Doc. #156266 v.03
8
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [ X ]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ X ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Sec. 240.14a-11(c) or Sec. 240.14a-12
Federated High Yield Trust
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ X ] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(I)(4) and 0-11.
1. Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2. Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3. Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
4. Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5. Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary proxy materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3) Filing Party:
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4) Date Filed:
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FEDERATED HIGH YIELD TRUST
Proxy Statement - Please Vote!
Time is of the ESSENCE...VOTING ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES AND YOUR PARTICIPATION
IS IMPORTANT! BE SURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD PROMPTLY TO AVOID
ADDITIONAL EXPENSE TO THE FUND.
Federated High Yield Trust, will hold a special meeting of shareholders on March
30, 1999. It is important for you to vote on the issues described in this Proxy
Statement. We recommend that you read the Proxy Statement in its entirety; the
explanations will help you to decide on the issues.
Following is an introduction to the proposal and the process.
Why am I being asked to vote?
Mutual funds are required to obtain shareholders'
votes for certain types of changes, like those included in this Proxy Statement.
You have a right to vote on these changes.
What issues am I being asked to vote on?
The proposals include the election of
Trustees, ratification of independent auditors, and changes to the Trust's
fundamental investment policies. The Trustees also recommend several amendments
to the Declaration of Trust.
Why are individuals recommended for election to the Board of Trustees?
The Trust is devoted to serving the needs of its shareholders, and the Board is
responsible for managing the Trust's business affairs to meet those needs. The
Board represents the shareholders and can exercise all of the Trust's powers,
except those reserved only for shareholders.
Trustees are selected on the basis of their education and professional
experience. Candidates are chosen based on their distinct interest in, and
capacity for understanding the complexities of, the operation of a mutual fund.
These individuals bring considerable experience to the impartial oversight of a
fund's operation.
The Proxy Statement includes a brief description of each nominee's history and
current position with the Trust, if applicable.
Why am I being asked to vote on the ratification of independent auditors?
The independent auditors conduct a professional examination of accounting
documents and supporting data to render an opinion on the material fairness of
the information. Because financial reporting involves discretionary decision
making, the auditor's opinion is an important assurance to both the Trust and
its investors.
The Board of Trustees approved the selection of Ernst & Young LLP, long-time
auditors of the Trust, for the current fiscal year and believes that the
continued employment of this firm is in the Trust's best interests.
Why are the Trust's "fundamental policies" being changed or removed?
Every mutual fund has certain investment policies that can be changed
only with the approval of its
shareholders. These are referred to as "fundamental" investment policies.
In some cases, these policies were adopted to reflect regulatory, business, or
industry conditions that no longer exist or no longer are necessary. In other
cases, advances in the securities markets and the economy have created different
procedures and techniques that affect the Trust's operations.
By reducing the number of "fundamental policies," the Trust may be able to
minimize the costs and delays associated with frequent shareholder meetings.
Also, the investment adviser's ability to manage the Trust's assets may be
enhanced and investment opportunities increased.
The proposed amendments will:
o reclassify as operating policies those fundamental policies that are not
required to be fundamental by the Investment Company Act of 1940, ("1940
Act");
o simplify and modernize the policies that are required to be "fundamental"
by the 1940 Act, as amended: and
o remove fundamental policies that are no longer required by the securities
laws of individual states.
Federated Management, the Trust's adviser, is a conservative money manager. Its
highly trained professionals are dedicated to making investment decisions in the
best interest of the Trust and its shareholders. The Board believes that the
proposed changes can be applied responsibly by the Trust's adviser.
Why are some "fundamental policies" being reclassified as "operating policies?"
As noted above, some "fundamental policies" have been redefined as "operating
policies" by changes made to the 1940 Act. Operating policies do not require
shareholder approval to be changed. This gives the Trust's Board additional
flexibility to determine whether to participate in new investment opportunities
and to meet industry changes promptly.
Why are the Trustees recommending amendments to the Declaration of Trust? The
Declaration organizing the Trust was prepared almost twenty years ago. Since
then, developments in the investment company industry and changes in the law
resulted in many improvements. The Board is recommending changes to the
Declaration of Trust that permit the Trust to benefit from these developments.
How do I vote my shares? You may vote in person at the annual meeting of
shareholders or simply sign and return the enclosed Proxy Card. If you sign and
return the Proxy Card without indicating a preference, your vote will be cast
"for" all the proposals.
You may also vote by telephone at 1-800-690-6903, or through the Internet at
proxyvote.com. If you choose to help save the Trust time and postage costs by
voting through the Internet or by telephone, please don't return your Proxy
Card. If you do not respond at all, we may contact you by telephone to request
that you cast your vote.
Who do I call if I have questions about the Proxy Statement?
Call your Investment Professional or a Federated Client Service Representative.
Federated's toll-free number is
1-800-341-7400.
After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees has unanimously approved
these proposals. The Board recommends that you read the enclosed materials
carefully and vote for all proposals.
<PAGE>
Doc. #156266 v.03
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PRELIMINARY
FEDERATED HIGH YIELD TRUST
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
IN LIEU OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MARCH 30, 1999
A Special Meeting in lieu of Annual Meeting of the shareholders of
Federated High Yield Trust (the "Trust") will be held at 5800 Corporate Drive,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237-7000, at 12:00 Noon (Eastern time), on March 30,
1999 to consider proposals:
(1) To elect nine Trustees.
