As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 2024
Registration No. 33-______
(Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-22796)
| SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | |
| Washington, D.C. 20549 | |
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| FORM N-14 | |
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| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | |
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| Pre-Effective Amendment No._____ | ☐ |
| Post-Effective Amendment No._____ | ☐ |
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Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Registrant’s Telephone Number (617) 563-7000
245 Summer St.,Boston, MA 02210
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices)
Nicole Macarchuk, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Registrant has registered an indefinite amount of securities under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 24(f) under the Investment Company Act of 1940; accordingly, no fee is payable herewith because of reliance upon Section 24(f).
It is proposed that this filing will become effective on December 15, 2024, pursuant to Rule 488.
FIDELITY® MUNICIPAL CORE PLUS BOND FUND
A SERIES OF
FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST
245 SUMMER STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02210
1-800-544-8544 (RETAIL CLASS)
1-877-208-0098 (ADVISOR CLASSES)
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of the above fund:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) of Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund will be held on March 12, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and act upon the following proposal, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
(1)
To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation providing for the reorganization of Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund into Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF.
The Board of Trustees has fixed the close of business on January 13, 2025 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
NICOLE MACARCHUK, Secretary
January 13, 2025
Your vote is important – please vote your shares promptly.
The Meeting will be held in a virtual format only. Shareholders are invited to attend the Meeting by means of remote audio communication. You will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. To participate in the Meeting, you must register at https://viewproxy.com/fidelityfunds/broadridgevsm/. You will be required to enter your name, an email address, and the control number found on your proxy card or notice you previously received. If you have lost or misplaced your control number, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544 (Retail class) or 1-877-208-0098 (Advisor classes) to verify your identity and obtain your control number. Requests for registration must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email confirming your registration with an event link and optional dial-in information to attend the Meeting. A separate email will follow containing a password to enter at the event link in order to access the Meeting. You may vote during the Meeting at www.proxyvote.com/proxy. You will need your control number to vote.
Questions from shareholders to be considered at a Meeting must be submitted no later than 8:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 to Broadridge at https://viewproxy.com/fidelityfunds/broadridgevsm/.
Shareholders whose shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee must first obtain a “legal proxy” from the applicable nominee/record holder, who will then provide the shareholder with a newly-issued control number. We note that obtaining a legal proxy may take several days. Requests for registration should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Once shareholders have obtained a new control number, they must visit https://viewproxy.com/fidelityfunds/broadridgevsm/ and submit their name and newly issued control number in order to register to participate in and vote at the Meeting.
Any shareholder who does not expect to virtually attend the Meeting is urged to vote using the touch-tone telephone or internet voting instructions that follow or by indicating voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card, dating and signing it, and returning it in the envelope provided, which needs no postage if mailed in the United States. In order to avoid unnecessary expense, we ask for your cooperation in responding promptly, no matter how large or small your holdings may be. If you wish to wait until the Meeting to vote your shares, you will need to follow the instructions available on the Meeting’s website during the Meeting in order to do so.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXECUTING PROXY CARD
The following general rules for executing proxy cards may be of assistance to you and help avoid the time and expense involved in validating your vote if you fail to execute your proxy card properly.
1.
| Individual Accounts: Your name should be signed exactly as it appears in the registration on the proxy card. |
2.
| Joint Accounts: Either party may sign, but the name of the party signing should conform exactly to a name shown in the registration. |
3.
| All other accounts should show the capacity of the individual signing. This can be shown either in the form of the account registration itself or by the individual executing the proxy card. For example: |
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A. | | | 1) | | | ABC Corp. | | | John Smith, Treasurer |
| | | 2) | | | ABC Corp. | | | John Smith, Treasurer |
| | | | | | c/o John Smith, Treasurer | | | |
B. | | | 1) | | | ABC Corp. Profit Sharing Plan | | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
| | | 2) | | | ABC Trust | | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
| | | 3) | | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee | | | Ann B. Collins, Trustee |
| | | | | | u/t/d 12/28/78 | | | |
C. | | | 1) | | | Anthony B. Craft, Cust. | | | Anthony B. Craft |
| | | | | | f/b/o Anthony B. Craft, Jr. | | | |
| | | | | | UGMA | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTING BY TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE OR THROUGH THE INTERNET
1.
| Read the proxy statement, and have your proxy card handy. |
2.
| Call the toll-free number or visit the web site indicated on your proxy card. |
3.
| Enter the number found in the box on the front of your proxy card. |
4.
| Follow the recorded or on-line instructions to cast your vote up until 11:59 p.m. ET on March 11, 2025. |
FIDELITY
® MUNICIPAL CORE PLUS BOND FUND
A SERIES OF
FIDELITY SALEM STREET TRUST
FIDELITY® MUNICIPAL BOND OPPORTUNITIES ETF
A SERIES OF
FIDELITY MERRIMACK STREET TRUST
245 SUMMER STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02210
1-800-544-8544 (Retail class)
1-877-208-0098 (Advisor classes)
1-800-FIDELITY (ETFs)
PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
JANUARY 13, 2025
This combined Proxy Statement and Prospectus (Proxy Statement) is furnished to shareholders of Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Acquired Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust (the trust), in connection with a solicitation of proxies made by, and on behalf of, the trust’s Board of Trustees to be used at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Acquired Fund and at any adjournments thereof (the Meeting), to be held on March 12, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The Board of Trustees and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR or the Adviser), the Acquired Fund’s manager, have determined that the Meeting will be held in a virtual format only. The Meeting will be accessible solely by means of remote audio communication. You will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are first being mailed on or about January 13, 2025.
As more fully described in the Proxy Statement, shareholders of the Acquired Fund are being asked to consider and vote on an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation (the Agreement) relating to the proposed acquisition of Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund by Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF (the Acquiring Fund and together with the Acquired Fund, the funds), a newly created ETF that is a series of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust. The transaction contemplated by the Agreement is referred to as the Reorganization. Subject to shareholder approval, the Reorganization is currently scheduled to take place as of the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) on April 4, 2025, or such other time and date as the parties may agree (the Closing Date).
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF is a diversified series of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, an open-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The Acquiring Fund, like its Acquired Fund, seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income tax. Growth of capital may also be considered. The Acquiring Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax. While the majority of the municipal securities in which the Acquiring Fund invests are investment-grade (those of medium and high quality), it may invest up to 30% of its assets in lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds). Shares of the Acquiring Fund will be listed for trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market®.
The principal business address of FMR, the Acquired Fund’s and the Acquiring Fund’s investment adviser, is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK), at 1 St. Martin’s Le Grand, London, EC1A 4AS, United Kingdom; Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.), at Floor 19, 41 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong; and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan), at Kamiyacho Prime Place, 1-17, Toranomon-4-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan are sub-advisers to the Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund. The principal business address of Fidelity Distributors Corporation (FDC), the Acquired Fund’s and the Acquiring Fund’s principal underwriter and distribution agent, is 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC, NOR HAS THE SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This solicitation is being made primarily by the mailing of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card on or about January 13, 2025. For more detailed information about the solicitation with respect to the proposal, please refer to the “Voting Information” section of this Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement sets forth concisely the information about the Reorganization and the Acquiring Fund that shareholders should know before voting on the proposed Reorganization. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
The following documents have been filed with the SEC and are incorporated into this Proxy Statement by reference, which means they are part of this Proxy Statement for legal purposes:
(i)
| the Statement of Additional Information dated January 13, 2025, relating to this Proxy Statement; |
An investment in the funds is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the funds. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate.
For a free copy of the Acquired Fund’s current Prospectus(es), Statement(s) of Additional Information, or annual report and/or Form N-CSRS, call Fidelity at 1-800-544-8544 (Retail class) or 1-877-208-0098 (Advisor classes), visit Fidelity’s web sites at either www.fidelity.com or institutional.fidelity.com, or write to Fidelity Distributors Company LLC at 100 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917.
Fidelity Salem Street Trust and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Accordingly, each must file proxy material, reports, and other information with the SEC. You can review and copy such information from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain copies of such information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Room, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.
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The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, in the Agreement, and/or in the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information of Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund, which are incorporated herein by reference. Shareholders should read the entire Proxy Statement carefully for more complete information.
What proposal am I being asked to vote on?
As more fully described in the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction” below, shareholders of the Acquired Fund are being asked to approve the Agreement relating to the proposed acquisition of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund. Subject to shareholder approval, all of the assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund will be transferred to a newly created Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund equal to the Acquired Fund’s net asset value (NAV). The Acquired Fund will distribute to its shareholders the portion of shares of the Acquiring Fund to which the shareholder is entitled (and shareholders may receive cash in lieu of fractional shares). Shares of the Acquiring Fund will be transferred to each shareholder’s brokerage account. If a shareholder does not have a brokerage account, Acquired Fund shares may be converted to cash, less any fees and expenses your intermediary may charge (subject to applicable federal or state laws concerning unclaimed property). After shares of the Acquiring Fund are distributed to the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, the Acquired Fund will be completely liquidated and dissolved. As a result of the Reorganization, you will cease to be a shareholder of the Acquired Fund and will become a shareholder of the Acquiring Fund. Subject to shareholder approval, the Reorganization is currently scheduled to take place as of the close of business of the NYSE on the Closing Date.
In addition, if the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders (1) effective March 12, 2025, any sales charges, contingent deferred sales charges, 12b-1 fees, and finder’s fee payments applicable to any class of shares of the Acquired Fund will be waived; and (2) effective March 14, 2025, Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I and Class Z will be consolidated into the Retail class and the Adviser will contractually reimburse the Retail class to the extent total operating expenses, subject to certain exclusions, exceed 0.30% through the date of the Reorganization. The Adviser may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 13, 2025 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation.”
What are the differences between an ETF and a mutual fund?
ETFs are structurally different from mutual funds in several important aspects:
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Does not issue multiple classes of shares | | | May offer multiple share classes with different sales charges, expenses, and/or minimum investments |
Individual investors buy or sell shares of an ETF on the secondary market through an exchange | | | Investors or their intermediaries buy or sell shares directly from the mutual fund |
Buy and sell orders are processed throughout the day and reflect real time market prices on an exchange | | | Buy and sell orders are processed once a day using the day’s ending NAV |
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As a result of these structural differences, there are certain benefits associated with an ETF structure, such as secondary market liquidity and increased transparency. The Acquiring Fund will disclose its full holdings on a daily basis, while the Acquired Fund does not provide daily holdings transparency. There are, however, certain risks associated with an ETF structure, including the risk that shares of an ETF will trade at market prices that are above (premium) or below (discount) NAV, or that an ETF’s “authorized participants” will not engage in creation or redemption transactions which could cause the Acquiring Fund’s shares to trade at a discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting. For additional information about ETF-specific risks associated with an investment in the Acquiring Fund, please refer to the section entitled “Comparison of Principal Risk Factors.”
Has the Board of Trustees approved the Reorganization?
Yes. The Acquired Fund’s Board of Trustees has carefully reviewed the proposal and approved the Agreement and the Reorganization. The Board of Trustees unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the Reorganization by approving the Agreement.
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What are the reasons for the Reorganization?
The Board of Trustees considered the following factors, among others, in determining to recommend that shareholders vote in favor of the Reorganization by approving the Agreement:
• | The Reorganization will permit shareholders of the Acquired Fund to pursue the same investment objective in an ETF structure, which provides multiple benefits for shareholders, including lower expenses, intraday trading, and full daily holdings transparency. |
• | Acquired Fund shareholders are expected to benefit from an expense reduction. |
• | The Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes (although cash received as part of the Reorganization may be taxable). |
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Reasons for the Reorganization.”
How will you determine the number of shares of the Acquiring Fund that I will receive?
Upon completion of the Reorganization, each shareholder of the Acquired Fund will receive shares of the Acquiring Fund and, in some cases, cash equal to the value of the shares of the Acquired Fund the shareholder owned on the Closing Date.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation.”
Is the Reorganization considered a taxable event for federal income tax purposes?
The Reorganization will be a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. As part of the Reorganization, some shareholders may receive cash in redemption of fractional shares, which may be a taxable event for applicable shareholders.
Different tax considerations apply to you if your investment is liquidated and the cash value of your Acquired Fund shares is returned to you, if you hold your Acquired Fund shares through an account that cannot hold the Acquiring Fund shares at the time of the Reorganization, or if your Acquired Fund shares are transferred by your broker or financial intermediary to a different investment option because you did not hold your Acquired Fund shares through an account that can accept shares of the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date of the Reorganization.
Shareholders who hold shares through an account that cannot hold shares of an ETF at the time of the Reorganization will have their investments liquidated and may receive cash, which may be a taxable event for shareholders. Capital gains from securities sales by the Acquired Fund prior to the Reorganization may be distributed by the Acquired Fund prior to the Reorganization or by the Acquiring Fund after the Reorganization.
Shareholders who do not want or cannot hold ETF shares may redeem out of the Acquired Fund or exchange their Acquired Fund shares for shares of another fund. A redemption or exchange of fund shares would generally be a taxable event for shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “The Proposed Transaction – Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
What types of shareholder accounts can receive shares of an ETF as part of the Reorganization?
If you hold your Acquired Fund shares in an account that permits you to purchase securities traded on U.S. stock exchanges, such as ETFs or other types of stocks, you are eligible to receive shares of the ETF in the Reorganization. No further action is needed by you.
What types of shareholder accounts cannot receive shares of an ETF as part of the Reorganization?
The following account types cannot hold ETFs:
• | If you hold your Acquired Fund shares in an account with a financial intermediary that only allows you to hold shares of mutual funds in the account, you will need to contact your broker or financial intermediary to transfer your shares to an existing or new brokerage account that permits investment in ETF shares. |
If you do nothing, you will not receive shares of the ETF and your position will be liquidated at the time of the Reorganization and you will receive a cash distribution equal in value to the NAV of your Acquired Fund shares on the Closing Date less any fees and expenses your intermediary may charge. This event may be taxable. To prevent a taxable event, please contact your broker or financial intermediary to transfer your shares to an existing or new brokerage account.
Please note: If your account number with Fidelity Investments begins with 2aa through 2zz, your account cannot hold shares of an ETF. Please contact your broker or call 1-800-544-8544. For advisor clients call 1-877-208-0098.
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• | If you hold your Acquired Fund shares through an IRA or employer sponsored group retirement plan that does not have the ability to hold shares of ETFs, you will need to redeem your shares prior to the Reorganization, or your broker or intermediary may transfer your investment in the Acquired Fund to a different investment option prior to the time of the Reorganization. |
If you are unsure about the ability of your account to accept shares of an ETF, please contact your broker or financial intermediary.
How do I transfer my Acquired Fund shares to a brokerage account that will accept ETF shares?
The broker where you hold your Acquired Fund shares should be able to assist you in transferring your shares to a brokerage account that can accept shares of an ETF.
We suggest you provide your broker with a copy of your most recent shareholder statement. Your broker will require your account number, which can be found on your statement. Your broker will help you complete a form to initiate the transfer. Once you sign that form, your broker will submit the form to the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent directly, and the shares will be transferred into your brokerage account. The sooner you initiate the transfer, the better.
If you don’t have a brokerage account or a relationship with a brokerage firm, you will need to open an account with a brokerage firm.
What if I do not want to own shares of an ETF?
If you do not want to receive shares of the ETF in connection with the Reorganization, you can exchange your Acquired Fund shares for shares of another Fidelity mutual fund that is not participating in a reorganization into an ETF or redeem your fund shares. Prior to doing so, however, you should consider the tax consequences associated with either action. Exchange or redemption of your Acquired Fund shares may be a taxable event if you hold your shares in a taxable account.
The last date to redeem your Acquired Fund shares or exchange Acquired Fund shares of another Fidelity mutual fund prior to the Reorganization is April 3, 2025.
Can I continue to purchase shares of an Acquired Fund before the Reorganization takes place?
Effective the close of business on January 13, 2025, new positions in the Acquired Fund may no longer be opened. Shareholders of the Acquired Fund on that date may continue to add to their fund positions existing on that date. Investors who did not own shares of the Acquired Fund on January 13, 2025 generally will not be allowed to buy shares of the Acquired Fund except that new Acquired Fund positions may be opened: 1) by participants in most group employer retirement plans (and their successor plans) if the Acquired Fund had been established (or was in the process of being established) as an investment option under the plans (or under another plan sponsored by the same employer) by January 13, 2025, 2) for accounts managed on a discretionary basis by certain registered investment advisers that have discretionary assets of at least $500 million invested in mutual funds and have included the Acquired Fund in their discretionary account program since January 13, 2025, 3) by a mutual fund or a qualified tuition program for which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment manager, 4) by a portfolio manager of the Acquired Fund, and 5) by a fee deferral plan offered to trustees of certain Fidelity funds, if the Acquired Fund is an investment option under the plan. These restrictions generally will apply to investments made directly with Fidelity and investments made through intermediaries. Investors may be required to demonstrate eligibility to buy shares of the Acquired Fund before an investment is accepted.
If the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund shareholders, effective the close of business on March 28, 2025, new positions in the Acquired Fund may no longer be opened. Existing shareholders may continue to hold their shares and purchase additional shares through the reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions until the Reorganization takes place.
How do the funds’ investment objectives, strategies, policies, and limitations compare?
The Acquired Fund has the same investment objective as the Acquiring Fund. Each fund seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income tax. Growth of capital may also be considered. Each fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and does not require shareholder approval to change.
As set forth in the chart below, the Acquired Fund also has the same principal investment strategies as the Acquiring Fund:
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The Adviser normally invests at least 80% of the fund’s assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax. This policy is fundamental, that is, subject to change only by shareholder approval. | | | Same principal strategy. |
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Currently, no corresponding language in the principal strategy. This additional descriptive language was added to the Acquiring Fund’s investment strategies in response to a new regulatory requirement and would similarly be added to the Acquired Fund’s strategy disclosure if the Fund were to continue to exist. There is no difference in the Acquiring Fund’s investment strategies as a result of this language. | | | Municipal debt securities are issued to raise money for a variety of public and private purposes, including general financing for state and local governments, financing for eligible non-profit organizations, or financing for a specific project or public facility. Municipal debt securities in which the fund invests include securities issued by U.S. territories and possessions, general obligation bonds of municipalities, local or state governments, project or revenue-specific bonds, or pre-refunded or escrowed bonds, municipal money market securities, and synthetic securities. Municipal securities usually pay a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed, usually at the maturity of the security. |
Currently, no corresponding language in the principal strategy. This additional language was added to the Acquiring Fund’s investment strategies in response to a new regulatory requirement and would similarly be added to the Acquired Fund’s strategy disclosure if the Fund were to continue to exist. There is no difference in the Acquiring Fund’s investment strategies as a result of this language. | | | Effective December 11, 2025, derivative instruments that provide investment exposure to the securities above or exposure to the market risk factors associated with such securities are included in the fund’s 80% policy, consistent with the fund’s investment policies and limitations with respect to investments in derivatives. |
While the majority of the municipal securities in which the fund invests are investment-grade (those of medium and high quality), the Adviser may invest up to 30% of the fund’s assets in lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds). | | | Same principal strategy. |
The Adviser may invest up to 20% of the fund’s assets in securities that are not municipal securities exempt from federal income tax, including, but not limited to, taxable municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury and Government agency issues, and investment grade corporate bonds. The Adviser may invest all of the fund’s assets in municipal securities whose interest is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. | | | Same principal strategy. |
The Adviser uses a customized blended market value-weighted index of investment-grade and high yield fixed-rate municipal bonds as a guide in structuring the fund and selecting its investments. The Adviser manages the fund to have similar overall interest rate risk to the index. | | | Same principal strategy. |
The Adviser considers other factors when selecting the fund’s investments, including the credit quality of the issuer, security-specific features, current valuation relative to alternatives in the market, short-term trading opportunities resulting from market inefficiencies, and potential future valuation. In managing the fund’s exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, the Adviser considers, among other things, the market’s overall risk characteristics, the market’s current pricing of those risks, and internal views of potential future market conditions. | | | Same principal strategy. |
The Adviser allocates the fund’s assets among different market sectors (for example, general obligation bonds of a state or bonds financing a specific project) and different maturities based on its view of the relative value of each sector or maturity. | | | Same principal strategy. |
The Adviser may invest more than 25% of the fund’s total assets in municipal securities that finance similar projects, such as those relating to education, health care, transportation, and utilities. | | | Same principal strategy. |
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The Adviser may engage in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the fund, including investments in derivatives, regardless of whether the fund may own the asset, instrument, or components of the index underlying the derivative, and forward-settling securities. The Adviser may invest a significant portion of the fund’s assets in these types of investments. If the fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own. The fund’s derivative investments may include interest rate swaps, total return swaps, credit default swaps, options (including options on futures and swaps), and futures contracts (both long and short positions) on securities, other instruments, and indexes. Depending on the Adviser’s outlook and market conditions, the Adviser may engage in these transactions to increase or decrease the fund’s exposure to changing security prices, interest rates, credit qualities, or other factors that affect security values, or to gain or reduce exposure to an asset, instrument, or index. | | | Same principal strategy. |
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For a comparison of the principal risks associated with the funds’ principal investment strategies, please refer to the section entitled “Comparison of Principal Risk Factors.”
The funds have the same fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies and limitations.
For more information about the Acquiring Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, policies, and limitations, please refer to the “Investment Policies and Limitations” section of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference. For more information about the Acquired Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, policies, and limitations, please refer to the “Investment Details” section of the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses, and to the “Investment Policies and Limitations” section of the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Following the Reorganization, the combined fund will be managed in accordance with the investment objective, strategies, policies, and limitations of the Acquiring Fund.
How do the funds’ management and distribution arrangements compare?
The following summarizes the management and distribution arrangements of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund:
Management of the Funds
The introductory section to this Proxy Statement provides the principal business address of FMR, each fund’s investment adviser, and FMR UK, FMR H.K., and FMR Japan, sub-advisers to the funds.
As the manager, FMR has overall responsibility for directing the funds’ investments and handling their business affairs. As of December 31, 2023, FMR had approximately $3.9 trillion in discretionary assets under management, and approximately $4.9 trillion when combined with all of its affiliates’ assets under management.
FMR and each of the sub-advisers will continue serving as manager or sub-adviser of the combined fund after the Reorganization.
Cormac Cullen is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund, which he has managed since 2023. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2007, Mr. Cullen has worked as a research analyst, structured analyst, senior legal counsel, and portfolio manager.
Michael Maka is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund, which he has managed since 2023. He also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 2000, Mr. Maka has worked as the head of municipal trading and a portfolio manager.
Elizah McLaughlin is Co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund, which she has managed since 2023. She also manages other funds. Since joining Fidelity Investments in 1997, Ms. McLaughlin has worked as an analyst and portfolio manager.
The portfolio management team of the Acquiring Fund is the same as that of the Acquired Fund.
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For information about the compensation of, any other accounts managed by, and any fund shares held by a fund’s portfolio manager(s), please refer to the “Management Contracts” section of the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information and the “Management Contracts” section of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
From time to time, a manager, analyst, or other Fidelity employee may express views regarding a particular company, security, industry, or market sector. The views expressed by any such person are the views of only that individual as of the time expressed and do not necessarily represent the views of Fidelity or any other person in the Fidelity organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Fidelity disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any fund.
Each fund has entered into a management contract with FMR, pursuant to which FMR furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Each class of the Acquired Fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month. When determining a class’s management fee, a mandate rate is calculated based on the monthly average net assets of a group of funds advised by FMR within a designated asset class. A discount rate is subtracted from the mandate rate once the fund’s monthly average net assets reach a certain level. The mandate rate and discount rate may vary by class.
The annual management fee rate for each class of shares of the Acquired Fund is the lesser of (1) the class’s mandate rate reduced by the class’s discount rate (if applicable) or (2) the amount listed below:
| | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund – Retail class | | | 0.39% |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund – Class A | | | 0.51% |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund – Class M | | | 0.52% |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund – Class C | | | 0.52% |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund – Class I | | | 0.52% |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund – Class Z | | | 0.39% |
| | | |
One-twelfth of the management fee rate for a class is applied to the average net assets of the class for the month, giving a dollar amount which is the management fee for the class for that month.
A different management fee rate may be applicable to each class of the Acquired Fund. The difference between classes is the result of separate arrangements for class-level services and/or waivers of certain expenses. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Acquired Fund’s assets, which do not vary by class.
The Acquiring Fund pays a management fee to the Adviser. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Adviser every month. The Adviser pays all of the other expenses of the Acquiring Fund with limited exceptions.
The annual management fee rate, as a percentage of the Acquiring Fund’s average net assets, is 0.30%.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for the Acquired Fund is available in the fund’s semi-annual report for the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, and the fund’s annual report for the fiscal period ended January 31, 2024.
The basis for the Board of Trustees approving the management contract and sub-advisory agreements for the Acquiring Fund will be included in the fund’s Form N-CSRS report for the fiscal period ending July 31, 2025, when available.
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates may agree to reimburse or waive certain fund expenses while retaining the ability to be repaid if expenses fall below the specified limit prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Reimbursement or waiver arrangements can decrease expenses and boost performance.
For more information about fund management, please refer to the “Fund Management” section of the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses, and to the “Control of Investment Advisers” and “Management Contracts” sections of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement and the Acquired Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Arrangements
FMR has contractually agreed to reimburse Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, Class Z, and Retail class of the Acquired Fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses (including fees and expenses associated with a wholly owned subsidiary), if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of their respective average net assets, exceed 0.62%,
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0.62%, 1.37%, 0.37%, 0.31%, and 0.37% (the Expense Caps). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, Class Z, or Retail class of the Acquired Fund fall below the Expense Caps, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Caps. These arrangements will remain in effect through May 31, 2025. FMR may not terminate these arrangements before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend them in its discretion after that date.
If the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund shareholders, effective the close of business on March 14, 2025, Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I and Class Z will be consolidated into the Retail class of the Acquired Fund and the Adviser will contractually reimburse the Retail class to the extent total operating expenses, subject to certain exclusions, exceed 0.30% through the Closing Date. The Adviser may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.
If the Agreement is not approved, the Acquired Fund will retain its current expense structure.
For more information about the funds’ fees and operating expenses, please refer to the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses, which are incorporated herein by reference, and to the “Annual Fund and Class Operating Expenses” below.
Distribution of Fund Shares
The Retail class of the Acquired Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) with respect to its shares that recognizes that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the Acquired Fund and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has authorized such payments for shares of the Acquired Fund.
Class A of the Acquired Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class A of the Acquired Fund is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A shares. Class A of the Acquired Fund may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.15% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Currently, the Trustees have not approved such payments. The Trustees may approve 12b-1 (distribution) fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.15% of Class A’s average net assets when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class A shareholders to do so.
In addition, pursuant to the Class A plan, Class A of the Acquired Fund pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class A’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
Class M of the Acquired Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class M of the Acquired Fund is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class M shares. Class M of the Acquired Fund may pay this 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.15% of its average net assets, or such lesser amount as the Trustees may determine from time to time. Currently, the Trustees have not approved such payments. The Trustees may approve 12b-1 (distribution) fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.15% of Class M’s average net assets when the Trustees believe that it is in the best interests of Class M shareholders to do so.
In addition, pursuant to the Class M plan, Class M of the Acquired Fund pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class M’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
Class C of the Acquired Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the plan, Class C of the Acquired Fund is authorized to pay FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee as compensation for providing services intended to result in the sale of Class C shares. Class C of the Acquired Fund currently pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (distribution) fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of its average net assets throughout the month.
In addition, pursuant to the Class C plan, Class C of the Acquired Fund pays FDC a monthly 12b-1 (service) fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of Class C’s average net assets throughout the month for providing shareholder support services.
In addition to the above payments, each Class A, Class M, and Class C plan specifically recognizes that the Adviser may make payments from its management fee revenue, past profits, or other resources to FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class A, Class M, and Class C shares and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC or one or more affiliates, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has authorized such payments for Class A, Class M, and Class C.
Class I and Class Z of the Acquired Fund have adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act that recognizes that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of Class I and Class Z shares and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund has authorized such payments for Class I and Class Z.
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While the Acquiring Fund will not make direct payments for distribution or shareholder support services, the Acquiring Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its shares. The Plan recognizes that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the Acquiring Fund and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Fund has authorized such payments for shares of the Acquiring Fund.
For more information about fund distribution with respect to the Acquiring Fund, please refer to the “Fund Distribution” section of Appendix A and to the “Distribution Services” section of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference. For more information about fund distribution with respect to the Acquired Fund, please refer to the “Fund Distribution” section of the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses and to the “Distribution Services” section of the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
How do the funds’ fees and operating expenses compare, and what are the combined fund’s fees and operating expenses estimated to be following the Reorganization?
The following tables allow you to compare the fees and expenses of each fund and to analyze the pro forma estimated fees and expenses of the combined fund.
Annual Fund and Class Operating Expenses
The following tables show the fees and expenses of the Acquired Fund for the 12 months ended July 31, 2024, and the pro forma estimated fees and expenses of the combined fund based on the same time period after giving effect to the Reorganization. Annual fund or class operating expenses are paid by each fund or class, as applicable. In addition to the fees and expenses described below, your broker may also require you to pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of certain classes of shares of the fund and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.
As shown below, the Reorganization is expected to result in lower total annual operating expenses for shareholders of the Acquired Fund. If the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, and Class Z of the Acquired Fund will be consolidated into the Retail class effective March 14, 2025.
Shareholder fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
| | | | | | |
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases (as a % of offering price) | | | None | | | 4.00% | | | 4.00% | | | None | | | None | | | None | | | None |
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (as a % of the lesser of original purchase price or redemption proceeds) | | | None | | | NoneB | | | NoneB | | | 1.00%C | | | None | | | None | | | None |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A
| If the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, effective March 12, 2025, any front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges applicable to any class of shares of the Acquired Fund will be waived. |
B
| Class A and Class M purchases of $1 million or more will not be subject to a front-end sales charge. Such Class A and Class M purchases may be subject, upon redemption, to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively. |
C
| On Class C shares redeemed less than one year after purchase. |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a % of the value of your investment)
| | | | | | |
Management Fee | | | 0.39%A, B | | | 0.51%A, B | | | 0.52%A, B | | | 0.52%A, B | | | 0.52%A, B | | | 0.39%A, B | | | 0.30% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees | | | None | | | 0.25%C | | | 0.25%C | | | 1.00%C | | | None | | | None | | | None |
Other expenses | | | 0.43%B | | | 0.43%B | | | 0.43%B | | | 0.43%B | | | 0.43%B | | | 0.43%B | | | 0.00% |
Total annual fund operating expenses | | | 0.82% | | | 1.19% | | | 1.20% | | | 1.95% | | | 0.95% | | | 0.82% | | | 0.30% |
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | | 0.45%D | | | 0.57%D | | | 0.58%D | | | 0.58%D | | | 0.58%D | | | 0.51%D | | | 0.00% |
Total annual operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement | | | 0.37% | | | 0.62% | | | 0.62% | | | 1.37% | | | 0.37% | | | 0.31% | | | 0.30% |
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A
| The management fee covers administrative services previously provided under separate services agreements with the fund, for which 0.08%, 0.19%, 0.21%, 0.21%, 0.21%, and 0.08% for Retail class, Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, and Class Z, respectively, was previously charged under the services agreements.
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B
| Adjusted to reflect current fees. |
C
| If the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, effective March 12, 2025, any 12b-1 fees and finder’s fees payments applicable to any class of shares of the Acquired Fund will be waived. |
D
| Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) has contractually agreed to reimburse Retail class, Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, and Class Z of the fund to the extent that total operating expenses (excluding interest, certain taxes, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, proxy and shareholder meeting expenses, extraordinary expenses, and acquired fund fees and expenses (including fees and expenses associated with a wholly owned subsidiary), if any, as well as non-operating expenses such as brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable), as a percentage of their respective average net assets, exceed 0.37%, 0.62%, 0.62%, 1.37%, 0.37%, and 0.31% (the Expense Caps). If at any time during the current fiscal year expenses for Retail class, Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I, or Class Z of the fund fall below the Expense Caps, FMR reserves the right to recoup through the end of the fiscal year any expenses that were reimbursed during the current fiscal year up to, but not in excess of, the Expense Caps. These arrangements will remain in effect through May 31, 2025. FMR may not terminate these arrangements before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees and may extend them in its discretion after that date. If the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund’s shareholders, effective March 14, 2025, Class A, Class M, Class C, Class I and Class Z will be consolidated into the Retail class and FMR will contractually reimburse the Retail class to the extent total operating expenses, subject to certain exclusions, exceed 0.30% through the date of the Reorganization. FMR may not terminate this arrangement before the expiration date without the approval of the Board of Trustees. |
Examples of Effect of Fund Expenses
The following table illustrates the expenses on a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each fund under the current and pro forma (combined fund) expenses calculated at the rates stated above, assuming a 5% annual return after giving effect to the Reorganization. The table illustrates how much a shareholder would pay in total expenses if the shareholder sells all of his or her shares at the end of each time period indicated.
| | | | | | |
1 Year | | | $38 | | | $38 | | | $461 | | | $461 | | | $461 | | | $461 | | | $239 | | | $139 | | | $38 | | | $38 | | | $32 | | | $32 | | | $31 | | | $31 |
3 Years | | | $201 | | | $201 | | | $689 | | | $689 | | | $691 | | | $691 | | | $536 | | | $536 | | | $224 | | | $224 | | | $193 | | | $193 | | | $97 | | | $97 |
5 Years | | | $395 | | | $395 | | | $957 | | | $957 | | | $961 | | | $961 | | | $980 | | | $980 | | | $449 | | | $449 | | | $387 | | | $387 | | | $169 | | | $169 |
10 Years | | | $957 | | | $957 | | | $1,720 | | | $1,720 | | | $1,729 | | | $1,729 | | | $2,211 | | | $2,211 | | | $1,095 | | | $1,095 | | | $949 | | | $949 | | | $381 | | | $381 |
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These examples assume that all dividends and other distributions are reinvested and that the percentage amounts listed under Annual Fund Operating Expenses remain the same in the years shown. These examples illustrate the effect of expenses, but are not meant to suggest actual or expected expenses, which may vary. The assumed return of 5% is not a prediction of, and does not represent, actual or expected performance of any fund.
