annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund,
including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan. This Plan may be
amended at any time by the Board of Trustees, provided that (a) any
amendment to authorize direct payments by the Portfolio to finance any
activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the
Portfolio, to increase materially the amount spent by the Portfolio for
distribution, or any amendment of the Management Contract to increase the
amount to be paid by the Portfolio thereunder shall be effective only upon
approval by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Portfolio, and (b) any material amendments of this Plan shall be
effective only upon approval in the manner provided in the first sentence
in this paragraph.
7. This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any
penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
8. During the existence of this Plan, the Fund shall require the Adviser
and/or Distributor to provide the Fund, for review by the Fund's Board of
Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written
report of the amounts expended in connection with financing any activity
primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Portfolio (making
estimates of such costs where necessary or desirable) and the purposes for
which such expenditures were made.
9. This Plan does not require the Adviser or Distributor to perform any
specific type or level of distribution activities or to incur any specific
level of expenses for activities primarily intended to result in the sale
of shares of the Portfolio.
10. Consistent with the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth
in the Fund's Declaration of Trust, any obligations assumed by the
Portfolio pursuant to this Plan and any agreements related to this Plan
shall be limited in all cases to the Portfolio and its assets, and shall
not constitute obligations of any other series of shares of the Fund.
11. If any provision of this Plan shall be held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall not
be affected thereby.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000708191
<NAME> Fidelity Financial Trust
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 1
<NAME> Fidelity Retirement Growth Fund
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S>
<C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> yEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1996
<PERIOD-END> nov-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 3,655,139
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 4,178,064
<RECEIVABLES> 110,974
<ASSETS-OTHER> 417
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,289,455
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 73,902
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 10,203
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 84,105
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 3,225,186
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 209,852
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 203,538
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 52,707
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 404,533
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 522,924
<NET-ASSETS> 4,205,350
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 51,393
<INTEREST-INCOME> 29,933
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 29,136
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 52,190
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 404,544
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 59,393
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 516,127
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 68,464
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 312,726
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 35,293
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 50,139
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 21,160
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 235,541
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 67,851
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 313,845
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 20,788
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 30,675
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 4,142,192
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 19.500
<PER-SHARE-NII> .260
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 2.140
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> .340
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 1.520
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 20.040
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 74
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000708191
<NAME> Fidelity Financial Trust
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 2
<NAME> Fidelity Convertible Securities Fund
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S>
<C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> yEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1996
<PERIOD-END> nov-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,068,473
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,149,689
<RECEIVABLES> 15,153
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,164,842
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 14,241
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 3,074
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 17,315
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 982,078
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 61,567
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 59,431
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 15,316
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 68,882
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 81,251
<NET-ASSETS> 1,147,527
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 20,934
<INTEREST-INCOME> 37,989
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 9,247
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 49,676
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 70,841
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 41,980
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 162,497
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 46,048
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 53,549
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 25,384
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 28,688
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 5,440
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 98,195
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 9,649
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 62,227
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 6,194
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 9,371
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,107,835
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.660
<PER-SHARE-NII> .830
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.790
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> .740
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .900
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 18.640
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000708191
<NAME> Fidelity Financial Trust
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> Fidelity Equity-Income II Fund
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S>
<C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> yEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1996
<PERIOD-END> nov-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 12,376,231
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 15,555,460
<RECEIVABLES> 87,723
<ASSETS-OTHER> 21
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 15,643,204
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 11,627
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 35,551
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 47,178
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 11,526,617
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 619,727
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 536,702
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 70,992
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 819,191
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 3,179,226
<NET-ASSETS> 15,596,026
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 283,190
<INTEREST-INCOME> 107,115
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 98,535
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 291,770
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 828,609
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,678,837
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 2,799,216
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 257,012
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 347,350
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 206,780
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 150,529
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 26,774
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 4,043,326
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 36,874
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 373,712
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 69,271
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 99,808
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 13,697,050
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 21.530
<PER-SHARE-NII> .480
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 4.230
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> .430
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .640
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 25.170
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 73
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
