United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form N-CSR

Certified Shareholder Report of Registered Management Investment Companies

 

 

 

 

811-7193

 

(Investment Company Act File Number)

 

 

Federated Hermes Institutional Trust

______________________________________________________________

 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

Federated Hermes Funds

4000 Ericsson Drive

Warrendale, PA 15086-7561

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

(412) 288-1900

(Registrant's Telephone Number)

 

 

Peter J. Germain, Esquire

1001 Liberty Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

(Notices should be sent to the Agent for Service)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Fiscal Year End: 10/31/22

 

 

Date of Reporting Period: Six months ended 04/30/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Item 1. Reports to Stockholders

 

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
April 30, 2022
Share Class | Ticker
Institutional | FIHBX
R6 | FIHLX
 
 

Federated Hermes Institutional High Yield Bond Fund
Fund Established 2002

A Portfolio of Federated Hermes Institutional Trust
Dear Valued Shareholder,
We are pleased to present the Semi-Annual Shareholder Report for your fund covering the period from November 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022. This report includes a complete listing of your fund’s holdings, performance information and financial statements along with other important fund information.
As a global leader in active, responsible investment management, Federated Hermes is guided by our conviction that responsible investing is the best way to create wealth over the long term. The company provides capabilities across a wide range of asset classes to investors around the world.
In addition, FederatedInvestors.com offers quick and easy access to valuable resources that include timely fund updates, economic and market insights from our investment strategists and financial planning tools. You can also access many of those insights by following us on Twitter (@FederatedHermes) and LinkedIn.
Thank you for investing with us. We hope you find this information useful and look forward to keeping you informed.
Sincerely,
J. Christopher Donahue, President

Not FDIC Insured ▪ May Lose Value ▪ No Bank Guarantee

CONTENTS

Portfolio of Investments Summary Table (unaudited)
At April 30, 2022, the Fund’s index classification1 was as follows:
Index Classification
Percentage of
Total Net Assets
Cable Satellite
8.2%
Media Entertainment
7.8%
Health Care
7.6%
Technology
7.5%
Midstream
6.8%
Automotive
5.7%
Insurance - P&C
5.4%
Independent Energy
5.2%
Packaging
4.7%
Gaming
4.0%
Other2
34.1%
Cash Equivalents3
1.7%
Other Assets and Liabilities - Net4
1.3%
Total
100%
1
Index classifications are based upon, and individual portfolio securities are assigned to, the
classifications and sub-classifications of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer
Capped Index (BHY2%ICI). Individual portfolio securities that are not included in the BHY2%ICI
are assigned to an index classification by the Fund’s Adviser.
2
For purposes of this table, index classifications which constitute less than 3.5% of the Fund’s
total net assets have been aggregated under the designation “Other.”
3
Cash Equivalents include any investments in money market mutual funds and/or overnight
repurchase agreements.
4
Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and
Liabilities.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
1

Portfolio of Investments
April 30, 2022 (unaudited)
Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   96.6%
 
 
 
Aerospace/Defense—   1.4%
 
$ 21,175,000
 
TransDigm, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.250%, 3/15/2026
$   21,092,735
19,150,000
 
TransDigm, Inc., Sr. Sub., 6.875%, 5/15/2026
   19,079,815
15,650,000
 
TransDigm, Inc., Sr. Sub., Note, 6.375%, 6/15/2026
   15,473,546
13,000,000
 
TransDigm, Inc., Sr. Sub., Note, Series WI, 4.625%, 1/15/2029
   11,327,420
30,675,000
 
TransDigm, Inc., Sr. Sub., Note, Series WI, 4.875%, 5/1/2029
   26,929,736
17,925,000
 
TransDigm, Inc., Sr. Sub., Series WI, 5.500%, 11/15/2027
   16,459,990
  7,675,000
 
TransDigm, Inc., Sr. Sub., Series WI, 7.500%, 3/15/2027
    7,743,001
 
 
TOTAL
118,106,243
 
 
Airlines—   0.3%
 
16,900,000
 
American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., 144A,
5.500%, 4/20/2026
   16,771,813
12,450,000
 
American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., 144A,
5.750%, 4/20/2029
   12,016,740
 
 
TOTAL
28,788,553
 
 
Automotive—   5.7%
 
37,500,000
 
Adient Global Holdings Ltd., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.875%, 8/15/2026
   33,501,187
  5,895,000
 
Clarios Global LP, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.750%, 5/15/2025
    6,020,829
13,750,000
 
Dana Financing Lux Sarl, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.750%, 4/15/2025
   13,591,806
    575,000
 
Dana, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.250%, 9/1/2030
      493,870
  1,700,000
 
Dana, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 2/15/2032
    1,405,747
  3,800,000
 
Dana, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.625%, 6/15/2028
    3,631,014
36,975,000
 
Dornoch Debt Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.625%, 10/15/2029
   30,365,719
  9,150,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.700%, 8/10/2026
    8,168,480
  4,700,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.096%, 5/4/2023
    4,650,650
30,600,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.375%, 11/13/2025
   29,417,769
23,600,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.000%, 11/13/2030
   20,449,282
23,800,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.063%, 11/1/2024
   23,309,422
11,725,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.125%, 8/17/2027
   10,883,145
  4,733,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.140%, 2/15/2023
    4,735,367
10,625,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.250%, 9/20/2022
   10,671,750
  9,375,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.271%, 1/9/2027
    8,847,234
29,475,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.113%, 5/3/2029
   27,966,912
15,650,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.125%, 6/16/2025
   15,628,872
29,900,000
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series GMTN,
4.389%, 1/8/2026
   28,888,034
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
2

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Automotive—   continued
 
$ 10,100,000
 
IHO Verwaltungs GmbH, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.000%, 5/15/2027
$    9,378,911
  8,025,000
 
IHO Verwaltungs GmbH, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.375%, 5/15/2029
    7,648,186
12,750,000
 
J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
7.125%, 4/15/2026
   12,789,908
17,100,000
 
KAR Auction Services, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 6/1/2025
   17,312,724
    945,000
 
Panther BF Aggregator 2 LP, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.250%, 5/15/2026
      955,617
80,125,000
 
Panther BF Aggregator 2 LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
8.500%, 5/15/2027
   80,176,280
55,950,000
 
Real Hero Merger Sub 2, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.250%, 2/1/2029
   45,445,947
25,325,000
 
Schaeffler Verwaltung Zw, 144A, 4.750%, 9/15/2026
   23,846,653
 
 
TOTAL
480,181,315
 
 
Building Materials—   3.0%
 
  1,575,000
 
Abc Supply Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 11/15/2029
    1,393,599
  7,600,000
 
American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 144A,
4.000%, 1/15/2028
    7,097,716
11,925,000
 
Cornerstone Building Brands, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.125%, 1/15/2029
    9,936,685
40,975,000
 
Cp Atlas Buyer, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 12/1/2028
   34,279,275
33,675,000
 
Foundation Building Materials, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.000%, 3/1/2029
   27,441,421
20,725,000
 
Gyp Holdings III Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 5/1/2029
   18,393,437
  8,625,000
 
Interface, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 12/1/2028
    7,825,635
  4,400,000
 
MIWD Holdco II LLC MIWD Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.500%, 2/1/2030
    3,811,280
23,575,000
 
Srs Distribution, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.000%, 12/1/2029
   20,715,117
16,875,000
 
Srs Distribution, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.125%, 7/1/2029
   14,913,113
18,775,000
 
Standard Industries, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.375%, 1/15/2031
   15,021,596
21,650,000
 
Standard Industries, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.375%, 7/15/2030
   18,077,750
  6,250,000
 
Standard Industries, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 1/15/2028
    5,758,875
31,025,000
 
Standard Industries, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 2/15/2027
   29,432,642
24,050,000
 
White Cap Buyer LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.875%, 10/15/2028
   22,067,438
15,375,000
 
White Cap Parent LLC, Sr. Sub. Secd. Note, 144A, 8.250%, 3/15/2026
   14,856,248
 
 
TOTAL
251,021,827
 
 
Cable Satellite—   8.2%
 
11,150,000
 
Cablevision Systems Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.875%, 9/15/2022
   11,224,761
  2,138,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Sub. Secd. Note, 144A,
5.500%, 5/1/2026
    2,146,135
19,625,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 5/1/2032
   16,546,328
  9,700,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.000%, 3/1/2023
    9,712,271
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
3

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Cable Satellite—   continued
 
$ 43,675,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.250%, 2/1/2031
$   36,892,272
  8,775,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.250%, 1/15/2034
    6,991,086
31,525,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.500%, 8/15/2030
   27,557,736
  4,075,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.500%, 6/1/2033
    3,341,500
32,650,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 3/1/2030
   29,234,483
  6,225,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 2/1/2032
    5,361,032
13,150,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 2/1/2028
   12,540,761
10,575,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.125%, 5/1/2027
   10,321,147
  7,600,000
 
CCO Holdings LLC/Cap Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.375%, 6/1/2029
    7,211,032
  6,575,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.250%, 6/1/2024
    6,434,887
  4,625,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.375%, 2/15/2031
    3,621,329
26,900,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.125%, 12/1/2030
   22,236,885
25,925,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.500%, 11/15/2031
   21,341,071
25,375,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 12/1/2030
   19,456,789
23,725,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 4/15/2027
   22,930,450
40,225,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.750%, 1/15/2030
   33,456,943
  5,000,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.500%, 2/1/2029
    4,758,350
25,400,000
 
CSC Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.500%, 4/1/2028
   23,454,995
19,900,000
 
DIRECTV Holdings LLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.875%, 8/15/2027
   18,768,187
  8,100,000
 
DISH DBS Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.750%, 12/1/2028
    7,260,476
14,700,000
 
DISH DBS Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.375%, 7/1/2028
   12,871,982
21,050,000
 
DISH DBS Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.750%, 7/1/2026
   19,826,574
24,525,000
 
DISH DBS Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 5.125%, 6/1/2029
   19,185,172
17,550,000
 
Doyla Holdco 18 Designated Activity Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 7/15/2028
   15,967,253
14,100,000
1,2,3
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 8/1/2023
            0
11,850,000
1,2,3
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
8.500%, 10/15/2024
            0
  7,950,000
1,2,3
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
9.750%, 7/15/2025
            0
  6,050,000
 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.125%, 9/1/2026
    5,580,429
20,300,000
 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 9/1/2031
   17,173,901
12,325,000
 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 7/15/2028
   11,155,666
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
4

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Cable Satellite—   continued
 
$ 25,800,000
 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.125%, 7/1/2030
$   22,687,875
  5,600,000
 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 8/1/2027
    5,410,636
18,525,000
 
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 7/1/2029
   17,834,110
38,800,000
 
Telenet Finance Luxembourg, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.500%, 3/1/2028
   37,442,000
40,275,000
 
UPC Broadband Finco BV, Sr. Note, 144A, 4.875%, 7/15/2031
   35,464,755
15,025,000
 
Virgin Media Finance PLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 7/15/2030
   13,091,283
  9,575,000
 
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
4.500%, 8/15/2030
    8,327,186
  9,850,000
 
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
5.500%, 5/15/2029
    9,127,503
12,775,000
 
Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
4.250%, 1/31/2031
   10,822,341
19,950,000
 
Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC, Sr. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 7/15/2031
   17,143,733
14,525,000
 
VZ Secured Financing B.V., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.000%, 1/15/2032
   12,560,566
  5,275,000
 
Ziggo Bond Co. BV, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 2/28/2030
    4,584,819
  3,800,000
 
Ziggo BV, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.875%, 1/15/2030
    3,372,690
33,550,000
 
Ziggo Finance BV, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.000%, 1/15/2027
   32,925,299
 
 
TOTAL
695,356,679
 
 
Chemicals—   2.7%
 
  7,350,000
 
Ashland LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.375%, 9/1/2031
    6,369,253
  3,125,000
 
Axalta Coat/Dutch Holding BV, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 6/15/2027
    2,972,734
  9,500,000
 
Axalta Coating Systems LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.375%, 2/15/2029
    8,232,985
15,400,000
 
Compass Minerals International, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.875%, 7/15/2024
   15,266,020
17,800,000
 
Compass Minerals International, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.750%, 12/1/2027
   18,043,504
15,725,000
 
Element Solutions, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 9/1/2028
   14,077,020
11,850,000
 
H.B. Fuller Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.250%, 10/15/2028
   10,622,814
30,150,000
 
Herens Holdco S.a.r.l., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.750%, 5/15/2028
   26,494,312
10,450,000
 
Illuminate Buyer LLC/Illuminate Holdings IV, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
144A, 9.000%, 7/1/2028
    9,940,354
45,600,000
 
Koppers, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.000%, 2/15/2025
   44,185,032
14,525,000
 
Olympus Water US Holding Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
4.250%, 10/1/2028
   12,858,692
19,700,000
 
Olympus Water US Holding Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.250%, 10/1/2029
   16,375,330
23,000,000
 
Polar US Borrower LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.750%, 5/15/2026
   18,787,205
  3,125,000
 
SPCM SA, 144A, 3.125%, 3/15/2027
    2,761,484
  4,500,000
 
SPCM SA, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.375%, 3/15/2030
    3,832,965
  7,625,000
 
WR Grace Holdings LLC, 144A, 4.875%, 6/15/2027
    7,178,556
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
5

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Chemicals—   continued
 
$ 14,025,000
 
WR Grace Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.625%, 8/15/2029
$   11,982,960
 
 
TOTAL
229,981,220
 
 
Construction Machinery—   0.7%
 
31,725,000
 
H&E Equipment Services, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.875%, 12/15/2028
   27,671,497
  3,975,000
 
Terex Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 5/15/2029
    3,657,954
  3,650,000
 
United Rentals, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.875%, 2/15/2031
    3,224,410
  3,600,000
 
United Rentals North America, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
3.750%, 1/15/2032
    3,137,418
12,850,000
 
United Rentals North America, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
4.000%, 7/15/2030
   11,518,033
11,825,000
 
United Rentals North America, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
4.875%, 1/15/2028
   11,519,560
  1,725,000
 
United Rentals North America, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
5.250%, 1/15/2030
    1,675,657
 
 
TOTAL
62,404,529
 
 
Consumer Cyclical Services—   2.5%
 
20,650,000
 
Allied Universal Holdco LLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.625%, 7/15/2026
   19,980,940
20,800,000
 