Portfolio Turnover
The Acquired Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. For the period from February 16, 2023 to January 31, 2024, the Acquired Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 25 % (annualized) of the average value of its portfolio.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
Each fund, the Adviser, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and/or their affiliates may pay intermediaries, which may include banks, broker-dealers, retirement plan sponsors, administrators, or service-providers (who may be affiliated with the Adviser or FDC), for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your intermediary and your investment professional to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your investment professional or visit your intermediary’s web site for more information.
Do the procedures for purchasing and redeeming shares of the funds differ?
The Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund have different procedures for purchasing and redeeming shares, which are summarized below.
Acquired Fund
In connection with seeking shareholder approval of the Agreement, effective the close of business on January 13, 2025, new positions in the Acquired Fund may no longer be opened. Shareholders of the Acquired Fund on that date may continue to add to their fund positions existing on that date. Investors who did not own shares of the Acquired Fund on January 13, 2025 generally will not be allowed to buy shares of the Acquired Fund except that new Acquired Fund positions may be opened: 1) by participants in most group employer retirement plans (and their successor plans) if the Acquired Fund had been established (or was in the process of being established) as an investment option under the plans (or under another plan sponsored by the same employer) by January 13, 2025, 2) for accounts managed on a discretionary basis by certain registered investment advisers that have discretionary assets of at least $500 million invested in mutual funds and have included the Acquired Fund in their discretionary account program since January 13, 2025, 3) by a mutual fund or a qualified tuition program for which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment manager, 4) by a portfolio manager of the Acquired Fund, and 5) by a fee deferral plan offered to trustees of certain Fidelity funds, if the Acquired Fund is an investment option under the plan. These
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restrictions generally will apply to investments made directly with Fidelity and investments made through intermediaries. Investors may be required to demonstrate eligibility to buy shares of the Acquired Fund before an investment is accepted. If the Agreement is approved by the Acquired Fund shareholders, effective the close of business on March 28, 2025, new positions in the Acquired Fund may no longer be opened. Existing shareholders may continue to hold their shares and purchase additional shares through the reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions until the Reorganization takes place. Shareholders of the Acquired Fund may redeem shares of the fund through April 3, 2025.
An investor may purchase shares of the Acquired Fund directly from the Acquired Fund through the Distributor or through a financial intermediary. The Acquired Fund offers multiple share classes.
For more information about the procedures for purchasing and redeeming the Acquired Fund’s shares, please refer to the “Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares” section of the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses, and to the “Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Information” section of the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Acquiring Fund
Shares of the Acquiring Fund are listed and traded on an exchange, and individual fund shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through a broker. The Acquiring Fund does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the Acquiring Fund purchased on an exchange. These transactions are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may be greater than the Acquiring Fund’s NAV (premium) or less than the Acquiring Fund’s NAV (discount). As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. If you buy or sell shares in the secondary market, you will generally incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. Due to such commissions and charges, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment returns.
The Acquiring Fund is designed to offer investors an investment that can be bought and sold frequently in the secondary market without impact on the fund, and such trading activity is critical to ensuring that the market price of fund shares remains at or close to NAV. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Fund has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading by these investors.
Shares can be purchased and redeemed directly from the Acquiring Fund at NAV only by Authorized Participants in large increments called “Creation Units.” The Acquiring Fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants and does not place a limit on purchases or redemptions of Creation Units by these investors. The Acquiring Fund reserves the right but does not have the obligation, to reject any purchase transaction at any time. In addition, the Acquiring Fund reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
For more information about the procedures for purchasing and redeeming shares of the Acquiring Fund, please refer to the “Shareholder Information” section of Appendix A.
Do the funds’ exchange privileges differ?
The Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund have different exchange privileges.
Acquired Fund shareholders have the privilege of exchanging shares for shares of other Fidelity® funds.
Shareholders of the Acquiring Fund do not have the privilege of exchanging shares for shares of other Fidelity® funds because shares are listed and traded on an exchange, and individual fund shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through a broker.
For more information about exchange privileges of the Acquired Fund, please refer to the “Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares” section of the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses, and to the “Buying, Selling, and Exchanging Information” section of the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Do the funds’ dividend and distribution policies differ?
The Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund have different dividend and distribution policies.
The Acquired Fund normally declares dividends daily and pays monthly and pays capital gain distributions in March and December. The Acquiring Fund normally declares and pays dividends monthly and pays capital gain distributions in December.
If the Reorganization is approved, the dividend and distribution policies of the combined fund will be the same as the dividend and distribution policies of the Acquiring Fund.
On or before the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund may declare additional dividends or other distributions of its net income and/or net realized capital gains.
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For more information about the Acquired Fund’s dividend and distribution policies, please refer to the “Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions” section of the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses and the “Distributions and Taxes” section of the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
For more information about the Acquiring Fund’s dividend and distribution policies, please refer to the “Dividends and Capital Gain Distributions” section of Appendix A and to the “Distributions and Taxes” section of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Who bears the expenses associated with the Reorganization?
FMR will bear the one-time administrative costs associated with the Reorganization. Any transaction costs associated with portfolio adjustments to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund due to the Reorganization that occur prior to the Closing Date will be borne by the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, respectively. Any transaction costs associated with portfolio adjustments to the Acquiring Fund due to the Reorganization that occur after the Closing Date and any additional merger-related costs attributable to the Acquiring Fund that occur after the Closing Date will be borne by the Acquiring Fund.
For more information, please refer to the section entitled “Voting Information – Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses.”
COMPARISON OF PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
The following is a summary of the principal risks associated with an investment in the funds. Because the funds have identical investment objectives and principal investment strategies as described above, the funds are subject to the same principal investment risks (except that the Acquiring Fund is subject to additional ETF-related risks).
Risks Associated with an Investment in the Funds
Many factors affect each fund’s performance. Developments that disrupt global economies and financial markets, such as pandemics and epidemics, may magnify factors that affect a fund’s performance. A fund’s share price and yield change daily based on changes in market conditions and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. A fund’s reaction to these developments will be affected by the types and maturities of securities in which the fund invests, the financial condition, industry and economic sector, and geographic location of an issuer, and the fund’s level of investment in the securities of that issuer. Unlike individual debt securities, which typically pay principal at maturity, the value of an investment in a fund will fluctuate. When you sell your shares they may be worth more or less than what you paid for them, which means that you could lose money by investing in a fund.
The following factors can significantly affect a fund’s performance:
• | Municipal Market Volatility. Municipal securities can be significantly affected by political changes as well as uncertainties in the municipal market related to taxation, legislative changes, or the rights of municipal security holders. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance similar projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation, and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. Budgetary constraints of local, state, and federal governments upon which the issuers may be relying for funding may also impact municipal securities. In addition, changes in the financial condition of an individual municipal insurer can affect the overall municipal market, and market conditions may directly impact the liquidity and valuation of municipal securities. |
• | Interest Rate Changes. Debt securities, including money market securities, have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes, meaning the longer the maturity of a security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates, and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates. Securities with floating interest rates can be less sensitive to interest rate changes, but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much as interest rates in general. In market environments where interest rates are rising, issuers may be less willing or able to make principal and/or interest payments on securities when due. Although the transition process away from certain benchmark rates, including London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (an indicative measure of the average interest rate at which major global banks could borrow from one another), has become increasingly well-defined, any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR and other benchmark rates on financial markets, a fund or the financial instruments in which a fund invests can be difficult to ascertain and may adversely impact a fund’s performance. |
• | Prepayment. Many types of debt securities are subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the issuer of a security can repay principal prior to the security’s maturity. Securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, the potential impact of prepayment features on the price of a debt security can be difficult to predict and result in greater volatility. |
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• | Issuer-Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security’s or instrument’s credit quality or value. Entities providing credit support or a maturity-shortening structure also can be affected by these types of changes, and if the structure of a security fails to function as intended, the security could decline in value. Lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as high yield debt securities or junk bonds) tend to be particularly sensitive to these changes. Municipal securities backed by current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the taxation supporting the project or assets or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could become taxable and the security could decline significantly in value. |
Lower-quality debt securities involve greater risk of default or price changes due to changes in the credit quality of the issuer. The value of lower-quality debt securities often fluctuates in response to company, political, or economic developments and can decline significantly over short as well as long periods of time or during periods of general or regional economic difficulty. Lower-quality debt securities can be thinly traded or have restrictions on resale, making them difficult to sell at an acceptable price, and often are considered to be speculative. The default rate for lower-quality debt securities is likely to be higher during economic recessions or periods of high interest rates.
Generally, the fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. Neither the Adviser nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with bond counsel’s opinion. Issuers or other parties generally enter into covenants requiring continuing compliance with federal tax requirements to preserve the tax- free status of interest payments over the life of the security. If at any time the covenants are not complied with, or if the IRS otherwise determines that the issuer did not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued. For certain types of structured securities, the tax status of the pass- through of tax- free income may also be based on the federal tax treatment of the structure.
• | Leverage Risk. Derivatives and forward-settling securities involve leverage because they can provide investment exposure in an amount exceeding the initial investment. Leverage can magnify investment risks and cause losses to be realized more quickly. A small change in the underlying asset, instrument, or index can lead to a significant loss. Forward-settling securities also involve the risk that a security will not be issued, delivered, or paid for when anticipated. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of these transactions and could limit a fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. |
In response to market, economic, political, or other conditions, a fund may temporarily use a different investment strategy for defensive purposes. If the fund does so, different factors could affect its performance, and the fund could distribute income subject to federal income tax.
Additional risks associated with an investment in the Acquiring Fund
The Acquiring Fund is subject to the following principal risks, which are not principal risks generally associated with an investment in the Acquired Fund:
• | Fluctuation of Net Asset Value and Share Price. The NAV of the fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the fund’s holdings. The fund’s shares are listed on an exchange and can be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market prices of shares will fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on the listing exchange. Although a share’s market price is expected to approximate its NAV, it is possible that the market price and NAV will vary significantly. As a result, you may sustain losses if you pay more than the shares’ NAV when you purchase shares, or receive less than the shares’ NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility, or lack of an active trading market for the fund’s shares, the market price of fund shares is more likely to differ significantly from the fund’s NAV. During such periods, you may be unable to sell your shares or may incur significant losses if you sell your shares. There are various methods by which investors can purchase and sell shares and various orders that may be placed. Investors should consult their financial intermediary before purchasing or selling shares of a fund. Disruptions at market makers, Authorized Participants or market participants may also result in significant differences between the market price of the fund’s shares and the fund’s NAV. In addition, in stressed market conditions or periods of market disruption or volatility, the market for shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the fund’s underlying portfolio holdings. |
The market price of shares during the trading day, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a bid-ask spread charged by the exchange specialist, market makers, or other participants that trade the particular security. In times of severe market disruption or volatility, the bid-ask spread can increase significantly. At those times, shares are most likely to be traded at a discount to NAV, and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price of shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your shares. Securities held by a fund may be traded in markets that close at a different time than the listing
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exchange. During the time when the listing exchange is open but after the applicable market closing, fixing or settlement times, bid-ask spreads and the resulting premium or discount to the fund’s NAV may widen. The Adviser expects that, under normal market conditions, large discounts or premiums to NAV will not be sustained in the long term because of arbitrage opportunities.
• | Trading Issues. Although shares are listed on an exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market or requirements to remain listed will be met or maintained. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with a fund. A fund has a limited number of intermediaries that act as Authorized Participants. There are no obligations of market makers to make a market in a fund’s shares or of Authorized Participants to submit purchase or redemption orders for Creation Units. Decisions by market makers or Authorized Participants to reduce their role with respect to market making or creation and redemption activities during times of market stress, or a decline in the number of Authorized Participants due to decisions to exit the business, bankruptcy, or other factors, could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying value of a fund’s portfolio securities and the market price of fund shares. To the extent no other Authorized Participants are able to step forward to create or redeem, shares may trade at a discount to NAV and possibly face delisting. In addition, trading of shares in the secondary market may be halted, for example, due to activation of marketwide “circuit breakers.” If trading halts or an unanticipated early closing of the listing exchange occurs, a shareholder may be unable to purchase or sell shares of a fund. FDC, the distributor of each fund’s shares, does not maintain a secondary market in the shares. |
If the fund’s shares are delisted from the listing exchange, the Adviser may seek to list the fund shares on another market, merge the fund with another exchange-traded fund or traditional mutual fund, or redeem the fund shares at NAV.
Shares of the fund, similar to shares of other issuers listed on a stock exchange, may be sold short and are therefore subject to the risk of increased volatility and price decreases associated with being sold short.
• | Cash Transactions Risk. Unlike certain ETFs, the fund may effect some or all creations and redemptions using cash, rather than in-kind securities. Therefore, it may be required to sell portfolio securities and recognize gains on such sales that the fund might not have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind. As a result, an investment in the fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that distributes portfolio securities entirely in-kind. The use of cash creations and redemptions may also cause the fund’s shares to trade in the market at greater bid-ask spreads or greater premiums or discounts to the fund’s NAV. Furthermore, cash creation and redemption transactions may result in certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, price movement and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transactions. To the extent that the maximum additional charge for creation or redemption transactions is insufficient to cover these costs and expenses, the fund’s performance could be negatively impacted. |
For more information about the principal risks associated with an investment in the funds, please refer to the “Investment Details” section of the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses, and to the “Investment Policies and Limitations” section of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement and the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
How do the funds compare in terms of their performance?
The Acquiring Fund is a newly formed “shell” fund that has not yet commenced operations and, therefore, will have no performance history prior to the Reorganization. The Acquiring Fund has been organized solely in connection with the Reorganization to acquire all of the assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund and continue the business of the Acquired Fund. Therefore, after the Reorganization, the Acquired Fund will remain the “accounting survivor.” This means that the Acquiring Fund will continue to show the historical investment performance and returns of the Acquired Fund (even after liquidation of the Acquired Fund).
The historical performance of the Acquired Fund, as it is to be adopted by the Acquiring Fund, is included in the Acquired Fund’s Prospectuses, which are incorporated herein by reference.
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TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND LIQUIDATION BETWEEN FIDELITY® MUNICIPAL CORE PLUS BOND FUND AND FIDELITY® MUNICIPAL BOND OPPORTUNITIES ETF.
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation
The terms and conditions under which the proposed transaction may be consummated are set forth in the Agreement. Significant provisions of the Agreement are summarized below; however, this summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1 to this Proxy Statement.
The Agreement contemplates (a) the Acquiring Fund acquiring as of the Closing Date all of the assets of the Acquired Fund (excluding assets having a value equal to cash to be distributed in accordance with the Agreement) in exchange for shares of the Acquired Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities; (b) the distribution of shares of the Acquiring Fund to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund as provided for in the Agreement (shareholders may receive cash in lieu of fractional Acquiring Fund shares); and (c) the distribution of cash to shareholders of the Acquired Fund who do not hold Acquired Fund shares through a brokerage account that can accept Acquiring Fund shares (and for which no account has been established to receive such shares).
The value of Acquired Fund assets to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund and the amount of its liabilities to be assumed by the Acquiring Fund will be determined as of the close of business of the NYSE on the Closing Date, using the valuation procedures set forth in the Acquired Fund’s then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The net asset value of a share of the Acquiring Fund will be determined as of the same time using the valuation procedures set forth in the Acquired Fund’s then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
As of the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund will deliver to the Acquired Fund, and the Acquired Fund will distribute to its shareholders of record, shares of the Acquiring Fund and, in some cases, cash so that each Acquired Fund shareholder will receive the number of shares of the Acquiring Fund and, in some cases, cash equal in value to the aggregate net asset value of shares of the Acquired Fund held by such shareholder on the Closing Date; the Acquired Fund will be liquidated as soon as practicable thereafter. Each Acquired Fund shareholder’s account shall be credited with the respective pro rata number of shares of the Acquiring Fund due that shareholder (shareholders may receive cash in lieu of fractional shares, which may be a taxable event). Shareholders of the Acquired Fund who do not hold Acquired Fund shares through a brokerage account that can accept Acquiring Fund shares (and for which no account has been established to receive such shares) will receive cash in connection with the Reorganization, which cash payment may be taxable. Capital gains from securities sales by the Acquired Fund prior to the Reorganization may be distributed by the Acquired Fund prior to the Reorganization or by the Acquiring Fund after the Reorganization.
Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of shares of the Acquiring Fund in a name other than that of the registered holder of the shares on the books of the Acquired Fund as of that time shall be paid by the person to whom such shares are to be issued as a condition of such transfer. Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund is and will continue to be its responsibility up to and including the Closing Date and such later date on which the Acquired Fund is liquidated.
FMR will bear the one-time administrative costs associated with the Reorganization, including professional fees, expenses associated with the filing of registration statements, and the cost of soliciting proxies for the Meeting, which will consist principally of printing and mailing prospectuses and the Proxy Statement, together with the cost of any supplementary solicitation.
The consummation of the Reorganization is subject to a number of conditions set forth in the Agreement, some of which may be waived by a fund. The requirement to receive the tax opinion discussed under “Federal Income Tax Considerations” below cannot be waived by the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund. The Agreement may be amended in any mutually agreeable manner, except that no amendment that may have a materially adverse effect on the Acquired Fund’s shareholders’ interests may be made subsequent to the Meeting.
Reasons for the Reorganization
In determining whether to approve the Reorganization, each fund’s Board of Trustees (the Board) considered a number of factors, including the following:
(1)
| the investment objectives, strategies, and policies of the funds, including the lack of changes to the investment process for each fund; |
(2)
| the fees and expenses and the relative expense ratios of the funds, including the lower expense ratios that would result for shareholders as a result of the Reorganization; |
(3)
| the differences between the mutual fund and ETF structures; |
(4)
| the potential benefits of the Reorganization to shareholders of the funds, including potential benefits associated with the ETF structure; |
(5)
| the costs to be incurred by each fund as a result of the Reorganization and the fact that minimal to no transaction costs were anticipated; |
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(6)
| the tax consequences of the Reorganization; and |
(7)
| the potential benefit of the Reorganization to FMR and its affiliates. |
FMR proposed the Reorganization to the Board at a meeting of the Board held on September 19, 2024. In proposing the Reorganization, FMR advised the Board that the Reorganization would allow Acquired Fund shareholders to benefit from lower expenses, intraday trading, and full daily holdings transparency. The Reorganization will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes (except with respect to cash received by the shareholders, if any).
Each fund’s Board carefully reviewed the proposal and determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of the shareholders of each fund and that the Reorganization will not result in a dilution of the interests of the shareholders of either fund.
Description of the Securities to be Issued
Holders of the Acquired Fund will receive shares of the Acquiring Fund. For the avoidance of doubt, the Acquiring Fund shall not issue fractional shares, and Acquired Fund shareholders may receive cash in connection with the Reorganization in lieu of fractional Acquiring Fund shares.
The Acquiring Fund is a series of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust. The Trustees of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series. Each share of the Acquiring Fund represents an equal proportionate interest with each other share of the fund, and each such share of the Acquiring Fund is entitled to equal voting, dividend, liquidation, and redemption rights. Each shareholder of the Acquiring Fund is entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value of the fund that shareholder owns, with fractional dollar amounts entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. Shares of the Acquiring Fund have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth in the “Description of the Trust – Shareholder Liability” section of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust does not hold annual meetings of shareholders. There will normally be no meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholder meeting for the election of Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, shareholders of record of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of an investment company may remove a Trustee by votes cast in person or by proxy at a meeting called for that purpose. The Trustees are required to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any Trustee when requested in writing to do so by the shareholders of record holding at least 10% of the trust’s outstanding shares.
For more information about voting rights and dividend rights, please refer to the “Description of the Trust – Voting Rights” and the “Distributions and Taxes” sections, respectively, of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a general summary of some of the important U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization and is based upon the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), the existing U.S. Treasury Regulations thereunder, current administrative rulings of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and published judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. These considerations are general in nature and apply with respect to Acquired Fund shareholders that have their Acquired Fund shares exchanged for Acquiring Fund shares. Individual shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the federal, state, local, and foreign tax considerations applicable to them and their individual circumstances. These same considerations generally do not apply to shareholders whose investment is liquidated and the cash value of whose Acquired Fund shares is returned to them, shareholders who hold their Acquired Fund shares through an account that cannot hold the Acquiring Fund shares at the time of the Reorganization, or shareholders whose Acquired Fund shares are transferred by their broker or financial intermediary to a different investment option because such shareholders did not hold their Acquired Fund shares through an account that can accept shares of the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date of the Reorganization.
The exchange of the Acquired Fund’s assets for the Acquiring Fund’s shares and the assumption of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund followed by the distribution of Acquiring Fund shares to the Acquired Fund shareholders and cash in lieu of fractional shares in exchange for their Acquired Fund shares in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund is intended to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization under the Code. With respect to the Reorganization, the participating funds will receive an opinion from Dechert LLP, counsel to the funds, substantially to the effect that:
(i) The acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by Acquiring Fund of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund followed by the distribution of Acquiring Fund shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares to the Acquired Fund shareholders in exchange for their Acquired Fund shares in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund will constitute a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code;
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(ii) The Acquired Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the transfer of substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption by Acquiring Fund of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund;
(iii) The Acquired Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the distribution to its shareholders of the Acquiring Fund shares received by the Acquired Fund in the Reorganization;
(iv) The Acquiring Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for Acquiring Fund shares and the assumption of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund;
(v) The adjusted basis to the Acquiring Fund of the assets of the Acquired Fund received by the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as the adjusted basis of those assets in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately before the exchange;
(vi) The Acquiring Fund’s holding periods with respect to the assets of the Acquired Fund that the Acquiring Fund acquires in the Reorganization will include the respective periods for which those assets were held by the Acquired Fund (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating a holding period with respect to an asset);
(vii) Acquired Fund shareholders will recognize no gain or loss upon receiving the Acquiring Fund shares in exchange solely for Acquired Fund shares (except with respect to cash received);
(viii) The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund shares received by the Acquired Fund shareholder in a Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Acquired Fund shares surrendered by the Acquired Fund shareholder in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount of tax basis allocable to shares for which cash is received);
(ix) An Acquired Fund shareholder’s holding period for the Acquiring Fund shares received by the Acquired Fund shareholder in the Reorganization will include the holding period during which the Acquired Fund shareholder held Acquired Fund shares surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the Acquired Fund shareholder held such shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization; and
(x) The Reorganization will not result in the termination of the Acquired Fund’s taxable year, and the Acquired Fund’s tax attributes enumerated in Section 381(c) of the Code will be taken into account by the Acquiring Fund as if there had been no Reorganization.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no opinion will be expressed as to the tax consequences of the Reorganization with respect to contracts or securities on which gain or loss is recognized upon the transfer of such contracts or securities regardless of whether such transfer would otherwise be a nonrecognition transaction under the Code, as to Acquired Fund shareholders whose investment is liquidated and the cash value of whose Acquired Fund shares is returned to them, as to Acquired Fund shareholders who hold their Acquired Fund shares through an account that cannot hold the Acquiring Fund shares at the time of the Reorganization, or as to Acquired Fund shareholders whose Acquired Fund shares are transferred by their broker or financial intermediary to a different investment option because such shareholders did not hold their Acquired Fund shares through an account that can accept shares of the Acquiring Fund on the Closing Date of the Reorganization. Neither fund has requested or will request an advance ruling from the IRS as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization.
The opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts and is not a guarantee that the tax consequences of the Reorganization will be as described above. If the Reorganization was consummated but the IRS or the courts were to determine that the Reorganization did not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Code and thus were taxable, then the Acquired Fund would recognize gain or loss on the transfer of its assets to the Acquiring Fund, and each shareholder of the Acquired Fund that held shares in a taxable account would recognize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between its tax basis in the Acquired Fund shares and the fair market value of the shares of the Acquiring Fund it received.
The tax year of the Acquired Fund is expected to continue with the Acquiring Fund, and the capital gains, if any, resulting from portfolio turnover prior to the Reorganization will be carried over to the Acquiring Fund unless distributed prior to the Reorganization. The Acquired Fund may declare a distribution to shareholders prior to the Reorganization. If the Reorganization were to end the tax year of the Acquired Fund (which is not the intended or expected plan as of the date of this Proxy Statement), it could accelerate distributions to shareholders from the Acquired Fund for its short tax year ending on the Closing Date. If determined necessary by the Acquired Fund, the Acquired Fund will declare a distribution to shareholders, which together with all previous distributions, will have the effect of distributing to shareholders all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), net tax-exempt income, and net realized capital gains, if any, through the closing of the Reorganization. Any of the foregoing distributions, regardless of whether distributed before or after the Reorganization, may be from net tax-exempt income to the extent available, from taxable income, and/or from taxable net capital gains from securities sales by the Acquired Fund prior to the Reorganization. Assuming the Reorganization qualifies as tax-free reorganization, as expected, the Acquiring Fund will succeed to the tax attributes of the Acquired Fund upon the closing of the Reorganization, including any capital loss carryovers that could have been used by the Acquired Fund to offset its future realized capital gains, if any, for federal income tax purposes. The capital loss carryovers of the Acquired Fund will be available to offset future gains recognized by the Acquiring Fund (subject to the conditions and limitations under the Code). Capital losses of the Acquired Fund may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future capital gains. However, the capital losses of the Acquiring Fund, as the successor in interest to the Acquired Fund, may subsequently become subject to an annual limitation as a result of ownership changes, if such occur.
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The foregoing description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization applies generally to shareholders who are not tax-exempt investors and does not take into account your particular facts and circumstances. Consult your own tax advisor about the effect of state, local, foreign, and other tax laws because this discussion only relates to U.S. federal income tax laws.
Shareholders of the Acquired Fund should consult their tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of the Reorganization in light of their individual circumstances. Because the foregoing discussion relates only to the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganization, those shareholders also should consult their tax advisers as to state and local tax consequences, if any, of the Reorganization.
Forms of Organization
The Acquired Fund is a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 5, 1984. The Acquiring Fund is a series of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on November 15, 2012. The trusts are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. The Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund are governed by substantially similar Declarations of Trust and by-laws, except that the Declaration of Trust for Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust specifically contemplates issuance and redemption of shares in creation unit aggregations. Because the Acquiring Fund operates as an exchange-traded fund and issues and redeems shares in Creation Unit aggregations, shareholders of the Acquiring Fund cannot purchase or redeem individual shares of the Acquiring Fund at NAV. Shares of the Acquired Fund, on the other hand, can be purchased and redeemed directly from the Acquired Fund at NAV.
For more information regarding shareholder rights, please refer to the “Description of the Trust” section of the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement and the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Capitalization
The following table shows the capitalization of the Acquired Fund as of July 31, 2024, and on a pro forma combined basis (unaudited) as of that date giving effect to the Reorganization. Pro forma numbers do not reflect any potential liquidation of shareholders associated with the Reorganization or cash paid in lieu of fractional Acquiring Fund shares.
| | Net Assets | | | Net Asset Value Per Share | | | Shares Outstanding | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (Retail class) | | $ | 36,179,062 | | | $ | 10.22 | | | | 3,539,119 | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class A | | $ | 2,848,105 | | | $ | 10.22 | | | | 278,600 | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class M | | $ | 2,154,052 | | | $ | 10.22 | | | | 210,705 | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class C | | $ | 2,543,428 | | | $ | 10.11 | | | | 251,521 | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class I | | $ | 2,151,836 | | | $ | 10.22 | | | | 210,489 | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class Z | | $ | 13,347,123 | | | $ | 10.22 | | | | 1,305,642 | |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETFa | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF (pro forma combined) | | $ | 59,223,606 | | | $ | 50.00b | | | | 1,184,472c | |
a
| Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF is expected to commence operations in April 2025. |
b
| Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF is expected to launch at approximately $50.00 net asset value per share. |
c
| Shares have been adjusted to reflect what will be issued post-merger. |
The table above assumes that the Reorganization occurred on July 31, 2024. The table is for information purposes only. No assurance can be given as to how many Acquiring Fund shares will be received by shareholders of the Acquired Fund on the date that the Reorganization takes place, and the foregoing should not be relied upon to reflect the number of shares of the Acquiring Fund that actually will be received on or after that date.
Conclusion
The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation was approved by the Board of Trustees of Fidelity Salem Street Trust at a meeting held on September 19, 2024. The Board of Trustees determined that the proposed Reorganization is in the best interests of shareholders of the Acquired Fund and that the interests of existing shareholders of the fund would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. If shareholder approval of the Agreement cannot be achieved, the Acquired Fund will continue to engage in business as a fund of a registered investment company and the Board of Trustees of Fidelity Salem Street Trust may consider other proposals for the reorganization or liquidation of the fund.
The Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the Reorganization by approving the Agreement.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
The Acquiring Fund is new and has no performance history as of the date of this Proxy Statement. The Acquiring Fund will adopt the financial history, including the financial highlights, of the Acquired Fund following the Reorganization.
The Acquired Fund’s financial highlights for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 (audited), updated to include semi-annual data for the six-month period ended July 31, 2024 (unaudited), are shown in the tables below. The Acquired Fund’s financial highlights should be read in conjunction with the financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, contained in the fund’s annual report to shareholders and the unaudited financial statements contained in the fund’s Form N-CSRS, which are incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement.