(2) To ratify the selection of the Trust's independent auditors.
(3) To make changes to the Trust's fundamental investment policies:
(a) To amend the Trust's fundamental investment policy regarding
borrowing to permit the purchase of securities while borrowings
are outstanding; and
(b) To make non-fundamental the Trust's fundamental investment policy
regarding lower-rated fixed income securities.
(4) To eliminate the Trust's fundamental investment policy on investing in
oil, gas, and minerals.
(5) To approve amendments and restatements of the Trust's Declaration of
Trust:
(a) To require the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting
shares in the event of the sale and conveyance of the assets of
the Trust to another trust or corporation; and
(b) To permit the Board of Trustees to liquidate assets of the Trust
without seeking shareholder approval.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Trustees has fixed January 22, 1999, as the record date for
determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
John W. McGonigle
Secretary
February 3, 1999
YOU CAN HELP THE TRUST AVOID THE NECESSITY AND EXPENSE OF SENDING FOLLOW-UP
LETTERS TO ENSURE A QUORUM BY PROMPTLY SIGNING AND RETURNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY SO THAT THE NECESSARY QUORUM MAY BE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL
MEETING IN LIEU OF ANNUAL MEETING. THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the Proxy Solicitation and the Meeting...................................
Election of Nine Trustees......................................................
About the Election of Trustees ................................................
Trustees Standing for Election.................................................
Nominees Not Presently Serving as Trustees.....................................
Ratification of the Selection of the Independent Auditors......................
Approval of Changes to the Trust's Fundamental Investment
Policies..................................................................
Approval of the Elimination of Certain Fundamental Investment Policies.........
Approval of Amendments and Restatements of the Trust's
Declaration of Trust......................................................
Information About the
Trust..........................................................................
Proxies, Quorum and Voting at the Meeting......................................
Share Ownership of the Trustees................................................
Trustee Compensation...........................................................
Officers of the Trust..........................................................
Other Matters and Discretion of Attorneys Named in the Proxy...................
<PAGE>
PRELIMINARY
PROXY STATEMENT
FEDERATED HIGH YIELD TRUST
Federated Investors Funds
5800 Corporate Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-7000
About the Proxy Solicitation and the Meeting
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Trust
(the "Board" or "Trustees"). The proxies will be voted at the special meeting in
lieu of annual meeting of shareholders of the Trust to be held on March 30,
1999, at 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237-7000, at 12:00
Noon (such special meeting in lieu of annual meeting and any adjournment or
postponement thereof are referred to as the "Meeting").
The cost of the solicitation, including the printing and mailing of proxy
materials, will be borne by the Trust. In addition to solicitations through the
mails, proxies may be solicited by officers, employees, and agents of the Trust
or, if necessary, a communications firm retained for this purpose. Such
solicitations may be by telephone, telegraph, through the Internet or otherwise.
Any telephonic solicitations will follow procedures designed to ensure accuracy
and prevent fraud, including requiring identifying shareholder information,
recording the shareholder's instructions, and confirming to the shareholder
after the fact. Shareholders who communicate proxies by telephone or by other
electronic means have the same power and authority to issue, revoke, or
otherwise change their voting instruction as shareholders submitting proxies in
written form. The Trust will reimburse custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for
the reasonable costs incurred by them in connection with forwarding solicitation
materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by such persons.
At its meeting on November 17, 1998, the Board reviewed both the proposed
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and the changes recommended in the
investment policies of the Trust and approved them subject to shareholder
approval. The purposes of the Meeting are set forth in the accompanying Notice.
The Trustees know of no business other than that mentioned in the Notice that
will be presented for consideration at the Meeting. Should other business
properly be brought before the Meeting, proxies will be voted in accordance with
the best judgment of the persons named as proxies. This proxy statement and the
enclosed proxy card are expected to be mailed on or about February 3, 1999, to
shareholders of record at the close of business on January 22, 1999 (the "Record
Date"). On the Record Date, the Trust had outstanding _________ shares of
beneficial interest.
The Trust's annual prospectus, which includes audited financial statements
for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998, was previously mailed to
shareholders. Requests for a semi-annual report which contains unaudited
financial statements for the period ended August 31, 1998, may be made in
writing to the Trust's principal executive offices, which are located at
Federated Investors Funds, 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15237-7000 or by calling toll-free 1-800-341-7400.
PROPOSAL #1: ELECTION OF NINE TRUSTEES
The persons named as proxies intend to vote in favor of the election of
Thomas G. Bigley, John T. Conroy, Jr., Nicholas P. Constantakis, John F.
Cunningham, J. Christopher Donahue, Peter E. Madden, Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.,
John E. Murray, Jr. and John S. Walsh (collectively, the "Nominees") as Trustees
of the Trust. Messrs. Bigley, Conroy, Madden and Murray are presently serving as
Trustees. If elected by shareholders, Messrs. Constantakis, Cunningham, Donahue,
Mansfield and Walsh are expected to assume their responsibilities as Trustees
effective April 1, 1999. Please see "About the Election of Trustees" below for
current information about the Nominees.
Messrs. Conroy and Madden were appointed Trustees on August 21, 1991, to
fill vacancies created by the resignation of Mr. Joseph Maloney and the decision
to expand the size of the Board. Messrs. Murray and Bigley were appointed
Trustees on February 14, 1995 and October 1, 1995, respectively, also to fill
vacancies resulting from the decision to expand the size of the Board. Messrs.