Allied Universal Holdco LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.000%, 6/1/2029
   17,238,312
55,425,000
 
Allied Universal Holdco LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
9.750%, 7/15/2027
   53,869,220
    925,000
 
Atlas Luxco 4 S.a.r.l. / Allied Universal Holdings Co. LLC / Allied
Universal Finance Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.625%, 6/1/2028
      812,918
13,325,000
 
Garda World Security Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.625%, 2/15/2027
   12,017,351
28,325,000
 
Garda World Security Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.000%, 6/1/2029
   23,506,917
  8,900,000
 
Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC / GD Finance Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
144A, 5.250%, 12/1/2027
    8,815,194
55,151,000
 
GW B-CR Security Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 9.500%, 11/1/2027
   54,262,242
22,600,000
 
Signal Parent, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.125%, 4/1/2029
   17,310,983
 
 
TOTAL
207,814,077
 
 
Consumer Products—   1.4%
 
42,550,000
 
BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
7.625%, 5/1/2027
   39,932,324
20,700,000
 
Diamond BC BV, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 10/1/2029
   17,833,878
  5,625,000
 
Edgewell Personal Care Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.125%, 4/1/2029
    4,999,753
  9,850,000
 
Edgewell Personal Care Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.500%, 6/1/2028
    9,544,158
24,025,000
 
Energizer Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.375%, 3/31/2029
   20,035,408
13,175,000
 
Energizer Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 6/15/2028
   11,601,378
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
6

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Consumer Products—   continued
 
$  5,925,000
 
Energizer Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.500%, 12/31/2027
$    5,696,295
  8,700,000
 
Prestige Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.750%, 4/1/2031
    7,388,345
  1,325,000
 
Prestige Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 1/15/2028
    1,260,360
 
 
TOTAL
118,291,899
 
 
Diversified Manufacturing—   1.1%
 
  9,250,000
 
Entegris, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.625%, 5/1/2029
    8,150,267
55,575,000
 
Gates Global LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.250%, 1/15/2026
   54,252,871
  9,975,000
 
WESCO Distribution, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.125%, 6/15/2025
   10,374,100
20,600,000
 
WESCO Distribution, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.250%, 6/15/2028
   21,290,100
 
 
TOTAL
94,067,338
 
 
Finance Companies—   1.9%
 
19,200,000
 
Ld Holdings Group LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.125%, 4/1/2028
   14,521,152
14,225,000
 
Navient Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.875%, 3/15/2028
   12,507,616
  8,050,000
 
Navient Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.000%, 3/15/2027
    7,343,210
11,850,000
 
Navient Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 3/15/2029
   10,438,843
  4,625,000
 
Navient Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.750%, 6/25/2025
    4,622,526
  4,275,000
 
Navient Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.750%, 6/15/2026
    4,208,289
11,450,000
 
Quicken Loans LLC / Quicken Loans Co-Issuer, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
144A, 3.625%, 3/1/2029
    9,804,921
18,475,000
 
Quicken Loans LLC / Quicken Loans Co-Issuer, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
144A, 3.875%, 3/1/2031
   15,616,917
16,100,000
 
Rocket Mortgage Co-Issuer, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
2.875%, 10/15/2026
   14,266,451
11,300,000
 
Rocket Mortgage Co-Issuer, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.000%, 10/15/2033
    9,074,748
33,700,000
 
United Shore Financial Services, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.500%, 11/15/2025
   31,025,736
19,600,000
 
United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.500%, 4/15/2029
   16,296,322
  8,575,000
 
United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.750%, 6/15/2027
    7,454,891
 
 
TOTAL
157,181,622
 
 
Food & Beverage—   2.2%
 
  4,125,000
 
Aramark Services, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 4/1/2025
    4,094,599
  8,450,000
 
Aramark Services, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 2/1/2028
    7,891,202
26,450,000
 
Aramark Services, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.375%, 5/1/2025
   26,969,081
11,150,000
 
Bellring Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 3/15/2030
   10,912,839
  7,575,000
 
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.375%, 6/1/2046
    6,647,828
26,275,000
 
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.200%, 7/15/2045
   25,756,940
17,025,000
 
Performance Food Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.250%, 8/1/2029
   15,155,910
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
7

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Food & Beverage—   continued
 
$  1,525,000
 
Performance Food Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.500%, 10/15/2027
$    1,481,812
  4,100,000
 
Post Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.500%, 9/15/2031
    3,415,013
24,725,000
 
Post Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 4/15/2030
   21,169,298
  9,925,000
 
Post Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 12/15/2029
    9,043,313
  9,675,000
 
Post Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.625%, 1/15/2028
    9,163,434
13,717,000
 
Post Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.750%, 3/1/2027
   13,543,480
  7,100,000
 
US Foods, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.250%, 4/15/2025
    7,302,776
  3,850,000
 
US Foods, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 6/1/2030
    3,450,312
22,275,000
 
US Foods, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 2/15/2029
   20,606,380
 
 
TOTAL
186,604,217
 
 
Gaming—   4.0%
 
27,950,000
 
Affinity Gaming LLC, 144A, 6.875%, 12/15/2027
   26,216,261
13,475,000
 
Boyd Gaming Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 12/1/2027
   12,751,662
  8,575,000
 
Boyd Gaming Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 6/15/2031
    7,768,092
  1,175,000
 
Boyd Gaming Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.625%, 6/1/2025
    1,226,400
  9,300,000
 
Caesars Entertainment Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.625%, 10/15/2029
    7,985,305
  2,975,000
 
CCM Merger, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.375%, 5/1/2026
    2,971,742
14,725,000
 
Colt Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Secd. Note, 144A, 5.750%, 7/1/2025
   15,054,030
16,900,000
 
Colt Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Secd. Note, 144A, 6.250%, 7/1/2025
   17,105,335
22,275,000
 
Colt Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.125%, 7/1/2027
   23,303,882
  5,025,000
 
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 1/15/2028
    4,978,117
  2,825,000
 
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.625%, 5/1/2024
    2,865,115
  3,875,000
 
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.750%, 2/1/2027
    4,007,738
  2,925,000
 
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.875%, 2/15/2029
    2,777,442
11,450,000
 
MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP / MGP Finance
Co-Issuer, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 6/15/2025
   11,440,554
  3,300,000
 
MGM Resorts International, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.000%, 3/15/2023
    3,341,135
10,975,000
 
MGM Resorts International, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.750%, 5/1/2025
   11,248,607
11,250,000
 
Midwest Gaming Borrower LLC, 144A, 4.875%, 5/1/2029
    9,886,106
49,350,000
 
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, 144A, 8.000%, 2/1/2026
   43,878,319
  4,025,000
 
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
7.875%, 10/15/2024
    4,131,059
  6,800,000
 
Penn National Gaming, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.125%, 7/1/2029
    5,746,000
  2,950,000
 
Penn National Gaming, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.625%, 1/15/2027
    2,813,563
  4,975,000
 
Raptor Acquistion Corp. / Raptor Co-Issuer LLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
4.875%, 11/1/2026
    4,720,852
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
8

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Gaming—   continued
 
$ 12,400,000
 
Scientific Games Holdings Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.625%, 3/1/2030
$   11,796,864
17,625,000
 
Scientific Games International, Inc., 144A, 8.625%, 7/1/2025
   18,485,541
14,975,000
 
Scientific Games International, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
7.250%, 11/15/2029
   15,735,955
33,925,000
 
Station Casinos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.500%, 2/15/2028
   30,841,217
  4,300,000
 
Station Casinos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 12/1/2031
    3,609,764
  3,200,000
 
Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Finance Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
5.875%, 5/15/2025
    3,140,448
  2,675,000
 
VICI Properties LP/ VICI Note Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.500%, 2/15/2025
    2,571,371
  7,500,000
 
VICI Properties LP/ VICI Note Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.125%, 8/15/2030
    6,749,063
10,975,000
 
VICI Properties LP/ VICI Note Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.250%, 12/1/2026
   10,412,751
  6,625,000
 
VICI Properties LP/ VICI Note Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.625%, 12/1/2029
    6,230,647
 
 
TOTAL
335,790,937
 
 
Health Care—   7.6%
 
  4,125,000
 
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 4/15/2029
    3,914,254
  1,075,000
 
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 7/1/2028
    1,048,566
20,500,000
 
AdaptHealth LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 8/1/2029
   17,399,990
17,575,000
 
AdaptHealth LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 3/1/2030
   15,135,678
11,700,000
 
Ardent Health Services, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.750%, 7/15/2029
   10,637,055
30,750,000
 
Avantor Funding, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.625%, 7/15/2028
   29,296,447
17,750,000
 
Avantor Funding, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 11/1/2029
   15,950,416
  5,675,000
 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.750%, 3/15/2029
    5,144,104
  5,775,000
 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.000%, 3/15/2031
    5,164,753
11,925,000
 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 144A, 6.125%, 4/1/2030
    9,821,132
32,875,000
 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., 2nd Lien, 144A,
6.875%, 4/15/2029
   28,882,660
11,925,000
 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
5.625%, 3/15/2027
   11,381,071
  3,025,000
 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
6.000%, 1/15/2029
    2,862,694
  8,725,000
 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
8.000%, 3/15/2026
    9,030,593
15,700,000
 
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., Sr. Note, 144A,
5.250%, 5/15/2030
   13,789,702
11,325,000
 
Davita, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 6/1/2030
    9,872,739
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
9

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Health Care—   continued
 
$  5,150,000
 
Embecta Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.000%, 2/15/2030
$    4,656,682
10,000,000
 
Embecta Corp., Sr. Note, 144A, 6.750%, 2/15/2030
    9,718,000
36,300,000
 
Global Medical Response, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
6.500%, 10/1/2025
   35,213,541
23,675,000
 
HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.500%, 9/1/2030
   21,242,749
18,350,000
 
HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.375%, 2/1/2025
   18,900,500
  7,575,000
 
HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.375%, 9/1/2026
    7,761,724
    300,000
 
HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.625%, 9/1/2028
      310,454
  1,175,000
 
HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.875%, 5/1/2023
    1,213,188
12,475,000
 
HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.875%, 2/15/2026
   12,930,337
10,700,000
 
IMS Health, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 10/15/2026
   10,659,452
  8,450,000
 
Iqvia, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 5/15/2027
    8,382,273
13,850,000
 
LifePoint Health, Inc., 144A, 6.750%, 4/15/2025
   14,146,459
  6,950,000
 
LifePoint Health, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.375%, 2/15/2027
    6,437,403
  8,625,000
 
LifePoint Health, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.375%, 1/15/2029
    7,385,156
27,975,000
 
LifePoint Health, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 9.750%, 12/1/2026
   28,791,590
12,625,000
 
MEDNAX, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.375%, 2/15/2030
   11,784,491
19,725,000
 
Mozart Debt Merger Sub, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
3.875%, 4/1/2029
   17,261,939
51,075,000
 
Mozart Debt Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.250%, 10/1/2029
   44,519,013
11,300,000
 
MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, Sr. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 9/1/2028
   10,485,722
52,800,000
 
MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.750%, 11/1/2028
   46,050,048
21,350,000
 
Team Health Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.375%, 2/1/2025
   18,227,562
  4,600,000
 
Teleflex, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.625%, 11/15/2027
    4,513,428
  2,550,000
 
Teleflex, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.250%, 6/1/2028
    2,407,098
  5,250,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 144A, 4.250%, 6/1/2029
    4,750,568
  5,000,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 144A, 4.625%, 6/15/2028
    4,720,175
12,875,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 144A, 4.875%, 1/1/2026
   12,620,783
16,425,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 144A, 5.125%, 11/1/2027
   15,968,385
14,425,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 144A, 6.250%, 2/1/2027
   14,331,814
  4,118,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Secd. Note, 4.625%, 7/15/2024
    4,111,988
  9,175,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.750%, 6/15/2023
    9,450,066
31,675,000
 
Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.125%, 10/1/2028
   30,462,164
  8,225,000
 
Vizient, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.250%, 5/15/2027
    8,502,429
 
 
TOTAL
637,249,035
 
 
Health Insurance—   0.8%
 
  1,850,000
 
Centene Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.450%, 7/15/2028
    1,616,354
11,575,000
 
Centene Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.625%, 8/1/2031
    9,633,062
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
10

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Health Insurance—   continued
 
$ 10,225,000
 
Centene Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.000%, 10/15/2030
$    8,911,241
  8,325,000
 
Centene Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 3.375%, 2/15/2030
    7,449,668
23,775,000
 
Centene Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 4.250%, 12/15/2027
   23,089,329
19,025,000
 
Centene Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 4.625%, 12/15/2029
   18,454,250
 
 
TOTAL
69,153,904
 
 
Independent Energy—   5.1%
 
  7,225,000
 
Antero Resources Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.375%, 3/1/2030
    7,069,988
  4,234,000
 
Antero Resources Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.625%, 2/1/2029
    4,490,580
  4,664,000
 
Antero Resources Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.375%, 7/15/2026
    5,031,640
  7,575,000
 
Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ ARU Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 5.875%, 6/30/2029
    7,341,841
10,600,000
 
Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ ARU Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 7.000%, 11/1/2026
   10,697,573
  5,200,000
 
Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ ARU Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 8.250%, 12/31/2028
    5,414,734
  4,378,000
 
Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ ARU Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 9.000%, 11/1/2027
    6,096,834
  9,050,000
 
Berry Petroleum Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 2/15/2026
    8,795,604
  4,803,000
 
Callon Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.125%, 10/1/2024
    4,748,510
  4,150,000
 
Callon Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI,
6.375%, 7/1/2026
    4,010,270
  6,350,000
 
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 8.250%, 7/15/2025
    6,375,368
  2,675,000
 
Centennial Resource Production, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.375%, 1/15/2026
    2,617,835
17,525,000
 
Centennial Resource Production, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.875%, 4/1/2027
   17,514,485
  1,900,000
1,3
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.750%, 3/15/2023
       40,375
10,175,000
1,3
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.000%, 10/1/2024
      216,219
  1,350,000
 
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 2/1/2026
    1,340,145
  2,850,000
 
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.875%, 2/1/2029
    2,821,457
10,650,000
 
Comstock Resources, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.875%, 1/15/2030
   10,262,926
25,150,000
 
Comstock Resources, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.750%, 3/1/2029
   25,459,722
10,400,000
 
Continental Resources, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.750%, 1/15/2031
   10,646,844
  3,950,000
 
Crownrock LP/ Crownrock F, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 5/1/2029
    3,870,883
31,700,000
 