Financial Highlights
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund – Retail class
| | Six months ended (Unaudited) July 31, 2024 | | | Year ended January 31, 2024A | |
Selected Per-Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 10.28 | | | $ | 10.00 | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)B,C | | | .186 | | | | .343 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (.065 | ) | | | .271 | D |
Total from investment operations | | | .121 | | | | .614 | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.177 | ) | | | (.331 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.004 | ) | | | (.003 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.181 | ) | | | (.334 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 10.22 | | | $ | 10.28 | |
Total ReturnE,F | | | 1.20 | % | | | 6.28 | %D |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsC,G,H | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .63 | %I | | | 1.04 | %I,J |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .37 | %I | | | .37 | %I,J |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .37 | %I | | | .36 | %I,J |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.67 | %I | | | 3.58 | %I,J |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 36,179 | | | $ | 32,502 | |
Portfolio turnover rateK | | | 30 | %I | | | 25 | %I |
A
| For the period February 16, 2023 (commencement of operations) through January 31, 2024. |
B
| Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
C
| Net investment income (loss) is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Net investment income (loss) of any mutual funds or ETFs is not included in the Fund’s net investment income (loss) ratio. |
D
| Amount includes a reimbursement from the investment adviser for an operational error which amounted to less than $.01 per share. Excluding this reimbursement, the total return would have been 6.25%. |
E
| Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
F
| Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
G
| Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
H
| Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
J
| Audit fees are not annualized. |
K
| Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
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Fidelity Advisor® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund Class A
| | Six months ended (Unaudited) July 31, 2024 | | | Year ended January 31, 2024 A | |
Selected Per-Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 10.28 | | | $ | 10.00 | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)B,C | | | .173 | | | | .320 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (.064 | ) | | | .270 | D |
Total from investment operations | | | .109 | | | | .590 | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.165 | ) | | | (.307 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.004 | ) | | | (.003 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.169 | ) | | | (.310 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 10.22 | | | $ | 10.28 | |
Total ReturnE,F,G | | | 1.08 | % | | | 6.03 | %D |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsC,H,I | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.00 | %J | | | 1.41 | %J,K |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .62 | %J | | | .62 | %J,K |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .62 | %J | | | .61 | %J,K |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.42 | %J | | | 3.33 | %J,K |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 2,848 | | | $ | 2,440 | |
Portfolio turnover rateL | | | 30 | %J | | | 25 | %J |
A
| For the period February 16, 2023 (commencement of operations) through January 31, 2024. |
B
| Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
C
| Net investment income (loss) is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Net investment income (loss) of any mutual funds or ETFs is not included in the Fund’s net investment income (loss) ratio. |
D
| Amount includes a reimbursement from the investment adviser for an operational error which amounted to less than $.01 per share. Excluding this reimbursement, the total return would have been 6.00%. |
E
| Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
F
| Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
G
| Total returns do not include the effect of the sales charges. |
H
| Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
I
| Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
K
| Audit fees are not annualized. |
L
| Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
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Fidelity Advisor® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund Class M
| | Six months ended (Unaudited) July 31, 2024 | | | Year ended January 31, 2024A | |
Selected Per-Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 10.28 | | | $ | 10.00 | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)B,C | | | .173 | | | | .320 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (.064 | ) | | | .270 | D |
Total from investment operations | | | .109 | | | | .590 | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.165 | ) | | | (.307 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.004 | ) | | | (.003 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.169 | ) | | | (.310 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 10.22 | | | $ | 10.28 | |
Total ReturnE,F,G | | | 1.08 | % | | | 6.03 | %D |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsC,H,I | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.01 | %J | | | 1.42 | %J,K |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .62 | %J | | | .62 | %J,K |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .62 | %J | | | .61 | %J,K |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.42 | %J | | | 3.33 | %J,K |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 2,154 | | | $ | 2,121 | |
Portfolio turnover rateL | | | 30 | %J | | | 25 | %J |
A
| For the period February 16, 2023 (commencement of operations) through January 31, 2024. |
B
| Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
C
| Net investment income (loss) is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Net investment income (loss) of any mutual funds or ETFs is not included in the Fund’s net investment income (loss) ratio. |
D
| Amount includes a reimbursement from the investment adviser for an operational error which amounted to less than $.01 per share. Excluding this reimbursement, the total return would have been 6.00%. |
E
| Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
F
| Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
G
| Total returns do not include the effect of the sales charges. |
H
| Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
I
| Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
K
| Audit fees are not annualized. |
L
| Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
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Fidelity Advisor® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund Class C
| | Six months ended (Unaudited) July 31, 2024 | | | Year ended January 31, 2024A | |
Selected Per-Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 10.21 | | | $ | 10.00 | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)B,C | | | .134 | | | | .247 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (.067 | ) | | | .271 | D |
Total from investment operations | | | .067 | | | | .518 | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.163 | ) | | | (.305 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.004 | ) | | | (.003 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.167 | ) | | | (.308 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 10.11 | | | $ | 10.21 | |
Total ReturnE,F,G | | | .68 | % | | | 5.30 | %D |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsC,H,I | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | 1.77 | %J | | | 2.16 | %J,K |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | 1.37 | %J | | | 1.37 | %J,K |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | 1.37 | %J | | | 1.36 | %J,K |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 2.67 | %J | | | 2.58 | %J,K |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 2,543 | | | $ | 2,529 | |
Portfolio turnover rateL | | | 30 | %J | | | 25 | %J |
A
| For the period February 16, 2023 (commencement of operations) through January 31, 2024. |
B
| Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
C
| Net investment income (loss) is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Net investment income (loss) of any mutual funds or ETFs is not included in the Fund’s net investment income (loss) ratio. |
D
| Amount includes a reimbursement from the investment adviser for an operational error which amounted to less than $.01 per share. Excluding this reimbursement, the total return would have been 5.27%. |
E
| Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
F
| Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
G
| Total returns do not include the effect of the contingent deferred sales charge. |
H
| Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
I
| Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
K
| Audit fees are not annualized. |
L
| Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
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Fidelity Advisor® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund Class I
| | Six months ended (Unaudited) July 31, 2024 | | | Year ended January 31, 2024A | |
Selected Per-Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 10.28 | | | $ | 10.00 | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)B,C | | | .186 | | | | .344 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (.065 | ) | | | .270 | D |
Total from investment operations | | | .121 | | | | .614 | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.177 | ) | | | (.331 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.004 | ) | | | (.003 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.181 | ) | | | (.334 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 10.22 | | | $ | 10.28 | |
Total ReturnE,F | | | 1.20 | % | | | 6.28 | %D |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsC,G,H | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .76 | %I | | | 1.17 | %I,J |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .37 | %I | | | .37 | %I,J |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .37 | %I | | | .36 | %I,J |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.67 | %I | | | 3.58 | %I,J |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 2,152 | | | $ | 2,191 | |
Portfolio turnover rateK | | | 30 | %I | | | 25 | %I |
A
| For the period February 16, 2023 (commencement of operations) through January 31, 2024. |
B
| Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
C
| Net investment income (loss) is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Net investment income (loss) of any mutual funds or ETFs is not included in the Fund’s net investment income (loss) ratio. |
D
| Amount includes a reimbursement from the investment adviser for an operational error which amounted to less than $.01 per share. Excluding this reimbursement, the total return would have been 6.25%. |
E
| Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
F
| Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
G
| Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
H
| Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
J
| Audit fees are not annualized. |
K
| Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
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Fidelity Advisor® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund Class Z
| | Six months ended (Unaudited) July 31, 2024 | | | Year ended January 31, 2024A | |
Selected Per-Share Data | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 10.28 | | | $ | 10.00 | |
Income from Investment Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)B,C | | | .189 | | | | .353 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (.065 | ) | | | .267 | D |
Total from investment operations | | | .124 | | | | .620 | |
Distributions from net investment income | | | (.180 | ) | | | (.337 | ) |
Distributions from net realized gain | | | (.004 | ) | | | (.003 | ) |
Total distributions | | | (.184 | ) | | | (.340 | ) |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 10.22 | | | $ | 10.28 | |
Total ReturnE,F | | | 1.23 | % | | | 6.34 | %D |
Ratios to Average Net AssetsC,G,H | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before reductions | | | .63 | %I | | | 1.17 | %I,J |
Expenses net of fee waivers, if any | | | .31 | %I | | | .31 | %I,J |
Expenses net of all reductions | | | .31 | %I | | | .30 | %I,J |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 3.73 | %I | | | 3.64 | %I,J |
Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) | | $ | 13,347 | | | $ | 12,589 | |
Portfolio turnover rateK | | | 30 | %I | | | 25 | %I |
A
| For the period February 16, 2023 (commencement of operations) through January 31, 2024. |
B
| Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
C
| Net investment income (loss) is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Net investment income (loss) of any mutual funds or ETFs is not included in the Fund’s net investment income (loss) ratio. |
D
| Amount includes a reimbursement from the investment adviser for an operational error which amounted to less than $.01 per share. Excluding this reimbursement, the total return would have been 6.31%. |
E
| Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
F
| Total returns would have been lower if certain expenses had not been reduced during the applicable periods shown. |
G
| Fees and expenses of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not included in the Fund’s expense ratio. The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of these expenses. For additional expense information related to investments in Fidelity Central Funds, please refer to the “Investments in Fidelity Central Funds” note found in the Notes to Financial Statements section of the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual report. |
H
| Expense ratios reflect operating expenses of the class. Expenses before reductions do not reflect amounts reimbursed, waived, or reduced through arrangements with the investment adviser, brokerage services, or other offset arrangements, if applicable, and do not represent the amount paid by the class during periods when reimbursements, waivers or reductions occur. |
J
| Audit fees are not annualized. |
K
| Amount does not include the portfolio activity of any underlying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). |
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Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation of proxies made by, and on behalf of, the trusts’ Boards of Trustees to be used at the Meeting. The purpose of the Meeting is set forth in the accompanying Notice.
The solicitation is being made primarily by the mailing of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card on or about January 13, 2025. Supplementary solicitations may be made by mail, telephone, facsimile or electronic means, or by personal interview by representatives of the trusts. In addition, Broadridge may be paid on a per-call basis to solicit shareholders by telephone on behalf of the Acquired Fund at an anticipated cost of approximately $10,800. The Acquired Fund may also arrange to have votes recorded by telephone. Broadridge may be paid on a per-call basis for vote-by-phone solicitations on behalf of the Acquired fund at an anticipated cost of approximately $2,700.
If the Acquired Fund records votes by telephone or through the internet, it will use procedures designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the voting of their shares in accordance with their instructions, and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Proxies voted by telephone or through the internet may be revoked at any time before they are voted in the same manner that proxies voted by mail may be revoked.
FMR will bear the one-time administrative costs associated with the Reorganization, including professional fees, expenses associated with the filing of registration statements, and the cost of soliciting proxies for the Meeting, which will consist principally of printing and mailing prospectuses and the Proxy Statement, together with the cost of any supplementary solicitation.
FMR will reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of shares.
For a free copy of the Acquired Fund’s annual report for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and Form N-CSRS for the fiscal period ended July 31, 2024 call 1-800-544-8544 or visit www.fidelity.com for Retail class, call 1-877-208-0098 or visit institutional.fidelity.com for Advisor classes, or write to FDC at 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917.
Record Date; Quorum; and Method of Tabulation
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 13, 2025 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. Each such shareholder will be entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value held as of that date, with fractional dollar amounts entitled to a proportional fractional vote.
If the enclosed proxy card is executed and returned, or an internet or telephonic vote is delivered, that vote may nevertheless be revoked at any time prior to its use by written notification received by the trust, by the execution of a later–dated proxy card, by the trust’s receipt of a subsequent valid telephonic or internet vote, or by attending the Meeting and voting.
All proxies solicited by the Board of Trustees that are properly executed and received by the Secretary prior to the Meeting, and that are not revoked, will be voted at the Meeting. Shares represented by such proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. If no specification is made on a properly executed proxy card, it will be voted FOR the matters specified on the proxy card. If a beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions to its broker, the broker is not permitted to vote the beneficial owner’s shares. All shares that are voted and votes to ABSTAIN will be counted toward establishing a quorum.
With respect to fund shares held in Fidelity individual retirement accounts (including Traditional, Rollover, SEP, SAR-SEP, Roth and SIMPLE IRAs), the IRA Custodian will vote those shares for which it has received instructions from shareholders only in accordance with such instructions. If Fidelity IRA shareholders do not vote their shares, the IRA Custodian will vote their shares for them, in the same proportion as other Fidelity IRA shareholders have voted.
One-third of the Acquired Fund’s outstanding voting securities entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting. If a quorum is not present, or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve the proposal are not received, or if other matters arise requiring shareholder attention, the persons named as proxy agents may propose one or more adjournments to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares present or represented by proxy. When voting on a proposed adjournment, the persons named as proxy agents will vote FOR the proposed adjournment all shares that they are entitled to vote FOR the proposal, unless directed to vote AGAINST the proposal, in which case such shares will be voted against the proposed adjournment. Please visit www.fidelity.com/proxies to determine the status of this scheduled Meeting.
FMR has advised the trust that certain shares are registered to FMR or an FMR affiliate. To the extent that FMR or an FMR affiliate has discretion to vote, these shares will be voted at the Meeting FOR the proposal. Otherwise, these shares will be voted in accordance with the plan or agreement governing the shares. Although the terms of the plans and agreements vary, generally the shares must be voted either (i) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders or (ii) in accordance with instructions received from shareholders and, for shareholders who do not vote, in the same proportion as certain other shareholders have voted.
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Share Ownership
As of October 31, 2024, shares of each class of the Acquired Fund issued and outstanding were as follows:
| | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Retail class | | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class A | | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class M | | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class C | | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class I | | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund - Class Z | | | |
| | | |
The Acquiring Fund is a newly created fund and will not issue shares until the Closing Date.
[As of October 31, 2024, the Trustees, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), and officers of each fund owned, in the aggregate, less than 1% of each class’s total outstanding shares, with respect to each fund.]
[As of October 31, 2024, the following owned of record and/or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares:
*
| The ownership information shown above is for a class of shares of the fund. |
[As of October 31, 2024, the following owned of record and/or beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding shares:
A shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of a fund’s outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholder’s vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders’ meeting than votes of other shareholders.]
Required Vote
Approval of the Reorganization requires the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Acquired Fund. Under the 1940 Act, the vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting or represented by proxy 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. Votes to ABSTAIN will have the same effect as votes cast AGAINST the proposal.
Submission of Certain Shareholder Proposals
Fidelity Salem Street Trust does not hold annual shareholder meetings. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement for a subsequent shareholder meeting should send their written proposals to the Secretary of the funds, attention “Fund Shareholder Meetings,” 245 Summer Street, Mail Zone V10A, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Proposals must be received a reasonable time before a fund begins to print and send its proxy materials to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the meeting. Timely submission of a proposal does not, however, necessarily mean the proposal will be included. With respect to proposals submitted on an untimely basis and presented at a shareholder meeting, persons named as proxy agents will vote in their discretion.
Other Business
The Board knows of no other business to be brought before the Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention that proxies that do not contain specific instructions to the contrary will be voted on such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons therein designated.
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Legal Matters
Certain legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Acquiring Fund have been passed upon by Dechert LLP, counsel to Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust.
Experts
The audited financial statements of the Acquired Fund are incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement and have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon is included in the fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024. The financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have been incorporated by reference in reliance on their reports given on their authority as experts in auditing and accounting. The unaudited financial statements for the Acquired Fund for the six-month period ended July 31, 2024, are also incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement.
Notice to Banks, Broker-Dealers and Voting Trustees and Their Nominees
Please advise Fidelity Salem Street Trust, in care of Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company LLC, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, whether other persons are beneficial owners of shares for which the Proxy Statement is being solicited and, if so, the number of copies of the Proxy Statement and Annual Reports you wish to receive in order to supply copies to the beneficial owners of the respective shares.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACQUIRING FUND
As used in this Appendix A, the term “fund” refers to the Acquiring Fund and the term “shares” refers to Acquiring Fund shares.
VALUING SHARES
The fund is open for business each day that either the listing exchange or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open.
The NAV is the value of a single share. Fidelity normally calculates NAV as of the close of regular trading hours on the listing exchange or the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The fund’s assets normally are valued as of this time for the purpose of computing NAV. The prices at which creations and redemptions occur are based on the next calculation of NAV after a creation or redemption order is received in an acceptable form under the authorized participant agreement.
NAV is not calculated and the fund will not process purchase and redemption requests submitted on days when the fund is not open for business. The time at which shares are priced and until which purchase and redemption orders are accepted may be changed as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Shares of the fund may be purchased through a broker in the secondary market by individual investors at market prices which may vary throughout the day and may differ from NAV.
To the extent that the fund’s assets are traded in other markets on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the fund’s assets may be affected on those days. In addition, trading in some of the fund’s assets may not occur on days when the fund is open for business.
Shares of open-end funds in which the fund may invest (referred to as underlying funds) are valued at their respective NAVs. NAV is calculated using the values of any underlying funds in which it invests. Other assets are valued primarily on the basis of market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service. Certain short-term securities are valued on the basis of amortized cost. If market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the Adviser’s opinion, are deemed unreliable for a security, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the Adviser’s opinion, a security’s value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund’s pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, then that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. Fair value pricing will be used for high yield debt securities when available pricing information is determined to be stale or for other reasons not to accurately reflect fair value.
Fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value of a security may differ materially from the value that would be realized if the security were sold.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Additional Information about the Purchase and Sale of Shares
General Information
Information on Fidelity
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 to manage one of America’s first mutual funds. Today, Fidelity is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services.
In addition to its fund business, the company operates one of America’s leading brokerage firms, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC. Fidelity is also a leader in providing tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals investing on their own or through their employer.
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) is a limited trust company and securities depository that facilitates the clearance and settlement of trades for its participating banks and broker-dealers. DTC has executed an agreement with FDC, the fund’s distributor.
Shares of the fund are not eligible for purchase by registered investment companies or business development companies to the extent such acquisition is in reliance on Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on an exchange, and individual fund shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through a broker or dealer at market price. These transactions, which do not involve the fund, are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day, rather than at NAV. Shares of the fund may trade at a price greater than the fund’s NAV (premium) or less than the fund’s NAV (discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling fund shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Recent information, including information regarding the fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spread, is available at www.fidelity.com.
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Buying and Selling Shares in the Secondary Market
Shares of the fund are listed and traded on an exchange, and individual fund shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through a broker. The fund does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the fund purchased on an exchange. These transactions are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and may be greater than the fund’s NAV (premium) or less than the fund’s NAV (discount). As a result, you may pay more than NAV when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell shares, in the secondary market. If you buy or sell shares in the secondary market, you will generally incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. Due to such commissions and charges, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment returns.
The fund is designed to offer investors an investment that can be bought and sold frequently in the secondary market without impact on the fund, and such trading activity is critical to ensuring that the market price of fund shares remains at or close to NAV. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees has not adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage excessive or short-term trading by these investors.
Shares can be purchased and redeemed directly from the fund at NAV only by Authorized Participants in large increments called “Creation Units.” The fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants and does not place a limit on purchases or redemptions of Creation Units by these investors. The fund reserves the right, but does not have the obligation, to reject any purchase transaction at any time. In addition, the fund reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
Precautionary Notes
• | Note to Authorized Participants Regarding Continuous Offering. Certain legal risks may exist that are unique to Authorized Participants purchasing Creation Units directly from the fund. Because new Creation Units may be issued on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act), could be occurring. As a broker-dealer, certain activities that you perform may, depending on the circumstances, result in your being deemed a participant in a distribution, in a manner which could render you a statutory underwriter and subject you to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act. |
For example, you may be deemed a statutory underwriter if you purchase Creation Units from the fund, break them down into individual fund shares, and sell such shares directly to customers, or if you choose to couple the creation of a supply of new fund shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for fund shares. A determination of whether a person is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act depends upon all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to that person’s activities, and the examples mentioned here should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions), and thus dealing with shares as part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act.
This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). As a result, you should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on an exchange is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange. Certain affiliates of the fund may purchase and resell fund shares pursuant to this prospectus.
• | Note to Secondary Market Investors. DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner of all outstanding shares of the fund. The Adviser will not have any record of your ownership. Your ownership of shares will be shown on the records of DTC and the DTC participant broker through which you hold the shares. Your broker will provide you with account statements, confirmations of your purchases and sales, and tax information. Your broker will also be responsible for distributing income and capital gain distributions and for sending you shareholder reports and other information as may be required. |
Costs Associated with Creations and Redemptions
The fund may impose a creation transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units of shares. Information about the procedures regarding creation and redemption of Creation Units and the applicable transaction fees is included in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
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DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS
The fund earns interest, dividends, and other income from its investments, and distributes this income (less expenses) to shareholders as dividends. The fund also realizes capital gains from its investments, and distributes these gains (less any losses) as capital gain distributions. If you purchased your shares in the secondary market, your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.
The fund normally declares dividends and pays capital gain distributions per the tables below:
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Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | | | January, February, March, April, May, June, July,
August, September, October, November, December |
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Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | | | December |
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TAX CONSEQUENCES
As with any investment, your investment in the fund could have tax consequences for you.
Taxes on Distributions
The fund seeks to earn income and pay dividends exempt from federal income tax.
A portion of the dividends you receive may be subject to federal and state income taxes and may also be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. You may also receive taxable distributions attributable to the fund’s sale of bonds or from the fund’s use of derivatives.
For federal tax purposes, certain distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains, gains on the sale of bonds characterized as market discount, income from taxable bonds, and income and certain gains from derivatives are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while certain distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable to investors generally as capital gains.
The fund may effect creations and redemptions using cash rather than in-kind securities and may recognize more capital gains and be less tax-efficient than if in-kind securities were used. When the fund effects its redemptions with cash rather than with in-kind securities, the fund may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs and may cause the fund to recognize gains that might not have been otherwise recognized or to recognize such gains sooner than otherwise. Losses from sales of immediately reacquired securities are subject to deferral, potentially indefinitely. The fund generally intends to distribute net annual gains, if any, to shareholders to comply with applicable tax rules, causing shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to or at an earlier date then if the fund effected redemptions in-kind.
If investors buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed income or capital gains, they will be “buying a dividend” by paying the full price for the shares and then receiving a portion of the price back in the form of a potentially taxable distribution.
Any taxable distributions investors receive will normally be taxable to them when they receive them.
Taxes on Transactions
Purchases and sales of shares, as well as purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes.
FUND DISTRIBUTION
FDC distributes the fund’s shares.
Intermediaries may receive from the Adviser, FDC, and/or their affiliates compensation for providing recordkeeping and administrative services, as well as other retirement plan expenses, and compensation for services intended to result in the sale of fund shares.
These payments are described in more detail in this section and in the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy Statement.
Distribution and Service Plan(s)
While the fund will not make direct payments for distribution or shareholder support services, the fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its shares. The Plan recognizes that the Adviser may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection
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with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. The Adviser, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services. Currently, the Board of Trustees of the fund has authorized such payments for shares of the fund.
If payments made by the Adviser to FDC or to intermediaries under the Distribution and Service Plan were considered to be paid out of the fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, they might increase the cost of your investment and might cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
No dealer, sales representative, or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this prospectus and in the related SAI, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the fund or FDC. This prospectus and the related SAI do not constitute an offer by the fund or by FDC to sell shares of the fund to, or to buy shares of the fund from, any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.
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FORM OF AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND LIQUIDATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND LIQUIDATION (the Agreement) is made as of this [ ] day of [ ], [ ] by and between Fidelity Salem Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the Acquired Fund Trust), on behalf of its series Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (the Acquired Fund), and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the Acquiring Fund Trust), on behalf of its series Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF (the Acquiring Fund). The Acquired Fund Trust and the Acquiring Fund Trust may be referred to herein collectively as the “Trusts” or each individually as a “Trust.” The Trusts are duly organized business trusts under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with their principal place of business at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund may be referred to herein collectively as the “Funds” or each individually as the “Fund.”
This Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). The reorganization will comprise: (a) the transfer of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares of beneficial interest in the Acquiring Fund (the Acquiring Fund Shares) and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities; and (b) the constructive distribution of such shares by the Acquired Fund pro rata to its applicable shareholders, excluding Cash-Out Shareholders (defined below) in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The foregoing transactions are referred to herein as the “Reorganization.”
In consideration of the mutual promises and subject to the terms and conditions herein, the parties covenant and agree as follows:
1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ACQUIRED FUND. The Acquired Fund represents and warrants to and agrees with the Acquiring Fund that:
(a) The Acquired Fund is a series of the Acquired Fund Trust, a business trust duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. It has all necessary federal, state, and local authorizations to carry on its business as now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement;
(b) The Acquired Fund Trust is an open-end, management investment company duly registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and such registration is in full force and effect;
(c) The Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information of the Acquired Fund dated March 30, 2024, as supplemented, previously furnished to the Acquiring Fund, did not and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(d) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquiring Fund, there are no material legal, administrative, or other proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund, threatened against the Acquired Fund which assert liability on the part of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund knows of no facts which might reasonably form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed to the Acquiring Fund;
(e) The Acquired Fund is not in, and the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will not result in, violation of any provision of its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund, of any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which the Acquired Fund is bound or result in the acceleration of any obligation or the imposition of any penalty under any agreement, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party or is bound;
(f) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities, the Statement of Operations, the Statement of Changes in Net Assets, Financial Highlights, and the Schedule of Investments (including market values) of the Acquired Fund at January 31, 2024, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and have been furnished to the Acquiring Fund together with such unaudited financial statements and schedule of investments (including market values) for the six month period ended July 31, 2024. Said Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Schedule of Investments fairly present the Acquired Fund’s financial position as of such date and said Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Financial Highlights fairly reflect the Acquired Fund’s results of operations, changes in financial position, and financial highlights for the periods covered thereby in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied;
(g) The Acquired Fund has no known liabilities of a material nature, contingent or otherwise, other than those shown as belonging to it on its statement of assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2024 and those incurred in the ordinary course of the Acquired Fund’s business as an investment company since January 31, 2024;
(h) The registration statement (Registration Statement) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) by the Acquiring Fund Trust on Form N–14 relating to the shares of the Acquiring Fund issuable hereunder and the proxy statement of the
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Acquired Fund included therein (Proxy Statement), on the effective date of the Registration Statement and insofar as they relate to the Acquired Fund (i) comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (ii) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and at the time of the shareholders’ meeting referred to in Section 7 and on the Closing Date (as defined in Section 6), the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement of which the Proxy Statement is a part (the Prospectus), as amended or supplemented, insofar as it relates to the Acquired Fund, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(i) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as have been obtained under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and state securities or blue sky laws (which term as used in this Agreement shall include the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico);
(j) The Acquired Fund has filed or will file all federal and state tax returns which, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund’s officers, are required to be filed by the Acquired Fund and has paid or will pay all federal and state taxes shown to be due on said returns or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof, and, to the best of the Acquired Fund’s knowledge, no such return is currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to such returns;
(k) The Acquired Fund has met the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company for all prior taxable years and intends to meet such requirements for its taxable year which includes the Closing Date;
(l) All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are, and at the Closing Date will be, duly and validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable as a matter of Massachusetts law (except as disclosed in the Acquired Fund’s Statements of Additional Information), and have been offered for sale and in conformity with all applicable federal securities laws. All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund will, at the Closing Date, be held by the persons and in the amounts set forth in the list of shareholders submitted to the Acquiring Fund in accordance with this Agreement;
(m) As of both the Valuation Time (as defined in Section 4) and the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have the full right, power, and authority to sell, assign, transfer, and deliver its portfolio securities and any other assets of the Acquired Fund to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund pursuant to this Agreement. As of the Closing Date, subject only to the delivery of the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities and any such other assets as contemplated by this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund will acquire the Acquired Fund’s portfolio securities and any such other assets subject to no encumbrances, liens, or security interests (except for those that may arise in the ordinary course and are disclosed to the Acquiring Fund) and without any restrictions upon the transfer thereof; and
(n) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will have been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Acquired Fund, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquired Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE ACQUIRING FUND. The Acquiring Fund represents and warrants to and agrees with the Acquired Fund that:
(a) The Acquiring Fund is a series of the Acquiring Fund Trust, a business trust duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. It has all necessary federal, state, and local authorizations to carry on its business as now being conducted and to carry out this Agreement;
(b) The Acquiring Fund Trust is an open-end, management investment company duly registered under the 1940 Act, and such registration is in full force and effect;
(c) The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Acquiring Fund, dated [ ], as supplemented, previously furnished to the Acquired Fund, did not and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(d) Except as disclosed in writing to the Acquired Fund, there are no material legal, administrative, or other proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Fund, threatened against the Acquiring Fund which assert liability on the part of the Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Fund knows of no facts which might reasonably form the basis for the institution of such proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed to the Acquired Fund;
(e) The Acquiring Fund is not in, and the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will not result in, violation of any provision of its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Fund, of any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease, or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or by which the Acquiring Fund is bound or result in the acceleration of any obligation or the imposition of any penalty under any agreement, judgment, or decree to which the Acquiring Fund is a party or is bound;
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(f) [Reserved];
(g) [Reserved];
(h) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of any court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as have been obtained under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and state securities or blue sky laws;
(i) [Reserved];
(j) The Acquiring Fund intends to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification and treatment as a regulated investment company for its taxable year ending on January 31, 2026;
(k) As of the Closing Date, the shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund to be issued to the Acquired Fund will have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, will be legally and validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable (except as disclosed in the Acquiring Fund’s Statement of Additional Information) by the Acquiring Fund, and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund will have any preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof;
(l) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will have been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Acquiring Fund, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Acquired Fund;
(m) The Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, on the effective date of the Registration Statement and insofar as they relate to the Acquiring Fund, (i) comply in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, and the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (ii) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and at the time of the shareholders’ meeting referred to in Section 7 and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, insofar as it relates to the Acquiring Fund, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
(n) The issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares pursuant to this Agreement will be in compliance with all applicable federal securities laws; and
(o) All of the issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund have been offered for sale and sold in conformity with the federal securities laws.
3. REORGANIZATION.
(a) Subject to the requisite approval of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and to the other terms and conditions contained herein, the Acquired Fund agrees to assign, sell, convey, transfer, and deliver to the Acquiring Fund as of the Closing Date all of the assets of the Acquired Fund of every kind and nature existing on the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund agrees in exchange therefor: (i) to assume all of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities existing on or after the Closing Date, whether or not determinable on the Closing Date, and (ii) to issue and deliver to the Acquired Fund the number of full shares of the Acquiring Fund having an aggregate net asset value equal to the value of the assets of the Acquired Fund transferred hereunder, less (1) the value of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, determined as provided for under Section 4; (2) the value of cash to be distributed to applicable Acquired Fund shareholders in lieu of fractional Acquiring Fund shares; and (3) the value of cash to be distributed to Acquired Fund shareholders who do not hold Acquired Fund shares through a brokerage account that can accept Acquiring Fund shares and for which no account has been established to receive such shares (“Cash-Out Shareholders”), who shall not receive a distribution of such Acquiring Fund shares and in lieu thereof shall receive a distribution of cash equal to the net asset value of their Acquired Fund shares.
(b) The assets of the Acquired Fund to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund shall include, without limitation, all cash, cash equivalents, securities, commodities and futures interests, receivables (including interest or dividends receivables), claims, choses in action, and other property owned by the Acquired Fund, and any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an asset on the books of the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date, except for assets having a value equal to the sum of the values in (1)-(3) in of Section 3(a). The Acquired Fund will pay or cause to be paid to the Acquiring Fund any dividend or interest payments received by it on or after the Closing Date with respect to the assets transferred to the Acquiring Fund hereunder, and the Acquiring Fund will retain any dividend or interest payments received by it after the Valuation Time with respect to the assets transferred hereunder without regard to the payment date thereof.
(c) The liabilities of the Acquired Fund to be assumed by the Acquiring Fund shall include (except as otherwise provided for herein) all of the Acquired Fund’s liabilities, debts, obligations, and duties, of whatever kind or nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, whether or not determinable on the Closing Date, and whether or not specifically referred to in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Acquired Fund agrees to use its best efforts to discharge all of its known liabilities prior to the Closing Date, other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business.
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(d) Pursuant to this Agreement, as soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable, the Acquired Fund will take such actions necessary to complete the liquidation of the Acquired Fund in accordance with the Acquired Fund’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust. To complete the liquidation, the Acquired Fund will (i) constructively distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record (except Cash-Out Shareholders), determined as of the Valuation Time on the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund Shares in exchange for such shareholders’ shares of beneficial interest in the Acquired Fund; (ii) distribute cash, as provided in Section 3(a) to the Cash-Out Shareholders; and (iii) completely liquidate. The distribution of Acquiring Fund Shares shall be accomplished by the Funds’ transfer agent opening accounts on the Acquiring Fund’s share transfer books in the names of the Acquired Fund shareholders and transferring the Acquiring Fund shares thereto. Each Acquired Fund shareholder’s account shall be credited with the respective pro rata number of Acquiring Fund shares due that shareholder. All outstanding Acquired Fund shares, including any represented by certificates, shall simultaneously be canceled on the Acquired Fund’s share transfer records. The Acquiring Fund shall not issue certificates representing the Acquiring Fund Shares in connection with the Reorganization. For the avoidance of doubt, the Acquiring Fund shall not issue fractional shares, and Acquired Fund shareholders may receive cash in connection with the Reorganization in lieu of fractional Acquiring Fund Shares.
(e) Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund is and shall remain its responsibility up to and including the date on which it is terminated.
(f) Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of the Acquiring Fund shares in a name other than that of the registered holder on the Acquired Fund’s books of the Acquired Fund shares constructively exchanged for the Acquiring Fund Shares shall be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are to be issued, as a condition of such transfer.
4. VALUATION.
(a) The Valuation Time shall be as of the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange on the Closing Date, or such other date as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties hereto (the Valuation Time).
(b) As of the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund will deliver to the Acquired Fund the number of Acquiring Fund Shares having an aggregate net asset value equal to the value of the assets of the Acquired Fund transferred hereunder less the liabilities of the Acquired Fund, determined as provided in this Section 4.
(c) The net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund shares to be delivered to the Acquired Fund, the value of the assets of the Acquired Fund transferred hereunder, and the value of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund to be assumed hereunder shall in each case be determined as of the Valuation Time.
(d) The net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund shares and the value of the assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund shall be computed in the manner set forth in the then-current Acquired Fund Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information.
(e) All computations pursuant to this Section shall be made by or under the direction of Fidelity Service Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC, in accordance with its regular practice as pricing agent for the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund.
5. FEES; EXPENSES.
(a) The Acquired Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) shall be responsible for all expenses, fees and other charges in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (but not including costs incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities).
(b) Any expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which may be attributable to the Acquiring Fund will be borne by the Adviser (but not including costs incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities).
(c) Each of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund represents that there is no person who has dealt with it who by reason of such dealings is entitled to any broker’s or finder’s or other similar fee or commission arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6. CLOSING DATE.
(a) The Reorganization, together with related acts necessary to consummate the same (the Closing), unless otherwise provided herein, shall occur at the principal office of the Trusts, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, as of the Valuation Time on [ ], or at some other time, date, and place agreed to by the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund (the Closing Date).