Constantakis and Donahue are being proposed for election as Trustees as a result
of a decision to expand the size of the Board. Messrs. Cunningham, Mansfield and
Walsh are being proposed for election as Trustees to fill vacancies anticipated
to result from the resignations of three current Trustees. The anticipated
resignations will not occur if Messrs. Cunningham, Mansfield and Walsh are not
elected as Trustees.
All Nominees have consented to serve if elected. If elected, the Trustees
will hold office without limit in time until death, resignation, retirement, or
removal or until the next meeting of shareholders to elect Trustees and the
election and qualification of their successors. Election of a Trustee is by a
plurality vote, which means that the nine individuals receiving the greatest
number of votes at the Meeting will be deemed to be elected.
If any Nominee for election as a Trustee named above shall by reason of
death or for any other reason become unavailable as a candidate at the Meeting,
votes pursuant to the enclosed proxy will be cast for a substitute candidate by
the proxies named on the proxy card, or their substitutes, present and acting at
the Meeting. Any such substitute candidate for election as a Trustee who is an
"interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Trust shall be nominated by the Executive
Committee. The selection of any substitute candidate for election as a Trustee
who is not an "interested person" shall be made by a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust. The Board has no reason to
believe that any Nominee will become unavailable for election as a Trustee.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE TO ELECT AS TRUSTEES THE NOMINEES FOR
ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
About the Election of Trustees
When elected, the Trustees will hold office during the lifetime of the
Trust except that: (a) any Trustee may resign; (b) any Trustee may be removed by
written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior
to such removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be retired or who has become
mentally or physically incapacitated may be retired by written instrument signed
by a majority of the other Trustees; and (d) a Trustee may be removed at any
special meeting of the shareholders by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of the Trust. In case a vacancy shall exist for any reason, the remaining
Trustees will fill such vacancy by appointment of another Trustee. The Trustees
will not fill any vacancy by appointment if, immediately after filling such
vacancy, less than two-thirds of the Trustees then holding office would have
been elected by the shareholders. If, at any time, less than a majority of the
Trustees holding office have been elected by the shareholders, the Trustees then
in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the purpose of electing Trustees
to fill vacancies. Otherwise, there will normally be no meeting of shareholders
called for the purpose of electing Trustees.
Set forth below is a listing of: (i) Trustees standing for election, and
(ii) Nominees standing for election who are not presently serving as Trustees,
along with their addresses, birthdates, present positions with the Trust, if
applicable, and principal occupations during the past five years:
Trustees Standing for Election
Thomas G. Bigley
15 Old Timber Trail
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: February 3, 1934
Trustee
Chairman of the Board, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; formerly, Senior
Partner, Ernst & Young LLP; Director, MED 3000 Group, Inc.; Director, Member of
Executive Committee, University of Pittsburgh; Director or Trustee of the Funds.
John T. Conroy, Jr.
Wood/IPC Commercial Department
John R. Wood and Associates, Inc., Realtors
3255 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL
Birthdate: June 23, 1937
Trustee
President, Investment Properties Corporation; Senior Vice-President, John R.
Wood and Associates, Inc., Realtors; Partner or Trustee in private real estate
ventures in Southwest Florida; formerly, President, Naples Property Management,
Inc. and Northgate Village Development Corporation; Director or Trustee of the
Funds.
Peter E. Madden
One Royal Palm Way
100 Royal Palm Way
Palm Beach, FL
Birthdate: March 16, 1942
Trustee
Consultant; Former State Representative, Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
formerly, President, State Street Bank and Trust Company and State Street Boston
Corporation; Director or Trustee of the Funds.
John E. Murray, Jr., J.D., S.J.D.
President, Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: December 20, 1932
Trustee
President, Law Professor, Duquesne University; Consulting Partner, Mollica &
Murray; Director or Trustee of the Funds.
Nominees Not Presently Serving as Trustees
Nicholas P. Constantakis
175 Woodshire Drive
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: September 3, 1938
Formerly, Partner, Andersen Worldwide SC; Director or Trustee of the Funds.
John F. Cunningham
353 El Brillo Way
Palm Beach, FL
Birthdate: March 5, 1943
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cunningham & Co., Inc.
(consulting organization to high technology and computer companies in the
financial community); Director, EMC Corporation.
J. Christopher Donahue
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: April 11, 1949
Executive Vice President
President and Trustee, Federated Investors, Federated Advisers, Federated
Management, and Federated Research; President and Director, Federated Research
Corp. and Federated Global Research Corp.; President, Passport Research, Ltd.;
Trustee, Federated Shareholder Services Company and Federated Shareholder
Services; Director, Federated Services Company; President or Executive Vice
President of the Funds; Director or Trustee of some of the Funds. Mr. Donahue is
the son of John F. Donahue, Chairman and Trustee of the Trust.
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr.
54 Pine Street
Garden City, NY
Birthdate: April 10, 1945
Management consultant.
John S. Walsh
2007 Sherwood Drive
Valparaiso, IN
Birthdate: November 28, 1957
President, Heat Wagon, Inc., Manufacturers Products, Inc. ("MPI") and the
Portable Heater Parts division of MPI (engineering, manufacturing and
distribution of portable, temporary heating equipment) (1996-present); Director,
Walsh & Kelly, Inc., asphalt road construction business; formerly, Vice
President, Walsh & Kelly, Inc. (1984-1996).