Crownrock LP/ Crownrock F, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.625%, 10/15/2025
   31,738,832
10,800,000
 
Endeavor Energy Resources LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.750%, 1/30/2028
   10,839,744
  6,725,000
 
Endeavor Energy Resources LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.625%, 7/15/2025
    6,918,915
  1,800,000
 
EQT Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.000%, 1/15/2029
    1,796,670
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
11

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Independent Energy—   continued
 
$  9,500,000
 
EQT Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.125%, 5/15/2026
$    8,967,430
  6,300,000
 
EQT Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.625%, 5/15/2031
    5,710,919
  2,200,000
 
Oasis Petroleum, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.375%, 6/1/2026
    2,213,266
13,025,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.300%, 8/15/2039
   11,083,298
  2,525,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 7/15/2044
    2,175,439
13,725,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.875%, 9/1/2025
   14,113,006
  7,350,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.125%, 1/1/2031
    7,735,177
14,200,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.450%, 9/15/2036
   15,429,578
15,850,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.625%, 9/1/2030
   17,199,786
  2,500,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.150%, 5/15/2028
    2,712,638
  1,350,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.500%, 5/1/2031
    1,540,951
  9,850,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 8.000%, 7/15/2025
   10,626,426
10,500,000
 
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 8.875%, 7/15/2030
   12,626,250
  3,350,000
 
PDC Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.125%, 9/15/2024
    3,361,859
14,625,000
 
PDC Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 5.750%, 5/15/2026
   14,248,260
10,019,000
 
Range Resources Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.875%, 5/15/2025
    9,931,484
  4,821,000
 
Range Resources Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.000%, 3/15/2023
    4,839,464
  5,500,000
 
Range Resources Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 8.250%, 1/15/2029
    5,902,738
  5,500,000
 
Range Resources Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 2/15/2030
    5,253,985
12,200,000
 
Rockcliff Energy II LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 10/15/2029
   11,850,775
  9,150,000
 
SM Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.625%, 6/1/2025
    8,956,752
  4,450,000
 
SM Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.500%, 7/15/2028
    4,392,773
  4,575,000
 
SM Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.625%, 1/15/2027
    4,557,569
  9,175,000
 
SM Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.750%, 9/15/2026
    9,141,052
  5,950,000
 
Southwestern Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 2/1/2032
    5,636,316
  7,675,000
 
Southwestern Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.375%, 3/15/2030
    7,588,081
  9,875,000
 
Southwestern Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.750%, 10/1/2027
   10,324,510
  1,300,000
 
Southwestern Energy Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 8.375%, 9/15/2028
    1,406,997
15,150,000
 
Tap Rock Resources LLC., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 10/1/2026
   15,323,998
 
 
TOTAL
431,008,771
 
 
Industrial - Other—   1.3%
 
  2,800,000
 
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 9/1/2028
    2,582,874
    700,000
 
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 7/1/2029
      646,587
  4,300,000
 
Cushman & Wakefield US Borrower LLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
6.750%, 5/15/2028
    4,390,838
  2,950,000
 
Madison Iaq LLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.125%, 6/30/2028
    2,592,386
51,375,000
 
Madison Iaq LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.875%, 6/30/2029
   41,935,357
24,950,000
 
Redwood Star Merger Sub, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.750%, 4/1/2030
   22,506,646
13,700,000
 
Vertical Holdco GmbH, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.625%, 7/15/2028
   13,202,348
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
12

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Industrial - Other—   continued
 
$ 24,975,000
 
Vertical U.S. Newco, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.250%, 7/15/2027
$   23,429,297
 
 
TOTAL
111,286,333
 
 
Insurance - P&C—   5.4%
 
17,750,000
 
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co-Issuer, Sr.
Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.750%, 10/15/2027
   16,805,168
30,950,000
 
AmWINS Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.875%, 6/30/2029
   28,370,937
27,129,088
 
Ardonagh Midco 2 PLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 11.500% / 12.750%
PIK, 1/15/2027
   29,299,415
20,800,000
 
AssuredPartners, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.625%, 1/15/2029
   18,318,768
31,650,000
 
AssuredPartners, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 8/15/2025
   31,254,692
51,950,000
 
Broadstreet Partners, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.875%, 4/15/2029
   45,134,160
17,725,000
 
GTCR AP Finance, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.000%, 5/15/2027
   17,681,928
25,125,000
 
Hub International Ltd., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.625%, 12/1/2029
   23,083,343
114,950,000
 
Hub International Ltd., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 5/1/2026
  114,072,931
79,900,000
 
NFP Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.875%, 8/15/2028
   71,093,022
  8,125,000
 
Ryan Specialty Group, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.375%, 2/1/2030
    7,420,400
54,750,000
 
USIS Merger Subsidiary, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.875%, 5/1/2025
   53,996,366
 
 
TOTAL
456,531,130
 
 
Leisure—   0.7%
 
29,650,000
 
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.250%, 8/15/2029
   27,017,376
23,800,000
 
Six Flags Entertainment Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.500%, 4/15/2027
   23,353,869
  4,950,000
 
Six Flags Theme Parks, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 7.000%, 7/1/2025
    5,148,322
 
 
TOTAL
55,519,567
 
 
Lodging—   0.5%
 
  3,875,000
 
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.625%, 2/15/2032
    3,287,686
  9,275,000
 
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.750%, 5/1/2029
    8,415,996
  3,550,000
 
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.375%, 5/1/2025
    3,630,975
13,000,000
 
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.750%, 5/1/2028
   13,198,250
  4,850,000
 
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series
WI, 4.875%, 1/15/2030
    4,685,585
  7,025,000
 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.375%, 8/15/2028
    6,557,978
 
 
TOTAL
39,776,470
 
 
Media Entertainment—   7.8%
 
  3,800,000
 
AMC Networks, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 4.250%, 2/15/2029
    3,313,657
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
13

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Media Entertainment—   continued
 
$  5,225,000
 
AMC Networks, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 8/1/2025
$    5,051,661
30,875,000
 
Audacy Capital Corp., 144A, 6.500%, 5/1/2027
   26,592,483
14,100,000
 
Audacy Capital Corp., 144A, 6.750%, 3/31/2029
   12,229,847
20,620,000
 
Cumulus Media News Holdings, Inc., 144A, 6.750%, 7/1/2026
   20,546,077
  8,175,000
 
Diamond Sports Group LLC / Diamond Sports Finance Co., 144A,
5.375%, 8/15/2026
    3,034,887
23,700,000
 
Diamond Sports Group LLC / Diamond Sports Finance Co., Sec. Fac.
Bond, 144A, 6.625%, 8/15/2027
    4,977,000
19,075,000
 
Gray Escrow II, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.375%, 11/15/2031
   16,466,589
  6,900,000
 
Gray Escrow, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 5/15/2027
    7,141,431
15,225,000
 
Gray Television, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 10/15/2030
   13,264,553
19,750,000
 
Gray Television, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.875%, 7/15/2026
   19,898,717
  5,302,564
 
iHeartCommunications, Inc., 6.375%, 5/1/2026
    5,322,449
  7,825,000
 
iHeartCommunications, Inc., 144A, 4.750%, 1/15/2028
    7,102,557
  5,800,000
 
iHeartCommunications, Inc., 144A, 5.250%, 8/15/2027
    5,430,888
62,854,646
 
iHeartCommunications, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 8.375%, 5/1/2027
   62,335,467
  2,000,000
 
Lamar Media Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.000%, 2/15/2030
    1,794,790
  8,850,000
 
Lamar Media Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.875%, 1/15/2029
    8,452,325
  3,100,000
 
Lamar Media Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 3.625%, 1/15/2031
    2,701,805
  3,600,000
 
Match Group Holdings II LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.625%, 10/1/2031
    3,000,420
22,675,000
 
Match Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.125%, 8/1/2030
   20,297,753
14,475,000
 
Match Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 6/1/2028
   13,514,005
  7,850,000
 
Match Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 12/15/2027
    7,663,131
43,700,000
 
Midas Opco Holdings, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.625%, 8/15/2029
   38,625,119
  2,275,000
 
News Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 2/15/2032
    2,176,129
16,650,000
 
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 11/1/2028
   15,132,103
42,875,000
 
Nexstar Escrow Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.625%, 7/15/2027
   41,768,825
  5,750,000
 
Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.500%, 7/15/2029
    5,442,576
11,475,000
 
Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 7/15/2031
   10,863,096
12,300,000
 
Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 2/1/2025
   12,330,750
  6,800,000
 
Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.625%, 10/1/2028
    6,599,026
12,700,000
 
Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.875%, 10/1/2030
   12,201,779
  4,075,000
 
Outfront Media Capital LLC / Outfront Media Capital Corp., Sr.
Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.250%, 1/15/2029
    3,549,936
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
14

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Media Entertainment—   continued
 
$  5,550,000
 
Outfront Media Capital LLC / Outfront Media Capital Corp., Sr.
Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 3/15/2030
$    4,973,355
  5,150,000
 
Outfront Media Capital LLC / Outfront Media Capital Corp., Sr.
Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.250%, 6/15/2025
    5,221,147
16,600,000
 
ROBLOX Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 5/1/2030
   14,298,742
  5,825,000
 
Scripps Escrow II, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 1/15/2029
    5,185,211
14,950,000
 
Scripps Escrow II, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.375%, 1/15/2031
   13,325,159
21,850,000
 
Scripps Escrow, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.875%, 7/15/2027
   20,896,247
  2,775,000
 
Sinclair Television Group, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.125%, 12/1/2030
    2,305,123
22,625,000
 
Sinclair Television Group, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 2/15/2027
   19,850,949
  5,975,000
 
Sinclair Television Group, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 3/1/2030
    4,893,167
  7,700,000
 
Tegna, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 3/15/2028
    7,419,913
37,175,000
 
Tegna, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 9/15/2029
   36,109,193
56,500,000
 
Terrier Media Buyer, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.875%, 12/15/2027
   55,296,267
14,425,000
 
Univision Communications, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
4.500%, 5/1/2029
   12,964,901
24,050,000
 
Urban One, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 7.375%, 2/1/2028
   23,328,259
  6,700,000
 
WMG Acquisition Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 3.750%, 12/1/2029
    6,013,652
  4,425,000
 
WMG Acquisition Corp., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 3.875%, 7/15/2030
    3,966,636
 
 
TOTAL
654,869,752
 
 
Metals & Mining—   0.8%
 
21,500,000
 
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 3/1/2029
   20,180,867
20,325,000
 
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.875%, 3/1/2031
   18,828,470
17,700,000
 
Coeur Mining, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 2/15/2029
   14,226,641
  5,550,000
 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.000%, 9/1/2027
    5,623,815
  6,275,000
 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.250%, 9/1/2029
    6,297,182
  3,900,000
 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.400%, 11/14/2034
    3,998,007
 
 
TOTAL
69,154,982
 
 
Midstream—   6.8%
 
  7,125,000
 
AmeriGas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 5/20/2025
    7,026,426
  5,075,000
 
AmeriGas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.750%, 5/20/2027
    4,995,196
17,250,000
 
AmeriGas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.875%, 8/20/2026
   17,052,660
14,825,000
 
Antero Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.375%, 6/15/2029
   13,922,306
29,900,000
 
Antero Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.750%, 3/1/2027
   29,173,430
34,825,000
 
Antero Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.750%, 1/15/2028
   33,928,953
12,950,000
 
Antero Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
7.875%, 5/15/2026
   13,559,362
18,200,000
 
Cheniere Energy, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, Series WI, 4.625%, 10/15/2028
   17,631,614
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
15

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Midstream—   continued
 
$  7,550,000
 
Cheniere Energy Partners, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.000%, 3/1/2031
$    6,845,283
  6,075,000
 
Cheniere Energy Partners, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.250%, 1/31/2032
    5,203,724
13,950,000
 
Cheniere Energy Partners, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI,
4.500%, 10/1/2029
   13,376,097
17,250,000
 
CNX Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 4/15/2030
   15,893,201
17,675,000
 
DT Midstream, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.375%, 6/15/2031
   15,860,043
10,000,000
 
EQM Midstream Partners, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.500%, 1/15/2029
    9,018,300
24,275,000
 
EQM Midstream Partners, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 1/15/2031
   21,684,857
17,100,000
 
EQM Midstream Partners, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.500%, 7/1/2027
   17,291,349
  1,373,000
 
EQT Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 7/15/2023
    1,359,352
22,075,000
 
EQT Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 7/15/2028
   21,123,678
17,800,000
 
EQT Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.500%, 7/15/2048
   16,409,820
  5,775,000
 
EQT Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.000%, 7/1/2025
    5,730,302
  1,525,000
 
Hess Midstream Operations LP, 144A, 5.500%, 10/15/2030
    1,504,626
  7,050,000
 
Hess Midstream Operations LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.250%, 2/15/2030
    6,475,883
    575,000
 
Hess Midstream Operations LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.625%, 2/15/2026
      575,727
15,300,000
 
Hess Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.125%, 6/15/2028
   14,825,164
19,150,000
 
Holly Energy Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 2/1/2028
   18,241,237
  1,325,000
 
Holly Energy Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.375%, 4/15/2027
    1,353,030
14,400,000
 
NuStar Logistics LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.625%, 4/28/2027
   13,836,024
  8,950,000
 
NuStar Logistics LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.000%, 6/1/2026
    8,938,320
  1,225,000
 
NuStar Logistics LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.375%, 10/1/2030
    1,207,881
15,025,000
 
Oasis Midstream Partners, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.000%, 4/1/2029
   15,688,279
12,000,000
 
Rattler Midstream Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.625%, 7/15/2025
   12,031,140
  6,625,000
 
Solaris Midstream Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
7.625%, 4/1/2026
    6,799,105
14,600,000
 
Suburban Propane Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.875%, 3/1/2027
   14,618,177
30,250,000
 
Suburban Propane Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 6/1/2031
   27,552,456
18,925,000
 
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.750%, 4/15/2025
   15,167,914
13,325,000
 
Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.,
Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.875%, 2/1/2031
   12,828,377
15,800,000
 
Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.,
Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.000%, 1/15/2028
   15,554,310
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
16

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Midstream—   continued
 
$  4,200,000
 
Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.,
Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.500%, 7/15/2027
$    4,331,670
26,550,000
 
Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.,
Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 3/1/2030
   26,355,256
  7,700,000
 
TransMontaigne Partners LP/TLP Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
6.125%, 2/15/2026
    7,578,032
  8,275,000
 