(b) In the event that on the Closing Date: (i) any of the markets for securities held by the Funds is closed to trading, or (ii) trading thereon is restricted, or (iii) trading or the reporting of trading on said market or elsewhere is disrupted, all so that accurate appraisal of the total net asset value of the Acquired Fund and the net asset value per share of the Acquiring Fund is impracticable, the Valuation Time and the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first business day after the day when such trading shall have been fully resumed and such reporting shall have been restored, or such other date as the parties may agree.
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7. SHAREHOLDER MEETING AND TERMINATION OF THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) The Acquired Fund agrees to call a meeting of its shareholders after the effective date of the Registration Statement, to consider transferring its assets to the Acquiring Fund as herein provided, adopting this Agreement, and authorizing the liquidation of the Acquired Fund.
(b) The Acquired Fund agrees that as soon as reasonably practicable after distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares and cash as provided herein, the Acquired Fund shall be terminated as a series of the Acquired Fund Trust pursuant to its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, any further actions shall be taken in connection therewith as required by applicable law, and on and after the Closing Date the Acquired Fund shall not conduct any business except in connection with its liquidation and termination.
8. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND.
(a) That, as of the Valuation Time and the Closing Date, all representations and warranties of the Acquired Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects and that the Acquired Fund has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such dates;
(b) That this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein are approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquired Fund;
(c) That the Acquiring Fund at the Closing shall have access to a statement of the Acquired Fund’s assets and liabilities, together with a list of its portfolio securities showing each such security’s adjusted tax basis and holding period by lot, with values determined as provided in Section 4 of this Agreement, all as of the Valuation Time;
(d) That the Acquired Fund’s custodian shall deliver to the Acquiring Fund a certificate identifying the assets of the Acquired Fund held by such custodian as of the Valuation Time on the Closing Date and stating that as of the Valuation Time: (i) the assets held by the custodian will be transferred to the Acquiring Fund; (ii) the Acquired Fund’s assets have been duly endorsed in proper form for transfer in such condition as to constitute good delivery thereof; and (iii) to the best of the custodian’s knowledge, all applicable taxes (including stock transfer taxes, if any) in conjunction with the delivery of the assets, that the custodian has been notified are due, have been paid or provision for payment has been made;
(e) That the Acquiring Fund at the Closing shall have access to the number of shares of the Acquired Fund outstanding as of the Valuation Time and the name and address of each holder of record of any such shares and the number of shares held of record by each such shareholder, as maintained by the Acquired Fund’s transfer agent;
(f) Reserved;
(g) That the Acquired Fund calls a meeting of its shareholders to be held after the effective date of the Registration Statement, to consider transferring its assets to the Acquiring Fund as herein provided, adopting this Agreement, and authorizing the liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund;
(h) That there has been no material adverse change in the Acquired Fund’s financial position since January 31, 2024, other than changes in the market value of its portfolio securities, or changes due to net redemptions of its shares, dividends paid, or losses from operations; and
(i) That all of the issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquired Fund shall have been offered for sale and sold in conformity with all applicable state securities laws and, to the extent that any audit of the records of the Acquired Fund or its transfer agent by the Acquiring Fund or its agents shall have revealed otherwise, the Acquired Fund shall have taken all actions that in the opinion of the Acquiring Fund are necessary to remedy any prior failure on the part of the Acquired Fund to have offered for sale and sold such shares in conformity with such laws.
9. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) That the Acquiring Fund shall have executed and delivered to the Acquired Fund an Assumption of Liabilities, certified by an authorized officer of the Acquiring Fund Trust, dated as of the Closing Date pursuant to which the Acquiring Fund will assume all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund existing at the Valuation Time in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) That, as of the Valuation Time and the Closing Date, all representations and warranties of the Acquiring Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, and the Acquiring Fund has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such dates; and
(c) That the Acquired Fund shall have received an opinion of Dechert LLP, counsel to the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, to the effect that the Acquiring Fund shares are duly authorized and upon delivery to the Acquired Fund as provided in this Agreement will be validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Acquiring Fund (except as disclosed in the Acquiring Fund’s Statement of Additional Information) and no shareholder of the Acquiring Fund has any preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect thereof.
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10. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) That this Agreement shall have been adopted and the transactions contemplated herein shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquired Fund;
(b) That all consents of other parties and all other consents, orders, and permits of federal, state, and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state blue sky and securities authorities, and including “no action” positions of such federal or state authorities) deemed necessary by the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order, or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, provided that either party hereto may for itself waive any of such conditions;
(c) That all proceedings taken by either Fund in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all documents incidental thereto shall be satisfactory in form and substance to it and its counsel, Dechert LLP;
(d) That there shall not be any material litigation pending with respect to the matters contemplated by this Agreement;
(e) That the Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act, and no stop order suspending such effectiveness shall have been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund, threatened by the Commission; and
(f) That based on the facts and assumptions stated therein (as well as certain representations made on behalf of the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund), the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund shall have received an opinion of Dechert LLP satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
(i) The acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of all of the properties of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund followed by the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares to the Acquired Fund shareholders in exchange for their Acquired Fund shares in complete liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund will constitute a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code.
(ii) The Acquired Fund will not recognize gain or loss upon the transfer of substantially all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund.
(iii) The Acquired Fund will not recognize gain or loss upon the distribution to its shareholders of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund in the Reorganization.
(iv) The Acquiring Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon receiving the properties of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption of all liabilities of the Acquired Fund.
(v) The adjusted basis to the Acquiring Fund of the properties of the Acquired Fund received by the Acquiring Fund in the Reorganization will be the same as the adjusted basis of those properties in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately before the exchange.
(vi) The Acquiring Fund’s holding periods with respect to the properties of the Acquired Fund that the Acquiring Fund acquires in the Reorganization will include the respective periods for which those properties were held by the Acquired Fund (except where investment activities of the Acquiring Fund have the effect of reducing or eliminating a holding period with respect to an asset).
(vii) The Acquired Fund shareholders will recognize no gain or loss upon receiving the Acquiring Fund Shares solely in exchange for the Acquired Fund shares (except with respect to cash received).
(viii) The aggregate basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares received by an Acquired Fund shareholder in the Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate basis of the Acquired Fund shares surrendered by the Acquired Fund shareholder in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount of tax basis allocable to shares for which cash is received).
(ix) An Acquired Fund shareholder’s holding period for the Acquiring Fund Shares received by the Acquired Fund shareholder in the Reorganization will include the holding period during which the Acquired Fund shareholder held the Acquired Fund shares surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the Acquired Fund shareholder held such shares as a capital asset on the date of the Reorganization.
(x) The Reorganization will not result in the termination of the Acquired Fund’s taxable year, and the Acquired Fund’s tax attributes enumerated in Section 381(c) of the Code will be taken into account by the Acquiring Fund as if there had been no Reorganization.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Acquired Fund nor the Acquiring Fund may waive the conditions set forth in this subsection 10(f).
11. COVENANTS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND AND THE ACQUIRED FUND.
(a) The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund covenant to operate its respective business in the ordinary course between the date hereof and the Closing Date, it being understood that such ordinary course of business will include the payment of customary dividends and distributions;
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(b) The Acquired Fund covenants that it is not acquiring the Acquiring Fund shares for the purpose of making any distribution other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
(c) The Acquired Fund covenants that it will assist the Acquiring Fund in obtaining such information as the Acquiring Fund reasonably requests concerning the beneficial ownership of the Acquired Fund’s shares; and
(d) The Acquired Fund covenants that its liquidation and termination will be effected in the manner provided in its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust in accordance with applicable law, and after the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will not conduct any business except in connection with its liquidation and termination.
12. TERMINATION; WAIVER.
The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund may terminate this Agreement by mutual agreement. In addition, either the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date because:
(i) of a material breach by the other of any representation, warranty, or agreement contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date; or
(ii) a condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of the terminating party has not been met and it reasonably appears that it will not or cannot be met.
In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, or their respective Trustees or officers.
13. SOLE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES.
(a) This Agreement supersedes all previous correspondence and oral communications between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof, constitutes the only understanding with respect to such subject matter, may not be changed except by a letter of agreement signed by each party hereto and shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(b) This Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the respective President, any Vice President, or Treasurer of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund; provided, however, that following the shareholders’ meeting called by the Acquired Fund pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement, no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be paid to the Acquired Fund shareholders under this Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.
(c) Either Fund may waive any condition to its obligations hereunder, provided that such waiver does not have any material adverse effect on the interests of such Fund’s shareholders.
The representations, warranties, and covenants contained in the Agreement, or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith, shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder.
14. DECLARATIONS OF TRUST.
A copy of the Acquired Fund’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and a copy of the Acquiring Fund’s Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of the Trustees of each Fund as trustees and not individually and that the obligations of each Fund under this Agreement are not binding upon any of such Fund’s Trustees, officers, or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of such Fund. Each Fund agrees that its obligations hereunder apply only to such Fund and not to its shareholders individually or to the Trustees of such Fund.
15. ASSIGNMENT.
This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent of the other parties. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm, or corporation other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed by an appropriate officer.
[SIGNATURE LINES OMITTED]
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Fidelity, the Fidelity Investments Logo and all other Fidelity trademarks or service marks used herein are trademarks or service marks of FMR LLC. Any third-party marks that are used herein are trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
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Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund
(A Series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust)
Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF
(A Series of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust)
FORM N-14
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 13, 2025
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) relates to the proposed acquisition of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (Acquired Fund or Predecessor Fund), a series of Fidelity Salem Street Trust, by Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF (Acquiring Fund and together with the Acquired Fund, the funds), a series of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust. This SAI contains information that may be of interest to shareholders, but which is not included in the Proxy Statement which relates to the Reorganization. As described in the Proxy Statement, Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF will acquire all of the assets of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund (excluding assets having a value equal to cash to be distributed in accordance with the Agreement) and assume all of Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund’s liabilities, in exchange solely for shares of beneficial interest in Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF.
This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and may be obtained, without charge, from Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917.
This SAI consists of this cover page and the following described documents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference:
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
A table showing the fees and expenses of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund, and the fees and expenses of the Acquiring Fund on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the proposed Reorganization, is included in the “Annual Fund and Class Operating Expenses” section of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement.
The Reorganization will not result in a material change to the Acquired Fund’s investment portfolio due to the investment restrictions of the Acquiring Fund. In particular, each security held by the Acquired Fund is eligible to be held by the Acquiring Fund. As a result, a schedule of investments of the Acquired Fund modified to show the effects of the change is not required and is not included. Notwithstanding the foregoing, changes may be made to the Acquired Fund’s portfolio in advance of the Reorganization and/or the Acquiring Fund’s portfolio following the Reorganization.
There are no material differences between the accounting and valuation policies of the Acquired Fund and those of the Acquiring Fund.
Fund | Ticker |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | [ ] |
Fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: The Nasdaq Stock Market®
January 13, 2025
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus.
For more information on any Fidelity® fund, including charges and expenses, call Fidelity at the number indicated above for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money.
245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND(S)
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF (the fund) is a diversified actively-managed exchange-traded fund that seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income tax. Growth of capital may also be considered.
The fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at net asset value per share (NAV) in aggregations of a specified number of shares called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. Shares are listed and traded on an exchange. Shares trade in the secondary market at market prices that may differ from the shares’ NAV. Shares are not individually redeemable, but are redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and in exchange for portfolio securities and/or cash. Shareholders who are not Authorized Participants (as defined herein), therefore, will not be able to purchase or redeem shares directly with or from the fund. Instead, most shareholders who are not Authorized Participants will buy and sell shares in the secondary market through a broker.
It is currently anticipated that, effective on or about April 4, 2025, the Predecessor Fund will be reorganized into the fund, subject to shareholder approval. Accordingly, the information shown in certain tables throughout this SAI is for the Predecessor Fund.
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 (1940 Act)) of the fund. However, except for the fundamental investment limitations listed below, the investment policies and limitations described in this Statement of Additional Information (SAI) are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The following are the fund’s fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety.
Diversification
The fund may not 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, or securities of other investment companies) 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.
For purposes of the fund’s diversification limitation discussed above, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR) identifies the issuer of a security depending on its terms and conditions. In identifying the issuer, FMR will consider the entity or entities responsible for payment of interest and repayment of principal and the source of such payments; the way in which assets and revenues of an issuing political subdivision are separated from those of other political entities; and whether a governmental body is guaranteeing the security.
For purposes of the fund’s diversification limitation discussed above, FMR does not consider traditional bond insurance to be a separate security or the insurer to be a separate issuer. Therefore, the diversification limitation does not limit the percentage of fund assets that may be invested in securities insured by a single bond insurer.
Senior Securities
The fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Borrowing
The fund may not 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.
Underwriting
The fund may not underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with investments in other investment companies.
Concentration
The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or tax-exempt obligations issued or guaranteed by a U.S. territory or possession or a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing) if, as a result, more than 25% of the fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.
For purposes of the fund’s concentration limitation discussed above, FMR identifies the issuer of a security depending on its terms and conditions. In identifying the issuer, FMR will consider the entity or entities responsible for payment of interest and repayment of principal and the source of such payments; the way in which assets and revenues of an issuing political subdivision are separated from those of other political entities; and whether a governmental body is guaranteeing the security.
For purposes of the fund’s concentration limitation discussed above, FMR may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and security and assign an industry or sector classification consistent with those characteristics in the event that the third-party classification provider used by FMR does not assign a classification.
Real Estate
The fund may not 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).
Commodities
The fund may not 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).
Loans
The fund may not 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 to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments.
The following investment limitations are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
Short Sales
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, options, and swaps are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
Margin Purchases
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.
Borrowing
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 the fundamental borrowing investment limitation).
Illiquid Securities
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.
For purposes of the fund’s illiquid securities limitation discussed above, 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 were invested in illiquid securities, it would consider appropriate steps to protect liquidity.
Loans
The fund does not currently intend to engage in repurchase agreements or make loans, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities.
In addition to the fund’s fundamental and non-fundamental investment limitations discussed above:
In order to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the fund currently intends to comply with certain diversification limits imposed by Subchapter M.
The following pages contain more detailed information about types of instruments in which the fund may invest, techniques the fund’s adviser (or a sub-adviser) may employ in pursuit of the fund’s investment objective, and a summary of related risks. The fund’s adviser (or a sub-adviser) 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. However, the fund’s adviser (or a sub-adviser) is not required to buy any particular instrument or use any particular technique even if to do so might benefit the fund.
On the following pages in this section titled “Investment Policies and Limitations,” and except as otherwise indicated, references to “an adviser” or “the adviser” may relate to the fund’s adviser or a sub-adviser, as applicable.
Affiliated Bank Transactions. A Fidelity® fund may engage in transactions with financial institutions that are, or may be considered to be, “affiliated persons” of the fund under the 1940 Act. These transactions may involve 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 represent interests in pools of purchase contracts, financing leases, or sales agreements entered into by municipalities. Payment of interest and repayment of principal may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit enhancements. Asset-backed security values may also be affected by other factors including changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the loans or receivables, or the entities providing the credit enhancement. In addition, these securities may be subject to prepayment risk.
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLO) are a type of asset-backed security. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. CLOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses. For CLOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since they are partially protected from defaults, senior tranches from a CLO trust typically have higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CLO securities as a class. Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CLOs may be characterized by a fund as illiquid securities, however an active dealer market may exist allowing them to qualify for Rule 144A transactions.
Borrowing. If a fund borrows money, its share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. If a fund makes additional investments while borrowings are outstanding, this may be considered a form of leverage.
Cash Management. A fund may hold uninvested cash or may invest it in cash equivalents such as money market securities, repurchase agreements, or shares of short-term bond or money market funds, including (for Fidelity® funds and other advisory clients only) shares of Fidelity® Central funds. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities. A municipal fund’s uninvested cash may earn credits that reduce fund expenses.
Central Funds are special types of investment vehicles created by Fidelity for use by the Fidelity® funds and other advisory clients. Central funds are used to invest in particular security types or investment disciplines, or for cash management. Central funds incur certain costs related to their investment activity (such as custodial fees and expenses), but generally do not pay management fees. The investment results of the portions of a Fidelity® fund’s assets invested in the Central funds will be based upon the investment results of those funds.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Notice of Exclusion. The Adviser, on behalf of the Fidelity® fund to which this SAI relates, has filed with the National Futures Association a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the CFTC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the fund’s operation. Accordingly, neither a fund nor its adviser is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or a CPO. As of the date of this SAI, the adviser does not expect to register as a CPO of the fund. However, there is no certainty that a fund or its adviser will be able to rely on an exclusion in the future as the fund’s investments change over time. A fund may determine not to use investment strategies that trigger additional CFTC regulation or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation, if applicable. If a fund or its adviser operates subject to CFTC regulation, it may incur additional expenses.
Disruption to Financial Markets and Related Government Intervention. Economic downturns can trigger various economic, legal, budgetary, tax, and regulatory reforms across the globe. Instability in the financial markets in the wake of events such as the 2008 economic downturn led the U.S. Government and other governments to take a number of then-unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases, a lack of liquidity. Federal, state, local, foreign, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which a fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Reforms may also change the way in which a fund is regulated and could limit or preclude a fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective or engage in certain strategies. Also, while reforms generally are intended to strengthen markets, systems, and public finances, they could affect fund expenses and the value of fund investments in unpredictable ways.
Similarly, widespread disease including pandemics and epidemics, and natural or environmental disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and climate-related phenomena generally, have been and can be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely impacting individual companies, sectors, industries, markets, currencies, interest and inflation rates, credit ratings, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of a fund’s investments. Economies and financial markets throughout the world have become increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or country will adversely affect markets or issuers in other regions or countries, including the United States. Additionally, market disruptions may result in increased market volatility; regulatory trading halts; closure of domestic or foreign exchanges, markets, or governments; or market participants operating pursuant to business continuity plans for indeterminate periods of time. Further, market disruptions can (i) prevent a fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner, (ii) negatively impact a fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective, and (iii) may exacerbate the risks discussed elsewhere in a fund’s registration statement, including political, social, and economic risks.
The value of a fund’s portfolio is also generally subject to the risk of future local, national, or global economic or natural disturbances based on unknown weaknesses in the markets in which a fund invests. In the event of such a disturbance, the issuers of securities held by a fund may experience significant declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations, or may receive government assistance accompanied by increased restrictions on their business operations or other government intervention. In addition, it remains uncertain that the U.S. Government or
foreign governments will intervene in response to current or future market disturbances and the effect of any such future intervention cannot be predicted.
Dollar-Weighted Average Maturity is derived by multiplying the value of each security by the time remaining to its maturity, adding these calculations, and then dividing the total by the value of a fund’s portfolio. An obligation’s maturity is typically determined on a stated final maturity basis, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Under certain circumstances, a fund may invest in nominally long-term securities that have maturity-shortening features of shorter-term securities, and the maturities of these securities may be deemed to be earlier than their ultimate maturity dates by virtue of an existing demand feature or an adjustable interest rate. Under other circumstances, if it is probable that the issuer of an instrument will take advantage of a maturity-shortening device, such as a call, refunding, or redemption provision, the date on which the instrument will probably be called, refunded, or redeemed may be considered to be its maturity date. When a municipal bond issuer has committed to call an issue of bonds and has established an independent escrow account that is sufficient to, and is pledged to, refund that issue, the number of days to maturity for the prerefunded bond is considered to be the number of days to the announced call date of the bonds.
Duration is a measure of a bond’s price sensitivity to a change in its yield. For example, if a bond has a 5-year duration and its yield rises 1%, the bond’s value is likely to fall about 5%. Similarly, if a bond fund has a 5-year average duration and the yield on each of the bonds held by the fund rises 1%, the fund’s value is likely to fall about 5%. For funds with exposure to foreign markets, there are many reasons why all of the bond holdings do not experience the same yield changes. These reasons include: the bonds are spread off of different yield curves around the world and these yield curves do not move in tandem; the shapes of these yield curves change; and sector and issuer yield spreads change. Other factors can influence a bond fund’s performance and share price. Accordingly, a bond fund’s actual performance will likely differ from the example.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are shares of other investment companies, commodity pools, or other entities that are traded on an exchange. Assets underlying the ETF shares may consist of stocks, bonds, commodities, or other instruments, depending on an ETF’s investment objective and strategies. An ETF may seek to replicate the performance of a specific index or may be actively managed.
Typically, shares of an ETF that tracks an index are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse ETFs (also called “short ETFs” or “bear ETFs”), ETF shares are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases. Inverse ETFs seek to deliver the opposite of the performance of the benchmark they track and are often marketed as a way for investors to profit from, or at least hedge their exposure to, downward moving markets. Investments in inverse ETFs are similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark.
ETF shares are redeemable only in large blocks of shares often called “creation units” by persons other than a fund, and are redeemed principally in-kind at each day’s next calculated NAV. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by a fund. A fund’s purchase of ETFs results in the layering of expenses, such that the fund would indirectly bear a proportionate share of any ETF’s operating expenses. Further, while traditional investment companies are continuously offered at NAV, ETFs are traded in the secondary market (e.g., on a stock exchange) on an intra-day basis at prices that may be above or below the value of their underlying portfolios.
Some of the risks of investing in an ETF that tracks an index are similar to those of investing in an indexed mutual fund, including tracking error risk (the risk of errors in matching the ETF’s underlying assets to the index or other benchmark); and the risk that because an ETF that tracks an index is not actively managed, it cannot sell stocks or other assets as long as they are represented in the index or other benchmark. Other ETF risks include the risk that ETFs may trade in the secondary market at a discount from their NAV and the risk that the ETFs may not be liquid. ETFs also may be leveraged. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples of the performance of the index or other benchmark they track and use derivatives in an effort to amplify the returns (or decline, in the case of inverse ETFs) of the underlying index or benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Most leveraged and inverse ETFs “reset” daily, meaning they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Leveraged and inverse ETFs can deviate substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods of time, particularly in volatile periods.
Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) are a type of senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by financial institutions that combines aspects of both bonds and ETFs. An ETN’s returns are based on the performance of a market index or other reference asset minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN’s maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the market index or other reference asset to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments and principal typically is not protected.
ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by their applicable index. The market value of an ETN is determined by supply and demand, the current performance of the index or other reference asset, and the credit rating of the ETN issuer. The market value of ETN shares may differ from their intraday indicative value. The value of an ETN may also change due to a change in the issuer’s credit rating. As a result, there may be times when an ETN’s share trades at a premium or discount to its NAV. Some ETNs that use leverage in an effort to amplify the returns of an underlying index or other reference asset can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs may offer the potential for greater return, but the potential for loss and speed at which losses can be realized also are greater.
Funds of Funds and Other Large Shareholders. Certain Fidelity® funds and accounts (including funds of funds) invest in other funds (“underlying funds”) and, as a result, may at times have substantial investments in one or more underlying funds.
An underlying fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in its shares by funds of funds, other large shareholders, or similarly managed accounts. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on an underlying fund’s performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, an underlying fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase an underlying fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a fund’s portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of an underlying fund’s shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the underlying fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the underlying fund’s expense ratio. Redemptions of underlying fund shares could also accelerate the realization of taxable capital gains in the fund if sales of securities result in capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund of funds or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of the underlying fund’s shares.
Futures, Options, and Swaps. The success of any strategy involving futures, options, and swaps depends on an adviser’s analysis of many economic and mathematical factors and a fund’s return may be higher if it never invested in such instruments. Additionally, some of the contracts discussed below are new instruments without a trading history and there can be no assurance that a market for the instruments will continue to exist. Government legislation or regulation could affect the use of such instruments and could limit a fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. If a fund invests a significant portion of its assets in derivatives, its investment exposure could far exceed the value of its portfolio securities and its investment performance could be primarily dependent upon securities it does not own.
The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which a fund may enter into futures, options on futures, and forward contracts.
Futures Contracts. In purchasing a futures contract, the buyer agrees to purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. In selling a futures contract, the seller agrees to sell a specified underlying instrument at a specified date. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded contracts and the price at which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the buyer and seller enter into the contract. Some currently available futures contracts are based on specific securities or baskets of securities, some are based on commodities or commodities indexes (for funds that seek commodities exposure), and some are based on indexes of securities prices (including foreign indexes for funds that seek foreign exposure). In addition, some currently available futures contracts are based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and other interest rates. Futures on indexes and futures not calling for physical delivery of the underlying instrument will be settled through cash payments rather than through delivery of the underlying instrument. Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out by offsetting purchases or sales of futures contracts before then if a liquid market is available. A fund may realize a gain or loss by closing out its futures contracts.
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 a fund’s exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a fund sells a futures contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the market for the underlying instrument. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
The purchaser or seller of a futures contract or an option for a futures contract is not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument or the final cash settlement price, as applicable, 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, when the contract is entered into. 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. This process of “marking to market” will be reflected in the daily calculation of open positions computed in a fund’s NAV. The party that has a gain is 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 a fund’s investment limitations. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a fund, but is instead a settlement between a fund and the futures commission merchant of the amount one would owe the other if the fund’s contract expired. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a futures commission merchant that holds margin on behalf of a fund, the fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the futures commission merchant’s other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the fund.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for 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 to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. These risks may be heightened for commodity futures contracts, which have historically been subject to greater price volatility than exists for instruments such as stocks and bonds.
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund’s current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the futures position will not track the performance of the fund’s other investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund’s investments well. 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 futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A fund may purchase or sell 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 a fund’s 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. In addition, the price of a commodity futures contract can reflect the storage costs associated with the purchase of the physical commodity.
Futures contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to the manner in which the underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. To the extent, however, that a fund enters into such futures contracts, the value of these futures contracts will not vary in direct
proportion to the value of the fund’s holdings of U.S. Government securities. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.
Options. By purchasing a put option, the purchaser 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 purchaser pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific assets or securities, baskets of assets or securities, indexes of securities or commodities prices, and futures contracts (including commodity futures contracts). Options may be traded on an exchange or over-the-counter (OTC). The purchaser may terminate its position in a put option by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the purchaser will lose the entire premium. If the option is exercised, the purchaser completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price. Depending on the terms of the contract, upon exercise, an option may require physical delivery of the underlying instrument or may be settled through cash payments. A purchaser 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 the underlying instrument’s price falls 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, 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 (but not the obligation) 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 the underlying instrument’s price falls. At the same time, the buyer can expect to suffer a loss if the underlying instrument’s price does not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.
The writer of a put or call option takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option’s purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the writer assumes the obligation to pay or receive the strike price for the option’s underlying instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. The writer may seek to terminate a position in a put option 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, however, the writer must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes. When writing an option on a futures contract, a fund will be required to make margin payments to a futures commission merchant as described above for futures contracts.
If the underlying instrument’s price rises, a put writer would generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received. If the underlying instrument’s price remains 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 the underlying instrument’s price falls, 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 writer to sell or deliver the option’s underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, 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 should mitigate the effects of a price increase. At the same time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument or make a net cash settlement payment, as applicable, in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, a call writer gives up some ability to participate in price increases and, if a call writer does not hold the underlying instrument, a call writer’s loss is theoretically unlimited.
Where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price to close out the put or call option on the secondary market may move more or less than the price of the related security.
There is no assurance a liquid market will exist for any particular options 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 exchange-traded options 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 to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the 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 a fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value.
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size, and strike price, the terms of 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 purchaser or writer greater flexibility to tailor an option to its needs, OTC options generally are less liquid and involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options, which are backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded.
Combined positions involve purchasing and writing 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, purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument would 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, 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.
A fund may also buy and sell options on swaps (swaptions), which are generally options on interest rate swaps. An option on a swap gives a party the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to extend, shorten, cancel or modify an existing contract at a specific date in the future in exchange for a premium. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes (sells) an option on a swap than it will incur when it purchases an option on a swap. When a fund purchases an option on a swap, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a fund writes an option on a swap, upon exercise of the option the fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement. A fund that writes an option on a swap receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the preset rate on the underlying interest rate swap. Whether a fund’s use of options on swaps will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the adviser’s ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Options on swaps may involve risks similar to those discussed below in “Swap Agreements.”
Because there are a limited number of types of exchange-traded options contracts, it is likely that the standardized contracts available will not match a fund’s current or anticipated investments exactly. A fund may invest in options contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which the fund typically invests, which involves a risk that the options position will not track the performance of the fund’s other investments.
Options prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match a fund’s investments well. Options 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. A fund may purchase or sell options 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 a fund’s options 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.
Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse serving as a central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange one or more payments based, for example, on the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments (such as securities, commodities, indexes, or other financial or economic interests). The gross payments to be exchanged
between the parties are calculated with respect to a notional amount, which is the predetermined dollar principal of the trade representing the hypothetical underlying quantity upon which payment obligations are computed.
Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names, including interest rate swaps (where the parties exchange a floating rate for a fixed rate), asset swaps (e.g., where parties combine the purchase or sale of a bond with an interest rate swap), total return swaps, and credit default swaps. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a fund’s investments and its share price and, if applicable, its yield. Swap agreements are subject to liquidity risk, meaning that a fund may be unable to sell a swap contract to a third party at a favorable price. Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant’s swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition depending on the size of a fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member futures commission merchant may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. However, regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on certain uncleared swaps which could reduce the distinction.
A total return swap is a contract whereby one party agrees to make a series of payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the assets underlying such contract (which can include a security or other instrument, commodity, index or baskets thereof) during the specified period. In exchange, the other party to the contract agrees to make a series of payments calculated by reference to an interest rate and/or some other agreed-upon amount (including the change in market value of other underlying assets). A fund may use total return swaps to gain exposure to an asset without owning it or taking physical custody of it. For example, a fund investing in total return commodity swaps will receive the price appreciation of a commodity, commodity index or portion thereof in exchange for payment of an agreed-upon fee.
In a credit default swap, the credit default protection buyer makes periodic payments, known as premiums, to the credit default protection seller. In return the credit default protection seller will make a payment to the credit default protection buyer upon the occurrence of a specified credit event. A credit default swap can refer to a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets, each known as the reference entity or underlying asset. A fund may act as either the buyer or the seller of a credit default swap. A fund may buy or sell credit default protection on a basket of issuers or assets, even if a number of the underlying assets referenced in the basket are lower-quality debt securities. In an unhedged credit default swap, a fund buys credit default protection on a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets without owning the underlying asset or debt issued by the reference entity. Credit default swaps involve greater and different risks than investing directly in the referenced asset, because, in addition to market risk, credit default swaps include liquidity, counterparty and operational risk.
Credit default swaps allow a fund to acquire or reduce credit exposure to a particular issuer, asset or basket of assets. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a fund, the fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. If a fund is the credit default protection seller, the fund will experience a loss if a credit event occurs and the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has deteriorated. If a fund is the credit default protection buyer, the fund will be required to pay premiums to the credit default protection seller. In the case of a physically settled credit default swap in which a fund is the protection seller, the fund must be prepared to pay par for and take possession of debt of a defaulted issuer delivered to the fund by the credit default protection buyer. Any loss would be offset by the premium payments the fund receives as the seller of credit default protection.
If the creditworthiness of a fund’s swap counterparty declines, the risk that the counterparty may not perform could increase, potentially resulting in a loss to the fund. To limit the counterparty risk involved in swap agreements, a Fidelity® fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. This risk for cleared swaps is generally lower than for uncleared swaps since the counterparty is a clearinghouse, but there can be no assurance that a clearinghouse or its members will satisfy its obligations. Although there can be no assurance that a fund will be able to do so, a fund may be able to reduce or eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or another creditworthy party. A fund may have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a credit default swap if the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has declined.
A fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. A fund would generally be required to provide margin or
collateral for the benefit of that counterparty. If a counterparty to a swap transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited temporarily or permanently in exercising its right to the return of related fund assets designated as margin or collateral in an action against the counterparty.
Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a fund’s interest. A fund bears the risk that an adviser will not accurately forecast market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap positions for a fund. If an adviser attempts to use a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, a fund may be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment, which could cause substantial losses for a fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other fund investments. Swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
Illiquid Investments means any investment that cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Difficulty in selling or disposing of illiquid investments may result in a loss or may be costly to a fund. Illiquid securities may include (1) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days without demand/redemption features, (2) OTC options and certain other derivatives, (3) private placements, (4) securities traded on markets and exchanges with structural constraints, and (5) loan participations.
Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, a Fidelity® fund’s adviser classifies the liquidity of a fund’s investments and monitors the extent of a fund’s illiquid investments.
Various market, trading and investment-specific factors may be considered in determining the liquidity of a fund’s investments including, but not limited to (1) the existence of an active trading market, (2) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades, (3) the number, diversity, and quality of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (4) the frequency, volume, and volatility of trade and price quotations, (5) bid-ask spreads, (6) dates of issuance and maturity, (7) demand, put or tender features, and (8) restrictions on trading or transferring the investment.