PROPOSAL #2: RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The 1940 Act requires that the Trust's independent auditors be selected by
the Board, including a majority of those Board members who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, and submitted for
ratification or rejection at the next succeeding meeting of shareholders. The
Board of the Trust, including a majority of its members who are not "interested
persons" of the Trust, approved the selection of Ernst & Young LLP (the
"Auditors") for the current fiscal year at a Board meeting held on May 12, 1998.
The selection by the Board of the Auditors as independent auditors for the
current fiscal year is submitted to the shareholders for ratification. Apart
from their fees as independent auditors and certain consulting fees, neither the
Auditors nor any of their partners have a direct, or material indirect,
financial interest in the Trust or its investment adviser. The Auditors are a
major international independent accounting firm. The Board believes that the
continued employment of the services of the Auditors for the current fiscal year
would be in the Trust's best interests.
Representatives of the Auditors are not expected to be present at the
Meeting. If a representative is present, he or she will have the opportunity to
make a statement and would be available to respond to appropriate questions. The
ratification of the selection of the Auditors will require the affirmative vote
of a majority of the shares present and voting on the proposal at the Meeting.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
RATIFY THE SELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PROPOSAL #3: APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO THE TRUST'S
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The 1940 Act requires investment companies such as the Trust to adopt
certain specific investment policies that can be changed only by shareholder
vote. An investment company may also elect to designate other policies that may
be changed only by shareholder vote. Both types of policies are often referred
to as "fundamental policies." Certain of the Trust's fundamental policies had
been adopted in the past to reflect regulatory, business or industry conditions
that are no longer in effect. Accordingly, the Trustees have authorized the
submission to the Trust's shareholders for their approval, and recommended that
shareholders approve, the removal, amendment and/or reclassification of certain
of the Trust's fundamental policies.
The proposed amendments would:
(i) simplify and modernize the fundamental policies that are required to be
stated under the 1940 Act;
(ii) reclassify as operating policies those fundamental policies that are
not required to be fundamental under the 1940 Act; and
(iii) remove those fundamental policies which are no longer required by the
securities laws of individual states as a result of the National Securities
Markets Improvement Act ("NSMIA"), dated October 11, 1996.
By reducing to a minimum those policies that can be changed only by
shareholder vote, the Trustees believe that the Trust would be able to minimize
the costs and delay associated with holding future shareholder meetings to
revise fundamental policies that become outdated or inappropriate. The Trustees
also believe that the investment adviser's ability to manage the Trust's assets
in a changing investment environment will be enhanced and that investment
management opportunities will be increased by these changes. The recommended
changes are specified below. Each sub-item will be voted on separately, and the
approval of any sub-item will require the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting shares of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act. (See
"Proxies, Quorum and Voting at the Meeting" below.)
PROPOSAL #3(a): TO AMEND THE TRUST'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICY
REGARDING BORROWING TO PERMIT THE PURCHASE OF
SECURITIES WHILE BORROWINGS ARE OUTSTANDING
The Trust's current fundamental investment policy on borrowing states that:
"The Trust will not issue senior securities, except as permitted by the
Trust's investment objective and policies, and except that the Trust may borrow
money and engage in reverse repurchase agreements only in amounts up to
one-third of the value of the Trust's net assets including the amounts borrowed.
The Trust will not borrow money directly or through reverse repurchase
agreements for investment leverage, but rather as a temporary, extraordinary, or
emergency measure or to facilitate management of the portfolio by enabling the
Trust to meet redemption requests when the liquidation of portfolio instruments
would be deemed to be inconvenient or disadvantageous. The Trust will not
purchase any securities while any such borrowings (including reverse repurchase
agreements) are outstanding."
Management has recommended that the Trustees consider approving a revision
to the fundamental policy that would permit the Trust to purchase securities
while its borrowings are outstanding, as the Trust's investment adviser believes
that the current policy unnecessarily limits the Trust's investments. If
approved by shareholders, the sentence "The Trust will not purchase any
securities while any such borrowings (including reverse repurchase agreements)
are outstanding" will be deleted. The Trust would continue to be subject to the
same percentage limitation on its borrowings --5% of the value of the Trust's
total assets -- if the proposed change is approved by shareholders.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL #3(b): TO MAKE NON-FUNDAMENTAL THE TRUST'S POLICY
REGARDING LOWER-RATED FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
The Trust is presently subject to a fundamental investment policy that
provides that the Trust will invest primarily in lower-rated fixed income
securities. These include corporate debt obligations and other securities that
are generally rated BBB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Baa or
lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or are not rated but are determined by
the Trust's investment adviser to be of comparable quality. Such lower-rated
securities usually offer higher yields than higher-rated securities, but the
lower-rated securities may also present greater risks.