Western Gas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.500%, 3/1/2028
    7,903,039
  5,100,000
 
Western Gas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.650%, 7/1/2026
    5,036,148
  3,750,000
 
Western Gas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 8/15/2028
    3,656,831
35,000,000
 
Western Gas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.300%, 3/1/2048
   30,432,675
  3,675,000
 
Western Gas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.450%, 4/1/2044
    3,359,134
  5,550,000
 
Western Gas Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.500%, 8/15/2048
    4,950,323
  5,925,000
 
Western Midstream Operating, LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.550%, 2/1/2030
    5,451,385
 
 
TOTAL
573,338,096
 
 
Oil Field Services—   2.0%
 
29,450,000
 
Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 6.250%, 4/1/2028
   28,605,227
31,000,000
 
Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 6.875%, 4/1/2027
   31,089,900
17,075,000
 
Nabors Industries Ltd., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.250%, 1/15/2026
   16,710,363
  8,850,000
 
Nabors Industries Ltd., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.500%, 1/15/2028
    8,485,734
  2,775,000
 
Nabors Industries, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.375%, 5/15/2027
    2,834,676
11,525,000
 
Precision Drilling Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.875%, 1/15/2029
   11,195,558
  8,225,000
 
Precision Drilling Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.125%, 1/15/2026
    8,260,203
  7,350,000
 
Shelf Drilling Holdings Ltd., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
8.250%, 2/15/2025
    6,129,974
27,250,000
 
USA Compression Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.875%, 9/1/2027
   26,668,212
33,125,000
 
USA Compression Partners LP, Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI,
6.875%, 4/1/2026
   32,506,391
 
 
TOTAL
172,486,238
 
 
Packaging—   4.7%
 
33,629,354
 
ARD Finance SA, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.500%, 6/30/2027
   28,290,694
23,550,000
 
Ardagh Metal Packaging, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 9/1/2029
   20,211,670
36,400,000
 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings, Sec. Fac. Bond,
144A, 5.250%, 8/15/2027
   31,328,024
22,050,000
 
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings, Sr. Unsecd. Note,
144A, 5.250%, 8/15/2027
   18,977,553
16,375,000
 
Ball Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.875%, 8/15/2030
   13,795,774
  5,175,000
 
Ball Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.125%, 9/15/2031
    4,338,694
     75,000
 
Ball Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.875%, 3/15/2026
       75,089
  9,700,000
 
Berry Global Escrow Corp., 144A, 4.875%, 7/15/2026
    9,651,500
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
17

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Packaging—   continued
 
$  9,025,000
 
Berry Global Escrow Corp., 144A, 5.625%, 7/15/2027
$    9,002,438
12,000,000
 
Bway Holding Co., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.500%, 4/15/2024
   11,731,380
25,200,000
 
Bway Holding Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.250%, 4/15/2025
   23,911,146
  2,325,000
 
Clydesdale Acquisition Holdings, Inc., 144A, 6.625%, 4/15/2029
    2,322,396
69,200,000
 
Clydesdale Acquisition Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
8.750%, 4/15/2030
   63,322,844
10,100,000
 
Crown Americas LLC / Crown Americas Capital Corp. VI, Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 4.750%, 2/1/2026
   10,074,295
  5,425,000
 
OI European Group BV, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 2/15/2030
    4,781,080
10,700,000
 
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.375%, 1/15/2025
   10,475,407
  4,488,000
 
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.875%, 8/15/2023
    4,556,577
26,475,000
 
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.375%, 8/15/2025
   26,447,069
  5,463,000
 
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.625%, 5/13/2027
    5,388,293
  3,950,000
 
Sealed Air Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 12/1/2027
    3,717,602
  4,525,000
 
Sealed Air Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 4/15/2029
    4,497,081
20,175,000
 
Trident Merger Subsidiary, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.625%, 11/1/2025
   19,551,592
23,375,000
 
Trident Merger Subsidiary, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
9.250%, 8/1/2024
   23,000,182
  7,350,000
 
Trivium Packaging Finance BV, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A,
5.500%, 8/15/2026
    7,112,154
39,450,000
 
Trivium Packaging Finance BV, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
8.500%, 8/15/2027
   39,008,554
 
 
TOTAL
395,569,088
 
 
Paper—   0.6%
 
14,275,000
 
Clearwater Paper Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 8/15/2028
   12,569,209
18,641,000
 
Clearwater Paper Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.375%, 2/1/2025
   18,666,165
  3,625,000
 
Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.500%, 3/15/2028
    3,268,463
13,475,000
 
Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.500%, 3/1/2029
   11,935,751
  1,025,000
 
Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.750%, 2/1/2030
      900,150
  1,250,000
 
Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 7/15/2027
    1,213,394
 
 
TOTAL
48,553,132
 
 
Pharmaceuticals—   3.4%
 
  9,700,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.875%, 6/1/2028
    8,618,062
  6,400,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.500%, 11/1/2025
    6,203,968
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
18

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Pharmaceuticals—   continued
 
$  5,050,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 5.750%, 8/15/2027
$    4,731,042
  2,100,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.125%, 2/1/2027
    2,020,053
  7,925,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 1/30/2028
    5,858,517
15,050,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 2/15/2029
   10,607,992
  9,500,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.250%, 1/30/2030
    6,605,160
11,475,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.250%, 2/15/2031
    7,989,756
39,235,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.125%, 4/15/2025
   39,374,873
30,225,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.250%, 2/15/2029
   22,030,398
24,725,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.250%, 5/30/2029
   18,734,380
20,150,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 8.500%, 1/31/2027
   19,100,789
11,175,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 9.000%, 12/15/2025
   11,230,875
11,300,000
 
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 9.250%, 4/1/2026
   11,230,505
  9,825,000
 
Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.500%, 4/1/2030
    8,559,098
13,500,000
 
Endo Dac / Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
144A, 6.000%, 6/30/2028
    5,906,250
  5,325,000
 
Grifols Escrow Issuer SA, 144A, 4.750%, 10/15/2028
    4,865,665
22,550,000
 
Jazz Securities Designated Activity Co., 144A, 4.375%, 1/15/2029
   20,802,939
39,700,000
1,3
Mallinckrodt International Finance SA/Mallinckrodt CB LLC, Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 5.500%, 4/15/2025
   20,698,190
17,600,000
1,3
Mallinckrodt International Finance SA/Mallinckrodt CB LLC, Sr. Unsecd.
Note, 144A, 5.625%, 10/15/2023
    9,264,024
  5,200,000
 
Organon Finance 1 LLC, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.125%, 4/30/2028
    4,843,280
23,600,000
 
Organon Finance 1 LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 4/30/2031
   21,361,422
16,250,000
 
Syneos Health, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.625%, 1/15/2029
   14,398,719
 
 
TOTAL
285,035,957
 
 
Restaurant—   1.5%
 
  6,775,000
 
1011778 BC Unltd. Liability Co./New Red Finance, Inc., 144A,
3.875%, 1/15/2028
    6,243,061
10,225,000
 
1011778 BC Unltd. Liability Co./New Red Finance, Inc., 144A,
4.375%, 1/15/2028
    9,343,554
  6,175,000
 
1011778 BC Unltd. Liability Co./New Red Finance, Inc., 1st Lien, 144A,
3.500%, 2/15/2029
    5,461,016
77,325,000
 
1011778 BC Unltd. Liability Co./New Red Finance, Inc., 2nd Lien,
144A, 4.000%, 10/15/2030
   66,209,531
  7,900,000
 
KFC Holding Co./Pizza Hut Holdings LLC/Taco Bell of America LLC, Sr.
Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 6/1/2027
    7,890,046
  4,975,000
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.625%, 3/15/2031
    4,282,709
  7,150,000
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.625%, 1/31/2032
    6,508,287
  5,825,000
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 5.375%, 4/1/2032
    5,575,661
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
19

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Restaurant—   continued
 
$ 13,200,000
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.750%, 1/15/2030
$   12,574,518
 
 
TOTAL
124,088,383
 
 
Retailers—   0.5%
 
  5,825,000
 
Academy Ltd., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.000%, 11/15/2027
    5,816,583
  5,525,000
 
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.625%, 11/15/2029
    4,981,727
  5,600,000
 
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 2/15/2032
    4,977,868
  3,850,000
 
Gap (The), Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.625%, 10/1/2029
    3,137,750
  7,525,000
 
Gap (The), Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 10/1/2031
    6,012,475
  5,525,000
 
Kontoor Brands, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.125%, 11/15/2029
    4,802,440
10,075,000
 
NMG Holding Co., Inc., 144A, 7.125%, 4/1/2026
   10,014,097
 
 
TOTAL
39,742,940
 
 
Supermarkets—   0.6%
 
  6,800,000
 
Albertsons Cos. LLC/SAFEW, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.250%, 3/15/2026
    6,212,990
24,050,000
 
Albertsons Cos. LLC/SAFEW, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.500%, 3/15/2029
   20,291,346
  1,350,000
 
Albertsons Cos. LLC/SAFEW, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.875%, 2/15/2030
    1,224,288
  9,325,000
 
Albertsons Cos. LLC/SAFEW, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.875%, 2/15/2028
    9,073,784
11,900,000
 
Albertsons Cos. LLC/SAFEW, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
7.500%, 3/15/2026
   12,522,965
 
 
TOTAL
49,325,373
 
 
Technology—   7.5%
 
12,400,000
 
AMS AG, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.000%, 7/31/2025
   12,576,762
14,825,000
 
Black Knight InfoServ LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.625%, 9/1/2028
   13,768,348
  1,250,000
 
Boxer Parent Co., Inc., 144A, 9.125%, 3/1/2026
    1,266,994
21,300,000
 
Cars.com, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.375%, 11/1/2028
   19,982,701
  3,075,000
 
CDW LLC / CDW Finance, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.250%, 2/15/2029
    2,710,213
  3,300,000
 
CDW LLC / CDW Finance, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.250%, 4/1/2028
    3,079,725
14,700,000
 
Centerfield Media Parent, Sr. Note, 144A, 6.625%, 8/1/2026
   13,602,939
  3,900,000
 
Ciena Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 1/31/2030
    3,561,753
  4,150,000
 
Clarivate Science Holdings Corp., 144A, 3.875%, 7/1/2028
    3,699,601
20,300,000
 
Clarivate Science Holdings Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.875%, 7/1/2029
   17,915,054
  7,900,000
 
Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.000%, 10/15/2026
    7,515,823
15,100,000
 
Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.500%, 10/15/2028
   14,213,177
  3,025,000
 
Diebold Nixdorf, Inc., Sr. Secd. Note, 144A, 9.375%, 7/15/2025
    2,681,481
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
20

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Technology—   continued
 
$  6,300,000
 
Dun & Bradstreet Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 12/15/2029
$    5,867,568
21,650,000
 
Elastic N.V., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.125%, 7/15/2029
   19,407,385
  6,900,000
 
Fair Isaac & Co., Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 6/15/2028
    6,313,638
  1,050,000
 
Gartner, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.750%, 10/1/2030
      937,991
  6,450,000
 
Gartner, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.500%, 7/1/2028
    6,190,713
15,600,000
 
HealthEquity, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.500%, 10/1/2029
   14,274,000
22,875,000
 
Helios Software Holdings, Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 4.625%, 5/1/2028
   20,170,031
13,825,000
 
II-VI, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 12/15/2029
   12,979,532
35,275,000
 
Logan Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Secd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 9/1/2027
   30,909,895
47,725,000
 
McAfee Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 7.375%, 2/15/2030
   42,754,680
57,900,000
 
Minerva Merger Sub, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.500%, 2/15/2030
   53,358,324
12,000,000
 
MSCI, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 2/15/2031
   10,848,900
21,400,000
 
NCR Corp., 144A, 5.125%, 4/15/2029
   20,418,917
  9,225,000
 
NCR Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 10/1/2028
    8,822,052
14,725,000
 
NCR Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.250%, 10/1/2030
   13,932,501
  6,000,000
 
NCR Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.750%, 9/1/2027
    5,783,550
13,050,000
 
NCR Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.125%, 9/1/2029
   12,511,557
  7,625,000
 
Open Text Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 2/15/2028
    6,956,962
  3,375,000
 
Open Text Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.125%, 2/15/2030
    3,000,071
  2,350,000
 
Open Text Holdings, Inc. / Open Text Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
3.875%, 12/1/2029
    2,091,500
  8,000,000
 
Open Text Holdings, Inc. / Open Text Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.125%, 12/1/2031
    6,947,320
  1,525,000
 
PTC, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 2/15/2028
    1,415,818
  3,000,000
 
Qorvo, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.375%, 10/15/2029
    2,791,140
20,525,000
 
Rackspace Technology, Inc., 144A, 3.500%, 2/15/2028
   17,778,447
30,300,000
 
Rackspace Technology, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.375%, 12/1/2028
   24,726,466
37,400,000
 
Rocket Software, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 6.500%, 2/15/2029
   32,070,500
  3,700,000
 
Science Applications International Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.875%, 4/1/2028
    3,543,028
17,275,000
 
Seagate HDD Cayman, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.125%, 7/15/2029
   14,616,118
14,425,000
 
Seagate HDD Cayman, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 3.375%, 7/15/2031
   11,749,884
  2,700,000
 
Sensata Technologies B.V., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 4/15/2029
    2,410,290
  3,100,000
 
Sensata Technologies B.V., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.375%, 2/15/2030
    2,824,395
  4,450,000
 
Sensata Technologies, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.750%, 2/15/2031
    3,769,795
39,150,000
 
SS&C Technologies, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 9/30/2027
   38,416,720
  6,925,000
 
Synaptics, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 6/15/2029
    6,114,463
10,950,000
 
TTM Technologies, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.000%, 3/1/2029
    9,595,321
  4,900,000
 
Twitter, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 3/1/2030
    5,011,451
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
21

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Technology—   continued
 
$     50,000
 
Verisign, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 7/15/2027
$       50,281
30,275,000
 
Veritas US, Inc./Veritas Bermuda, Ltd., Sr. Secd. Note, 144A,
7.500%, 9/1/2025
   26,727,527
  4,075,000
 
Viavi Solutions, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.750%, 10/1/2029
    3,671,820
  5,525,000
 
ZipRecruiter, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 1/15/2030
    5,173,223
 
 
TOTAL
633,508,345
 
 
Transportation Services—   0.4%
 
14,475,000
 
Stena International S.A., Sec. Fac. Bond, 144A, 6.125%, 2/1/2025
   14,416,101
21,800,000
 