Fidelity classifies certain investments as illiquid based upon these criteria. Fidelity also monitors for certain market, trading and investment-specific events that may cause Fidelity to re-evaluate an investment’s liquidity status and may lead to an investment being classified as illiquid. In addition, Fidelity uses a third-party to assist with the liquidity classifications of the fund’s investments, which includes calculating the time to sell and settle a specified size position in a particular investment without the sale significantly changing the market value of the investment.
Increasing Government Debt. The total public debt of the United States and other countries around the globe as a percent of gross domestic product has, at times, grown rapidly. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented.
A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher and cause a country to sell additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can decline the valuation of currencies, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns.
Rating services have, in the past, lowered their long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States. The market prices and yields of securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government may be adversely affected by rating services’ decisions to downgrade the long-term sovereign credit rating of the United States.
Indexed Securities are instruments whose prices are indexed to the prices of other securities, securities indexes, or other financial indicators. Indexed securities typically, but not always, are debt securities or deposits whose values at maturity or coupon rates are determined by reference to a specific instrument, statistic, or measure.
Indexed securities also include commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and other fixed-income securities whose values at maturity or coupon interest rates are determined by reference to the returns of particular stock indexes. Indexed securities can be affected by stock prices as well as changes in interest rates and the creditworthiness of their issuers and may not track the indexes as accurately as direct investments in the indexes.
Indexed securities may have principal payments as well as coupon payments that depend on the performance of one or more interest rates. Their coupon rates or principal payments may change by several percentage points for every 1% interest rate change.
The performance of indexed securities depends to a great extent on the performance of the instrument or measure to which they are indexed, and may also be influenced by interest rate changes in the United States and abroad. Indexed securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments or measures. Indexed securities are also 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.
Insolvency of Issuers, Counterparties, and Intermediaries. Issuers of fund portfolio securities or counterparties to fund transactions that become insolvent or declare bankruptcy can pose special investment risks. In each circumstance, risk of loss, valuation uncertainty, increased illiquidity, and other unpredictable occurrences may negatively impact an investment. Each of these risks may be amplified in foreign markets, where security trading, settlement, and custodial practices can be less developed than those in the U.S. markets, and bankruptcy laws differ from those of the U.S.
As a general matter, if the issuer of a fund portfolio security is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock have priority over the claims of common stock owners. These events can negatively impact the value of the issuer’s securities and the results of related proceedings can be unpredictable.
If a counterparty to a fund transaction, such as a swap transaction, a short sale, a borrowing, or other complex transaction becomes insolvent, the fund may be limited in its ability to exercise rights to obtain the return of related fund assets or in exercising other rights against the counterparty. Uncertainty may also arise upon the insolvency of a securities or commodities intermediary such as a broker-dealer or futures commission merchant with which a fund has pending transactions. In addition, insolvency and liquidation proceedings take time to resolve, which can limit or preclude a fund’s ability to terminate a transaction or obtain related assets or collateral in a timely fashion. If an intermediary becomes insolvent, while securities positions and other holdings may be protected by U.S. or foreign laws, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether these protections are available to specific trades based on the circumstances. Receiving the benefit of these protections can also take time to resolve, which may result in illiquid positions.
Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC, a Fidelity® fund may lend money to, and borrow money from, other funds advised by FMR or its affiliates. Municipal funds currently intend to participate in this program only as borrowers. A Fidelity® fund will borrow through the program only when the costs are equal to or lower than the costs of bank loans. Interfund borrowings normally extend overnight, but can have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day’s notice. A Fidelity® fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed.
Inverse Floaters have variable interest rates that typically move in the opposite direction from movements in prevailing short-term interest rate levels - rising when prevailing short-term interest rates fall, and falling when short-term interest rates rise. The prices of inverse floaters can be considerably more volatile than the prices of other investments with comparable maturities and/or credit quality.
Investment-Grade Debt Securities. Investment-grade debt securities include all types of debt instruments that are of medium and high-quality. Investment-grade debt securities include repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities as well as repurchase agreements collateralized by equity securities, non-investment-grade debt, and all other instruments in which a fund can perfect a security interest, provided the repurchase agreement counterparty has an investment-grade rating. Some investment-grade debt securities may possess speculative characteristics and may be more sensitive to economic changes and to changes in the financial conditions of issuers. An investment-grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment-grade by a credit rating agency registered as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) with the SEC (for example, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.), or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by a fund’s adviser. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of an investment-grade debt security, an adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
Lower-Quality Debt Securities. Lower-quality debt securities include all types of debt instruments 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.
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. Adverse publicity and changing investor perceptions may affect the liquidity of lower-quality debt securities and the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-quality debt securities.
A 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.
Low or Negative Yielding Securities. During periods of very low or negative interest rates, a fund may be unable to maintain positive returns. Interest rates in the U.S. and many parts of the world, including Japan and some European countries, are at or near historically low levels. Japan and those European countries have, from time to time, experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed income instruments. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk for the markets as a whole and for the funds. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from fund performance to the extent a fund is exposed to such interest rates.
Municipal Insurance. A municipal bond may be covered by insurance that guarantees the bond’s scheduled payment of interest and repayment of principal. This type of insurance may be obtained by either (i) the issuer at the time the bond is issued (primary market insurance), or (ii) another party after the bond has been issued (secondary market insurance).
Both primary and secondary market insurance guarantee timely and scheduled repayment of all principal and payment of all interest on a municipal bond in the event of default by the issuer, and cover a municipal bond to its maturity, typically enhancing its credit quality and value.
Municipal bond insurance does not insure against market fluctuations or fluctuations in a fund’s share price. In addition, a municipal bond insurance policy will not cover: (i) repayment of a municipal bond before maturity (redemption), (ii) prepayment or payment of an acceleration premium (except for a mandatory sinking fund redemption) or any other provision of a bond indenture that advances the maturity of the bond, or (iii) nonpayment of principal or interest caused by negligence or bankruptcy of the paying agent. A mandatory sinking fund redemption may be a provision of a municipal bond issue whereby part of the municipal bond issue may be retired before maturity.
Because a significant portion of the municipal securities issued and outstanding is insured by a small number of insurance companies, not all of which have the highest credit rating, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the securities insured by that insurance company and on the municipal markets as a whole. Ratings of insured bonds reflect the credit rating of the insurer, based on the rating agency’s assessment of the creditworthiness of the insurer and its ability to pay claims on its insurance policies at the time of the assessment. While the obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of an insured bond, there is no assurance that municipal bond insurers will meet their claims. A higher-than-anticipated default rate on municipal bonds or in connection with other insurance the insurer provides could strain the insurer’s loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders.
FMR may decide to retain an insured municipal bond that is in default, or, in FMR’s view, in significant risk of default. While a fund holds a defaulted, insured municipal bond, the fund collects interest payments from the insurer and retains the right to collect principal from the insurer when the municipal bond matures, or in connection with a mandatory sinking fund redemption.
Municipal Leases and participation interests therein may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sale contract and are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land or a wide variety of equipment and facilities. Generally, a fund will not hold these obligations directly as a lessor of the property, but will purchase a participation interest in a municipal obligation from a bank or other third party. A participation interest gives the purchaser a specified, undivided interest in the obligation in proportion to its purchased interest in the total amount of the issue.
Municipal leases frequently have risks distinct from those associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. State constitutions and statutes set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet to incur debt. These may include voter referenda, interest rate limits, or public sale requirements. Leases, installment purchases, or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting their constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Many leases and contracts include “non-appropriation clauses” providing that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purposes by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Non-appropriation clauses free the issuer from debt issuance limitations. If a municipality stops making payments or transfers its obligations to a private entity, the obligation could lose value or become taxable.
Municipal Market Disruption Risk. The value of municipal securities may be affected by uncertainties in the municipal market related to legislation or litigation involving the taxation of municipal securities or the rights of municipal securities holders in the event of a bankruptcy. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal securities are introduced before Congress from time to time. Proposals also may be introduced before state legislatures that would affect the state tax treatment of a municipal fund’s distributions. If such proposals were enacted, the availability of municipal securities and the value of a municipal fund’s holdings would be affected, and the Trustees would reevaluate the fund’s investment objectives and policies. Municipal bankruptcies are relatively rare, and certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear and remain untested. Further, the application of state law to municipal issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal securities issuers within a state. These legal uncertainties could affect the municipal securities market generally, certain specific segments of the market, or the relative credit quality of particular securities. Any of these effects could have a significant impact on the prices of some or all of the municipal securities held by a fund.
Municipal securities may be susceptible to downgrade, default, and bankruptcy, particularly during economic downturns. Factors affecting municipal securities include the budgetary constraints of local, state, and federal governments upon which the municipalities issuing municipal securities may be relying for funding, as well as lower tax collections, fluctuations in interest rates, and increasing construction costs. Municipal securities are also subject to the risk that the perceived likelihood of difficulties in the municipal securities markets could result in increased illiquidity, volatility, and credit risk. Certain municipal issuers may be unable to obtain additional financing through, or be required to pay higher interest rates on, new issues, which may reduce revenues available for these municipal issuers to pay existing obligations. In addition, certain municipal issuers may be unable to issue or market securities, resulting in fewer investment opportunities for funds investing in municipal securities.
Education. In general, there are two types of education-related bonds: those issued to finance projects for public and private colleges and universities, and those representing pooled interests in student loans. Bonds issued to supply educational institutions with funds are subject to the risk of unanticipated revenue decline, primarily the result of decreasing student enrollment or decreasing state and federal funding. Among the factors that may lead to declining or insufficient revenues are restrictions on students’ ability to pay tuition, availability of state and federal funding, and general economic conditions. Student loan revenue bonds are generally offered by state (or substate) authorities or commissions and are backed by pools of student loans. Underlying student loans may be guaranteed by state guarantee agencies and may be subject to reimbursement by the United States Department of Education through its guaranteed student loan program. Others may be private, uninsured loans made to parents or students which are supported by reserves or other forms of credit enhancement. Recoveries of principal due to loan defaults may be applied to redemption of bonds or may be used to re-lend, depending on program latitude and demand for loans. Cash flows supporting student loan revenue bonds are impacted by numerous factors, including the rate of student loan defaults, seasoning of the loan portfolio, and student repayment deferral periods of forbearance. Other risks associated with student loan revenue bonds include potential changes in federal legislation regarding student loan revenue bonds, state guarantee agency reimbursement and continued federal interest and other program subsidies currently in effect.
Electric Utilities. The electric utilities industry has been experiencing, and will continue to experience, increased competitive pressures. Federal legislation in the last two years will open transmission access to any electricity supplier, although it is not presently known to what extent competition will evolve. Other risks include: (a) the availability and cost of fuel, (b) the availability and cost of capital, (c) the effects of conservation on energy demand, (d) the effects of rapidly changing environmental, safety, and licensing requirements, and other federal, state, and local regulations, (e) timely and sufficient rate increases, and (f) opposition to nuclear power.
Health Care. The health care industry is subject to regulatory action by a number of private and governmental agencies, including federal, state, and local governmental agencies. A major source of revenues for the health care industry is payments from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. As a result, the industry is sensitive to legislative changes and reductions in governmental spending for such programs. Numerous other factors may affect the industry, such as general and local economic conditions; demand for services; expenses (including malpractice insurance premiums); and competition among health care providers. In the future, the following elements may adversely affect health care facility operations: adoption of legislation proposing a national health insurance program; other state or local health care reform measures; medical and technological advances which dramatically alter the need for health services or the way in which such services are delivered; changes in medical coverage which alter the traditional fee-for-service revenue stream; and efforts by employers, insurers, and governmental agencies to reduce the costs of health insurance and health care services.
Housing. Housing revenue bonds are generally issued by a state, county, city, local housing authority, or other public agency. They generally are secured by the revenues derived from mortgages purchased with the proceeds of the bond issue. It is extremely difficult to predict the supply of available mortgages to be purchased with the proceeds of an issue or the future cash flow from the underlying mortgages. Consequently, there are risks that proceeds will exceed supply, resulting in early retirement of bonds, or that homeowner repayments will create an irregular cash flow. Many factors may affect the financing of multi-family housing projects, including acceptable completion of construction, proper management, occupancy and rent levels, economic conditions, and changes to current laws and regulations.
Transportation. Transportation debt may be issued to finance the construction of airports, toll roads, highways, or other transit facilities. Airport bonds are dependent on the general stability of the airline industry and on the stability of a specific carrier who uses the airport as a hub. Air traffic generally follows broader economic trends and is also affected by the price and availability of fuel. Toll road bonds are also affected by the cost and availability of fuel as well as toll levels, the presence of competing roads and the general economic health of an area. Fuel costs and availability also affect other transportation-related securities, as do the presence of alternate forms of transportation, such as public transportation.
Water and Sewer. Water and sewer revenue bonds are often considered to have relatively secure credit as a result of their issuer’s importance, monopoly status, and generally unimpeded ability to raise rates. Despite this, lack of water supply due to insufficient rain, run-off, or snow pack is a concern that has led to past defaults. Further, public resistance to rate increases, costly environmental litigation, and Federal environmental mandates are challenges faced by issuers of water and sewer bonds.
Put Features entitle the holder to sell a security back to the issuer at any time or at specified intervals. In exchange for this benefit, a fund may accept a lower interest rate. Securities with put features are subject to the risk that the put provider is unable to honor the put feature (purchase the security). Demand features and standby commitments are types of put features.
Refunding Contracts. Securities may be purchased on a when-issued basis in connection with the refinancing of an issuer’s outstanding indebtedness. Refunding contracts require the issuer to sell and a purchaser to buy refunded municipal obligations at a stated price and yield on a settlement date that may be several months or several years in the future. A purchaser generally will not be obligated to pay the full purchase price if the issuer fails to perform under a refunding contract. Instead, refunding contracts generally provide for payment of liquidated damages to the issuer. A purchaser may secure its obligations under a refunding contract by depositing collateral or a letter of credit equal to the liquidated damages provisions of the refunding contract.
Repurchase Agreements involve an agreement to purchase a security and 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. As protection against the risk that the original seller will not fulfill its obligation, the securities are held in a separate account at a bank, marked-to-market daily, and maintained at a value at least equal to the sale price plus the accrued incremental amount. The value of the security purchased may be more or less than the price at which the counterparty has agreed to purchase the security. In addition, delays or losses could result if the other party to the agreement defaults or becomes insolvent. A fund may be limited in its ability to exercise its right to liquidate assets related to a repurchase agreement with an insolvent counterparty. A Fidelity® fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund’s adviser.
Restricted Securities (including Private Placements) are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a fund. Restricted securities, including private placements of private and public companies, generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act), or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the holder of a registered security 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 holder 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, a fund sells a security to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase that security at an agreed-upon price and time. A Fidelity® fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the fund’s adviser. Such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of a fund’s assets and, if applicable, a fund’s yield, and may be viewed as a form of leverage. Under SEC requirements, a fund needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with its reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions.
SEC Rule 18f-4. In October 2020, the SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies (the “rule”). Subject to certain exceptions, the rule requires the funds to trade derivatives and certain other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk (VaR) leverage limit and to certain derivatives risk management program, reporting and board oversight requirements. Generally, these requirements apply to any fund engaging in derivatives transactions unless a fund satisfies a “limited derivatives users” exception, which requires the fund to limit its gross notional derivatives exposure (with certain exceptions) to 10% of its net assets and to adopt derivatives risk management procedures. Under the rule, when a fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness (e.g., borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the final rule regarding the use of securities lending collateral that may limit securities lending activities. In addition, under the rule, a fund may invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security (as defined under Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act), provided that (i) the fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the “Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision”). A fund may otherwise engage in when-issued, forward-settling and non-standard settlement cycle securities transactions that do not meet the conditions of the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the fund treats any such transaction as a derivatives transaction for purposes of compliance with the rule. Furthermore, under the rule, a fund will be permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due. These requirements may limit the ability of the funds to use derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, and the other relevant transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements also may increase the cost of the fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
Securities of Other Investment Companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies (which include business development companies (BDCs)), unit investment trusts, and open-end investment companies such as mutual funds and ETFs, represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in any type of instrument. Investing in other investment companies (including investment companies managed by the Adviser and its affiliates) involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the underlying investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses, unless such fees have been waived by the Adviser. Fees and expenses incurred indirectly by a fund as a result of its investment in shares of one or more other investment companies generally are referred to as “acquired fund fees and expenses” and may appear as a separate line item in a fund’s prospectus fee table. For
certain investment companies, such as BDCs, these expenses may be significant. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their NAV. Others are continuously offered at NAV, but may also be traded in the secondary market. Similarly, ETFs trade on a securities exchange and may trade at a premium or a discount to their NAV.
The securities of closed-end funds may be leveraged. As a result, a fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of closed-end funds that use leverage may expose a fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the fund’s long-term returns on such securities will be diminished.
A fund’s ability to invest in securities of other investment companies may be limited by federal securities laws. To the extent a fund acquires securities issued by unaffiliated investment companies, the Adviser’s access to information regarding such underlying fund’s portfolio may be limited and subject to such fund’s policies regarding disclosure of fund holdings.
A fund that seeks to track the performance of a particular index could invest in investment companies that seek to track the performance of indexes other than the index that the fund seeks to track.
Sources of Liquidity or Credit Support. Issuers may employ various forms of credit and liquidity enhancements, including letters of credit, guarantees, swaps, puts, and demand features, and insurance provided by domestic or foreign entities such as banks and other financial institutions. An adviser and its affiliates may rely on their evaluation of the credit of the issuer or the credit of the liquidity or credit enhancement provider in determining whether to purchase or hold a security supported by such enhancement. In evaluating the credit of a foreign bank or other foreign entities, factors considered may include whether adequate public information about the entity is available and whether the entity may be subject to unfavorable political or economic developments, currency controls, or other government restrictions that might affect its ability to honor its commitment. Changes in the credit quality of the issuer and/or entity providing the enhancement could affect the value of the security or a fund’s share price.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). A fund may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of SPACs or similar special purpose entities that pool money to seek potential acquisition opportunities. SPACs are collective investment structures formed to raise money in an initial public offering for the purpose of merging with or acquiring one or more operating companies (the “de-SPAC Transaction”). Until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets in US government securities, money market securities and cash. In connection with a de-SPAC Transaction, the SPAC may complete a PIPE (private investment in public equity) offering with certain investors. A fund may enter into a contingent commitment with a SPAC to purchase PIPE shares if and when the SPAC completes its de-SPAC Transaction.
Because SPACs do not have an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. An investment in a SPAC is subject to a variety of risks, including that (i) an attractive acquisition or merger target may not be identified at all and the SPAC will be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders; (ii) an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; (iii) the values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time; (iv) no or only a thinly traded market for shares of or interests in a SPAC may develop, leaving a fund unable to sell its interest in a SPAC or to sell its interest only at a price below what the fund believes is the SPAC interest’s intrinsic value; (v) any proposed merger or acquisition may be unable to obtain the requisite approval, if any, of shareholders; (vi) an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC; (vii) the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by a fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; (viii) a fund may be delayed in receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is entitled; and (ix) a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC for the purpose of identifying and effecting an acquisition or merger may be expended during the search for a target transaction.
Purchased PIPE shares will be restricted from trading until the registration statement for the shares is declared effective. Upon registration, the shares can be freely sold, but only pursuant to an effective registration statement or
other exemption from registration. The securities issued by a SPAC, which are typically traded either in the over-the-counter market or on an exchange, may be considered illiquid, more difficult to value, and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
Standby Commitments are puts that entitle holders to same-day settlement at an exercise price equal to the amortized cost of the underlying security plus accrued interest, if any, at the time of exercise. A fund may acquire standby commitments to enhance the liquidity of portfolio securities.
Ordinarily a fund will not transfer a standby commitment to a third party, although it could sell the underlying municipal security to a third party at any time. A fund may purchase standby commitments separate from or in conjunction with the purchase of securities subject to such commitments. In the latter case, the fund would pay a higher price for the securities acquired, thus reducing their yield to maturity.
Issuers or financial intermediaries may obtain letters of credit or other guarantees to support their ability to buy securities on demand. An adviser may rely upon its evaluation of a bank’s credit in determining whether to purchase an instrument supported by a letter of credit. In evaluating a foreign bank’s credit, an adviser will consider whether adequate public information about the bank is available and whether the bank may be subject to unfavorable political or economic developments, currency controls, or other governmental restrictions that might affect the bank’s ability to honor its credit commitment.
Standby commitments are subject to certain risks, including the ability of issuers of standby commitments to pay for securities at the time the commitments are exercised; the fact that standby commitments are not generally marketable; and the possibility that the maturities of the underlying securities may be different from those of the commitments.
Structured Securities (also called “structured notes”) are derivative debt securities, the interest rate on or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. The value of the interest rate on and/or the principal of structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument (e.g., a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, commodity, or index) or the relative change in two or more reference instruments. A structured security may be positively, negatively, or both positively and negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured security may be calculated as a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s); therefore, the value of such structured security may be very volatile. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the reference instrument. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. In addition, because structured securities generally are traded over-the-counter, structured securities are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the structured security, and their values may decline substantially if the counterparty’s creditworthiness deteriorates.
Temporary Defensive Policies. Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF reserves the right to invest without limitation in short-term instruments, to hold a substantial amount of uninvested cash, or to invest more than normally permitted in federally taxable obligations for temporary, defensive purposes.
Tender Option Bonds are created by depositing intermediate- or long-term, fixed-rate or variable rate, municipal bonds into a trust and issuing two classes of trust interests (or “certificates”) with varying economic interests to investors. Holders of the first class of trust interests, or floating rate certificates, receive tax-exempt interest based on short-term rates and may tender the certificate to the trust at par. As consideration for providing the tender option, the trust sponsor (typically a bank, broker-dealer, or other financial institution) receives periodic fees. The trust pays the holders of the floating rate certificates from proceeds of a remarketing of the certificates or from a draw on a liquidity facility provided by the sponsor. A fund investing in a floating rate certificate effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax-exempt rate. The floating rate certificate is typically an eligible security for money market funds. Holders of the second class of interests, sometimes called the residual income certificates, are entitled to any tax-exempt interest received by the trust that is not payable to floating rate certificate holders, and bear the risk that the underlying municipal bonds decline in value. In selecting tender option bonds, FMR will consider the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying bond deposited in the trust, the experience of the custodian, and the quality of the sponsor providing the tender option. In certain instances, the tender option may be terminated if, for example, the issuer of the underlying bond defaults on interest payments.
Transfer Agent Bank Accounts. Proceeds from shareholder purchases of a Fidelity® fund may pass through a series of demand deposit bank accounts before being held at the fund’s custodian. Redemption proceeds may pass from the custodian to the shareholder through a similar series of bank accounts.
If a bank account is registered to the transfer agent or an affiliate, who acts as an agent for the fund when opening, closing, and conducting business in the bank account, the transfer agent or an affiliate may invest overnight balances in the account in repurchase agreements or money market funds. Any balances that are not invested in repurchase agreements or money market funds remain in the bank account overnight. Any risks associated with such an account are investment risks of the fund. The fund faces the risk of loss of these balances if the bank becomes insolvent.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate paid on the security. Variable rate securities provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate securities have interest rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated benchmark rate or the issuer’s credit quality, sometimes subject to a cap or floor on such rate. Some variable or floating rate securities are structured with put features that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries. For purposes of determining the maximum maturity of a variable or floating rate security, a fund’s adviser may take into account normal settlement periods.
In addition to other interbank offered rates (IBORs), the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), which is the rate of interest offered on short-term interbank deposits, as determined by trading between major international banks, has historically been the most common benchmark rate for floating rate securities. After the global financial crisis, regulators globally determined that existing interest rate benchmarks should be reformed based on concerns that LIBOR and other IBORs were susceptible to manipulation. Replacement rates that have been identified include the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR, which is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR and measures the cost of U.S. dollar overnight borrowings) and the Sterling Overnight Index Average rate (SONIA, which is intended to replace pound sterling LIBOR and measures the overnight interest rate paid by banks in the sterling market). Markets are slowly developing in response to these new rates. As a result of the benchmark reforms, publication of most LIBOR settings has ceased. In addition, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced that it will require the publication of synthetic LIBOR for the one-month, three-month and six-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings after June 30, 2023 through at least September 30, 2024. This rate has been designated by the FCA as unrepresentative of the underlying market that it seeks to measure. It is expected that all synthetic LIBOR settings will be discontinued at the end of September 2024. Although the transition process away from IBORs has become increasingly well-defined, any potential effects of a transition away from the IBORs on a fund and the financial instruments in which it invests can be difficult to ascertain, and may depend on factors that include, but are not limited to: (i) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts; (ii) the effect of new legislation relating to the discontinuation of LIBOR and the use of replacement rates, and (iii) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new products and instruments. Moreover, certain aspects of the transition from IBORs will rely on the actions of third-party market participants, such as clearing houses, trustees, administrative agents, asset servicers and certain service providers; the Adviser cannot guarantee the performance of such market participants and any failure on the part of such market participants to manage their part of the IBOR transition could impact a fund. Such transition may result in a reduction in the value of IBOR-based instruments held by a fund, a reduction in the effectiveness of certain hedging transactions and increased illiquidity and volatility in markets that currently rely on an IBOR to determine interest rates, any of which could adversely impact the fund’s performance.
In many instances bonds and participation interests have tender options or demand features that permit the holder to tender (or put) the bonds to an institution at periodic intervals and to receive the principal amount thereof. Variable rate instruments structured in this fashion are considered to be essentially equivalent to other variable rate securities. The IRS has not ruled whether the interest on these instruments is tax-exempt. Fixed-rate bonds that are subject to third-party puts and participation interests in such bonds held by a bank in trust or otherwise may have similar features.
When-Issued and Forward Purchase or Sale Transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific securities at a predetermined price or yield in which payment and delivery take place after the customary settlement period for that type of security. Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered.
When purchasing securities pursuant to one of these transactions, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the security will not be issued as
anticipated. Because payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with a fund’s investments. If a fund remains substantially fully invested at a time when a purchase is outstanding, the purchases may result in a form of leverage. When a fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, a fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
A fund may renegotiate a when-issued or forward transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the fund.
Zero Coupon Bonds do not make interest payments; instead, they are sold at a discount from their face value and are redeemed at face value when they mature. Because zero coupon bonds do not pay current income, their prices can be more volatile than other types of fixed-income securities when interest rates change. In calculating a fund’s dividend, a portion of the difference between a zero coupon bond’s purchase price and its face value is considered income.
In addition to the investment policies and limitations discussed above, a fund is subject to the additional operational risk discussed below.
Considerations Regarding Cybersecurity. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, a fund’s service providers are susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events and may arise from external or internal sources. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information; corrupting data, equipment or systems; or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber incidents affecting a fund’s manager, any sub-adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with a fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of fund shareholders to transact business, destruction to equipment and systems, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents affecting issuers of securities in which a fund invests, counterparties with which a fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for fund shareholders) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future.
While a fund’s service providers have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, a fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect a fund or its shareholders. A fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND RISKS
Continuous Offering. The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), the fund’s distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples
mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters,” but are effecting transactions in shares of the fund, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act . As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the 1933 Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares of the fund are reminded that, under Rule 153 under the 1933 Act, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on an exchange is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available from the exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
Listing and Trading. Shares of the fund have been approved for listing and trading on an exchange. The fund’s shares trade on an exchange at prices that may differ to some degree from their NAV.
The listing exchange may remove the fund’s shares from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of the fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the fund’s shares; (ii) the listing exchange becomes aware that the fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act; (iii) the fund no longer complies with certain listing exchange rules; or (iv) such other event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of the listing exchange, makes further dealings on the exchange inadvisable.
The listing exchange will remove the fund’s shares from listing and trading upon termination of the trust.
There can be no assurance that the requirements of the listing exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the fund’s shares will continue to be met.
As in the case of other publicly-traded securities, brokers’ commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that such a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of the fund’s shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the fund’s portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (FMR or the Adviser) pursuant to authority contained in the management contract.
To the extent that the Adviser grants investment management authority to a sub-adviser (see the section entitled “Management Contract”), that sub-adviser is authorized to provide the services described in the respective sub-advisory agreement, and in accordance with the policies described in this section. Furthermore, the sub-adviser’s trading and associated policies, which may differ from the Adviser’s policies, may apply to that fund, subject to applicable law.
The Adviser or a sub-adviser may be responsible for the placement of portfolio securities transactions for other investment companies and investment accounts for which it has or its affiliates have investment discretion.
The fund will not incur any commissions or sales charges when it invests in shares of certain pooled investment vehicles (including any underlying Central funds), but it may incur such costs when it invests directly in other types of securities.
Purchases and sales of equity securities on a securities exchange or OTC are effected through brokers who receive compensation for their services. Generally, compensation relating to securities traded on foreign exchanges will be higher than compensation relating to securities traded on U.S. exchanges and may not be subject to negotiation. Compensation may also be paid in connection with principal transactions (in both OTC securities and securities listed on an exchange) and agency OTC transactions executed with an electronic communications network
(ECN) or an alternative trading system. Equity securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.
Purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally made with an issuer or a primary market-maker acting as principal. Although there is no stated brokerage commission paid by the fund for any fixed-income security, the price paid by the fund to an underwriter includes the disclosed underwriting fee and prices in secondary trades usually include an undisclosed dealer commission or markup reflecting the spread between the bid and ask prices of the fixed-income security. New issues of equity and fixed-income securities may also be purchased in underwritten fixed price offerings.
The Trustees of the fund periodically review the Adviser’s performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio securities transactions on behalf of the fund. The Trustees also review the compensation paid by the fund over representative periods of time to determine if it was reasonable in relation to the benefits to the fund.
The Selection of Securities Brokers and Dealers
The Adviser or its affiliates generally have authority to select brokers (whether acting as a broker or a dealer) to place or execute the fund’s portfolio securities transactions. In selecting brokers, including affiliates of the Adviser, to execute the fund’s portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates consider the factors they deem relevant in the context of a particular trade and in regard to the Adviser’s or its affiliates’ overall responsibilities with respect to the fund and other investment accounts, including any instructions from the fund’s portfolio manager, which may emphasize, for example, speed of execution over other factors. Based on the factors considered, the Adviser or its affiliates may choose to execute an order using ECNs, including broker-sponsored algorithms, internal crossing, or by verbally working an order with one or more brokers. Other possibly relevant factors include, but are not limited to, the following: price; costs; the size, nature and type of the order; the speed of execution; financial condition and reputation of the broker; broker specific considerations (e.g., not all brokers are able to execute all types of trades); broker willingness to commit capital; the nature and characteristics of the markets in which the security is traded; the trader’s assessment of whether and how closely the broker likely will follow the trader’s instructions to the broker; confidentiality and the potential for information leakage; the nature or existence of post-trade clearing, settlement, custody and currency convertibility mechanisms; and the provision of additional brokerage and research products and services, if applicable and where allowed by law.
In seeking best execution for portfolio securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates may from time to time select a broker that uses a trading method, including algorithmic trading, for which the broker charges a higher commission than its lowest available commission rate. The Adviser or its affiliates also may select a broker that charges more than the lowest commission rate available from another broker. Occasionally the Adviser or its affiliates execute an entire securities transaction with a broker and allocate all or a portion of the transaction and/or related commissions to a second broker where a client does not permit trading with an affiliate of the Adviser or in other limited situations. In those situations, the commission rate paid to the second broker may be higher than the commission rate paid to the executing broker. For futures transactions, the selection of a futures commission merchant is generally based on the overall quality of execution and other services provided by the futures commission merchant. The Adviser or its affiliates execute futures transactions verbally and electronically.
The Acquisition of Brokerage and Research Products and Services
Brokers (who are not affiliates of the Adviser) that execute transactions for a fund managed outside of the European Union or the United Kingdom may receive higher compensation from the fund than other brokers might have charged the fund, in recognition of the value of the brokerage or research products and services they provide to the Adviser or its affiliates.
Research Products and Services. These products and services may include, when permissible under applicable law, but are not limited to: economic, industry, company, municipal, sovereign (U.S. and non-U.S.), legal, or political research reports; market color; company meeting facilitation; compilation of securities prices, earnings, dividends and similar data; quotation services, data, information and other services; analytical computer software and services; and investment recommendations. In addition to receiving brokerage and research products and services via written reports and computer-delivered services, such reports may also be provided by telephone and in video and in-person meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, economists, academicians and government representatives and others with relevant professional expertise. The Adviser or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service. Some of these
brokerage and research products and services supplement the Adviser’s or its affiliates’ own research activities in providing investment advice to the fund.
Execution Services. In addition, when permissible under applicable law, brokerage and research products and services include those that assist in the execution, clearing, and settlement of securities transactions, as well as other incidental functions (including, but not limited to, communication services related to trade execution, order routing and algorithmic trading, post-trade matching, exchange of messages among brokers or dealers, custodians and institutions, and the use of electronic confirmation and affirmation of institutional trades).