The Trust's investment adviser believes, and the Board has concluded, that
this fundamental investment policy unnecessarily constrains the Trust's
investments. By making the policy non-fundamental, it will allow the Trust's
investment adviser to purchase a broader array of investments for the Trust,
when the Trust's investment adviser determines that it would be consistent with
the Trust's investment objective of high current income, and it would expand the
opportunities available to the Trust. It is not proposed that the Trust will
change its investment focus, and shareholders are not being asked to approve a
change in the Trust's investment objective. Rather, it is proposed that the
Trust's investment adviser be given greater flexibility in pursuing the Trust's
investment objective, and be permitted to purchase a wider array of securities
that the investment adviser determines are consistent with the Trust's objective
and policies.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL #4: TO REMOVE THE TRUST'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT
POLICY ON INVESTING IN OIL, GAS AND MINERALS
The Board has determined that the fundamental investment policy described
below is unnecessary and should be removed. Until NSMIA was adopted in 1996, the
securities laws of several states required every investment company which
intended to sell its shares in those states to adopt policies governing a
variety of operational issues, including investment in certain securities. As a
consequence of those restrictions, the Trust adopted the investment policy
described below and agreed that it would be changed only upon the approval of
shareholders. Since these prohibitions are no longer required under current law,
the management of the Trust has recommended, and the Board has determined, that
the policy should be removed. The removal of the policy would provide greater
flexibility in the management of the Trust by permitting the Trust to purchase a
broader range of securities that are permitted investments and that are
consistent with its investment objective and policies.
The Trustees have determined that the Trust's current investment policy on
investment in oil, gas and minerals is unnecessary and are recommending that it
be removed by deleting the following:
"The Trust will not purchase interests in oil, gas, or mineral
exploration or development programs, although it may purchase the
securities of issuers which invest in or sponsor such programs."
In the event of shareholder approval, any investments by the Trust in
securities of issuers which invest in or sponsor such programs will continue to
be subject to credit quality standards applicable to all Trust investments. The
approval of the change will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting shares of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act. (See
"Proxies, Quorum and Voting at the Meeting" below.)
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL #5: TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS AND RESTATEMENTS TO THE TRUST'S
DECLARATION OF TRUST
Mutual funds, such as the Trust, are required to organize under the laws of
a state and to create and be bound by organizational documents outlining how
they will operate. In the case of the Trust, these organizational documents are
the Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws. Since the adoption of the Trust's
current Declaration of Trust, the market for mutual funds has evolved, requiring
mutual funds to be more flexible in their operation to respond quickly to
changes in the market. Several items in the current Declaration of Trust
prohibit the Trust from responding quickly and favorably to changing markets
without going to the expense and delay of holding a shareholder meeting.
Accordingly, the Trustees have approved, and have authorized the submission
to the Trust's shareholders for their approval, certain amendments to the
Trust's Declaration of Trust. The approval of each amendment will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust
as defined in the Declaration of Trust. (See "Proxies, Quorum and Voting at the
Meeting" below.)
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL #5(a): TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE TRUST'S DECLARATION OF TRUST TO
REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF
THE OUTSTANDING VOTING SHARES IN THE EVENT OF THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF THE
ASSETS OF THE TRUST TO ANOTHER
TRUST OR CORPORATION
Article XII, Section 4(b) of the Declaration of Trust currently requires
the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of all of the outstanding
shares of the Trust to approve any sale and conveyance of the assets of the
Trust to another open-end management investment company. To reduce the
likelihood of greater expenses in a proposed solicitation for the approval of
any sale and conveyance (including a proposal in this Proxy Statement), the
Trustees have adopted an amendment that would permit a majority vote to approve
such a transaction. A majority vote means the affirmative vote of: (a) 67% or
more of the voting securities present at the meeting if the holders of more than
50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or
(b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities, whichever is less. The
amendment would provide the Trust with greater flexibility, and in the event
circumstances warrant the approval of the Board, the Trustees could determine
that a sale and conveyance of assets would be in the best interest of the Trust.
The Trustees are recommending that shareholders approve the adoption of this
proposed amendment to the Declaration of Trust.
If approved by shareholders, Article XII, Section 4(b) of the Declaration
of Trust would be amended to read as follows:
"(b) The Trustees, with the approval of a Majority Shareholder
Vote, may by unanimous action sell and convey the assets of the
Trust, or a class or series of the Trust, to another trust or
corporation organized under the laws of any state of the United
States, which is a diversified open-end management investment
company as defined in the 1940 Act, for an adequate consideration
which may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations,
taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, of the Trust,
or a class or series of the Trust, and which may include shares
of beneficial interest or stock of such trust or corporation.
Upon making provision for the payment of all such liabilities, by
such assumption or otherwise, the Trustees shall distribute the
remaining proceeds ratably among the holders of the Shares of the
Trust, or a class or series of the Trust, then outstanding. For
the purposes of this provision, a `Majority Shareholder Vote'
means the affirmative vote of the lesser of: (a) more than 50% of
the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote upon the
matter, or (b) 67% or more of the voting securities present at
the meeting if the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding
voting securities entitled to vote on the matter are present at
the meeting in person or by proxy."
In the event that the amendment to Article XII, Section 4(b) is not
approved by shareholders, this section of the Declaration of Trust will remain
as it currently exists, and the Board of Trustees will consider what action, if
any, should be taken.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL #5(b): TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE TRUST'S DECLARATION OF TRUST TO
PERMIT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO
LIQUIDATE ASSETS OF THE TRUST WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
Shareholders are being asked to approve an amendment to the Trust's
Declaration of Trust to permit the Trustees to sell and convert into money
(i.e., liquidate) all the assets of the Trust, or any class or series of the
Trust, and then redeem all outstanding shares of any portfolio or class of the
Trust. Currently, a majority vote of shareholders is required to liquidate the
Trust, or an affected series or class of which shares are outstanding. The
Trustees have determined that the current restriction presents a cumbersome
structure under which the best interest of all of the Trust's shareholders may
not be served. By requiring the Trustees to solicit a shareholder vote, by means
of a proxy solicitation and special meeting of shareholders, the Declaration of
Trust greatly hinders the Trustees' ability to effectively act on decisions
about the continued viability of the Trust. If it is determined that it is no
longer advisable to continue the Trust, or a class or series of the Trust, it
may not be in the best interest of shareholders to incur the substantial
additional expense of a shareholder meeting when it is more important to
preserve those assets that remain.