Watco Cos LLC/Finance Co., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
6.500%, 6/15/2027
   21,066,866
 
 
TOTAL
35,482,967
 
 
Utility - Electric—   2.6%
 
15,025,000
 
Calpine Corp., 144A, 4.500%, 2/15/2028
   13,931,180
16,650,000
 
Calpine Corp., Sr. Secd. Note, 144A, 3.750%, 3/1/2031
   14,053,932
  7,900,000
 
Calpine Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.625%, 2/1/2029
    6,914,712
  6,625,000
 
Calpine Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.000%, 2/1/2031
    5,657,849
  9,500,000
 
Calpine Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.125%, 3/15/2028
    8,641,295
36,650,000
 
Enviva Partners LP/Enviva Partners Finance Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note,
144A, 6.500%, 1/15/2026
   37,386,848
  4,375,000
 
NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 6.625%, 1/15/2027
    4,434,762
  6,150,000
 
NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.375%, 2/15/2029
    5,220,520
  6,450,000
 
NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.625%, 2/15/2031
    5,379,913
23,350,000
 
NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.875%, 2/15/2032
   19,526,437
  7,575,000
 
NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.250%, 6/15/2029
    7,145,422
  5,125,000
 
NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, Series WI, 5.750%, 1/15/2028
    5,015,684
  2,950,000
 
TerraForm Power Operating LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.250%, 1/31/2023
    2,957,434
11,875,000
 
TerraForm Power Operating LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
4.750%, 1/15/2030
   10,709,647
27,175,000
 
TerraForm Power Operating LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 1/31/2028
   25,430,908
  4,775,000
 
Vistra Operations Co., LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 4.375%, 5/1/2029
    4,339,234
  8,750,000
 
Vistra Operations Co., LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.000%, 7/31/2027
    8,344,875
  9,250,000
 
Vistra Operations Co., LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 5.500%, 9/1/2026
    9,226,875
24,650,000
 
Vistra Operations Co., LLC, Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A,
5.625%, 2/15/2027
   24,309,214
 
 
TOTAL
218,626,741
 
 
Wireless Communications—   0.9%
 
  2,750,000
 
Sprint Capital Corp., Company Guarantee, 6.875%, 11/15/2028
    3,022,566
20,425,000
 
Sprint Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.125%, 6/15/2024
   21,523,763
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
22

Principal
Amount
or Shares
 
 
Value
           
 
CORPORATE BONDS—   continued
 
 
 
Wireless Communications—   continued
 
$  7,400,000
 
Sprint Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.625%, 2/15/2025
$    7,880,038
  2,600,000
 
Sprint Corp., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 7.625%, 3/1/2026
    2,826,668
  2,925,000
 
T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.250%, 2/15/2026
    2,694,174
10,075,000
 
T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.625%, 2/15/2029
    8,722,129
12,125,000
 
T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 2.875%, 2/15/2031
   10,310,857
12,375,000
 
T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 4.750%, 2/1/2028
   12,228,047
  9,775,000
 
T-Mobile USA, Inc., Sr. Unsecd. Note, 144A, 3.375%, 4/15/2029
    8,854,195
 
 
TOTAL
78,062,437
 
 
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(IDENTIFIED COST $8,847,001,307)
8,143,960,097
 
 
COMMON STOCKS—   0.3%
 
 
 
Cable Satellite—   0.0%
 
33,707
2,3
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A.
      176,962
 
 
Independent Energy—   0.0%
 
11,351
2,3
Ultra Resources, Inc.
            0
 
 
Media Entertainment—   0.0%
 
141,935
3
iHeartMedia, Inc.
    2,269,541
 
 
Oil Field Services—   0.3%
 
414,143
2,3
Superior Energy Services, Inc.
   22,156,650
 
 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $15,238,591)
24,603,153
 
 
FLOATING RATE LOAN—   0.1%
 
 
 
Independent Energy—   0.1%
 
$  9,122,000
4
Ascent Resources Utica Holdings, LLC, 2020 Fixed Term Loan2nd
Lien, 10.021% (3-month LIBOR 1.000% Floor + 9.000%), 11/1/2025
(IDENTIFIED COST $9,122,000)
    9,766,241
 
 
INVESTMENT COMPANY—   1.7%
 
147,977,423
 
Federated Hermes Institutional Prime Value Obligations Fund,
Institutional Shares, 0.37%5
(IDENTIFIED COST $147,950,121)
  147,933,030
 
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES—98.7%
(IDENTIFIED COST $9,019,312,019)6
8,326,262,521
 
 
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET—1.3%7
105,842,640
 
 
TOTAL NET ASSETS—100%
$8,432,105,161
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
23

Affiliated fund holdings are investment companies which are managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser. Transactions with affiliated fund holdings during the period ended April 30, 2022, were as follows:
 
Federated Hermes
Institutional
Prime Value
Obligations Fund,
Institutional Shares
Value as of 10/31/2021
$227,231,971
Purchases at Cost
$998,911,984
Proceeds from Sales
$(1,078,093,737)
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation
$44,503
Net Realized Gain/(Loss)
$(161,691)
Value as of 4/30/2022
$147,933,030
Shares Held as of 4/30/2022
147,977,423
Dividend Income
$107,525
Gain Distributions Received
$19,392
1
Issuer in default.
2
Market quotations and price evaluations are not available. Fair value determined using
significant unobservable inputs in accordance with procedures established by and under the
general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”).
3
Non-income-producing security.
4
Floating/variable note with current rate and current maturity or next reset date shown.
5
7-day net yield.
6
The cost of investments for federal tax purposes amounts to $9,028,213,439.
7
Assets, other than investments in securities, less liabilities. See Statement of Assets and
Liabilities.
Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of total net assets at April 30, 2022.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). Also includes securities valued at amortized cost.
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
24


The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of April 30, 2022, in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value:
Valuation Inputs
 
Level 1—
Quoted
Prices
Level 2—
Other
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3—
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Total
Debt Securities:
 
 
 
 
Corporate Bonds
$
$8,143,960,097
$0
$8,143,960,097
Floating Rate Loan
9,766,241
9,766,241
Equity Securities:
 
 
 
 
Common Stocks
 
 
 
 
Domestic
2,269,541
22,156,650
24,426,191
International
176,962
176,962
Investment Company
147,933,030
147,933,030
TOTAL SECURITIES
$150,202,571
$8,153,726,338
$22,333,612
$8,326,262,521
The following acronym(s) are used throughout this portfolio:
 
GMTN
—Global Medium Term Note
LIBOR
—London Interbank Offered Rate
PIK
—Payment in Kind
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
25

Financial HighlightsInstitutional Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
 
Six Months
Ended
(unaudited)
4/30/2022
Year Ended October 31,
 
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period
$9.91
$9.57
$9.78
$9.56
$10.09
$9.84
Income From Investment
Operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
0.24
0.48
0.52
0.56
0.56
0.56
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss)
(0.90)
0.37
(0.21)
0.24
(0.52)
0.25
Total From Investment
Operations
(0.66)
0.85
0.31
0.80
0.04
0.81
Less Distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from net
investment income
(0.26)
(0.51)
(0.52)
(0.58)
(0.57)
(0.56)
Redemption fees
0.001
0.001
0.001
Net Asset Value, End of
Period
$8.99
$9.91
$9.57
$9.78
$9.56
$10.09
Total Return2
(6.82)%
8.94%
3.39%
8.60%
0.39%
8.38%
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net expenses3
0.49%4
0.49%
0.49%
0.49%
0.49%
0.49%
Net investment income
4.98%4
4.76%
5.48%
5.77%
5.66%
5.62%
Expense waiver/reimbursement5
0.05%4
0.05%
0.06%
0.05%
0.06%
0.08%
Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of period (000
omitted)
$6,539,621
$7,425,236
$6,287,623
$5,773,584
$5,037,890
$5,588,643
Portfolio turnover6
8%
32%
32%
26%
22%
23%
1
Represents less than $0.01.
2
Based on net asset value. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
3
Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund
may invest.
4
Computed on an annualized basis.
5
This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income
(loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/reimbursement recorded by
investment companies in which the Fund may invest.
6
Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation.
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
26

Financial HighlightsClass R6 Shares
(For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period)
 
Six Months
Ended
(unaudited)
4/30/2022
Year Ended October 31,
 
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period
$9.92
$9.57
$9.79
$9.56
$10.10
$9.84
Income From Investment
Operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)
0.24
0.47
0.51
0.56
0.56
0.55
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss)
(0.90)
0.39
(0.21)
0.25
(0.53)
0.27
Total From Investment
Operations
(0.66)
0.86
0.30
0.81
0.03
0.82
Less Distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions from net
investment income
(0.26)
(0.51)
(0.52)
(0.58)
(0.57)
(0.56)
Redemption fees
0.001
0.001
0.001
Net Asset Value, End of
Period
$9.00
$9.92
$9.57
$9.79
$9.56
$10.10
Total Return2
(6.80)%
9.06%
3.29%
8.72%
0.30%
8.49%
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net expenses3
0.48%4
0.48%
0.48%
0.48%
0.48%
0.49%
Net investment income
4.97%4
4.78%
5.34%
5.80%
5.67%
5.56%
Expense waiver/reimbursement5
0.01%4
0.01%
0.03%
0.02%
0.02%
0.03%
Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of period (000
omitted)
$1,892,484
$2,679,769
$3,059,665
$1,142,761
$1,491,634
$1,272,467
Portfolio turnover6
8%
32%
32%
26%
22%
23%
1
Represents less than $0.01.
2
Based on net asset value. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
3
Amount does not reflect net expenses incurred by investment companies in which the Fund
may invest.
4
Computed on an annualized basis.
5
This expense decrease is reflected in both the net expense and the net investment income
(loss) ratios shown above. Amount does not reflect expense waiver/reimbursement recorded by
investment companies in which the Fund may invest.
6
Securities that mature are considered sales for purposes of this calculation.
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
27

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
April 30, 2022 (unaudited)
Assets:
 
Investment in securities, at value including $147,933,030 of investments in an
affiliated holding*(identified cost $9,019,312,019)
$8,326,262,521
Cash
11,695
Income receivable
137,038,160
Income receivable from an affiliated holding
84,923
Receivable for investments sold
29,913,560
Receivable for shares sold
7,532,118
Total Assets
8,500,842,977
Liabilities:
 
Payable for investments purchased
20,480,110
Payable for shares redeemed
40,617,570
Income distribution payable
6,788,409
Payable for investment adviser fee (Note5)
177,850
Payable for administrative fee (Note5)
36,341
Payable for Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note5)
1,181
Accrued expenses (Note5)
636,355
Total Liabilities
68,737,816
Net assets for 937,513,340 shares outstanding
$8,432,105,161
Net Assets Consist of:
 
Paid-in capital
$9,235,400,235
Total distributable earnings (loss)
(803,295,074)
Total Net Assets
$8,432,105,161
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Proceeds Per Share:
 
Institutional Shares:
 
$6,539,620,876 ÷ 727,181,522 shares outstanding, no par value, unlimited
shares authorized
$8.99
Class R6 Shares:
 
$1,892,484,285 ÷ 210,331,818 shares outstanding, no par value, unlimited
shares authorized
$9.00
*
See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
28

Statement of Operations
Six Months Ended April 30, 2022 (unaudited)
Investment Income:
 
Interest
$258,029,794
Dividends (including $107,525 received from an affiliated holding*)
129,250
TOTAL INCOME
258,159,044
Expenses:
 
Investment adviser fee (Note5)
18,889,056
Administrative fee (Note5)
3,699,078
Custodian fees
141,775
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)
2,025,731
Directors’/Trustees’ fees (Note5)
27,088
Auditing fees
17,852
Legal fees
4,245
Portfolio accounting fees
115,414
Share registration costs
82,896
Printing and postage
139,417
Miscellaneous (Note5)
31,756
TOTAL EXPENSES
25,174,308
Waiver and Reimbursements:
 
Waiver/reimbursement of investment adviser fee (Note5)
(674,409)
Reimbursement of other operating expenses (Notes 2 and 5)
(1,244,208)
TOTAL WAIVER AND REIMBURSEMENTS
(1,918,617)
Net expenses
23,255,691
Net investment income
234,903,353
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:
 
Net realized gain on investments (including net realized loss of $(161,691) on sales of
investments in an affiliated holding*)
10,712,155
Realized gain distribution from affiliated investment company shares
19,392
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments (including net change in
unrealized depreciation of $44,503 on investments in an affiliated holding*)
(893,886,311)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
(883,154,764)
Change in net assets resulting from operations
$(648,251,411)
*
See information listed after the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
29

Statement of Changes in Net Assets
 
Six Months
Ended
(unaudited)
4/30/2022
Year Ended
10/31/2021
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 
 
Operations:
 
 
Net investment income
$234,903,353
$476,425,776
Net realized gain (loss)
10,731,547
63,137,295
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
(893,886,311)
302,214,530
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
(648,251,411)
841,777,601
Distributions to Shareholders:
 
 
Institutional Shares
(192,016,949)
(362,619,500)
Class R6 Shares
(61,453,803)
(145,364,586)
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
(253,470,752)
(507,984,086)
Share Transactions:
 
 
Proceeds from sale of shares
1,284,414,898
4,265,132,366
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of
distributions declared
211,215,188
427,920,505
Cost of shares redeemed
(2,266,807,392)
(4,269,129,402)
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
SHARE TRANSACTIONS
(771,177,306)
423,923,469
Change in net assets
(1,672,899,469)
757,716,984
Net Assets:
 
 
Beginning of period
10,105,004,630
9,347,287,646
End of period
$8,432,105,161
$10,105,004,630
See Notes which are an integral part of the Financial Statements
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
30

Notes to Financial Statements
April 30, 2022 (unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
Federated Hermes Institutional Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust consists of three portfolios. The financial statements included herein are only those of Federated Hermes Institutional High Yield Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. The financial statements of the other portfolios are presented separately. The assets of each portfolio are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the portfolio in which shares are held. Each portfolio pays its own expenses. The Fund offers two classes of shares: Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting, except on class-specific matters. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek high current income.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Investment Valuation
In calculating its net asset value (NAV), the Fund generally values investments as follows:

Fixed-income securities are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by the Trustees.