Mixed-Use Products and Services. Although the Adviser or its affiliates do not use fund commissions to pay for products or services that do not qualify as brokerage and research products and services or eligible external research under MiFID II and FCA regulations (as defined below), where allowed by applicable law, they, at times, will use commission dollars to obtain certain products or services that are not used exclusively in the Adviser’s or its affiliates’ investment decision-making process (mixed-use products or services). In those circumstances, the Adviser or its affiliates will make a good faith judgment to evaluate the various benefits and uses to which they intend to put the mixed-use product or service, and will pay for that portion of the mixed-use product or service that does not qualify as brokerage and research products and services or eligible external research with their own resources (referred to as “hard dollars”).
Benefit to the Adviser. The Adviser’s or its affiliates’ expenses likely would be increased if they attempted to generate these additional brokerage and research products and services through their own efforts, or if they paid for these brokerage and research products or services with their own resources. Therefore, an economic incentive exists for the Adviser and/or its affiliates to select or recommend a broker-dealer based on its interest in receiving the brokerage and research products and services, rather than on the Adviser’s or its affiliates’ funds interest in receiving most favorable execution. The Adviser and its affiliates manage the receipt of brokerage and research products and services and the potential for conflicts through its Commission Uses Program. The Commission Uses Program effectively “unbundles” commissions paid to brokers who provide brokerage and research products and services, i.e., commissions consist of an execution commission, which covers the execution of the trade (including clearance and settlement), and a research charge, which is used to cover brokerage and research products and services. Those brokers have client commission arrangements (each a CCA) in place with the Adviser and its affiliates (each of those brokers referred to as CCA brokers). In selecting brokers for executing transactions on behalf of the fund, the trading desks through which the Adviser or its affiliates may execute trades are instructed to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund based on the quality of execution without any consideration of brokerage and research products and services the CCA broker provides. Commissions paid to a CCA broker include both an execution commission and a research charge, and while the CCA broker receives the entire commission, it retains the execution commission and either credits or transmits the research portion (also known as “soft dollars”) to a CCA pool maintained by each CCA broker. Soft dollar credits (credits) accumulated in CCA pools are used to pay research expenses. In some cases, the Adviser or its affiliates may request that a broker that is not a party to any particular transaction provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, which would be paid with credits from the CCA pool. The administration of brokerage and research products and services is managed separately from the trading desks, and traders have no responsibility for administering the research program, including the payment for research. The Adviser and/or its affiliates, at times, use a third-party aggregator to facilitate payments to research providers. Where an aggregator is involved, the aggregator would maintain credits in an account that is segregated from the aggregator’s proprietary assets and the assets of its other clients and uses those credits to pay research providers as instructed by the Adviser or its affiliates. Furthermore, where permissible under applicable law, certain of the brokerage and research products and services that the Adviser or its affiliates receive are furnished by brokers on their own initiative, either in connection with a particular transaction or as part of their overall services. Some of these brokerage and research products or services may be provided at no additional cost to the Adviser or its affiliates or have no explicit cost associated with them. In addition, the Adviser or its affiliates may request that a broker provide a specific proprietary or third-party product or service, certain of which third-party products or services may be provided by a broker that is not a party to a particular transaction and is not connected with the transacting broker’s overall services.
The Adviser’s Decision-Making Process. In connection with the allocation of fund brokerage, the Adviser and/or its affiliates make a good faith determination that the compensation paid to brokers and dealers is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research products and services provided to the Adviser and/or its affiliates, viewed in terms of the particular transaction for the fund or the Adviser’s or its affiliates’ overall responsibilities to that fund or other investment companies and investment accounts for which the Adviser or its
affiliates have investment discretion; however, each brokerage and research product or service received in connection with the fund’s brokerage does not benefit all funds and certain funds will receive the benefit of the brokerage and research product or services obtained with other funds’ commissions. As required under applicable laws or fund policy, commissions generated by certain funds may only be used to obtain certain brokerage and research products and services. As a result, certain funds will pay more proportionately for certain types of brokerage and research products and services than others, while the overall amount of brokerage and research products and services paid by each fund continues to be allocated equitably. While the Adviser and its affiliates take into account the brokerage and/or research products and services provided by a broker or dealer in determining whether compensation paid is reasonable, neither the Adviser, its affiliates, nor the fund incur an obligation to any broker, dealer, or third party to pay for any brokerage and research product or service (or portion thereof) by generating a specific amount of compensation or otherwise. Typically, for funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates outside of the European Union or the United Kingdom, these brokerage and research products and services assist the Adviser or its affiliates in terms of their overall investment responsibilities to the fund or any other investment companies and investment accounts for which the Adviser or its affiliates may have investment discretion. Certain funds or investment accounts may use brokerage commissions to acquire brokerage and research products and services that also benefit other funds or accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates, and not every fund or investment account uses the brokerage and research products and services that may have been acquired through that fund’s commissions.
Research Contracts. The Adviser and/or its affiliates have arrangements with certain third-party research providers and brokers through whom the Adviser and/or its affiliates effect fund trades, whereby the Adviser and/or its affiliates may pay with fund commissions or hard dollars for all or a portion of the cost of research products and services purchased from such research providers or brokers. If hard dollar payments are used, the Adviser and/or its affiliates, at times, will cause the fund to pay more for execution than the lowest commission rate available from the broker providing research products and services to the Adviser and/or its affiliates, or that may be available from another broker. The Adviser’s and/or its affiliates’ determination to pay for research products and services separately is wholly voluntary on the Adviser’s or its affiliates’ part and may be extended to additional brokers or discontinued with any broker participating in this arrangement.
Funds Managed within the European Union or the United Kingdom. The Adviser and its affiliates have established policies and procedures relating to brokerage commission uses in compliance with the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive in the European Union, commonly referred to as “MiFID II”, as implemented in the United Kingdom through the Conduct of Business Sourcebook Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA), where applicable.
Funds, or portions thereof, that are managed within the United Kingdom by FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited (FMR UK) use research payment accounts (RPAs) to cover costs associated with equity and high income external research that is consumed by those funds or investment accounts in accordance with MiFID II and FCA regulations. With RPAs, funds pay for external research through a separate research charge that is generally assessed and collected alongside the execution commission. For funds that use an RPA, FMR UK establishes a research budget. The budget is set by first grouping funds or investment accounts by strategy (e.g., asset allocation, blend, growth, etc.), and then determining what external research is consumed to support the strategies and portfolio management services provided within the European Union or the United Kingdom. In this regard, research budgets are set by research needs and are not otherwise linked to the volume or value of transactions executed on behalf of the fund or investment account. For funds where portions are managed both within and outside of the United Kingdom, external research may be paid using both a CCA and an RPA. Determinations of what is eligible research and how costs are allocated are made in accordance with the Adviser’s and its affiliates’ policies and procedures. Costs for research consumed by funds that use an RPA will be allocated among the funds or investment accounts within defined strategies pro rata based on the assets under management for each fund or investment account. While the research charge paid on behalf of any one fund that uses an RPA varies over time, the overall research charge determined at the fund level on an annual basis will not be exceeded.
FMR UK is responsible for managing the RPA and may delegate its administration to a third-party administrator for the facilitation of the purchase of external research and payments to research providers. RPA assets will be maintained in accounts at a third-party depository institution, held in the name of FMR UK. FMR UK provides on request, a summary of: (i) the providers paid from the RPA; (ii) the total amount they were paid over a defined period; (iii) the benefits and services received by FMR UK; and (iv) how the total amount spent from the
RPA compares to the research budget set for that period, noting any rebate or carryover if residual funds remain in the RPA.
Impacted funds, like those funds that participate in CCA pools, at times, will make payments to a broker that include both an execution commission and a research charge, but unlike CCAs (for which research charges may be retained by the CCA broker and credited to the CCA, as described above), the broker will receive separate payments for the execution commission and the research charge and will promptly remit the research charge to the RPA. Assets in the RPA are used to satisfy external research costs consumed by the funds.
If the costs of paying for external research exceed the amount initially agreed in relation to funds in a given strategy, the Adviser or its affiliates may continue to charge those funds or investment accounts beyond the initially agreed amount in accordance with MiFID II, continue to acquire external research for the funds or investment accounts using its own resources, or cease to purchase external research for those funds or investment accounts until the next annual research budget. If assets for specific funds remain in the RPA at the end of a period, they may be rolled over to the next period to offset next year’s research charges for those funds or rebated to those funds.
Funds managed by FMR UK that trade only fixed income securities will not participate in RPAs because fixed income securities trade based on spreads rather than commissions, and thus unbundling the execution commission and research charge is impractical. Therefore, FMR UK and its affiliates have established policies and procedures to ensure that external research that is paid for through RPAs is not made available to FMR UK portfolio managers that manage fixed income funds or investment accounts in any manner inconsistent with MiFID II and FCA regulations.
Commission Recapture
From time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates engages in brokerage transactions with brokers (who are not affiliates of the Adviser) who have entered into arrangements with the Adviser or its affiliates under which the broker will, at times, rebate a portion of the compensation paid by a fund (commission recapture). Not all brokers with whom the fund trades have been asked to participate in brokerage commission recapture.
Affiliated Transactions
The Adviser or its affiliates place trades with certain brokers, including National Financial Services LLC (NFS), through its Fidelity Capital Markets (FCM) division, and Kezar Trading LLC (formerly Luminex Trading & Analytics LLC) (Kezar Trading), with whom they are under common control or otherwise affiliated, provided the Adviser or its affiliates determine that these affiliates’ trade-execution abilities and costs are comparable to those of non-affiliated, qualified brokerage firms, and that such transactions be executed in accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the fund and subject to other applicable law. In addition, from time to time, the Adviser or its affiliates place trades with brokers that use NFS or Fidelity Clearing Canada ULC (FCC) as a clearing agent and/or use Level ATS, an alternative trading system that is deemed to be affiliated with the Adviser, for execution services.
In certain circumstances, trades are executed through alternative trading systems or national securities exchanges in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest. Any decision to execute a trade through an alternative trading system or exchange in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest would be made in accordance with applicable law, including best execution obligations. For trades placed on such a system or exchange, not limited to ones in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an ownership interest, the Adviser or its affiliates derive benefit in the form of increased valuation(s) of its equity interest, where it has an ownership interest, or other remuneration, including rebates.
The Trustees of the fund have approved procedures whereby a fund is permitted to purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of the adviser or certain other affiliates participate. In addition, for underwritings where such an affiliate participates as a principal underwriter, certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount of securities that the fund could purchase in the underwritings.
Non-U.S. Securities Transactions
To facilitate trade settlement and related activities in non-U.S. securities transactions, the Adviser or its affiliates effect spot foreign currency transactions with foreign currency dealers. In certain circumstances, due to local law and regulation, logistical or operational challenges, or the process for settling securities transactions in certain markets (e.g., short settlement periods), spot currency transactions are effected on behalf of funds by parties other than the Adviser or its affiliates, including funds’ custodian banks (working through sub-custodians or agents in the relevant non-U.S. jurisdiction) or broker-dealers that executed the related securities transaction.
Trade Allocation
Although the Trustees and officers of the fund are substantially the same as those of certain other Fidelity® funds, investment decisions for the fund are made independently from those of other Fidelity® funds or investment accounts (including proprietary accounts). The same security is often held in the portfolio of more than one of these funds or investment accounts. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds and investment accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, or an affiliate thereof, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objective of more than one fund or investment account.
When two or more funds or investment accounts are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security or instrument, the prices and amounts are allocated in accordance with procedures believed by the Adviser to be appropriate and equitable to each fund or investment account. In some cases this could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security or instrument 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.
Commissions Paid
A fund may pay compensation including both commissions and spreads in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a fund may change from year to year because of, among other things, changing asset levels, shareholder activity, and/or portfolio turnover.
The following table shows the Predecessor Fund’s portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal period(s) ended January 31, 2024. Variations in turnover rate may be due to a fluctuating volume of shareholder purchase and redemption orders, market conditions, and/or changes in the Adviser’s investment outlook.
Turnover Rates | 2024 |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | 25%(A) |
(A) The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on February 16, 2023.
For the fiscal year(s) ended January 31, 2024, the Predecessor Fund paid no brokerage commissions.
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, the Predecessor Fund paid no brokerage commissions to firms for providing research or brokerage services.
During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023, the Predecessor Fund did not allocate brokerage commissions to firms for providing research or brokerage services.
VALUATION
The NAV is the value of a single share. NAV is computed by adding the value of a fund’s investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
The value of fund shares bought and sold in the secondary market is driven by market price. The price of these shares, like the price of all traded securities, is subject to factors such as supply and demand, as well as the current value of the portfolio securities held by a fund. Secondary market shares, available for purchase or sale on an intraday basis, do not have a fixed relationship either to the previous day’s NAV nor the current day’s NAV. Prices in the secondary market, therefore, may be below, at, or above the most recently calculated NAV of such shares.
The Board of Trustees has designated the fund’s investment adviser as the valuation designee responsible for the fair valuation function and performing fair value determinations as needed. The adviser has established a Fair Value Committee (the Committee) to carry out the day-to-day fair valuation responsibilities and has adopted policies and procedures to govern the fair valuation process and the activities of the Committee.
Shares of open-end investment companies (including any underlying Central funds) held by a fund are valued at their respective NAVs.
Generally, other portfolio securities and assets held by a fund, as well as portfolio securities and assets held by an underlying Central fund, are valued as follows:
If quotations are not available, debt securities are usually 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.
Futures contracts are valued at the settlement or closing price. Options are valued at their market quotations, if available. Swaps are valued daily using quotations received from independent pricing services or recognized dealers.
Prices described above are obtained from pricing services that have been approved by the Committee. A number of pricing services are available and a fund may use more than one of these services. A fund may also discontinue the use of any pricing service at any time. A fund’s adviser through the Committee engages in oversight activities with respect to the fund’s pricing services, which includes, among other things, testing the prices provided by pricing services prior to calculation of a fund’s NAV, conducting periodic due diligence meetings, and periodically reviewing the methodologies and inputs used by these services.
Other portfolio securities and assets for which market quotations, official closing prices, or information furnished by a pricing service are not readily available or, in the opinion of the Committee, are deemed unreliable will be fair valued in good faith by the Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. For example, if, in the opinion of the Committee, a security’s value has been materially affected by events occurring before a fund’s pricing time but after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, that security will be fair valued in good faith by the Committee in accordance with applicable fair value pricing policies. In fair valuing a security, the Committee may consider factors including, but not limited to, price movements in futures contracts and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), market and trading trends, the bid/ask quotes of brokers, and off-exchange institutional trading. The frequency that portfolio securities or assets are fair valued cannot be predicted and may be significant.
In determining the fair value of a private placement security for which market quotations are not available, the Committee generally applies one or more valuation methods including the market approach, income approach and cost approach. The market approach considers factors including the price of recent investments in the same or a similar security or financial metrics of comparable securities. The income approach considers factors including expected future cash flows, security specific risks and corresponding discount rates. The cost approach considers factors including the value of the security’s underlying assets and liabilities.
The fund’s adviser reports to the Board information regarding the fair valuation process and related material matters.
BUYING AND SELLING INFORMATION
Book-Entry Only System. The Depository Trust Company (DTC) acts as securities depository for the shares. Shares of the fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Certificates will not be issued for shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among DTC participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly.
Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC participants and persons holding interests through DTC participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of beneficial interests are referred to herein as Beneficial Owners) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC participants) and on the records of DTC participants (with respect to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through a DTC participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the trust a listing of the shares of the fund held by each DTC participant. The trust shall inquire of each such DTC participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding fund shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC participant. The trust shall provide each such DTC participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC
participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the trust shall pay to each such DTC participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of the fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC participants to indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC participants.
The trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC participants or the relationship between such DTC participants and the indirect DTC participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC participants.
DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of shares, unless the trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the listing exchange.
Creation Units. The trust issues and redeems shares of the fund only in Creation Unit aggregations on a continuous basis through FDC, without a sales load, at its NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined herein), of an order in proper form. An Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
A “Business Day” with respect to the fund is any day on which the listing exchange or the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of the prospectus, the listing exchange and the NYSE observe the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (U.S.), President’s Day (Washington’s Birthday) (U.S.), Good Friday, Memorial Day (U.S.), Juneteenth (U.S.), Independence Day (U.S.), Labor Day (U.S.), Thanksgiving Day (U.S.), and Christmas Day.
To be eligible to place orders to purchase a Creation Unit of the fund, an entity must be an “Authorized Participant” which is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC, which has a written agreement with a fund or one of its service providers that allows the Authorized Participant to place orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units (“Participant Agreement”). All shares of the fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC participant.
The fund reserves the right to adjust the prices of fund shares and the number of shares in a Creation Unit in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the fund.
Portfolio Deposit. The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (Deposit Securities) designated by the fund together with a deposit of a specified cash payment (Cash Component) computed as described herein. Alternatively, the fund may issue and redeem Creation Units in exchange for a specified all-cash payment (Cash Deposit). Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component or, alternatively, the Cash Deposit, constitute the “Portfolio Deposit,” which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit. In the event the fund requires Deposit Securities and a Cash Component in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the function of the Cash Component is to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount (as defined below). The Cash Component would be an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the “Deposit Amount,” which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number (the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number (the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component.
Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant.
The fund may determine, upon receiving a purchase order from an Authorized Participant, to accept a basket of securities or cash that differs from Deposit Securities or to permit the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a “cash in lieu” amount) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. In cases where the fund purchases portfolio securities with cash, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities were purchased by the fund and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at FMR’s discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees and taxes. Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the fund’s acquisition of Deposit Securities will be at the expense of the fund and will affect the value of all shares of the fund; but FMR may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the Deposit Securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to FMR on the date of the announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Portfolio Deposit, in the composition of the fund’s holdings or resulting from certain corporate actions.
Procedures for Creation Unit Purchases. All purchase orders must be placed for one or more Creation Units. All orders to purchase Creation Units must be received by FDC or its agent no later than the closing time of regular trading hours on the listing exchange or the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) (the Closing Time) or at an earlier time set forth in the Participant Agreement or otherwise provided to all Authorized Participants on the date such order is placed in order for the creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units as discussed below) is placed is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to FDC pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement. Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communications failure may impede the ability to reach FDC or an Authorized Participant.
All orders to purchase Creation Units shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized Participant may request the investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, including payments of cash to pay the Cash Component, when required. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Creation Units have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement.
Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to FDC or its agent prior to the applicable deadlines on the Transmittal Date. Authorized participants may ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effecting such transfer of Deposit Securities and Cash Component.
Portfolio Deposits must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and government securities) and through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) by an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the fund by no later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern time of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. In certain cases Authorized Participants will purchase and redeem Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the fund, whose determination shall be final and binding. For purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the amount of cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the fund’s custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the fund’s custodian no later than 10:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next Business Day immediately following such Transmittal Date. An order to purchase Creation Units is deemed received by FDC on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by FDC or its agent not later
than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the fund’s custodian does not receive the required Deposit Securities together with the associated Cash Component by 1:00 p.m. or, with respect to purchase orders composed solely of a Cash Component, the Cash Component by 10:00 a.m. on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order will be deemed not in proper form and canceled. Upon written notice to FDC, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Portfolio Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the next calculated NAV of the fund.
FDC or its agent will inform the transfer agent, FMR and the fund’s custodian upon receipt of a purchase order. The custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate subcustodian. The custodian will cause the subcustodian to maintain an account into which the Deposit Securities (or the cash value of all or part of such securities, in the case of a cash purchase or “cash in lieu” amount) will be delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local custodian. The trust must also receive, on or before the contractual settlement date, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after receipt in proper form of the purchase order, together with the purchase transaction fee described below.
Once the trust has accepted a purchase order, the trust will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit of the fund against receipt of payment, at such NAV as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of such order. FDC or its agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance of such order.
Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian, FDC and FMR will be notified of such delivery and the trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
Creation Units may be created in advance of receipt by the fund of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component (including any Transaction Fees), plus (ii) at least 105% and up to 115% of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (Additional Cash Deposit). The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on such date and federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the fund’s custodian by 10:00 a.m. Eastern time the following Business Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by 3:00 p.m. or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 10:00 a.m. the next Business Day, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the fund, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the fund in an amount at least equal to 105% and up to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In the sole discretion of the fund following the Business Day on which the order was received the fund may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the fund for the costs incurred by the fund in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by FDC plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the fund for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing any missing Deposit Securities and the value of the collateral. The fund will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by FDC or purchased by the fund and deposited into the fund.
Acceptance of Purchase Orders. The fund reserves the right to reject a purchase order transmitted to it by FDC in certain circumstances, including but not limited to (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the fund; (iii) acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of the fund, be unlawful; or (iv) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the fund, make it impossible to process creation orders for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include, without limitation, acts of God; public service or utility problems such as earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weather conditions, and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy, and computer failures; wars; civil or military disturbances, including acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; labor disputes; market conditions or activities causing
trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the fund, FMR, FDC, DTC, the transfer agent, or any other participant in the purchase process, and similar extraordinary events. The fund and FDC have the right to require information to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of (ii) above should it so choose or to rely on a certification from a broker-dealer who is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. as to the cost basis of Deposit Securities. FDC or the fund shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on the purchaser’s behalf, of its rejection of the purchaser’s order. The fund, the transfer agent, and FDC are under no duty, however, to verify or give notification of any defects or irregularities in any written order or in the delivery of a Portfolio Deposit, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Redemption of Creation Units. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the fund through the transfer agent and only on a Business Day through an Authorized Participant that has entered into a Participant Agreement. The fund generally will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Unit-size aggregations. Beneficial Owners must accumulate enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such shares redeemed by the fund. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
The redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit may consist of a portfolio of securities (Fund Securities) - as announced by FMR, or its agent, on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form - plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of the request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (Cash Redemption Amount), less a redemption transaction fee and any variable fee as listed below. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the fund equal to the differential plus the applicable redemption transaction fee is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fund will substitute a cash-in-lieu amount to replace any Fund Security that is a non-deliverable instrument. The amount of the cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the instrument listed as a Fund Security.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the fund (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares or determination of the fund’s NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.
Orders to redeem Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant. An order to redeem Creation Units is deemed received by the fund on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received in proper form by the transfer agent not later than the Closing Time (or one hour prior to the Closing Time (ordinarily 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) for nonconforming orders) on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the fund’s custodian no later than 1:00 p.m., for the shares, and 3:00 p.m., for the Cash Redemption Amount, Eastern time on the next Business Day following such Transmittal Date (the DTC Cut-Off-Time); and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount will generally be transferred within prescribed settlement periods but may take up to fifteen days for funds that invest in foreign securities. In certain cases, Authorized Participants will redeem and purchase Creation Units of the fund on the same Transmittal Date. In these instances, the fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
If the fund determines, based on information available to the fund when a redemption request is submitted by an Authorized Participant, that: (i) the short interest of the fund in the marketplace is greater than or equal to 100%; and (ii) the orders in the aggregate from all Authorized Participants redeeming shares on a Business Day represent 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the fund, such Authorized Participant will be required to verify to the fund the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption. If, after receiving notice of the verification requirement, the Authorized Participant does not verify the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption in accordance with this requirement, its redemption request will be considered not to have been received in proper form.
To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant’s agreement, in the event the Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Units to be redeemed to FDC, on behalf of the fund, at or prior to the closing time of regular trading on the listing exchange (or the NYSE if the listing exchange is not open that day) on the date such redemption request is submitted, FDC will nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing fund shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value (marked to market daily) at least equal to 105% and up to 115% of the value of the missing fund shares. The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds and shall be held by the fund and marked to market daily, and that the fees of the fund and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance, and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Participant Agreement will permit the fund to purchase the missing fund shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and specified cash payment (the “Balancing Amount”) underlying such shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the fund of purchasing such shares, Deposit Securities or Balancing Amount and the value of the collateral.
The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC) according to the procedures set forth in the section entitled “Valuation” computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the transfer agent. Therefore, if a conforming redemption order in proper form is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the fund are delivered to the fund’s custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by FSC on such Transmittal Date. If, however, a conforming redemption order is submitted to the transfer agent by an Authorized Participant not later than the Closing Time, or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in the case of nonconforming orders, on the Transmittal Date but either (i) the requisite number of shares of the fund and the Cash Redemption Amount are not delivered by the DTC Cut-Off-Time as described above on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be computed as of the Closing Time on the Business Day that such order is deemed received by the transfer agent, i.e., the Business Day on which the shares of the fund are delivered through DTC to FDC by the DTC Cut-Off-Time on such Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.
The fund may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem shares in cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its shares based on the NAV of shares of the fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper from (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the fund’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). In addition, the fund reserves the right to honor a redemption request by delivering a basket of securities or cash that differs from the Fund Securities.
Redemption of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the fund could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or a Beneficial Owner for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of a Creation Unit may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment.
In connection with taking delivery of shares for Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such
arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.
Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within prescribed settlement periods. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of redemption proceeds may take longer. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local holiday periods.
Creation/Redemption Transaction Fees. The fund may impose a “Transaction Fee” on investors purchasing or redeeming Creation Units. The Transaction Fee will be limited to amounts that have been determined by FMR to be appropriate. The purpose of the Transaction Fee is to protect the existing shareholders of the fund from the dilutive costs associated with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units. Where the fund permits cash creations (or redemptions) or cash in lieu of depositing one or more Deposit Securities, the purchaser (or redeemer) may be assessed a higher Transaction Fee to offset the transaction cost to the fund of buying (or selling) those particular Deposit Securities. To the extent a purchase/redemption transaction consists of in-kind securities and/or cash, the standard fee applies and an additional transaction fee (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below) may also be imposed. The fund reserves the right to not impose the standard or additional transaction fee or to vary the amount of the transaction fee, up to the maximum listed below, depending on the materiality of the fund’s actual transaction costs incurred or where FDC believes that not imposing or varying the transaction fee would be in the fund’s interest. Transaction fees associated with the redemption of Creation Units will not exceed 2% of the value of shares redeemed. To the extent the fund cannot recoup the amount of transaction costs incurred in connection with a redemption from the redeeming shareholder because of the 2% cap or otherwise, those transaction costs will be borne by the fund’s remaining shareholders and negatively affect the fund’s performance. Actual transaction costs may vary depending on the time of day an order is received or the nature of the securities. Investors bear the costs of transferring Deposit Securities or Fund Securities to/from the fund to/from their account or on their order. Every purchaser of a Creation Unit will receive a prospectus that contains disclosure about the Transaction Fees, including the maximum amount of the additional transaction fee charged by the fund.
The following table shows, as of December 27, 2024, standard transaction fees and maximum additional transaction fees for creations and redemptions.
Name of Fund | Standard Creation/Redemption Transaction Fee | Maximum Additional Creation Transaction Fee* | Maximum Additional Redemption Transaction Fee* |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | $125 | 5% | 2% |
| * | As a percentage of the cash amount invested or redeemed. |
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends. To the extent that the fund’s income is reported in a written statement to shareholders as federally tax-exempt interest, the dividends declared by the fund will be federally tax-exempt, provided that the fund qualifies to pay tax-exempt dividends. In order to qualify to pay tax-exempt dividends, at least 50% of the value of the fund’s total assets (including uninvested assets) must consist of tax-exempt municipal securities at the close of each quarter of the fund’s taxable year.
Generally, the fund purchases municipal securities whose interest, in the opinion of bond counsel, is free from federal income tax. Neither FMR LLC nor the fund guarantees that this opinion is correct, and there is no assurance that the IRS will agree with bond counsel’s opinion. Issuers or other parties generally enter into covenants requiring continuing compliance with federal tax requirements to preserve the tax-free status of interest payments over the life of the security. If at any time the covenants are not complied with, or if the IRS otherwise determines that the issuer did not comply with relevant tax requirements, interest payments from a security could become federally taxable, possibly retroactively to the date the security was issued and you may need to file an amended income tax return. For certain types of structured securities, the tax status of the pass-through of tax-free income may also be based on the federal tax treatment of the structure.
Interest on certain “private activity” securities is subject to the federal Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for individuals, although the interest continues to be excludable from gross income for other tax purposes. Interest from
private activity securities is a tax preference item for the purposes of determining whether an individual is subject to the AMT and the amount of AMT to be paid, if any.
You may also receive distributions attributable to interest payments on taxable securities. Such distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income at the federal, state, and local levels.
A portion of the gain on municipal or taxable bonds purchased at market discount is taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, not as capital gains. Short-term capital gains are taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Income and gain from derivatives, if any, may result in taxable income and gain to the fund. Ordinary losses, if any, from derivatives will reduce taxable income and tax-exempt income proportionality.
Capital Gain Distributions. Unless your shares of the fund are held in a tax-advantaged retirement plan, the fund’s long-term capital gain distributions are federally taxable to shareholders generally as capital gains.
Returns of Capital. If the fund’s distributions exceed its taxable income, tax-exempt income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder’s cost basis in the fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold in taxable accounts.
Sales of Listed Shares. Gain or loss that is recognized on the sale of exchange-listed shares generally will be characterized as long-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss for shares that have been held for one year or less.
Purchase of Creation Units. The purchase of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who transfers securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The transferor will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the Creation Units (which may differ from their NAV) and any Balancing Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the transferor’s basis in the transferred securities, transaction fees and any Balancing Amount that is paid. The purchase of Creation Units may trigger application of the wash sale rules for federal tax purposes.
Redemption of Creation Units. The redemption of Creation Units generally will be a taxable event for the person who receives securities in exchange for Creation Units but generally will not be a taxable event for the fund. The recipient will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the sum of the fair market value of the securities and any Cash Redemption Amount that is received and (b) the sum of the basis of the Creation Unit shares, transaction fees and any Cash Redemption Amount that is paid. The redemption of Creation Units may be treated as a wash sale for federal tax purposes.
Tax Status of the Fund. The fund intends to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code 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 (if the fiscal year is other than the calendar year), and intends to comply with other tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies.
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. It is up to you or your tax preparer to determine whether the sale of shares of the fund resulted in a capital gain or loss or other tax consequence to you. 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.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), and officers of the trust and fund, as applicable, are listed below. The Board of Trustees governs the fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Trustees are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the fund’s activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the fund, oversee management of the risks associated with such activities and contractual arrangements, and review the fund’s performance. Each of the Trustees oversees 318 funds.
The Trustees hold office without limit in time 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 incapacitated by illness or injury may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees; and (d) any Trustee may be removed at any special meeting of shareholders by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting securities of the trust. Each Trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the trust and the fund is referred to herein as an Independent Trustee. Each Independent Trustee shall retire not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs. The Independent Trustees may waive this mandatory retirement age policy with respect to individual Trustees. Officers and Advisory Board Members hold office without limit in time, except that any officer or Advisory Board Member may resign or may be removed by a vote of a majority of the Trustees at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Trustees. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the past five years.
Experience, Skills, Attributes, and Qualifications of the Trustees. The Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a statement of policy that describes the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that are necessary and desirable for potential Independent Trustee candidates (Statement of Policy). The Board believes that each Trustee satisfied at the time he or she was initially elected or appointed a Trustee, and continues to satisfy, the standards contemplated by the Statement of Policy. The Governance and Nominating Committee also engages professional search firms to help identify potential Independent Trustee candidates who have the experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills consistent with the Statement of Policy. From time to time, additional criteria based on the composition and skills of the current Independent Trustees, as well as experience or skills that may be appropriate in light of future changes to board composition, business conditions, and regulatory or other developments, have also been considered by the professional search firms and the Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, the Board takes into account the Trustees’ commitment and participation in Board and committee meetings, as well as their leadership of standing and ad hoc committees throughout their tenure.
In determining that a particular Trustee was and continues to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, was controlling. The Board believes that, collectively, the Trustees have balanced and diverse experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the fund and protecting the interests of shareholders. Information about the specific experience, skills, attributes, and qualifications of each Trustee, which in each case led to the Board’s conclusion that the Trustee should serve (or continue to serve) as a trustee of the fund, is provided below.
Board Structure and Oversight Function. Abigail P. Johnson is an interested person and currently serves as Chairman. The Trustees have determined that an interested Chairman is appropriate and benefits shareholders because an interested Chairman has a personal and professional stake in the quality and continuity of services provided to the fund. Independent Trustees exercise their informed business judgment to appoint an individual of their choosing to serve as Chairman, regardless of whether the Trustee happens to be independent or a member of management. The Independent Trustees have determined that they can act independently and effectively without having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairman and that a key structural component for assuring that they are in a position to do so is for the Independent Trustees to constitute a substantial majority for the Board. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet in executive session. Michael E. Kenneally serves as Chairman of the Independent Trustees and as such (i) acts as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and management with respect to matters important to the Independent Trustees and (ii) with management prepares agendas for Board meetings.