If approved by shareholders, Article XII, Section 4(c) of the Declaration
of Trust will be amended to read as follows:
"The Trustees may at any time sell and convert into money all the
assets of the Trust, or a class or series of the Trust, without
shareholder approval, unless otherwise required by applicable
law. Upon making provision for the payment of all outstanding
obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent,
belonging to the Trust, the Trustees shall distribute the
remaining assets of the Trust ratably among the holders of the
outstanding Shares having an interest in such assets."
The Trustees believe that the interest of the shareholders is adequately
protected by this provision, as the liquidation would require the conversion of
the assets of the Trust to cash, which will thereafter be distributed to
shareholders pro rata. It is believed that this will result in the return to
shareholders of substantially the same value as would be provided to the
shareholder by a redemption resulting in the payment to the shareholder of the
then current net asset value of the shares owned by the shareholder.
In the event that the amendment to the Declaration of Trust to allow
Trustees to liquidate assets is not approved by the shareholders, the
Declaration of Trust will remain as it currently exists and the Trustees will
consider what action, if any, should be taken.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST
Proxies, Quorum and Voting at the Meeting
Only shareholders of record on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at
the Meeting. Each share of the Trust is entitled to one vote. Fractional shares
are entitled to proportionate shares of one vote. Under both the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and under the Declaration of Trust, the favorable vote of a
"majority of the outstanding voting shares" of the Trust means: (a) the holders
of 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities present at the Meeting, if
the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust are
present or represented by proxy; or (b) the vote of the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding voting securities, whichever is less.
Any person giving a proxy has the power to revoke it any time prior to its
exercise by executing a superseding proxy or by submitting a written notice of
revocation to the Secretary of the Trust. In addition, although mere attendance
at the Meeting will not revoke a proxy, a shareholder present at the Meeting may
withdraw his or her proxy and vote in person. All properly executed and
unrevoked proxies received in time for the Meeting will be voted in accordance
with the instructions contained in the proxies. If no instruction is given on
the proxy, the persons named as proxies will vote the shares represented thereby
in favor of the matters set forth in the attached Notice.
In order to hold the Meeting, a "quorum" of shareholders must be present.
Holders of one-fourth of the total number of outstanding shares of the Trust,
present in person or by proxy, shall be required to constitute a quorum for the
purpose of voting on the proposals made.
For purposes of determining a quorum for transacting business at the
Meeting, abstentions and broker "non-votes" (that is, proxies from brokers or
nominees indicating that such persons have not received instructions from the
beneficial owner or other persons entitled to vote shares on a particular matter
with respect to which the brokers or nominees do not have discretionary power)
will be treated as shares that are present but which have not been voted. For
this reason, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a "no"
vote for purposes of obtaining the requisite approval of some of the proposals.
If a quorum is not present, the persons named as proxies may vote those
proxies which have been received to adjourn the Meeting to a later date. In the
event that a quorum is present but sufficient votes in favor of one or more of
the proposals have not been received, the persons named as proxies may propose
one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitations of
proxies with respect to such proposal(s). All such adjournments will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at
the session of the Meeting to be adjourned. The persons named as proxies will
vote AGAINST any such adjournment those proxies that they are required to vote
against the proposal and will vote in FAVOR of the adjournment other proxies
that they are authorized to vote. A shareholder vote may be taken on other
proposals in this proxy statement prior to any such adjournment if sufficient
votes have been received for approval.
As referred to in this Proxy Statement, "The Funds" or "Funds" includes the
following investment companies: Automated Government Money Trust; Cash Trust
Series II; Cash Trust Series, Inc.; CCB Funds; DG Investor Series; Edward D.
Jones & Co. Daily Passport Cash Trust; Federated Adjustable Rate U.S. Government
Fund, Inc.; Federated American Leaders Fund, Inc.; Federated ARMs Fund;
Federated Core Trust; Federated Equity Funds; Federated Equity Income Fund,
Inc.; Federated Fund for U.S. Government Securities, Inc.; Federated GNMA Trust;
Federated Government Income Securities, Inc.; Federated Government Trust;
Federated High Income Bond Fund, Inc.; Federated High Yield Trust; Federated
Income Securities Trust; Federated Income Trust; Federated Index Trust;
Federated Institutional Trust; Federated Insurance Series; Federated Master
Trust; Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc.; Federated Municipal
Securities Fund, Inc.; Federated Municipal Trust; Federated Short-Term Municipal
Trust; Federated Short-Term U.S. Government Trust; Federated Stock and Bond
Fund, Inc.; Federated Stock Trust; Federated Tax-Free Trust; Federated Total
Return Series, Inc.; Federated U.S. Government Bond Fund; Federated U.S.