Shares of other mutual funds or non-exchange-traded investment companies are valued based upon their reported NAVs, or NAV per share practical expedient, as applicable.

Equity securities listed on an exchange or traded through a regulated market system are valued at their last reported sale price or official closing price in their principal exchange or market.

Derivative contracts listed on exchanges are valued at their reported settlement or closing price, except that options are valued at the mean of closing bid and asked quotations.

Over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contracts are fair valued using price evaluations provided by a pricing service approved by the Trustees.

For securities that are fair valued in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trustees, certain factors may be considered, such as: the last traded or purchase price of the security, information obtained by contacting the issuer or dealers, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents, fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded, public trading in similar securities or derivative contracts of the issuer or comparable issuers, movement of a relevant index, or other factors including but not limited to industry changes and relevant government actions.
If any price, quotation, price evaluation or other pricing source is not readily available when the NAV is calculated, if the Fund cannot obtain price evaluations from a pricing service or from more than one dealer for an investment within a reasonable period of time as set forth in the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures, or if information
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
31

furnished by a pricing service, in the opinion of the valuation committee (“Valuation Committee”), is deemed not representative of the fair value of such security, the Fund uses the fair value of the investment determined in accordance with the procedures described below. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to an investment if it sold the investment at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share, and the actual value obtained could be materially different.
Fair Valuation and Significant Events Procedures
The Trustees have ultimate responsibility for determining the fair value of investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Trustees have appointed a Valuation Committee comprised of officers of the Fund, Federated Investment Management Company (the “Adviser”) and certain of the Adviser’s affiliated companies to assist in determining fair value and in overseeing the calculation of the NAV. The Trustees have also authorized the use of pricing services recommended by the Valuation Committee to provide fair value evaluations of the current value of certain investments for purposes of calculating the NAV. The Valuation Committee employs various methods for reviewing third-party pricing-service evaluations including periodic reviews of third-party pricing services’ policies, procedures and valuation methods (including key inputs, methods, models and assumptions), transactional back-testing, comparisons of evaluations of different pricing services, and review of price challenges by the Adviser based on recent market activity. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available for an investment, the Valuation Committee determines the fair value of the investment in accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees. The Trustees periodically review and approve the fair valuations made by the Valuation Committee and any changes made to the procedures.
Factors considered by pricing services in evaluating an investment include the yields or prices of investments of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, call rights and other potential prepayments, terms and type, reported transactions, indications as to values from dealers and general market conditions. Some pricing services provide a single price evaluation reflecting the bid-side of the market for an investment (a “bid” evaluation). Other pricing services offer both bid evaluations and price evaluations indicative of a price between the prices bid and asked for the investment (a “mid” evaluation). The Fund normally uses bid evaluations for any U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities. The Fund normally uses mid evaluations for any other types of fixed-income securities and any OTC derivative contracts. In the event that market quotations and price evaluations are not available for an investment, the fair value of the investment is determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees.
The Trustees also have adopted procedures requiring an investment to be priced at its fair value whenever the Adviser determines that a significant event affecting the value of the investment has occurred between the time as of which the price of the investment would otherwise be determined and the time as of which the NAV is computed. An event is considered significant if there is both an affirmative expectation
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
32

that the investment’s value will change in response to the event and a reasonable basis for quantifying the resulting change in value. Examples of significant events that may occur after the close of the principal market on which a security is traded, or after the time of a price evaluation provided by a pricing service or a dealer, include:

With respect to securities traded principally in foreign markets, significant trends in U.S. equity markets or in the trading of foreign securities index futures contracts;

Political or other developments affecting the economy or markets in which an issuer conducts its operations or its securities are traded;

Announcements concerning matters such as acquisitions, recapitalizations, litigation developments, or a natural disaster affecting the issuer’s operations or regulatory changes or market developments affecting the issuer’s industry.
The Trustees have adopted procedures whereby the Valuation Committee uses a pricing service to provide factors to update the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets from the time of the close of their respective foreign stock exchanges to the pricing time of the Fund. For other significant events, the Fund may seek to obtain more current quotations or price evaluations from alternative pricing sources. If a reliable alternative pricing source is not available, the Fund will determine the fair value of the investment in accordance with the fair valuation procedures approved by the Trustees. The Trustees have ultimate responsibility for any fair valuations made in response to a significant event.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements for short-term liquidity purposes. It is the policy of the Fund to require the other party to a repurchase agreement to transfer to the Fund’s custodian or sub-custodian eligible securities or cash with a market value (after transaction costs) at least equal to the repurchase price to be paid under the repurchase agreement. The eligible securities are transferred to accounts with the custodian or sub-custodian in which the Fund holds a “securities entitlement” and exercises “control” as those terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code. The Fund has established procedures for monitoring the market value of the transferred securities and requiring the transfer of additional eligible securities if necessary to equal at least the repurchase price. These procedures also allow the other party to require securities to be transferred from the account to the extent that their market value exceeds the repurchase price or in exchange for other eligible securities of equivalent market value.
The insolvency of the other party or other failure to repurchase the securities may delay the disposition of the underlying securities or cause the Fund to receive less than the full repurchase price. Under the terms of the repurchase agreement, any amounts received by the Fund in excess of the repurchase price and related transaction costs must be remitted to the other party.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements in which eligible securities are transferred into joint trading accounts maintained by the custodian or sub-custodian for investment companies and other clients advised by the Fund’s Adviser and its affiliates. The Fund will participate on a pro rata basis with the other investment companies and clients in its share of the securities transferred under such repurchase agreements and in its share of proceeds from any repurchase or other disposition of such securities.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
33

Investment Income, Gains and Losses, Expenses and Distributions
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified-cost basis. Interest income and expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date or when the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Distributions of net investment income, if any, are declared daily and paid monthly. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at fair value. Amortization/accretion of premium and discount is included in investment income. Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses are allocated to each class based on relative average daily net assets, except that select classes will bear certain expenses unique to those classes. Dividends are declared separately for each class. No class has preferential dividend rights; differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in separate class expenses. The detail of the total fund expense waiver and reimbursements of $1,918,617 is disclosed in various locations in this Note 2 and Note 5.
Transfer Agent Fees
For the six months ended April 30, 2022, transfer agent fees for the Fund were as follows:
 
Transfer Agent
Fees Incurred
Transfer Agent
Fees Reimbursed
Institutional Shares
$1,923,146
$(1,244,208)
Class R6 Shares
102,585
TOTAL
$2,025,731
$(1,244,208)
Federal Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the Subchapter M provision of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax is necessary. As of and during the six months ended April 30, 2022, the Fund did not have a liability for any uncertain tax positions. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. As of April 30, 2022, tax years 2018 through 2021 remain subject to examination by the Fund’s major tax jurisdictions, which include the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions
The Fund may engage in when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions. The Fund records when-issued securities on the trade date and maintains security positions such that sufficient liquid assets will be available to make payment for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis are marked to market daily and begin earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may occur on these transactions due to changes in market conditions or the failure of counterparties to perform under the contract.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
34

Restricted Securities
The Fund may purchase securities which are considered restricted. Restricted securities are securities that either: (a) cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, or being able to take advantage of an exemption from registration, under the Securities Act of 1933; or (b) are subject to contractual restrictions on public sales. In some cases, when a security cannot be offered for public sale without first being registered, the issuer of the restricted security has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by the Fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many such restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Restricted securities may be determined to be liquid under criteria established by the Trustees. The Fund will not incur any registration costs upon such resales. The Fund’s restricted securities, like other securities, are priced in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trustees.
Other
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimated. The Fund applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance.
3. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The following tables summarize share activity:
 
Six Months Ended
4/30/2022
Year Ended
10/31/2021
Institutional Shares:
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares sold
101,571,793
$980,251,496
291,413,412
$2,901,923,717
Shares issued to shareholders in
payment of distributions declared
17,075,507
162,750,941
30,695,144
305,883,358
Shares redeemed
(140,495,875)
(1,341,219,193)
(230,255,852)
(2,295,714,196)
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM
INSTITUTIONAL
SHARE TRANSACTIONS
(21,848,575)
$(198,216,756)
91,852,704
$912,092,879
 
Six Months Ended
4/30/2022
Year Ended
10/31/2021
Class R6 Shares:
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares sold
31,365,858
$304,163,402
136,622,210
$1,363,208,649
Shares issued to shareholders in
payment of distributions declared
5,069,307
48,464,247
12,246,055
122,037,147
Shares redeemed
(96,292,470)
(925,588,199)
(198,320,313)
(1,973,415,206)
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM
CLASS R6 SHARE TRANSACTIONS
(59,857,305)
$(572,960,550)
(49,452,048)
$(488,169,410)
NET CHANGE RESULTING FROM
TOTAL FUND
SHARE TRANSACTIONS
(81,705,880)
$(771,177,306)
42,400,656
$423,923,469
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
35

4. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
At April 30, 2022, the cost of investments for federal tax purposes was $9,028,213,439. The net unrealized depreciation of investments for federal tax purposes was $701,950,918. This consists of net unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost of $60,812,031 and net unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value of $762,762,949.
As of October 31, 2021, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward of $93,092,139 which will reduce the Fund’s taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the Code, thereby reducing the amount of distributions to shareholders which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax. Pursuant to the Code, these net capital losses retain their character as either short-term or long-term and do not expire.
The following schedule summarizes the Fund’s capital loss carryforwards:
Short-Term
Long-Term
Total
$—
$93,092,139
$93,092,139
5. INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Investment Adviser Fee
The advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser provides for an annual fee equal to 0.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, the Adviser may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund for competitive reasons such as to maintain the Fund’s expense ratio, or as and when appropriate, to maintain positive or zero net yields. For the six months ended April 30, 2022, the Adviser voluntarily waived $622,015 of its fee and voluntarily reimbursed $1,244,208 of transfer agent fees.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund for certain investment adviser fees as a result of transactions in other affiliated investment companies. For the six months ended April 30, 2022, the Adviser reimbursed $52,394.
Administrative Fee
Federated Administrative Services (FAS), under the Administrative Services Agreement, provides the Fund with administrative personnel and services. For purposes of determining the appropriate rate breakpoint, “Investment Complex” is defined as all of the Federated Hermes Funds subject to a fee under the Administrative Services Agreement. The fee paid to FAS is based on the average daily net assets of the Investment Complex as specified below:
Administrative Fee
Average Daily Net Assets
of the Investment Complex
0.100%
on assets up to $50 billion
0.075%
on assets over $50 billion
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
36

Subject to the terms described in the Expense Limitation note, FAS may voluntarily choose to waive any portion of its fee. For the six months ended April 30, 2022, the annualized fee paid to FAS was 0.078% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
In addition, FAS may charge certain out-of-pocket expenses to the Fund.
Expense Limitation
The Adviser and certain of its affiliates (which may include FAS) on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (as shown in the financial highlights, excluding interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses paid by the Fund, if any) paid by the Fund’s Institutional Shares and Class R6 Shares (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 0.49% and 0.48% (the “Fee Limit”), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the “Termination Date”): (a) January 1, 2023; or (b) the date of the Fund’s next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its applicable affiliates currently do not anticipate terminating or increasing these arrangements prior to the Termination Date, these arrangements may only be terminated or the Fee Limit increased prior to the Termination Date with the agreement of the Trustees.
Interfund Transactions
During the six months ended April 30, 2022, the Fund engaged in purchase and sale transactions with funds that have a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Directors/Trustees and/or common Officers. These purchase and sale transactions complied with Rule 17a-7 under the Act and amounted to $18,435,859 and $2,431,406, respectively. Net realized gain recognized on these transactions was $97,594.
Directors’/Trustees’ and Miscellaneous Fees
Certain Officers and Trustees of the Fund are Officers and Directors or Trustees of certain of the above companies. To efficiently facilitate payment, Independent Directors’/Trustees’ fees and certain expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses are paid by an affiliate of the Adviser which in due course are reimbursed by the Fund. These expenses related to conducting meetings of the Directors/Trustees and other miscellaneous expenses may be included in Accrued and Miscellaneous Expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations, respectively.
6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding long-term U.S. government securities and short-term obligations, for the six months ended April 30, 2022, were as follows:
Purchases
$758,648,447
Sales
$1,506,566,334
7. LINE OF CREDIT
The Fund participates with certain other Federated Hermes Funds, on a several basis, in an up to $500,000,000 unsecured, 364-day, committed, revolving line of credit (LOC) agreement dated June 23, 2021, which was renewed on June 22, 2022. The LOC was made available to temporarily finance the repurchase or redemption of shares of the
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
37

Fund, failed trades, payment of dividends, settlement of trades and for other short-term, temporary or emergency general business purposes. The Fund cannot borrow under the LOC if an inter-fund loan is outstanding. The Fund’s ability to borrow under the LOC also is subject to the limitations of the Act and various conditions precedent that must be satisfied before the Fund can borrow. Loans under the LOC are charged interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to (a) the highest, on any day, of (i) the federal funds effective rate, (ii) the published secured overnight financing rate plus an assigned percentage, and (iii) 0.0%, plus (b) a margin. Any fund eligible to borrow under the LOC pays its pro rata share of a commitment fee based on the amount of the lenders’ commitment that has not been utilized, quarterly in arrears and at maturity. As of April 30, 2022, the Fund had no outstanding loans. During the six months ended April 30, 2022, the Fund did not utilize the LOC.
8. INTERFUND LENDING
Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other funds advised by subsidiaries of Federated Hermes, Inc., may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the Fund to borrow from other participating affiliated funds. As of April 30, 2022, there were no outstanding loans. During the six months ended April 30, 2022, the program was not utilized.
9. OTHER MATTERS
An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in late 2019 and subsequently spread globally. As of the date of the issuance of these financial statements, this coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, disruptions to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, and disruptions to supply chains, workflow operations and consumer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may continue for an extended period of time and has resulted in substantial economic volatility. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks. The impact of this outbreak, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could continue to negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies (including certain Fund service providers and issuers of the Fund’s investments) and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2021-01 “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)”. ASU No. 2021-01 updates and clarifies ASU No. 2020-04, which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of LIBOR and other interbank-offered reference rates. The temporary relief provided by ASU No. 2021-01 is effective immediately for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur through December 31, 2022. Management does not expect ASU No. 2021-01 to have a material impact on the financial statements.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
38

Shareholder Expense Example (unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees and to the extent applicable, distribution (12b-1) fees and/or other service fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you to understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. It is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from November 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022.
ACTUAL EXPENSES
The first section of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you incurred over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses attributable to your investment during this period.
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES
The second section of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. Thus, you should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate the actual ending account balance or your expenses for the period. Rather, these figures are required to be provided to enable you to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
39

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only. Therefore, the second section of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.
 