Fidelity® funds are overseen by different Boards of Trustees. The fund’s Board oversees Fidelity’s investment-grade bond, money market, asset allocation and certain equity funds, and other Boards oversee Fidelity’s alternative investment, high income and other equity funds. The asset allocation funds may invest in Fidelity® funds that are overseen by such other Boards. The use of separate Boards, each with its own committee structure, allows the Trustees of each group of Fidelity® funds to focus on the unique issues of the funds they oversee, including common research, investment, and operational issues. On occasion, the separate Boards establish joint committees to address issues of overlapping consequences for the Fidelity® funds overseen by each Board.
The Trustees operate using a system of committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of all matters of importance to the Trustees, the fund, and fund shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and oversight of the fund’s activities and associated risks. The Board, acting through its committees, has charged FMR and its affiliates with (i) identifying events or circumstances the occurrence of which could have demonstrably adverse effects on the fund’s business and/or reputation; (ii) implementing processes and controls to lessen the possibility that such events or circumstances occur or to mitigate the effects of such events or
circumstances if they do occur; and (iii) creating and maintaining a system designed to evaluate continuously business and market conditions in order to facilitate the identification and implementation processes described in (i) and (ii) above. Because the day-to-day operations and activities of the fund are carried out by or through FMR, its affiliates, and other service providers, the fund’s exposure to risks is mitigated but not eliminated by the processes overseen by the Trustees. While each of the Board’s committees has responsibility for overseeing different aspects of the fund’s activities, oversight is exercised primarily through the Operations and Audit Committees. In addition, an ad hoc Board committee of Independent Trustees has worked with FMR to enhance the Board’s oversight of investment and financial risks, legal and regulatory risks, technology risks, and operational risks, including the development of additional risk reporting to the Board. Appropriate personnel, including but not limited to the fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), FMR’s internal auditor, the independent accountants, the fund’s Treasurer and portfolio management personnel, make periodic reports to the Board’s committees, as appropriate, including an annual review of Fidelity’s risk management program for the Fidelity® funds. The responsibilities of each standing committee, including their oversight responsibilities, are described further under “Standing Committees of the Trustees.”
Interested Trustees*:
Correspondence intended for a Trustee who is an interested person may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience+
Abigail P. Johnson (1961)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2012
Trustee
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Ms. Johnson also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Ms. Johnson serves as Chairman (2016-present), Chief Executive Officer (2014-present), and Director (2007-present) of FMR LLC (diversified financial services company), President of Fidelity Financial Services (2012-present) and President of Personal, Workplace and Institutional Services (2005-present). Ms. Johnson is Chairman and Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (investment adviser firm, 2011-present). Previously, Ms. Johnson served as Chairman and Director of FMR Co., Inc. (investment adviser firm, 2011-2019), Vice Chairman (2007-2016) and President (2013-2016) of FMR LLC, President and a Director of Fidelity Management & Research Company (2001-2005), a Trustee of other investment companies advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company, Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. (investment adviser firm), and FMR Co., Inc. (2001-2005), Senior Vice President of the Fidelity® funds (2001-2005), and managed a number of Fidelity® funds.
Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe (1959)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Ms. McAuliffe also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds and as Trustee of Fidelity Charitable (2020-present). Previously, Ms. McAuliffe served as Co-Head of Fixed Income of Fidelity Investments Limited (now known as FIL Limited (FIL)) (diversified financial services company), Director of Research for FIL’s credit and quantitative teams in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo and Director of Research for taxable and municipal bonds at Fidelity Investments Money Management, Inc. Ms. McAuliffe previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2016). Ms. McAuliffe was previously a lawyer at Ropes & Gray LLP and an international banker at Chemical Bank NA (now JPMorgan Chase & Co.). Ms. McAuliffe also currently serves as director or trustee of several not-for-profit entities.
Christine J. Thompson (1958)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2023
Trustee
Ms. Thompson also serves as a Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Ms. Thompson serves as Leader of Advanced Technologies for Investment Management at Fidelity Investments (2018-present). Previously, Ms. Thompson served as Chief Investment Officer in the Bond group at Fidelity Management & Research Company (2010-2018) and held various other roles including Director of municipal bond portfolio managers and Portfolio Manager of certain Fidelity® funds.
* Determined to be an “Interested Trustee” by virtue of, among other things, his or her affiliation with the trust or various entities under common control with FMR.
+ The information includes the Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to the Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Independent Trustees:
Correspondence intended for an Independent Trustee may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations and Other Relevant Experience+
Elizabeth S. Acton (1951)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Trustee
Ms. Acton also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Acton served as Executive Vice President, Finance (2011-2012), Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (2002-2011) and Treasurer (2004-2005) of Comerica Incorporated (financial services). Prior to joining Comerica, Ms. Acton held a variety of positions at Ford Motor Company (1983-2002), including Vice President and Treasurer (2000-2002) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ford Motor Credit Company (1998-2000). Ms. Acton previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2013-2016) and as a member of the Board and Audit and Finance Committees of Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (homebuilding, 2012-2024).
Laura M. Bishop (1961)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2023
Trustee
Ms. Bishop also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Bishop held a variety of positions at United Services Automobile Association (2001-2020), including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2014-2020) and Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer (2012-2014). Ms. Bishop currently serves as a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation and Personnel Committee (2021-present) of the Board of Directors of Korn Ferry (global organizational consulting). Previously, Ms. Bishop served as a Member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2022-2023).
Ann E. Dunwoody (1953)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
Trustee
General Dunwoody also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. General Dunwoody (United States Army, Retired) was the first woman in U.S. military history to achieve the rank of four-star general and prior to her retirement in 2012 held a variety of positions within the U.S. Army, including Commanding General, U.S. Army Material Command (2008-2012). General Dunwoody currently serves as a member of the Board, Chair of Nomination Committee and a member of the Corporate Governance Committee of Kforce Inc. (professional staffing services, 2016-present) and a member of the Board of Automattic Inc. (software engineering, 2018-present). Previously, General Dunwoody served as President of First to Four LLC (leadership and mentoring services, 2012-2022), a member of the Advisory Board and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of L3 Technologies, Inc. (communication, electronic, sensor and aerospace systems, 2013-2019) and a member of the Board and Audit and Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committees of Republic Services, Inc. (waste collection, disposal and recycling, 2013-2016). General Dunwoody also serves on several boards for non-profit organizations, including as a member of the Board, Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee of the Noble Reach Foundation (formerly Logistics Management Institute) (consulting non-profit, 2012-present) and a member of the Board of ThanksUSA (military family education non-profit, 2014-present). Previously, General Dunwoody served as a member of the Board of Florida Institute of Technology (2015-2022) and a member of the Council of Trustees for the Association of the United States Army (advocacy non-profit, 2013-2021). General Dunwoody previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2018).
Robert F. Gartland (1951)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Trustee
Mr. Gartland also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Gartland held a variety of positions at Morgan Stanley (financial services, 1979-2007), including Managing Director (1987-2007) and Chase Manhattan Bank (1975-1978). Mr. Gartland previously served as Chairman and an investor in Gartland & Mellina Group Corp. (consulting, 2009-2019), as a member of the Board of National Securities Clearing Corporation (1993-1996) and as Chairman of TradeWeb (2003-2004).
Robert W. Helm (1957)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2023
Trustee
Mr. Helm also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Mr. Helm was formerly Deputy Chairman (2003-2020), partner (1991-2020) and an associate (1984-1991) of Dechert LLP (formerly Dechert Price & Rhoads). Mr. Helm currently serves on boards and committees of several not-for-profit organizations, including as a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Baltimore and a member of the Life Guard Society of Mt. Vernon. Previously, Mr. Helm served as a Member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2021-2023).
Michael E. Kenneally (1954)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Trustee
Chairman of the Independent Trustees
Mr. Kenneally also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds and was Vice Chairman (2018-2021) of the Independent Trustees of certain Fidelity® funds. Prior to retirement in 2005, he was Chairman and Global Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management, the worldwide fund management and institutional investment business of Credit Suisse Group. Previously, Mr. Kenneally was an Executive Vice President and the Chief Investment Officer for Bank of America. In this role, he was responsible for the investment management, strategy and products delivered to the bank’s institutional, high-net-worth and retail clients. Earlier, Mr. Kenneally directed the organization’s equity and quantitative research groups. He began his career as a research analyst and then spent more than a dozen years as a portfolio manager for endowments, pension plans and mutual funds. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1991.
Mark A. Murray (1954)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Trustee
Mr. Murray also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Mr. Murray serves as Vice Chairman of the Board (2020-present) of Meijer, Inc. Previously, Mr. Murray served as Co-Chief Executive Officer (2013-2016), President (2006-2013) and Vice Chairman (2013-2020) of Meijer, Inc. Mr. Murray serves as a member of the Board (2009-present) and Public Policy and Responsibility Committee (2009-present) and Lead Independent Director (2023-present) of DTE Energy Company (diversified energy company). Mr. Murray previously served as a member of the Board of Spectrum Health (not-for-profit health system, 2015-2019) and as a member of the Board and Audit Committee and Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products, 2004-2016). Mr. Murray also serves as a member of the Board of The Thompson Foundation, The Thompson Schools Foundation and many other community and professional organizations. Mr. Murray previously served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2016).
Lester Owens (1957)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2024
Trustee
Mr. Owens also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Previously, Mr. Owens served as a member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2024). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Owens served as Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Operations, and member of the Operating Committee of Wells Fargo & Company (financial services, 2020-2023). Mr. Owens currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, Inc. (academic healthcare system, 2022-present). Previously, Mr. Owens served as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Operations at Bank of New York Mellon (financial services, 2019-2020) and held various roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co. (financial services, 2007-2019), including Managing Director for Wholesale Banking Operations. Mr. Owens also previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Depository Trust &
Clearing Corporation (financial services, 2016) and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Clearing House Interbank Payments System (private clearing system, 2015-2016).
Carol J. Zierhoffer (1960)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2023
Trustee
Ms. Zierhoffer also serves as Trustee of other Fidelity® funds. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Zierhoffer held a variety of positions at Bechtel Corporation (engineering company, 2013-2019), including Principal Vice President and Chief Information Officer (2013-2016) and Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (2016-2019). Ms. Zierhoffer currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of Veradigm Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (healthcare technology, 2020-present). Previously, Ms. Zierhoffer served as a member of the Board of Directors, Audit and Finance Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (aviation operating services, 2021-2022) as well as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee and as the founding Chair of the Information Technology Committee of MedAssets, Inc. (healthcare technology, 2013-2016), and as a Member of the Advisory Board of certain Fidelity® funds (2023).
+ The information includes the Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to the Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that the Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the fund.
Advisory Board Members and Officers:
Correspondence intended for a Member of the Advisory Board (if any) may be sent to Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 55235, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5235. Correspondence intended for an officer may be sent to Fidelity Investments, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
Name, Year of Birth; Principal Occupations+
Heather Bonner (1977)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2023
Assistant Treasurer
Ms. Bonner also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Bonner is a Senior Vice President (2022-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2022-present). Ms. Bonner serves as Senior Vice President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Director of certain Fidelity entities. Prior to joining Fidelity, Ms. Bonner was Managing Director at AQR Capital Management (2013-2022) and Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer of the AQR Funds (2013-2022).
Craig S. Brown (1977)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2019
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Brown also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Brown is a Vice President (2015-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Brown serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present). Previously, Mr. Brown was Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2019-2022).
Stephanie Caron (1969)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2024
Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Caron also serves as Chief Financial Officer of other funds. Ms. Caron is Head of Fidelity Fund and Investment Operations (2024-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Ms. Caron serves as President, Executive Vice President, or Director of certain Fidelity entities. Previously, Ms. Caron was Head of Investment Services for Strategic Advisers LLC (investment adviser firm, 2019-2024).
David J. Carter (1973)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2020
Assistant Secretary
Mr. Carter also serves as Assistant Secretary of other funds. Mr. Carter is a Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (2022-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Carter serves as Chief Legal Officer of Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company LLC - Shareholder Division (transfer agent, 2020-present).
Jonathan Davis (1968)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Davis also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Davis is a Vice President (2006-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Davis serves as Assistant Treasurer or Director of certain Fidelity entities.
Laura M. Del Prato (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2018
President and Treasurer
Ms. Del Prato also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Del Prato is a Senior Vice President (2017-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Ms. Del Prato serves as Senior Vice President, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, or Director of certain Fidelity entities. Previously, Ms. Del Prato was President and Treasurer of The North Carolina Capital Management Trust: Cash Portfolio and Term Portfolio (2018-2020).
Robin Foley (1964)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2023
Vice President
Ms. Foley also serves as Vice President of other funds. Ms. Foley is Head of Fidelity’s Fixed Income division (2023-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Previously, Ms. Foley was Chief Investment Officer of Bonds (2017-2023).
Christopher M. Gouveia (1973)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2023
Chief Compliance Officer
Mr. Gouveia also serves as Chief Compliance Officer of other funds. Mr. Gouveia is a Senior Vice President of Asset Management Compliance (2019-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Gouveia serves as Compliance Officer of Fidelity Management Trust Company (2023-present). Previously, Mr. Gouveia was Chief Compliance Officer of the North Carolina Capital Management Trust (2016-2019).
Colm A. Hogan (1973)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2016
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Hogan also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Hogan is a Vice President (2016-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Hogan serves as Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity entities. Previously, Mr. Hogan was Deputy Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2016-2020) and Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2016-2018).
Nicole Macarchuk (1968)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2024
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
Ms. Macarchuk also serves as an officer of other funds and as CLO of certain Fidelity entities. Ms. Macarchuk is a Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (2024-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2024-present). Prior to joining Fidelity, Ms. Macarchuk was a Partner at Dechert, LLP (law firm, 2022-2024), where she focused her corporate practice on financial services and asset management industry. Prior to joining Dechert, LLP Ms. Macarchuk was Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for Angel Island Capital, LLC (2019-2022) and Managing Director, General Counsel Public Markets at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (2010-2019).
Chris Maher (1972)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Maher also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Maher is a Senior Vice President (2023-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Maher serves as Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity entities. Previously, Mr. Maher was Assistant Treasurer of certain funds (2013-2020).
Brett Segaloff (1972)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Officer
Mr. Segaloff also serves as AML Officer of other funds. Mr. Segaloff is a Vice President (2022-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Segaloff serves as Anti Money Laundering Compliance Officer or Anti Money Laundering/Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Officer of certain Fidelity entities.
Stacie M. Smith (1974)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2013
Assistant Treasurer
Ms. Smith also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Smith is a Senior Vice President (2016-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Ms. Smith serves as Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity entities and has served in other fund officer roles.
Joyce Todisco (1983)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2024
Deputy Treasurer
Ms. Todisco also serves as an officer of other funds. Ms. Todisco is a Vice President (2022-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments (2022-present). Ms. Todisco serves as Assistant Treasurer of Fidelity CRET Trustee LLC (2024-present). Prior to joining Fidelity, Ms. Todisco was a Director in the asset and wealth management practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2017-2022).
Jim Wegmann (1979)
Year of Election or Appointment: 2021
Deputy Treasurer
Mr. Wegmann also serves as an officer of other funds. Mr. Wegmann is a Vice President (2016-present) and is an employee of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Wegmann serves as Assistant Treasurer of FIMM, LLC (2021-present). Previously, Mr. Wegmann was Assistant Treasurer of certain Fidelity® funds (2019-2021).
+ The information includes principal occupation during the last five years.
Standing Committees of the Trustees. The Board of Trustees has established various committees to support the Independent Trustees in acting independently in pursuing the best interests of the funds and their shareholders. Currently, the Board of Trustees has four standing committees. The members of each committee are Independent Trustees.
The Operations Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Gartland currently serving as Chair. The committee normally meets at least six times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair, and serves as a forum for consideration of issues of importance to, or calling for particular determinations by, the Independent Trustees. The committee considers matters involving potential conflicts of interest between the funds and FMR and its affiliates, including matters involving potential claims of one or more funds (e.g., for reimbursements of expenses or losses) against FMR, and reviews proposed contracts and the proposed continuation of contracts between the funds and FMR and its affiliates, and annually reviews and makes recommendations regarding contracts with third parties unaffiliated with FMR, including insurance coverage and custody agreements. The committee has oversight of compliance issues not specifically within the scope of any other committee. These matters include, but are not limited to, significant non-conformance with contract requirements and other significant regulatory matters and recommending to the Board of Trustees the designation of a person to serve as the funds’ CCO. The committee (i) serves as a primary point of contact (generally after the Independent Trustee who serves as a liaison for the CCO) for the CCO with regard to Board-related functions; (ii) oversees the annual performance review of the CCO; (iii) makes recommendations concerning the CCO’s compensation; and (iv) makes recommendations as needed in respect of the removal of the CCO.
The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Ms. Bishop currently serving as Chair. At least one committee member will be an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC. The committee normally meets four times a year, or more frequently as called by the Chair or a majority of committee members. The committee meets separately, at least annually, with the funds’ Treasurer, with the funds’ Chief Financial Officer, with personnel responsible for the internal audit function of FMR LLC, with the funds’ outside auditors, and with the funds’ CCO. The committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the outside auditors employed by the funds. The committee assists the Trustees in overseeing and monitoring: (i) the systems of internal accounting and financial controls of the funds and the funds’ service providers (to the extent such controls impact the funds’ financial statements); (ii) the funds’ auditors and the annual audits of the funds’ financial statements; (iii) the financial reporting processes of the funds; (iv)
whistleblower reports; and (v) the accounting policies and disclosures of the funds. The committee considers and acts upon (i) the provision by any outside auditor of any non-audit services for any fund, and (ii) the provision by any outside auditor of certain non-audit services to fund service providers and their affiliates to the extent that such approval (in the case of this clause (ii)) is required under applicable regulations of the SEC. It is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees and terms for the funds and for resolving disagreements between a fund and any outside auditor regarding any fund’s financial reporting. Auditors of the funds report directly to the committee. The committee will obtain assurance of independence and objectivity from the outside auditors, including a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the auditor and the funds and any service providers consistent with the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. It oversees and receives reports on the funds’ service providers’ internal controls and reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the service providers’ accounting and financial controls, including: (i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the funds’ ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data; (ii) any change in the fund’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the fund’s internal control over financial reporting; and (iii) any fraud, whether material or not, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the funds’ or service providers internal controls over financial reporting. The committee will also review any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies or published reports that raise material issues regarding the funds’ financial statements or accounting policies. These matters may also be reviewed by the Operations Committee. The committee reviews at least annually a report from each outside auditor describing any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control, peer review, or Public Company Accounting Oversight Board examination of the auditing firm and any material issues raised by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities of the auditing firm and in each case any steps taken to deal with such issues. The committee will oversee and receive reports on the funds’ financial reporting process from the funds’ Treasurer and outside auditors and will oversee the resolution of any disagreements concerning financial reporting among applicable parties. The committee will discuss with FMR, the funds’ Treasurer, outside auditors and, if appropriate, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC their qualitative judgments about the appropriateness and acceptability of accounting principles and financial disclosure practices used or proposed for adoption by the funds. The committee will review with FMR, the funds’ outside auditor, internal audit personnel of FMR LLC and legal counsel, as appropriate, matters related to the audits of the funds’ financial statements. The committee will discuss regularly and oversee the review of the internal controls of the funds and their service providers with respect to accounting, financial matters and risk management programs related to the funds. The committee will review periodically the funds’ major internal controls exposures and the steps that have been taken to monitor and control such exposures.
The Fair Valuation Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees, with Mr. Murray currently serving as Chair. The Committee normally meets quarterly, or more frequently as called by the Chair. The Fair Valuation Committee oversees the valuation of securities held by the funds, including the fair valuation of securities by the funds’ valuation designee. The Committee receives and reviews related reports and information consistent with its oversight obligations.
The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Messrs. Gartland (Chair) and Murray, and Ms. Acton (Vice Chair). The committee meets as called by the Chair. With respect to fund governance and board administration matters, the committee periodically reviews procedures of the Board of Trustees and its committees (including committee charters) and periodically reviews compensation of Independent Trustees. The committee monitors corporate governance matters and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the frequency and structure of the Board of Trustee meetings and on any other aspect of Board procedures. It acts as the administrative committee under the retirement plan for Independent Trustees who retired prior to December 30, 1996 and under the fee deferral plan for Independent Trustees. It monitors the performance of legal counsel employed by both the funds and the Independent Trustees. The committee will engage and oversee any counsel utilized by the Independent Trustees as may be necessary or appropriate under applicable regulations or otherwise. The committee also approves Board administrative matters applicable to Independent Trustees, such as expense reimbursement policies and compensation for attendance at meetings, conferences and other events. The committee oversees compliance with the provisions of the code of ethics and any supplemental policies regarding personal securities transactions applicable to the Independent Trustees. The committee reviews the functioning of each Board committee and makes recommendations for any changes, including the creation or elimination of standing or ad hoc Board committees. The committee monitors regulatory and other developments to determine whether to recommend modifications to the committee’s responsibilities or other Trustee policies and procedures in light of rule changes, reports concerning
“recommended practices” in corporate governance and other developments in mutual fund governance. The committee meets with Independent Trustees at least once a year to discuss matters relating to fund governance. The committee recommends that the Board establish such special or ad hoc Board committees as may be desirable or necessary from time to time in order to address ethical, legal, or other matters that may arise. The committee also oversees the annual self-evaluation of the Board of Trustees and establishes procedures to allow it to exercise this oversight function. In conducting this oversight, the committee shall address all matters that it considers relevant to the performance of the Board of Trustees and shall report the results of its evaluation to the Board of Trustees, including any recommended amendments to the principles of governance, and any recommended changes to the funds’ or the Board of Trustees’ policies, procedures, and structures. The committee reviews periodically the size and composition of the Board of Trustees as a whole and recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so that the Board of Trustees reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, and diversity required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of Independent Trustees required by law. The committee makes nominations for the election or appointment of Independent Trustees and non-management Members of any Advisory Board, and for membership on committees. The committee has the authority to retain and terminate any third-party advisers, including authority to approve fees and other retention terms. Such advisers may include search firms to identify Independent Trustee candidates and board compensation consultants. The committee may conduct or authorize investigations into or studies of matters within the committee’s scope of responsibilities, and may retain, at the funds’ expense, such independent counsel or other advisers as it deems necessary. The committee will consider nominees to the Board of Trustees recommended by shareholders based upon the criteria applied to candidates presented to the committee by a search firm or other source. Recommendations, along with appropriate background material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve as an Independent Trustee of the funds, should be submitted to the Chair of the committee at the address maintained for communications with Independent Trustees. If the committee retains a search firm, the Chair will generally forward all such submissions to the search firm for evaluation. With respect to the criteria for selecting Independent Trustees, it is expected that all candidates will possess the following minimum qualifications: (i) unquestioned personal integrity; (ii) not an interested person of the funds within the meaning of the 1940 Act; (iii) does not have a material relationship (e.g., commercial, banking, consulting, legal, or accounting) with the adviser, any sub-adviser or their affiliates that could create an appearance of lack of independence in respect of the funds; (iv) has the disposition to act independently in respect of FMR and its affiliates and others in order to protect the interests of the funds and all shareholders; (v) ability to attend regularly scheduled Board meetings during the year; (vi) demonstrates sound business judgment gained through broad experience in significant positions where the candidate has dealt with management, technical, financial, or regulatory issues; (vii) sufficient financial or accounting knowledge to add value in the complex financial environment of the funds; (viii) experience on corporate or other institutional oversight bodies having similar responsibilities, but which board memberships or other relationships could not result in business or regulatory conflicts with the funds; and (ix) capacity for the hard work and attention to detail that is required to be an effective Independent Trustee in light of the funds’ complex regulatory, operational, and marketing setting. The Governance and Nominating Committee may determine that a candidate who does not have the type of previous experience or knowledge referred to above should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Governance and Nominating Committee finds that the candidate has additional qualifications such that his or her qualifications, taken as a whole, demonstrate the same level of fitness to serve as an Independent Trustee.
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, each committee held the number of meetings shown in the table below:
COMMITTEE | NUMBER OF MEETINGS HELD |
Operations Committee | 9 |
Audit Committee | 4 |
Fair Valuation Committee | 4 |
Governance and Nominating Committee | 10 |
The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the fund and in all funds in the aggregate within the same fund family overseen by the Trustee for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023.
Interested Trustees
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | ABIGAIL P JOHNSON | CHRISTINE J THOMPSON | JENNIFER TOOLIN MCAULIFFE | |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | none | none | none | |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | |
| | | | |
Independent Trustees
| | | | |
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | ELIZABETH S ACTON | LAURA M BISHOP | ANN E DUNWOODY | ROBERT F GARTLAND |
| | | | |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | none | none | none | none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 |
| | | | |
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | ROBERT W HELM | MICHAEL E KENNEALLY | MARK A MURRAY | CAROL J ZIERHOFFER |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | none | none | none | none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | over $100,000 | $10,001-$50,000 |
DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES | LESTER OWENS |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | none |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF FUND SHARES IN ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN WITHIN FUND FAMILY | over $100,000 |
The following tables set forth information describing the compensation of each Trustee and Member of the Advisory Board (if any) for his or her services for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026, or calendar year ended December 31, 2023, as applicable.
[Information to be provided in a subsequent amendment.]
As of the public offering of shares of the fund, 100% of the fund’s total outstanding shares was held by FMR and/or another entity or entities of which FMR LLC is the ultimate parent. By virtue of her ownership interest in FMR LLC, as described in the “Control of Investment Advisers” section, Ms. Abigail P. Johnson may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of these shares.
CONTROL OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS
FMR LLC, as successor by merger to FMR Corp., is the ultimate parent company of FMR, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited. The voting common shares of FMR LLC are divided into two series. Series B is held predominantly by members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson, directly or through trusts, and is entitled to 49% of the vote on any matter acted upon by the voting common shares. Series A is held predominantly by non-Johnson family member employees of FMR LLC and its affiliates and is entitled to 51% of the vote on any such matter. The Johnson family group and all other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders’ voting agreement under which all Series B shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of Series 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 securities of that company. Therefore, through their ownership of voting common shares 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 LLC.
At present, the primary business activities of FMR LLC and its subsidiaries are: (i) the provision of investment advisory, management, shareholder, investment information and assistance and certain fiduciary services for individual and institutional investors; (ii) the provision of securities brokerage services; (iii) the management and development of real estate; and (iv) the investment in and operation of a number of emerging businesses.
FMR, FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC), and the fund have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that sets forth employees’ fiduciary responsibilities regarding the fund, establishes procedures for personal investing, and restricts certain transactions. Employees subject to the code of ethics, including Fidelity investment personnel, may invest in securities for their own investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
The fund has entered into a management contract with FMR, pursuant to which FMR furnishes investment advisory and other services.
Management Services. Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, FMR acts as investment adviser and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for directing 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 compensates 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 securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
Management-Related Expenses. Under the terms of the fund’s management contract, FMR, either itself or through an affiliate, is responsible for payment of all operating expenses of the fund with limited exceptions. Specific expenses payable by FMR include legal expenses, fees of the custodian, auditor, and interested Trustees, the fund’s proportionate share of insurance premiums and Investment Company Institute dues, and the costs of registering shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws. FMR also pays all fees associated with the transfer agency services and pricing and bookkeeping services agreements.
FMR pays all other expenses of the fund with the following exceptions: expenses for typesetting, printing, and mailing proxy materials to shareholders, all other expenses incidental to holding meetings of the fund’s shareholders (including proxy solicitation), fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees, interest, taxes, and such non-recurring and/or extraordinary 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. The fund shall pay its non-operating expenses, including brokerage commissions and fees and expenses associated with the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable.
Management Fee.
For the services of FMR under the management contract, the fund pays FMR a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.30%. of the fund’s average daily net assets throughout the month.
The following table shows the amount of management fees paid by the Predecessor Fund for the fiscal year(s) ended January 31, 2024 to its current manager and prior affiliated manager(s), if any.
Fund(s) | Fiscal Years Ended | Management Fees Paid to Investment Adviser |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF(A) | 2024(B) | $ | 127,683 |
(A) | Effective March 1, 2024, the Predecessor Fund’s management contract was amended to incorporate administrative services previously covered under separate services agreements. The amended contract incorporates a management fee rate that may vary by class. FMR or an affiliate pays certain expenses of managing and operating the fund out of each class’s management fee. Prior to March 1, 2024, the fund’s management fee consisted of a group fee rate component plus an individual fee rate. |
| |
(B) | The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on February 16, 2023. |
FMR may, from time to time, voluntarily reimburse all or a portion of a fund’s or, in the case of a multiple class fund, a class’s operating 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 will increase returns and yield, and repayment of the reimbursement will decrease returns and yield.
Sub-Advisers - FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited.
On behalf of the fund, FMR has entered into sub-advisory agreements with Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited (FMR H.K.) and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited (FMR Japan).
On behalf of the fund, FMR has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with FMR UK.
Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may receive from the sub-advisers investment research and advice on issuers outside the United States (non-discretionary services) and FMR may grant the sub-advisers investment management authority and the authority to buy and sell securities if FMR believes it would be beneficial to the fund (discretionary services).
FMR, and not the fund, pays the sub-advisers.
[Portfolio Manager holdings and compensation information to be filed by subsequent amendment.]
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
Fidelity Proxy Voting Guidelines
I. Introduction
These guidelines are intended to help Fidelity’s customers and the companies in which Fidelity invests understand how Fidelity votes proxies to further the values that have sustained Fidelity for over 75 years. Our core principles sit at the heart of our voting philosophy; putting our customers’ and fund shareholders’ long-term interests first and investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term guides everything we do. Fidelity generally adheres to these guidelines in voting proxies and our Stewardship Principles serve as the foundation for these guidelines. Our evaluation of proxies reflects information from many sources, including management or shareholders of a company presenting a proposal and proxy voting advisory firms. Fidelity maintains the flexibility to vote individual proxies based on our assessment of each situation.
In evaluating proxies, Fidelity considers factors that are financially material to individual companies and investing funds’ investment objectives and strategies in support of maximizing long-term shareholder value. This includes considering the company’s approach to financial and operational, human, and natural capital and the impact of that approach on the potential future value of the business.
Fidelity will vote on proposals not specifically addressed by these guidelines based on an evaluation of a proposal’s likelihood to enhance the long-term economic returns or profitability of the company or to maximize long-term shareholder value. Fidelity will not be influenced by business relationships or outside perspectives that may conflict with the interests of the funds and their shareholders.
II. Board of Directors and Corporate Governance
Directors of public companies play a critical role in ensuring that a company and its management team serve the interests of its shareholders. Fidelity believes that through proxy voting, it can help ensure accountability of management teams and boards of directors, align management and shareholder interests, and monitor and assess the degree of transparency and disclosure with respect to executive compensation and board actions affecting shareholders’ rights. The following general guidelines are intended to reflect these proxy voting principles.
A. Election of Directors
Fidelity will generally support director nominees in elections where all directors are unopposed (uncontested elections), except where board composition raises concerns, and/or where a director clearly appears to have failed to exercise reasonable judgment or otherwise failed to sufficiently protect the interests of shareholders.