Government Securities Fund: 1-3 Years; Federated U.S. Government Securities
Fund: 2-5 Years; Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 5-10 Years;
Federated Utility Fund, Inc.; Fixed Income Securities, Inc.; Intermediate
Municipal Trust; International Series, Inc.; Investment Series Funds, Inc.;
Liberty Term Trust, Inc. - 1999; Liberty U.S. Government Money Market Trust;
Liquid Cash Trust; Managed Series Trust; Money Market Management, Inc.; Money
Market Obligations Trust; Money Market Obligations Trust II; Money Market Trust;
Municipal Securities Income Trust; Newpoint Funds; Regions Funds; RIGGS Funds;
Tax-Free Instruments Trust; The Planters Funds; Trust for Government Cash
Reserves; Trust for Short-Term U.S. Government Securities; Trust for U.S.
Treasury Obligations; WesMark Funds; WCT Funds; World Investment Series, Inc.;
Blanchard Funds; Blanchard Precious Metals Fund, Inc.; High Yield Cash Trust;
Investment Series Trust; Targeted Duration Trust; The Virtus Funds; and Trust
for Financial Institutions.
Share Ownership of the Trustees
Officers and Trustees of the Trust own less than 1% of the Trust's outstanding
shares.
At the close of business on the Record Date, the following persons owned, to the
knowledge of management, more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Trust: [INSERT 5% HOLDERS]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Trustee Compensation
Aggregate
Name, Compensation
Position With From Total Compensation Paid
Trust Trust*# From Fund Complex+
John F. Donahue $0 $-0- for the Trust and
Chairman and Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Thomas G. Bigley $1,708.06 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
John T. Conroy, Jr. $1,879.13 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
William J. Copeland $1,879.13 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
James E. Dowd $1,879.13 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Lawrence D. Ellis, M.D. $1,708.06 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Edward L. Flaherty, Jr. $1,879.13 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Peter E. Madden $1,708.06 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
John E. Murray, Jr. $1,708.06 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Wesley W. Posvar $1,708.06 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Marjorie P. Smuts $1,708.06 $_______ for the Trust and
Trustee 56 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
</TABLE>
* Information is furnished for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998.
# The aggregate compensation is provided for the Trust which is comprised of one
portfolio.
+The information is provided for the last calendar year.
During the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998, there were four meetings of
the Board of Trustees. The interested Trustees, other than Dr. Ellis, do not
receive fees from the Trust. Dr. Ellis is an interested person by reason of the
employment of his son-in-law by Federated Securities Corp. All Trustees were
reimbursed for expenses for attendance at Board of Trustees meetings.
Other than its Executive Committee, the Trust has one Board committee, the
Audit Committee. Generally, the function of the Audit Committee is to assist the
Board of Trustees in fulfilling its duties relating to the Trust's accounting
and financial reporting practices and to serve as a direct line of communication
between the Board of Trustees and the independent auditors. The specific
functions of the Audit Committee include recommending the engagement or
retention of the independent auditors, reviewing with the independent auditors
the plan and the results of the auditing engagement, approving professional
services provided by the independent auditors prior to the performance of such
services, considering the range of audit and non-audit fees, reviewing the
independence of the independent auditors, reviewing the scope and results of the
Trust's procedures for internal auditing, and reviewing the Trust's system of
internal accounting controls.
Messrs. Flaherty, Conroy, Copeland, and Dowd serve on the Audit Committee.
These Trustees are not interested Trustees of the Trust. During the fiscal year
ended February 28, 1998, there were four meetings of the Audit Committee. All of
the members of the Audit Committee were present for each meeting. Each member of
the Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $100 plus $25 for attendance at
each meeting and is reimbursed for expenses of attendance.
Officers of the Trust
The executive officers of the Trust are elected annually by the Board of
Trustees. Each officer holds the office until qualification of his successor.
The names and birthdates of the executive officers of the Trust and their
principal occupations during the last five years are as follows:
John F. Donahue
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: July 28, 1924
Chairman and Trustee
Chairman and Trustee, Federated Investors, Federated Advisers, Federated
Management, and Federated Research; Chairman and Director, Federated Research
Corp. and Federated Global Research Corp.; Chairman, Passport Research, Ltd.;
Chief Executive Officer and Director or Trustee of the Funds. Mr. Donahue is the
father of J. Christopher Donahue, Executive Vice President of the Trust and a
Nominee for Trustee.
Glen R. Johnson
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: May 2, 1929
President
Trustee, Federated Investors; President and/or Trustee of some of the Funds;
staff member, Federated Securities Corp.
J. Christopher Donahue
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: April 11, 1949
Executive Vice President
President and Trustee, Federated Investors, Federated Advisers, Federated
Management, and Federated Research; President and Director, Federated Research
Corp. and Federated Global Research Corp.; President, Passport Research, Ltd.;
Trustee, Federated Shareholder Services Company and Federated Shareholder
Services; Director, Federated Services Company; President or Executive Vice
President of the Funds; Director or Trustee of some of the Funds. Mr. Donahue is
the son of John F. Donahue, Chairman and Trustee of the Trust.
Edward C. Gonzales
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: October 22, 1930
Executive Vice President
Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Trustee, Federated Investors; Vice President,
Federated Advisers, Federated Management, Federated Research, Federated Research
Corp., Federated Global Research Corp. and Passport Research, Ltd.; Executive
Vice President and Director, Federated Securities Corp.; Trustee, Federated
Shareholder Services Company; Trustee or Director of some of the Funds;
President, Executive Vice President and Treasurer of some of the Funds.