Beginning
Account Value
11/1/2021
Ending
Account Value
4/30/2022
Expenses Paid
During Period1
Actual:
 
 
 
Institutional Shares
$1,000
$931.80
$2.35
Class R6 Shares
$1,000
$932.00
$2.30
Hypothetical (assuming a 5% return
before expenses):
 
 
 
Institutional Shares
$1,000
$1,022.36
$2.46
Class R6 Shares
$1,000
$1,022.41
$2.41
1
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized net expense ratios, multiplied by the average
account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half-year period). The
annualized net expense ratios are as follows:
Institutional Shares
0.49%
Class R6 Shares
0.48%
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
40

Evaluation and Approval of Advisory ContractMay 2021
FEDERATED HERMES INSTITUTIONAL HIGH YIELD BOND FUND (the “Fund”)
At its meetings in May 2021 (the “May Meetings”), the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed and unanimously approved the continuation of the investment advisory contract between the Fund and Federated Investment Management Company (the “Adviser”) (the “Contract”) for an additional one-year term. The Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract reflects the exercise of its business judgment after considering all of the information and factors believed to be relevant and appropriate on whether to approve the continuation of the existing arrangement. The information, factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval are summarized below.
Information Received and Review Process
At the request of the Independent Trustees, the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) furnished to the Board in advance of its May Meetings an independent written evaluation presenting on the topics discussed below. The Board considered the CCO’s independent written evaluation (the “CCO Fee Evaluation Report”), along with other information, in evaluating the reasonableness of the Fund’s management fee and in determining to approve the continuation of the Contract. The CCO, in preparing the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, has the authority to retain consultants, experts or staff as reasonably necessary to assist in the performance of his duties, reports directly to the Board, and can be terminated only with the approval of a majority of the Independent Trustees. At the request of the Independent Trustees, the CCO Fee Evaluation Report followed the same general approach and covered the same topics as that of the report that had previously been delivered by the CCO in his capacity as “Senior Officer” prior to the elimination of the Senior Officer position in December 2017.
In addition to the extensive materials that comprise and accompany the CCO Fee Evaluation Report, the Board considered information specifically prepared in connection with the approval of the continuation of the Contract that was presented at the May Meetings. In this regard, in the months preceding the May Meetings, the Board requested and reviewed written responses and supporting materials prepared by the Adviser and its affiliates (collectively, “Federated Hermes”) in response to requests posed to Federated Hermes on behalf of the Independent Trustees encompassing a wide variety of topics, including those summarized below. The Board also considered such additional
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
41

matters as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Contract, which included detailed information about the Fund and Federated Hermes furnished to the Board at its meetings throughout the year and in between regularly scheduled meetings on particular matters as the need arose.
The Board’s consideration of the Contract included review of materials and information covering the following matters, among others: the Adviser’s investment philosophy, revenue, profitability, personnel and processes; investment and operating strategies; the Fund’s short-term and long-term performance (in absolute terms, both on a gross basis and net of expenses, and relative to the Fund’s particular investment program and a group of its peer funds and/or its benchmark, as appropriate) and comments on the reasons for the Fund’s performance; the Fund’s investment objectives; the Fund’s expenses, including the advisory fee and the overall expense structure of the Fund (both in absolute terms and relative to a group of its peer funds), with due regard for contractual or voluntary expense limitations (if any); the use and allocation of brokerage commissions derived from trading the Fund’s portfolio securities (if any); and the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and its affiliates. The Board also considered the preferences and expectations of Fund shareholders; the entrepreneurial and other risks assumed by the Adviser in sponsoring and managing the Fund; the continuing state of competition in the mutual fund industry and market practices; the range of comparable fees for similar funds in the mutual fund industry; the Fund’s relationship to the other funds advised by Federated Hermes (each, a “Federated Hermes Fund” and, collectively, the “Federated Hermes Funds”), which include a comprehensive array of funds with different investment objectives, policies and strategies, and the benefits to shareholders of being part of the family of Federated Hermes Funds, which include the general right to exchange investments between the same class of shares without the incurrence of additional sales charges; compliance and audit reports concerning the Federated Hermes Funds and Federated Hermes’ affiliates that service them (including communications from regulatory agencies), as well as Federated Hermes’ responses to any issues raised therein; and relevant developments in the mutual fund industry and how the Federated Hermes Funds and/or Federated Hermes may be responding to them. The Board noted that its evaluation process is evolutionary and that the criteria considered and the emphasis placed on relevant criteria may change in recognition of changing circumstances in the mutual fund marketplace.
The Board also considered judicial decisions concerning allegedly excessive investment advisory fees in determining to approve the Contract. Using these judicial decisions as a guide, the Board observed that the following factors may be relevant to an adviser’s fiduciary duty with respect to its receipt of compensation from a fund: (1) the nature and quality of the services provided by an adviser to a fund and its shareholders (including the performance of the
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
42

fund, its benchmark, and comparable funds); (2) an adviser’s cost of providing the services (including the profitability to an adviser of providing advisory services to a fund); (3) the extent to which an adviser may realize “economies of scale” as a fund grows larger and, if such economies of scale exist, whether they have been appropriately shared with a fund and its shareholders or the family of funds; (4) any “fall-out” benefits that accrue to an adviser because of its relationship with a fund (including research services received from brokers that execute fund trades and any fees paid to affiliates of an adviser for services rendered to a fund); (5) comparative fee and expense structures (including a comparison of fees paid to an adviser with those paid by similar funds both internally and externally as well as management fees charged to institutional and other advisory clients of the adviser for what might be viewed as like services); and (6) the extent of care, conscientiousness and independence with which the fund’s board members perform their duties and their expertise (including whether they are fully informed about all facts the board deems relevant to its consideration of an adviser’s services and fees). The Board noted that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure requirements regarding the basis for a fund board’s approval of the fund’s investment advisory contract generally align with the factors listed above. The Board was guided by these factors in its review of the Contract to the extent it considered them to be appropriate and relevant, as discussed further below. The Board considered and weighed these factors in light of its substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and working with Federated Hermes on matters relating to the Federated Hermes Funds.
In addition to considering the above-referenced factors, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision to terminate or not renew the Contract. In particular, the Board recognized that many shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of Federated Hermes’ industry standing and reputation and with the expectation that Federated Hermes will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund. Thus, the Board observed that in the marketplace there are a range of investment options available to the Fund’s shareholders and such shareholders, having had the opportunity to consider other investment options, have effectively selected Federated Hermes by virtue of investing in the Fund.
In determining to approve the continuation of the Contract, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate through the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board throughout the year and specifically with respect to the continuation of the Contract. The Independent Trustees were assisted throughout the evaluation process by independent legal counsel. In connection
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
43

with their deliberations at the May Meetings, the Independent Trustees met separately in executive session with their independent legal counsel and without management present to review the relevant materials and consider their responsibilities under applicable laws. In addition, senior management representatives of Federated Hermes also met with the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel to discuss the materials and presentations furnished to the Board at the May Meetings. The Board considered the approval of the Contract for the Fund as part of its consideration of agreements for funds across the Federated Hermes Funds family, but its approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and the resources of the Adviser and its affiliates dedicated to the Fund. In this regard, the Board evaluated, among other things, the terms of the Contract and the range of services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and its affiliates. The Board considered the Adviser’s personnel, investment philosophy and process, investment research capabilities and resources, trade execution capabilities, experience and performance track record. The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and the Adviser’s ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Fund. The Fund’s ability to deliver competitive performance when compared to its Performance Peer Group (as defined below) was also deemed to be relevant by the Board as a useful indicator of how the Adviser is executing the Fund’s investment program.
In addition, the Board considered the financial resources and overall reputation of Federated Hermes and its willingness to consider and make investments in personnel, infrastructure, technology, cybersecurity, business continuity planning and operational enhancements that are designed to benefit the Federated Hermes Funds. The Board noted the significant acquisition of Hermes Fund Managers Limited by Federated Hermes in 2018, which has deepened the organization’s investment management expertise and capabilities and expanded the investment process for all of the Federated Hermes Funds to have access to analytical resources related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors and issuer engagement on ESG matters.
The Board considered the quality of the Adviser’s communications with the Board and responsiveness to Board inquiries and requests made from time to time with respect to the Fund and other Federated Hermes Funds. In this regard, the Board took into account the Adviser’s communications with the Board in light of the market volatility amidst the pandemic. The Board also considered that Federated Hermes is responsible for providing the Federated Hermes Funds’ officers.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
44

The Board received and evaluated information regarding the Adviser’s regulatory and compliance environment. The Board considered the Adviser’s compliance program, compliance history, and reports from the CCO about the Adviser’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including responses to regulatory developments and any compliance or other issues raised by regulatory agencies. The Board also noted Federated Hermes’ support of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance control structure and, in particular, the compliance-related resources devoted by the Adviser and its affiliates in support of the Fund’s obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including the Adviser’s commitment to respond to rulemaking and other regulatory initiatives of the SEC. The Board considered Federated Hermes’ day-to-day oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds’ compliance with their investment objectives and policies as well as with applicable laws and regulations, noting that regulatory and other developments had over time led to an increase in the scope of Federated Hermes’ oversight in this regard, including in connection with the designation of the Federated Hermes Funds’ investment advisers as the administrators of the Federated Hermes Funds’ liquidity risk management program.
The Board also considered discussions with Federated Hermes regarding the implementation of its business continuity plans and recognized steps taken by Federated Hermes to continue to provide the same nature, extent and quality of services to the Federated Hermes Funds during the pandemic. In addition, the Board noted Federated Hermes’ commitment to maintaining high quality systems and expending substantial resources to prepare for and respond to ongoing changes due to the market, regulatory and control environments in which the Fund and its service providers operate, including changes associated with the pandemic.
Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s investment management and related services warrant the continuation of the Contract.
Fund Investment Performance
In evaluating the Fund’s investment performance, the Board considered performance results in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and risks, as disclosed in the Fund’s prospectus. The Board also considered detailed investment reports on, and the Adviser’s analysis of, the Fund’s performance over different time periods that were provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. These reports include, among other items, information on the Fund’s gross and net returns, the Fund’s investment performance compared to one or more relevant investment categories and the Fund’s benchmark index, portfolio attribution information and commentary on the effect of current and recent market conditions.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
45

The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the performance of other mutual funds in the category of peer funds selected by Morningstar, Inc. (the “Morningstar”), an independent fund ranking organization (the “Performance Peer Group”), noting the CCO’s view that comparisons to fund peer groups may be helpful, though not conclusive, in evaluating the performance of the Adviser in managing the Fund. The Board considered, in evaluating such comparisons, that in some cases there may be differences in the funds’ objectives or investment management techniques, or the costs to implement the funds, even within the same Performance Peer Group.
For the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020, the Fund’s performance was above the median of the Performance Peer Group.
Following such evaluation and full deliberations, the Board concluded that the performance of the Fund supported renewal of the Contract.
Fund Expenses
The Board considered the advisory fee and overall expense structure of the Fund and the comparative fee and expense information that had been provided in connection with the May Meetings. In this regard, the Board was presented with, and considered, information regarding the contractual advisory fee rates, net advisory fee rates, total expense ratios and each element of the Fund’s total expense ratio (i.e., gross and net advisory fees, administrative fees, custody fees, portfolio accounting fees and transfer agency fees) relative to an appropriate group of peer funds compiled by Federated Hermes from the category of peer funds selected by Morningstar (the “Expense Peer Group”). The Board received a description of the methodology used to select the Expense Peer Group from the overall Morningstar category. The Board also reviewed comparative information regarding the fees and expenses of the broader group of funds in the overall Morningstar category.
While mindful that courts have cautioned against giving too much weight to comparative information concerning fees charged by other advisers for managing funds with comparable investment programs, the Board noted that it found the use of such comparisons to be relevant to its deliberations. The Board focused on comparisons with other similar mutual funds more heavily than non-mutual fund products or services because such comparisons are believed to be more relevant. The Board considered that other mutual funds are the products most like the Fund, in that they are readily available to Fund shareholders as alternative investment vehicles, and they are the type of investment vehicle, in fact, chosen and maintained by the Fund’s shareholders. The Board noted that the range of such other mutual funds’ fees and expenses, therefore, appears to be a relevant indicator of what consumers have found to be reasonable in the marketplace in which the Fund competes.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
46

The Board reviewed the contractual advisory fee rate, net advisory fee rate and other expenses of the Fund and noted the position of the Fund’s fee rates relative to its Expense Peer Group. In this regard, the Board noted that the contractual advisory fee rate was below the median of the Expense Peer Group, and the Board was satisfied that the overall expense structure of the Fund remained competitive.
The Board also received and considered information about the fees charged by Federated Hermes for providing advisory services to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Federated Hermes Funds, including non-mutual fund clients (such as institutional separate accounts) and third-party unaffiliated mutual funds for which the Adviser or its affiliates serve as sub-adviser. The Board noted the CCO’s conclusion that non-mutual fund clients are inherently different products due to the following differences, among others: (i) different types of targeted investors; (ii) different applicable laws and regulations; (iii) different legal structures; (iv) different average account sizes and portfolio management techniques made necessary by different cash flows and different associated costs; (v) the time spent by portfolio managers and their teams (among other personnel across various departments, including legal, compliance and risk management) in reviewing securities pricing, addressing different administrative responsibilities, and addressing different degrees of risk associated with management; and (vi) a variety of different costs. The Board also considered information regarding the differences in the nature of the services required for Federated Hermes to manage its proprietary mutual fund business versus managing a discrete pool of assets as a sub-adviser to another institution’s mutual fund, noting the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes generally performs significant additional services and assumes substantially greater risks in managing the Fund and other Federated Hermes Funds than in its role as sub-adviser to an unaffiliated third-party mutual fund. The Board noted that the CCO did not consider the fees for providing advisory services to other types of clients to be determinative in judging the appropriateness of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory fees.
Following such evaluation and full deliberations, the Board concluded that the fees and expenses of the Fund are reasonable and supported renewal of the Contract.
Profitability and Other Benefits
The Board also received financial information about Federated Hermes, including information regarding the compensation and ancillary (or “fall-out”) benefits that Federated Hermes derived from its relationships with the Federated Hermes Funds. This information covered not only the fees under the Federated Hermes Funds’ investment advisory contracts, but also fees received by Federated Hermes’ affiliates for providing other services to the Federated Hermes Funds under separate contracts (e.g., for serving as the Federated
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
47