Fidelity will evaluate board composition and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example: 1. Inside or affiliated directors serve on boards that are not composed of a majority of independent directors. 2. There is no gender diversity on the board, or if a board of ten or more members has fewer than two gender diverse directors. 3. There are no racially or ethnically diverse directors. 4. The director is a public company CEO who sits on more than two unaffiliated public company boards. 5. The director, other than a CEO, sits on more than five unaffiliated public company boards. Fidelity will evaluate board actions and generally will oppose the election of certain or all directors if, by way of example: 1. The director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the board and its committees on which the director served during the company’s prior fiscal year, absent extenuating circumstances. 2. The company made a commitment to modify a proposal or practice to conform to these guidelines, and failed to act on that commitment. 3. For reasons described below under the sections entitled Compensation and Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections. B. Contested Director Elections On occasion, directors are forced to compete for election against outside director nominees (contested elections). Fidelity believes that strong management creates long-term shareholder value. As a result, Fidelity generally will vote in support of management of companies in which the funds’ assets are invested. Fidelity will vote its proxy on a case-by-case basis in a contested election, taking into consideration a number of factors, amongst others: 1. Management’s track record and strategic plan for enhancing shareholder value; 2. The long-term performance of the company compared to its industry peers; and 3. The qualifications of the shareholder’s and management’s nominees. Fidelity will vote for the outcome it believes has the best prospects for maximizing shareholder value over the long-term. C. Cumulative Voting Rights Under cumulative voting, each shareholder may exercise the number of votes equal to the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors up for election. Shareholders may cast all of their votes for a single nominee (or multiple nominees in varying amounts). With regular (non-cumulative) voting, by contrast, shareholders cannot allocate more than one vote per share to any one director nominee. Fidelity believes that cumulative voting can be detrimental to the overall strength of a board. Generally, therefore, Fidelity will oppose the introduction of, and support the elimination of, cumulative voting rights. D. Classified Boards A classified board is one that elects only a percentage of its members each year (usually one-third of directors are elected to serve a three-year term). This means that at each annual meeting only a subset of directors is up for re-election. Fidelity believes that, in general, classified boards are not as accountable to shareholders as declassified boards. For this and other reasons, Fidelity generally will oppose a board’s adoption of a classified board structure and support declassification of existing boards. E. Independent Chairperson In general, Fidelity believes that boards should have a process and criteria for selecting the board chair, and will oppose shareholder proposals calling for, or recommending the appointment of, a non-executive or independent chairperson. If, however, based on particular facts and circumstances, Fidelity believes that appointment of a non-executive or independent chairperson appears likely to further the interests of shareholders and promote effective |
oversight of management by the board of directors, Fidelity will consider voting to support a proposal for an independent chairperson under such circumstances. F. Majority Voting in Director Elections In general, Fidelity supports proposals calling for directors to be elected by a majority of votes cast if the proposal permits election by a plurality in the case of contested elections (where, for example, there are more nominees than board seats). Fidelity may oppose a majority voting shareholder proposal where a company’s board has adopted a policy requiring the resignation of an incumbent director who fails to receive the support of a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election. G. Proxy Access Proxy access proposals generally require a company to amend its by-laws to allow a qualifying shareholder or group of shareholders to nominate directors on a company’s proxy ballot. Fidelity believes that certain safeguards as to ownership threshold and duration of ownership are important to assure that proxy access is not misused by those without a significant economic interest in the company or those driven by short term goals. Fidelity will evaluate proxy access proposals on a case-by-case basis, but generally will support proposals that include ownership of at least 3% (5% in the case of small-cap companies) of the company’s shares outstanding for at least three years; limit the number of directors that eligible shareholders may nominate to 20% of the board; and limit to 20 the number of shareholders that may form a nominating group. H. Indemnification of Directors and Officers In many instances there are sound reasons to indemnify officers and directors, so that they may perform their duties without the distraction of unwarranted litigation or other legal process. Fidelity generally supports charter and by-law amendments expanding the indemnification of officers or directors, or limiting their liability for breaches of care unless Fidelity is dissatisfied with their performance or the proposal is accompanied by anti-takeover provisions (see Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans below). III. Compensation Incentive compensation plans can be complicated and many factors are considered when evaluating such plans. Fidelity evaluates such plans based on protecting shareholder interests and our historical knowledge of the company and its management. A. Equity Compensation Plans Fidelity encourages the use of reasonably designed equity compensation plans that align the interest of management with those of shareholders by providing officers and employees with incentives to increase long-term shareholder value. Fidelity considers whether such plans are too dilutive to existing shareholders because dilution reduces the voting power or economic interest of existing shareholders as a result of an increase in shares available for distribution to employees in lieu of cash compensation. Fidelity will generally oppose equity compensation plans or amendments to authorize additional shares under such plans if: 1. The company grants stock options and equity awards in a given year at a rate higher than a benchmark rate (“burn rate”) considered appropriate by Fidelity and there were no circumstances specific to the company or the compensation plans that leads Fidelity to conclude that the rate of awards is otherwise acceptable. 2. The plan includes an evergreen provision, which is a feature that provides for an automatic increase in the shares available for grant under an equity compensation plan on a regular basis. 3. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity compensation even though an actual change in control may not occur. As to stock option plans, considerations include the following: 1. Pricing: We believe that options should be priced at 100% of fair market value on the date they are granted. We generally oppose options priced at a discount to the market, although the price may be as low as 85% of fair market value if the discount is expressly granted in lieu of salary or cash bonus. 2. Re-pricing: An “out-of-the-money” (or underwater) option has an exercise price that is higher than the current price of the stock. We generally oppose the re-pricing of underwater options because it is not consistent with a policy of offering options as a form of long-term compensation. Fidelity also generally opposes a stock option plan |
if the board or compensation committee has re-priced options outstanding in the past two years without shareholder approval.
Fidelity generally will support a management proposal to exchange, re-price or tender for cash, outstanding options if the proposed exchange, re-pricing, or tender offer is consistent with the interests of shareholders, taking into account a variety of factors such as:
1. Whether the proposal excludes senior management and directors;
2. Whether the exchange or re-pricing proposal is value neutral to shareholders based upon an acceptable pricing model;
3. The company’s relative performance compared to other companies within the relevant industry or industries;
4. Economic and other conditions affecting the relevant industry or industries in which the company competes; and
5. Any other facts or circumstances relevant to determining whether an exchange or re-pricing proposal is consistent with the interests of shareholders.
B. Employee Stock Purchase Plans
These plans are designed to allow employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price and receive favorable tax treatment when the stock is sold. Fidelity generally will support employee stock purchase plans if the minimum stock purchase price is equal to or greater than 85% (or at least 75% in the case of non-U.S. companies where a lower minimum stock purchase price is equal to the prevailing “best practices” in that market) of the stock’s fair market value and the plan constitutes a reasonable effort to encourage broad based participation in the company’s stock.
IV. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) and Frequency of Say on Pay Vote
Current law requires companies to allow shareholders to cast non-binding votes on the compensation for named executive officers, as well as the frequency of such votes. Fidelity generally will support proposals to ratify executive compensation unless the compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or is otherwise problematic, taking into account:
- The actions taken by the board or compensation committee in the previous year, including whether the company re-priced or exchanged outstanding stock options without shareholder approval; adopted or extended a golden parachute without shareholder approval; or adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation;
- The alignment of executive compensation and company performance relative to peers; and
- The structure of the compensation program, including factors such as whether incentive plan metrics are appropriate, rigorous and transparent; whether the long-term element of the compensation program is evaluated over at least a three-year period; the sensitivity of pay to below median performance; the amount and nature of non-performance-based compensation; the justification and rationale behind paying discretionary bonuses; the use of stock ownership guidelines and amount of executive stock ownership; and how well elements of compensation are disclosed.
When presented with a frequency of Say on Pay vote, Fidelity generally will support holding an annual advisory vote on Say on Pay.
A. Compensation Committee
Directors serving on the compensation committee of the Board have a special responsibility to ensure that management is appropriately compensated and that compensation, among other things, fairly reflects the performance of the company. Fidelity believes that compensation should align with company performance as measured by key business metrics. Compensation policies should align the interests of executives with those of shareholders. Further, the compensation program should be disclosed in a transparent and timely manner.
Fidelity will oppose the election of directors on the compensation committee if:
1. The compensation appears misaligned with shareholder interests or is otherwise problematic and results in concerns with:
a) The alignment of executive compensation and company performance relative to peers; and
b) The structure of the compensation program, including factors outlined above under the section entitled Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) and Frequency of Say on Pay Vote.
2. The company has not adequately addressed concerns communicated by Fidelity in the process of discussing executive compensation.
3. Within the last year, and without shareholder approval, a company’s board of directors or compensation committee has either:
a) Re-priced outstanding options, exchanged outstanding options for equity, or tendered cash for outstanding options; or
b) Adopted or extended a golden parachute.
B. Executive Severance Agreements
Executive severance compensation and benefit arrangements resulting from a termination following a change in control are known as “golden parachutes.” Fidelity generally will oppose proposals to ratify golden parachutes where the arrangement includes an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination following a change in control.
V. Natural and Human Capital Issues
As part of our efforts to maximize long-term shareholder value, we incorporate consideration of human and natural capital issues into our evaluation of a company if our research has demonstrated an issue is financially material to that company and the investing funds’ investment objectives and strategies.
Fidelity generally considers management’s recommendation and current practice when voting on shareholder proposals concerning human and natural capital issues because it generally believes that management and the board are in the best position to determine how to address these matters. Fidelity, however, also believes that transparency is critical to sound corporate governance. Fidelity evaluates shareholder proposals concerning natural and human capital topics. To engage and vote more effectively on the growing number of submitted proposals on these topics, we developed a four-point decision-making framework. In general, Fidelity will more likely support proposals that:
•Address a topic that our research has identified as financially material;
•Provide disclosure of new or additional information to investors without being overly prescriptive;
•Provide valuable information to the business or investors by improving the landscape of investment-decision relevant information or contributing to our understanding of a company’s processes and governance of the topic in question; and
•Are realistic or practical for the company to comply with.
VI. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans
Fidelity generally will oppose a proposal to adopt an anti-takeover provision.
Anti-takeover provisions include:
- classified boards;
- “blank check” preferred stock (whose terms and conditions may be expressly determined by the company’s board, for example, with differential voting rights);
- golden parachutes;
- supermajority provisions (that require a large majority (generally between 67-90%) of shareholders to approve corporate changes as compared to a majority provision that simply requires more than 50% of shareholders to approve those changes);
- poison pills;
- provisions restricting the right to call special meetings;
- provisions restricting the right of shareholders to set board size; and - any other provision that eliminates or limits shareholder rights. A. Shareholders Rights Plans (“poison pills”) Poison pills allow shareholders opposed to a takeover offer to purchase stock at discounted prices under certain circumstances and effectively give boards veto power over any takeover offer. While there are advantages and disadvantages to poison pills, they can be detrimental to the creation of shareholder value and can help entrench management by deterring acquisition offers not favored by the board, but that may, in fact, be beneficial to shareholders. Fidelity generally will support a proposal to adopt or extend a poison pill if the proposal: 1. Includes a condition in the charter or plan that specifies an expiration date (sunset provision) of no greater than five years; 2. Is integral to a business strategy that is expected to result in greater value for the shareholders; 3. Requires shareholder approval to be reinstated upon expiration or if amended; 4. Contains a mechanism to allow shareholders to consider a bona fide takeover offer for all outstanding shares without triggering the poison pill; and 5. Allows the Fidelity funds to hold an aggregate position of up to 20% of a company’s total voting securities, where permissible. Fidelity generally also will support a proposal that is crafted only for the purpose of protecting a specific tax benefit if it also believes the proposal is likely to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value. B. Shareholder Ability to Call a Special Meeting Fidelity generally will support shareholder proposals regarding shareholders’ right to call special meetings if the threshold required to call the special meeting is no less than 25% of the outstanding stock. C. Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding shareholders’ right to act by written consent if the proposals include appropriate mechanisms for implementation. This means that proposals must include record date requests from at least 25% of the outstanding stockholders and consents must be solicited from all shareholders. D. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement Fidelity generally will support proposals regarding supermajority provisions if Fidelity believes that the provisions protect minority shareholder interests in companies where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder. VII. Anti-Takeover Provisions and Director Elections Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors or directors on responsible committees if the board adopted or extended an anti-takeover provision without shareholder approval. Fidelity will consider supporting the election of directors with respect to poison pills if: - All of the poison pill’s features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights section above are met when a poison pill is adopted or extended. - A board is willing to consider seeking shareholder ratification of, or adding the features outlined under the Anti-Takeover Provisions and Shareholders Rights Plans section above to, an existing poison pill. If, however, the company does not take appropriate action prior to the next annual shareholder meeting, Fidelity will oppose the election of all directors at that meeting. - It determines that the poison pill was narrowly tailored to protect a specific tax benefit, and subject to an evaluation of its likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value. VIII. Capital Structure and Incorporation These guidelines are designed to protect shareholders’ value in the companies in which the Fidelity funds invest. To the extent a company’s management is committed and incentivized to maximize shareholder value, Fidelity |
generally votes in favor of management proposals; Fidelity may vote contrary to management where a proposal is overly dilutive to shareholders and/or compromises shareholder value or other interests. The guidelines that follow are meant to protect shareholders in these respects. A. Increases in Common Stock Fidelity may support reasonable increases in authorized shares for a specific purpose (a stock split or re-capitalization, for example). Fidelity generally will oppose a provision to increase a company’s authorized common stock if such increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than three times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares, including stock options. In the case of real estate investment trusts (REITs), however, Fidelity will oppose a provision to increase the REIT’s authorized common stock if the increase will result in a total number of authorized shares greater than five times the current number of outstanding and scheduled to be issued shares. B. Multi-Class Share Structures Fidelity generally will support proposals to recapitalize multi-class share structures into structures that provide equal voting rights for all shareholders, and generally will oppose proposals to introduce or increase classes of stock with differential voting rights. However, Fidelity will evaluate all such proposals in the context of their likelihood to enhance long-term economic returns or maximize long-term shareholder value. C. Incorporation or Reincorporation in another State or Country Fidelity generally will support management proposals calling for, or recommending that, a company reincorporate in another state or country if, on balance, the economic and corporate governance factors in the proposed jurisdiction appear reasonably likely to be better aligned with shareholder interests, taking into account the corporate laws of the current and proposed jurisdictions and any changes to the company’s current and proposed governing documents. Fidelity will consider supporting these shareholder proposals in limited cases if, based upon particular facts and circumstances, remaining incorporated in the current jurisdiction appears misaligned with shareholder interests. IX. Shares of Fidelity Funds or other non-Fidelity Funds When a Fidelity fund invests in an underlying Fidelity fund with public shareholders or a non-Fidelity investment company or business development company, Fidelity will generally vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of the underlying fund (this is known as “echo voting”). Fidelity may not vote if “echo voting” is not operationally practical or not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. For Fidelity fund investments in a Fidelity Series Fund, Fidelity generally will vote in a manner consistent with the recommendation of the Fidelity Series Fund’s Board of Trustees on all proposals, except where not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. X. Foreign Markets Many Fidelity funds invest in voting securities issued by companies that are domiciled outside the United States and are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange. Corporate governance standards, legal or regulatory requirements and disclosure practices in foreign countries can differ from those in the United States. When voting proxies relating to non-U.S. securities, Fidelity generally will evaluate proposals under these guidelines and where applicable and feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining how to vote shares. In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, shareholders voting shares of a company may be restricted from trading the shares for a period of time around the shareholder meeting date. Because these trading restrictions can hinder portfolio management and could result in a loss of liquidity for a fund, Fidelity generally will not vote proxies in circumstances where such restrictions apply. In addition, certain non-U.S. jurisdictions require voting shareholders to disclose current share ownership on a fund-by-fund basis. When such disclosure requirements apply, Fidelity generally will not vote proxies in order to safeguard fund holdings information. XI. Securities on Loan Securities on loan as of a record date cannot be voted. In certain circumstances, Fidelity may recall a security on loan before record date (for example, in a particular contested director election or a noteworthy merger or acquisition). Generally, however, securities out on loan remain on loan and are not voted because, for example, the |
income a fund derives from the loan outweighs the benefit the fund receives from voting the security. In addition, Fidelity may not be able to recall and vote loaned securities if Fidelity is unaware of relevant information before record date, or is otherwise unable to timely recall securities on loan. XII. Compliance with Legal Obligations and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest Voting of shares is conducted in a manner consistent with Fidelity’s fiduciary obligations to the funds and all applicable laws and regulations. In other words, Fidelity votes in a manner consistent with these guidelines and in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders, and without regard to any other Fidelity companies’ business relationships. Fidelity takes its responsibility to vote shares in the best interests of the funds seriously and has implemented policies and procedures to address actual and potential conflicts of interest. XIII. Conclusion Since its founding more than 75 years ago, Fidelity has been driven by two fundamental values: 1) putting the long-term interests of our customers and fund shareholders first; and 2) investing in companies that share our approach to creating value over the long-term. With these fundamental principles as guideposts, the funds are managed to provide the greatest possible return to shareholders consistent with governing laws and the investment guidelines and objectives of each fund. Fidelity believes that there is a strong correlation between sound corporate governance and enhancing shareholder value. Fidelity, through the implementation of these guidelines, puts this belief into action through consistent engagement with portfolio companies on matters contained in these guidelines, and, ultimately, through the exercise of voting rights by the funds. Glossary • Burn rate means the total number of stock option and full value equity awards granted as compensation in a given year divided by the weighted average common stock outstanding for that same year. - For a large-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 1.5%. - For a small-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 2.5%. - For a micro-capitalization company, burn rate higher than 3.5%. • Golden parachute means employment contracts, agreements, or policies that include an excise tax gross-up provision; single trigger for cash incentives; or may result in a lump sum payment of cash and acceleration of equity that may total more than three times annual compensation (salary and bonus) in the event of a termination following a change in control. • Large-capitalization company means a company included in the Russell 1000® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index. • Micro-capitalization company means a company with market capitalization under US $300 million. • Poison pill refers to a strategy employed by a potential takeover / target company to make its stock less attractive to an acquirer. Poison pills are generally designed to dilute the acquirer’s ownership and value in the event of a takeover. • Small-capitalization company means a company not included in the Russell 1000® Index or the Russell Global ex-U.S. Large Cap Index that is not a Micro-Capitalization Company. |
To view a fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, if applicable, visit www.fidelity.com/proxyvotingresults or visit the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. To request a free copy of a fund’s proxy voting record, please call Fidelity at the telephone number listed on the front cover page of this SAI. |
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an affiliate of FMR. The principal business address of FDC is 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
The fund’s 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.
Promotional and administrative expenses in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan with respect to shares of the fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the Rule).
The Rule provides in substance that a fund may not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund except pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule.
The Plan, as approved by the Trustees, allows shares of the fund and/or FMR to incur certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
The Plan adopted for the fund or class, as applicable, is described in the prospectus.
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.
While the fund will not make direct payments for distribution or shareholder support services, the Plan specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue, as well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund and/or shareholder support services. In addition, the Plan provides that FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay significant amounts to intermediaries that provide those services.
Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such payments for shares of the fund.
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the fund or class, as applicable, and its shareholders.
In particular, the Trustees noted that the Plan does not authorize payments by shares of 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, additional sales of shares or stabilization of cash flows may result.
Furthermore, certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders have other relationships.
FDC or an affiliate may compensate, or upon direction make payments for certain retirement plan expenses to intermediaries. A number of factors are considered in determining whether to pay these additional amounts. Such factors may include, without limitation, the level or type of services provided by the intermediary, the level or expected level of assets or sales of shares, and other factors. In addition to such payments, FDC or an affiliate may offer other incentives such as sponsorship of educational or client seminars relating to current products and issues, payments or reimbursements for travel and related expenses associated with due diligence trips that an intermediary may undertake in order to explore possible business relationships with affiliates of FDC, and/or payments of costs and expenses associated with attendance at seminars, including travel, lodging, entertainment, and meals. Certain of the payments described above may be significant to an intermediary. As permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules and other applicable laws and regulations, FDC or an affiliate may pay or allow other incentives or payments to intermediaries.
FDC or an affiliate may also make payments to banks, broker-dealers and other service-providers (who may be affiliated with FDC) for distribution-related activities and/or shareholder services. If you have purchased shares of the fund through an investment professional, please speak with your investment professional to learn more about any payments his or her firm may receive from FMR, FDC, and/or their affiliates, as well as fees and/or commissions the investment professional charges. You should also consult disclosures made by your investment professional at the time of purchase.
Any of the payments described in this section may represent a premium over payments made by other fund families. Investment professionals may have an added incentive to sell or recommend a fund over others offered by competing fund families, or retirement plan sponsors may take these payments into account when deciding whether to include a fund as a plan investment option.
FDC may also enter into agreements with securities dealers who will solicit purchases of Creation Units. Such securities dealers may also be Authorized Participants, DTC Participants, and or investor services organizations.
TRANSFER AND SERVICE AGENT SERVICES
The fund has entered into a transfer agency and service agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, which is located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10286. Under the terms of the agreement, Bank of New York Mellon (or an agent, including an affiliate) acts as transfer agent and dividend and disbursing agent.
The fund has entered into a service agent agreement with Fidelity Service Company, Inc. (FSC), an affiliate of FMR (or an agent, including an affiliate), which is located at 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. Under the terms of the agreement, FSC calculates the NAV and dividends for shares, maintains the fund’s portfolio and general accounting records, and administers the fund’s securities lending program, if applicable.
For providing pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC receives a monthly fee based on the fund’s average daily net assets throughout the month.
Prior to March 1, 2024, the Predecessor Fund bore the cost of pricing and bookkeeping services under an agreement covering such services. For providing pricing and bookkeeping services, FSC received a monthly fee based on the fund’s average daily net assets throughout the month. Pricing and bookkeeping fees paid by the Predecessor Fund to FSC for the fiscal year(s) ended January 31, 2024 are shown in the following table.
Fund | 2024 |
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF | $9,546(A) |
(A) | The Predecessor Fund commenced operation on February 16, 2023. |
FMR bears the cost of services under these agreements under the terms of its management contract with the fund.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
Trust Organization.
Fidelity® Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF is a fund of Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust, an open-end management investment company created under an initial declaration of trust dated November 15, 2012.
The Trustees are permitted to create additional funds in the trust and to create additional classes of a fund.
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 to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
Shareholder Liability. The trust is an entity 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 contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the trust or fund. 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 relating to the trust or to a fund shall include a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of a fund’s property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of Trust also provides that a 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. Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote.
Voting Rights. The fund’s capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value they own. The voting rights of shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be voted in the aggregate, by fund, and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading “Shareholder Liability” above.
The trust or a fund or a class may be terminated upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment company, series, or class thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets. The Trustees may reorganize, terminate, merge, or sell all or a portion of the assets of a trust or a fund or a class without prior shareholder approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of a trust, shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund or a class, shareholders of that fund or that class are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund or class available for distribution.
Custodian(s).
The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, is custodian of the assets of the fund.
The custodian is responsible for the safekeeping of the fund’s assets and the appointment of any subcustodian banks and clearing agencies.
From time to time, subject to approval by a fund’s Treasurer, a Fidelity® fund may enter into escrow arrangements with other banks if necessary to participate in certain investment offerings.
FMR, its officers and directors, its affiliated companies, Members of the Advisory Board (if any), and Members of 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 or an affiliate. Transactions that have occurred to date include mortgages and personal and general business loans. In the judgment of the fund’s adviser, the terms and conditions of those transactions were not influenced by existing or potential custodial or other fund relationships.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 101 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the financial statements for the fund and provide other audit, tax, and related services.
FUND HOLDINGS INFORMATION
The fund views holdings information as sensitive and limits its dissemination. The Board authorized FMR to establish and administer guidelines for the dissemination of fund holdings information, which may be amended at any time without prior notice. FMR’s Executive Holdings Policy Committee (comprising executive officers of FMR) evaluates disclosure policy with the goal of serving the fund’s best interests by striking an appropriate balance between providing information about the fund’s portfolio and protecting the fund from potentially harmful
disclosure. The Board reviews the administration and modification of these guidelines and receives reports from the fund’s chief compliance officer periodically.
On each Business Day, before the opening of regular trading on the listing exchange, the fund will provide a full list of holdings daily on www.fidelity.com.
Daily portfolio composition files (PCFs) that identify a basket of specified securities that may overlap with the actual or expected portfolio holdings of the fund may be provided as frequently as daily to the fund’s service providers to facilitate the provision of services to the fund and to certain other entities in connection with the dissemination of information necessary for transactions in Creation Units. Each business day prior to the opening of the listing exchange, a PCF containing a list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security for the fund will be provided through fee-based services; to subscribers to the fee-based services, including Authorized Participants; and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading fund shares in the secondary market.
The fund may also from time to time provide or make available to the Board or third parties upon request specific fund level performance attribution information and statistics. Third parties may include fund shareholders or prospective fund shareholders, members of the press, consultants, and ratings and ranking organizations. Nonexclusive examples of performance attribution information and statistics may include (i) the allocation of the fund’s portfolio holdings and other investment positions among various asset classes, sectors, industries, and countries, (ii) the characteristics of the stock and bond components of the fund’s portfolio holdings and other investment positions, (iii) the attribution of fund returns by asset class, sector, industry, and country and (iv) the volatility characteristics of the fund.
FMR’s Executive Holdings Policy Committee may approve a request for fund level performance attribution and statistics as long as (i) such disclosure does not enable the receiving party to recreate the complete or partial portfolio holdings of any Fidelity® fund prior to such fund’s public disclosure of its portfolio holdings and (ii) Fidelity has made a good faith determination that the requested information is not material given the particular facts and circumstances. Fidelity may deny any request for performance attribution information and other statistical information about a fund made by any person, and may do so for any reason or for no reason.
Disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information for a Fidelity® fund’s portfolio may only be provided pursuant to the guidelines below.
The Use of Holdings In Connection With Fund Operations. Material non-public holdings information may be provided as part of the activities associated with managing Fidelity® funds to: entities which, by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the fund, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed; other parties if legally required; or persons FMR believes will not misuse the disclosed information. These entities, parties, and persons include, but are not limited to: the fund’s trustees; the fund’s manager, its sub-advisers, if any, and their affiliates whose access persons are subject to a code of ethics (including portfolio managers of affiliated funds of funds); contractors who are subject to a confidentiality agreement; the fund’s auditors; the fund’s custodians; proxy voting service providers; financial printers; pricing service vendors; broker-dealers in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities; securities lending agents; counsel to the fund or its Independent Trustees; regulatory authorities; stock exchanges and other listing organizations; parties to litigation; third parties in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding relating to a fund holding; and third parties who have submitted a standing request to a money market fund for daily holdings information. Non-public holdings information may also be provided to an issuer regarding the number or percentage of its shares that are owned by the fund and in connection with redemptions in kind.
Other Uses Of Holdings Information. In addition, the fund may provide material non-public holdings information to (i) third parties that calculate information derived from holdings for use by FMR, a sub-adviser, or their affiliates, (ii) ratings and rankings organizations, and (iii) an investment adviser, trustee, or their agents to whom holdings are disclosed for due diligence purposes or in anticipation of a merger involving the fund. Each individual request is reviewed by the Executive Holdings Policy Committee which must find, in its sole discretion that, based on the specific facts and circumstances, the disclosure appears unlikely to be harmful to the fund. Entities receiving this information must have in place control mechanisms to reasonably ensure or otherwise agree that, (a) the holdings information will be kept confidential, (b) no employee shall use the information to effect trading or for their personal benefit, and (c) the nature and type of information that they, in turn, may disclose to third parties is limited. FMR relies primarily on the existence of non-disclosure agreements and/or control mechanisms when determining that disclosure is not likely to be harmful to the fund.
At this time, the entities receiving information described in the preceding paragraph are: Factset Research Systems Inc. (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (full holdings weekly (generally as of the previous Friday), generally 5 business days thereafter); MSCI Inc. and certain affiliates (full or partial fund holdings daily, on the next business day); and Bloomberg, L.P. (full holdings daily, on the next business day).
FMR, its affiliates, or the fund will not enter into any arrangements with third parties from which they derive consideration for the disclosure of material non-public holdings information. If, in the future, such an arrangement is desired, prior Board approval would be sought and any such arrangements would be disclosed in the fund’s SAI.
There can be no assurance that the fund’s policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of fund portfolio holdings will prevent the misuse of such information by individuals and firms that receive such information.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Predecessor Fund’s financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024, and report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Predecessor Fund’s annual report and are incorporated herein by reference.
Unaudited financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal period ended July 31, 2024, are included in the Predecessor Fund’s semi-annual report and are incorporated herein by reference.
Total annual operating expenses as shown in the prospectus fee table may differ from the ratios of expenses to average net assets in the financial highlights because total annual operating expenses as shown in the prospectus fee table include any acquired fund fees and expenses, whereas the ratios of expenses in the financial highlights do not, except to the extent any acquired fund fees and expenses relate to an entity, such as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with which a fund’s financial statements are consolidated. Acquired funds include other investment companies (such as Central funds or other underlying funds) in which a fund has invested, if and to the extent it is permitted to do so.
Total annual operating expenses in the prospectus fee table and the financial highlights do not include any expenses associated with investments in certain structured or synthetic products that may rely on the exception from the definition of “investment company” provided by section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act.
APPENDIX
Fidelity, the Fidelity Investments Logo and all other Fidelity trademarks or service marks used herein are trademarks or service marks of FMR LLC. Any third-party marks that are used herein are trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. © 2024 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
PART C. | | OTHER INFORMATION |
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 Trust 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 or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she is involved by virtue of his or her service as a trustee or officer and against any amount incurred in settlement thereof. Indemnification will not be provided to a person adjudged by a court or other adjudicatory body to be liable to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties (collectively, “disabling conduct”), or not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Trust. In the event of a settlement, no indemnification may be provided unless there has been a determination, as specified in the Declaration of Trust, that the officer or trustee did not engage in disabling conduct.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Distribution Agreement, the Trust 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 (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) 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 Trust (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law. However, the Trust 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 Trust by or on behalf of the Distributor. In no case is the indemnity of the Trust in favor of the Distributor or any person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any person against any liability to the Issuer or its security holders to which the Distributor or such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
| (4) | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between Fidelity Salem Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Core Plus Bond Fund and Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust: Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF is filed herein as Exhibit 1 to the Proxy Statement and Prospectus |
| (7) | Management Contract, between Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (8) | Management Contract, between Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF and Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (13) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF, Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(5) of Fidelity Revere Street Trust’s (File No. 811-07807) Amendment No. 54. |
| (14) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(6) of Fidelity Revere Street Trust’s (File No. 811-07807) Amendment No. 55. |
| (15) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Hong Kong) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF and Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (18) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF, Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(7) of Fidelity Revere Street Trust’s (File No. 811-07807) Amendment No. 54. |
| (19) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF, Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(8) of Fidelity Revere Street Trust’s (File No. 811-07807) Amendment No. 55. |
| (20) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and Fidelity Management & Research (Japan) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF and Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (23) | Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, and Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF, Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(138) of Fidelity Salem Street Trust’s (File No. 002-41839) Post-Effective Amendment No. 576. |
| (24) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF, Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(142) of Fidelity Salem Street Trust’s (File No. 002-41839) Post-Effective Amendment No. 581. |
| (25) | Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 1, 2024, between Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and FMR Investment Management (UK) Limited, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF and Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (7) | General Distribution Agreement, between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, on behalf of Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (8) | General Distribution Agreement, between Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust and Fidelity Distributors Company LLC, on behalf of Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (9) | (1) | Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond ETF, and Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(4) of Fidelity Advisor Series I’s (File No. 002-84776) Post-Effective Amendment No. 72. |
| (3) | Amendment, dated March 20, 2024, to the Custodian Agreement, dated January 1, 2007, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond ETF, and Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) of Fidelity Covington Trust’s (File No. 033-60973) Post-Effective Amendment No. 119. |
| (4) | Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 11, 2013, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(5) of Fidelity Covington Trust’s (File No. 033-60973) Post-Effective Amendment No. 11. |
| (5) | Amendment, dated April 4, 2024, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated October 11, 2013, between State Street Bank and Trust Company and Fidelity Corporate Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Bond ETF, Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF, Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Core Plus Bond ETF, Fidelity Sustainable Low Duration Bond ETF, Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF, and Fidelity Total Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(4) of Fidelity Covington Trust’s (File No. 033-60973) Post-Effective Amendment No. 119. |
| (6) | Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, between The Bank of New York (currently known as The Bank of New York Mellon) and Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF and Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (7) | Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF: Fidelity Municipal Bond Opportunities ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (8) | Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF: Fidelity Systematic Municipal Bond Index ETF, is to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(12) | Opinion and Consent of counsel Dechert LLP, as to tax matters - To be filed by Post-Effective Amendment. |
a) Power of Attorney, dated November 1, 2024, is filed herein as Exhibit 16a.
b) Power of Attorney, dated November 7, 2024, is filed herein as Exhibit 16b.
Item 17. Undertakings
(1) The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of the prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for reoffering by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
(2) The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as part of an amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each Post-Effective Amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them.
(3) The undersigned Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement prior to the closing of the Reorganization described in this Registration Statement that contains an opinion of counsel supporting the tax matters discussed in this Registration Statement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 15th day of November 2024.
| Fidelity Merrimack Street Trust |
| By | /s/ Laura M. Del Prato | |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| | | Laura M. Del Prato, 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) |
| | | |
/s/ Laura M. Del Prato | | President and Treasurer | November 15, 2024 |
Laura M. Del Prato | | (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| | | |
/s/ Stephanie Caron | | Chief Financial Officer | November 15, 2024 |
Stephanie Caron | | (Principal Financial Officer) | |
| | | |
/s/ Abigail P. Johnson | † | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Abigail P. Johnson | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Elizabeth S. Acton | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Elizabeth S. Acton | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Laura M. Bishop | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Laura M. Bishop | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Ann E. Dunwoody | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Ann E. Dunwoody | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Robert F. Gartland | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Robert F. Gartland | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Robert W. Helm | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Robert W. Helm | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Michael E. Kenneally | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Michael E. Kenneally | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Mark A. Murray | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Mark A. Murray | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Jennifer Toolin McAuliffe | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Lester Owens | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Lester Owens | | | |
/s/ Christine J. Thompson | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Christine J. Thompson | | | |
| | | |
/s/ Carol J. Zierhoffer | * | Trustee | November 15, 2024 |
Carol J. Zierhoffer | | | |
† | By: | /s/ Stephanie J. Brown |
| | Stephanie J. Brown, pursuant to a power of attorney dated November 7, 2024, and filed herewith. |
* | By: | /s/ Megan C. Johnson |
| | Megan C. Johnson, pursuant to a power of attorney dated November 1, 2024, and filed herewith. |