John W. McGonigle
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: October 26, 1938
Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Trustee, Federated Investors; Trustee,
Federated Advisers, Federated Management, and Federated Research; Director,
Federated Research Corp. and Federated Global Research Corp.; Trustee, Federated
Shareholder Services Company; Director, Federated Services Company; President
and Trustee, Federated Shareholder Services; Director, Federated Securities
Corp.; Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Funds; Treasurer of some of
the Funds.
Richard B. Fisher
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA
Birthdate: May 17, 1923
Vice President
Executive Vice President and Trustee, Federated Investors; Chairman and
Director, Federated Securities Corp.; President or Vice President of some of the
Funds; Director or Trustee of some of the Funds.
None of the Trustees of the Trust received salaries from the Trust during
the fiscal year ended February 28, 1998.
Federated Securities Corp., a subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc., is
the principal distributor of the Trust's shares. Federated Securities Corp.
receives no compensation from the Trust for its services.
OTHER MATTERS AND DISCRETION OF ATTORNEYS NAMED IN THE PROXY
The Trust is not required, and does not intend, to hold regular annual
meetings of shareholders. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for
consideration for inclusion in a proxy statement for the next meeting of
shareholders should send their written proposals to Federated High Yield Trust,
Federated Investors Funds, 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15237-7000, so that they are received within a reasonable time before any such
meeting.
No business other than the matters described above is expected to come
before the Meeting, but should any other matter requiring a vote of shareholders
arise, including any question as to an adjournment or postponement of the
Meeting, the persons named on the enclosed proxy card will vote on such matters
according to their best judgment in the interests of the Trust.
SHAREHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH NEEDS NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN
THE UNITED STATES.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
John W. McGonigle
Secretary
February 3, 1999
<PAGE>
FEDERATED HIGH YIELD TRUST
Investment Adviser
FEDERATED MANAGEMENT
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779
Distributor
FEDERATED SECURITIES CORP.
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779
Administrator
FEDERATED SERVICES COMPANY
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779
Cusip
(_____/99)
<PAGE>
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Shareholders of
Federated High Yield Trust (the "Trust") hereby appoint Patricia F. Conner, Gail
Cagney, Susan M. Jones and Ann M. Scanlon, or any one of them, true and lawful
attorneys, with the power of substitution of each, to vote all shares of the
Trust which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting in lieu
of Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") to be held on March 30, 1999,
at 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 12:00 Noon, and at any
adjournment thereof.
The attorneys named will vote the shares represented by this proxy in
accordance with the choices made on this ballot. If no choice is indicated
as to the item, this proxy will be voted affirmatively on the matters.
Discretionary authority is hereby conferred as to all other matters as may
properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF FEDERATED
HIGH YIELD TRUST. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE
MANNER DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSALS.
By checking the box "FOR" below (or by signing and returning the proxy
without indicating a preference) you will vote to approve each of the proposed
items in this proxy, and to elect each of the nominees as Trustees of the Trust
FOR [ ]
Proposal 1 To elect Thomas G. Bigley, John T. Conroy, Jr., Nicholas P.
Constantakis, John F. Cunningham, J. Christopher Donahue, Peter E. Madden,
Charles F. Mansfield, Jr., John E. Murray, Jr. and John S. Walsh as
Trustees of the Trust
FOR [ ]
AGAINST [ ]
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
TO VOTE [ ]
FOR ALL EXCEPT [ ]
If you do not wish your shares to be voted "FOR" a particular nominee, mark
the "For All Except" box and strike a line through the name of each nominee
for whom you are NOT voting. Your shares will be voted for the remaining
nominees.
Proposal 2 To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Trust's
independent auditors
FOR [ ]
AGAINST [ ]
ABSTAIN [ ]
Proposal 3 To make changes to the Trust's fundamental investment policies:
3(a) To approve a revision in the Trust's fundamental investment policy
regarding borrowing to permit the purchase of securities while
borrowings are outstanding
FOR [ ]
AGAINST [ ]
ABSTAIN [ ]
3(b) To approve making non-fundamental the Trust's fundamental investment
policy regarding investing in lower-rated fixed income securities
FOR [ ]
AGAINST [ ]
ABSTAIN [ ]
Proposal 4 To eliminate the Trust's fundamental investment policy on
investing in oil, gas, and minerals
FOR [ ]
AGAINST [ ]
ABSTAIN [ ]
Proposal 5 To approve amendments and restatements of the Trust's
Declaration of Trust:
5(a) To approve an amendment of the Trust's Declaration of Trust to require
the approval by a majority of outstanding voting shares in the event
of the sale or conveyance of the assets of the Trust to another trust
or corporation
FOR [ ]
AGAINST [ ]
ABSTAIN [ ]
5(b) To approve an amendment and restatement of the Trust's Declaration of
Trust to permit the Board of Trustees to liquidate assets of the Trust
without seeking shareholder approval
FOR [ ]
AGAINST [ ]
ABSTAIN [ ]
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Please complete, sign and return
this card as soon as possible
mark with an X in the box.
Dated
Signature
Signature (Joint Owners)
Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on the books of the
Trust. Joint owners should each sign personally. Directors and other
fiduciaries should indicate the capacity in which they sign, and where more
than one name appears, a majority must sign. If a corporation, this
signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or
her title.
You may also vote your shares by touchtone phone by calling 1-800-890-8903
or through the Internet at www.proxyvote.com