Hermes Funds’ administrator and distributor). In this regard, the Board considered that certain of Federated Hermes’ affiliates provide distribution and shareholder services to the Federated Hermes Funds, for which they may be compensated through distribution and servicing fees paid pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans or otherwise. The Board also received and considered information detailing any indirect benefit that Federated Hermes may derive from its receipt of research services from brokers who execute portfolio trades for the Federated Hermes Funds. In addition, the Board considered that, in order for the Federated Hermes Funds to remain competitive in the marketplace, the Adviser and its affiliates frequently waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses and have disclosed to Federated Hermes Fund shareholders and/or reported to the Board their intention to do so (or continue to do so) in the future. Moreover, the Board received and considered regular reports from Federated Hermes throughout the year as to the institution, adjustment or elimination of these voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements.
The Board received and considered information furnished by Federated Hermes, as requested by the CCO, that reported revenues on a fund-by-fund basis and made estimates of the allocation of expenses on a fund-by-fund basis, using allocation methodologies specified by the CCO and described to the Board. The Board considered the CCO’s view that, while these cost allocation reports apply consistent allocation processes, the inherent difficulties in allocating costs continues to cause the CCO to question the precision of the process and to conclude that such reports may be unreliable because a single change in an allocation estimate may dramatically alter the resulting estimate of cost and/or profitability of a Federated Hermes Fund and may produce unintended consequences. The allocation information, including the CCO’s view that cost allocations on a fund-by-fund basis may be unreliable, was considered in the evaluation by the Board. In addition, the Board considered the CCO’s view that the allocation methodologies used by Federated Hermes in estimating profitability for purposes of reporting to the Board in connection with the continuation of the Contract are consistent with the methodologies previously reviewed by an independent consultant. The Board noted that the independent consultant had previously conducted a review of the allocation methodologies and reported that, although there is no single best method to allocate expenses, the methodologies used by Federated Hermes are reasonable.
The Board also reviewed information compiled by Federated Hermes comparing its profitability information to other publicly held fund management companies, including information regarding profitability trends over time. The Board considered the CCO’s conclusion that, based on such profitability information, Federated Hermes’ profit margins did not appear to be excessive. The Board also considered the CCO’s view that Federated Hermes appeared financially sound, with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under its contracts with the Federated Hermes Funds.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
48

Economies of Scale
The Board received and considered information about the notion of possible realization of “economies of scale” as a fund grows larger, the difficulties of calculating economies of scale at an individual fund level, and the extent to which potential scale benefits are shared with shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that Federated Hermes has made significant and long-term investments in areas that support all of the Federated Hermes Funds, such as personnel and processes for the portfolio management (including market data on which portfolio managers make investment decisions), trading operations, issuer engagement (including with respect to ESG matters), shareholder services, compliance, business continuity, internal audit and risk management functions, as well as systems technology (including technology relating to cybersecurity) and use of data. The Board noted that Federated Hermes’ investments in these areas are extensive and are designed to provide enhanced services to the Federated Hermes Funds and their shareholders. The Board considered that the benefits of these investments (as well as the benefits of any economies of scale, should they exist) are likely to be shared with the family of Federated Hermes Funds as a whole. In addition, the Board considered that the Adviser and its affiliates have frequently waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses for the Federated Hermes Funds and that such waivers and reimbursements are another means for potential economies of scale to be shared with shareholders and can provide protection from an increase in expenses if a Federated Hermes Fund’s assets decline. The Board also considered reports on adviser-paid fees (commonly referred to as “revenue sharing”) that were provided to the Board throughout the year and in connection with the May Meetings. The Board considered the beliefs of Federated Hermes and the CCO that this information should be viewed to determine if there was an incentive to either not apply breakpoints, or to apply breakpoints at higher levels, and should not be viewed to determine the appropriateness of advisory fees. The Board also noted the absence of any applicable regulatory or industry guidelines on this subject, which is compounded by the lack of any common industry practice or general pattern with respect to structuring fund advisory fees with “breakpoints” that serve to reduce the fees as a fund attains a certain size.
Conclusions
The Board considered: (i) the CCO’s conclusion that his observations and the information accompanying the CCO Fee Evaluation Report show that the management fee for the Fund was reasonable; and (ii) the CCO’s recommendation that the Board approve the management fee. The Board noted that, under these circumstances, no changes were recommended to, and no objection was raised to the continuation of, the Contract by the CCO. The CCO also recognized that the Board’s evaluation of the Federated Hermes Funds’ advisory and sub-advisory arrangements is a continuing and ongoing process that is informed by the information that the Board requests and receives from
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
49

management throughout the course of the year and, in this regard, the CCO noted certain items for future reporting to the Board or further consideration by management as the Board continues its ongoing oversight of the Federated Hermes Funds.
On the basis of the information and factors summarized above, among other information and factors deemed relevant by the Board, and the evaluation thereof, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of the Contract. The Board based its determination to approve the Contract on the totality of the circumstances and relevant factors and with a view of past and future long-term considerations. Not all of the factors and considerations identified above were necessarily deemed to be relevant to the Fund, nor did the Board consider any one of them to be determinative. With respect to the factors that were deemed to be relevant, the Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Contract reflects its view that Federated Hermes’ performance and actions provided a satisfactory basis to support the determination to approve the continuation of the existing arrangement.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
50

Liquidity Risk Management Program
Annual Evaluation of Adequacy and Effectiveness
In accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), Federated Hermes Institutional Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for Federated Hermes Institutional High Yield Bond Fund (the “Fund” and, collectively with the other non-money market open-end funds advised by Federated Hermes, the “Federated Hermes Funds”). The Program seeks to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk. “Liquidity risk” is defined under the Liquidity Rule as the risk that the Fund is unable to meet redemption requests without significantly diluting remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has approved the designation of the Fund’s investment adviser as the administrator for the Program with respect to the Fund (the “Administrator”). Each affiliated Federated Hermes advisory subsidiary (including the Fund’s investment adviser) that serves as investment adviser to a Federated Hermes Fund (including the Fund) has been approved as the administrator of the Program with respect to each Federated Hermes Fund that is managed by such advisory subsidiary (collectively, the “Administrator”). The Administrator, in turn, has delegated day-to-day responsibility for the administration of the Program to multiple Liquidity Risk Management Committees, which are comprised of representatives from certain divisions within Federated Hermes.
The Program is comprised of various components designed to support the assessment and/or management of liquidity risk, including: (1) the periodic assessment (no less frequently than annually) of certain factors that influence the Fund’s liquidity risk; (2) the periodic classification (no less frequently than monthly) of the Fund’s investments into one of four liquidity categories that reflect an estimate of their liquidity under current market conditions; (3) a 15% limit on the acquisition of “illiquid investments” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule); (4) to the extent a Fund does not invest primarily in “highly liquid investments” (as defined under the Liquidity Rule), the determination of a minimum percentage of the Fund’s assets that generally will be invested in highly liquid investments (an “HLIM”); (5) if a Fund has established an HLIM, the periodic review (no less frequently than annually) of the HLIM and the adoption of policies and procedures for responding to a shortfall of the Fund’s highly liquid investments below its HLIM; and (6) periodic reporting to the Board.
At its meetings in May 2021, the Board received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) from the Federated Hermes Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Risk Officer, on behalf of the Administrator, concerning the operation of the Program for the period from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness, including, where
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
51

applicable, the operation of any HLIM established for a Federated Hermes Fund and each Federated Hermes Fund’s access to other available funding sources such as the Federated Hermes Funds’ interfund lending facility, redemptions in-kind and committed lines of credit. There were no material changes to the Program during the Period. The Report summarized the operation of the Program and the information and factors considered by the Administrator in assessing whether the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented with respect to the Federated Hermes Funds. Such information and factors included, among other things:
◾ confirmation that the Fund did not utilize alternative funding sources during the Period;
◾ the periodic classifications of the Fund’s investments into one of four liquidity categories and the methodologies and inputs used to classify the investments, including the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trade size;
◾ the analysis received from a third-party liquidity assessment vendor that is taken into account in the process of determining the liquidity classifications of the Fund’s investments and the results of an evaluation of the services performed by the vendor in support of this process;
◾ the fact that the Fund invested primarily in highly liquid investments during the Period and, therefore, was not required to establish, and has not established, an HLIM and the procedures for monitoring the status of the Fund as investing primarily in highly liquid investments;
◾ the fact that the Fund invested no more than 15% of its assets in illiquid investments during the Period and the procedures for monitoring this limit; and
◾ liquidity events during the Period, including the impact on liquidity caused by extended non-U.S. market closures and the March-April 2020 market conditions, and the fact that there were no specific liquidity events during the Period that materially affected the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Based on this review, the Administrator concluded that the Program is operating effectively to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk, and that the Program has been and continues to be adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and, as applicable, respond to the Fund’s liquidity developments.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
52

Voting Proxies on Fund Portfolio Securities
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies, if any, relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 1-800-341-7400, Option #4. A report on “Form N-PX” of how the Fund voted any such proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available via the Proxy Voting Record (Form N-PX) link associated with the Fund and share class name at FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. Form N-PX filings are also available at the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
Each fiscal quarter, the Fund will file with the SEC a complete schedule of its monthly portfolio holdings on “Form N-PORT.” The Fund’s holdings as of the end of the third month of every fiscal quarter, as reported on Form N-PORT, will be publicly available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov within 60 days of the end of the fiscal quarter upon filing. You may also access this information via the link to the Fund and share class name at FederatedInvestors.com.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
53

Mutual funds are not bank deposits or obligations, are not guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency. Investment in mutual funds involves investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This Report is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only when preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s Prospectus, which contains facts concerning its objective and policies, management fees, expenses and other information.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT FUND DOCUMENT DELIVERY 
In an effort to reduce costs and avoid duplicate mailings, the Fund(s) intend to deliver a single copy of certain documents to each household in which more than one shareholder of the Fund(s) resides (so-called “householding”), as permitted by applicable rules. The Fund’s “householding” program covers its/their Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and supplements to each, as well as Semi-Annual and Annual Shareholder Reports and any Proxies or information statements. Shareholders must give their written consent to participate in the “householding” program. The Fund is also permitted to treat a shareholder as having given consent (“implied consent”) if (i) shareholders with the same last name, or believed to be members of the same family, reside at the same street address or receive mail at the same post office box, (ii) the Fund gives notice of its intent to “household” at least sixty (60) days before it begins “householding” and (iii) none of the shareholders in the household have notified the Fund(s) or their agent of the desire to “opt out” of “householding.” Shareholders who have granted written consent, or have been deemed to have granted implied consent, can revoke that consent and opt out of “householding” at any time: shareholders who purchased shares through an intermediary should contact their representative; other shareholders may call the Fund at 1-800-341-7400, Option #4.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report
54

Federated Hermes Institutional High Yield Bond Fund
Federated Hermes Funds
4000 Ericsson Drive
Warrendale, PA 15086-7561
Contact us at FederatedInvestors.com
or call 1-800-341-7400.
Federated Securities Corp., Distributor
CUSIP 31420B300
CUSIP 31420B847
28539 (6/22)
© 2022 Federated Hermes, Inc.

\
  Item 2. Code of Ethics

 

Not Applicable

  Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Not Applicable

  Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Not Applicable

 

  Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

Not Applicable

 

  Item 6. Schedule of Investments

 

(a) The registrant’s Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

(b) Not Applicable; Fund had no divestments during the reporting period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.

 

  Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not Applicable

 

  Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not Applicable

 

  Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

 

Not Applicable

 

  Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No Changes to Report

 

  Item 11. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) The registrant’s President and Treasurer have concluded that the

registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) are effective in design and operation and are sufficient to form the basis of the certifications required by Rule 30a-(2) under the Act, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

  Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not Applicable

 

  Item 13. Exhibits

 

(a)(1) Code of Ethics- Not Applicable to this Report.

 

(a)(2) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.

 

(a)(3) Not Applicable.

 

(b) Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Registrant Federated Hermes Institutional Trust

 

By /S/ Lori A. Hensler

 

Lori A. Hensler, Principal Financial Officer

 

Date June 22, 2022

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By /S/ J. Christopher Donahue

 

J. Christopher Donahue, Principal Executive Officer

 

Date June 22, 2022

 

 

By /S/ Lori A. Hensler

 

Lori A. Hensler, Principal Financial Officer

 

Date June 22, 2022

 

 


N-CSR Item 13(a)(2) - Exhibits: Certifications

 

 

I, J. Christopher Donahue, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Federated Hermes Institutional Trust on behalf of: Federated Hermes Institutional High Yield Bond Fund ("registrant");

 

  1. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  1. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

    1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

    1. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

    1. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

    1. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

    1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

    1. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

Date: June 22, 2022

/S/ J. Christopher Donahue

J. Christopher Donahue, President - Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

N-CSR Item 13(a)(2) - Exhibits: Certifications

 

 

I, Lori A. Hensler, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Federated Hermes Institutional Trust on behalf of: Federated Hermes Institutional High Yield Bond Fund ("registrant");

 

  1. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  1. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

    1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

    1. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

    1. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

    1. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

    1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

    1. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

Date: June 22, 2022

/S/ Lori A. Hensler

Lori A. Hensler, Treasurer - Principal Financial Officer

 

 

 


N-CSR Item 13(b) - Exhibits: Certifications

 

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 1350, the undersigned officers of Federated Hermes Institutional Trust on behalf of Federated Hermes Institutional High Yield Bond Fund (the “Registrant”), hereby certify, to the best of our knowledge, that the Registrant’s Report on Form N-CSR for the period ended April 30, 2022 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

 

Dated: June 22, 2022

 

/s/ J. Christopher Donahue

J. Christopher Donahue

Title: President, Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

Dated: June 22, 2022

 

/s/ Lori A. Hensler

Lori A. Hensler

Title: Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer

 

This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.