# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000912763
**File Stem:** 0001623632-23-000120
**Filing Date:** 2023-1
**Character Count:** 36054
**Document Hash:** e91029b78169419104de9c49d37a5ef4
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001623632-23-000120.hdr.sgml**: 20230125

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001623632-23-000120

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 497K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 5

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230125

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230125

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230125

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Federated Hermes Total Return Series, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000912763
- **IRS NUMBER:** 256429335
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0930

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 497K
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 033-50773
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23551560

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4000 ERICSSON DRIVE
- **CITY:** WARRENDALE
- **STATE:** PA
- **ZIP:** 15086-7561
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 8003417400

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4000 ERICSSON DRIVE
- **CITY:** WARRENDALE
- **STATE:** PA
- **ZIP:** 15086-7561

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** FEDERATED TOTAL RETURN SERIES INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19950407

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** INSIGHT INSTITUTIONAL SERIES INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19940118

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** STRATEGIC INVESTMENT SERIES INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19931019

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund (Series ID: S000010897)

| Class ID   | Class Name           | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000030199 | Service Shares       | FTRFX           |
| C000030200 | Class A Shares       | TLRAX           |
| C000030201 | Class B Shares       | TLRBX           |
| C000030202 | Class C Shares       | TLRCX           |
| C000030203 | Class R Shares       | FTRKX           |
| C000030204 | Institutional Shares | FTRBX           |
| C000157740 | Class R6 Shares      | FTRLX           |

**Summary Prospectus**

***January 31, 2023***

![](imgf094f5411.jpg)

*Disclosure contained herein relates to all classes of the Fund, as listed below, unless otherwise noted.* 

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** \| Ticker | **A** \| TLRAX | **B** \| TLRBX | **C** \| TLRCX | **R** \| FTRKX |
|  | **Institutional** \| FTRBX | **Service** \| FTRFX | **R6** \| FTRLX |  |

---

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Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund

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A Portfolio of Federated Hermes Total Return Series, Inc.

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund's Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund's Prospectus and other information about the Fund, including the Statement of Additional Information and most recent reports to shareholders, online at FederatedInvestors.com/FundInformation. You can also get this information at no cost by calling 1-800-341-7400, by sending an email request via Contact Us on FederatedInvestors.com, or from a financial intermediary through which Shares of the Fund may be bought or sold. The Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, both dated January 31, 2023, are incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus.

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A mutual fund seeking to provide total return by investing primarily in U.S. dollar denominated, investment-grade, fixed-income securities.

As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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**Not FDIC Insured ▪ May Lose Value ▪ No Bank Guarantee**

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Fund Summary Information

**Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund (the "Fund")**

**RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE**

The Fund's investment objective is to provide total return.

**RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: FEES AND EXPENSES**

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell the Fund's Class A Shares (A), Class B Shares (B), Class C Shares (C), Class R Shares (R), Institutional Shares (IS), Service Shares (SS) and Class R6 Shares (R6). **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.** You may qualify for certain sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in certain classes (e.g., A class) of Federated Hermes Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional, in the "What Do Shares Cost?" section of the Prospectus on page 22 and in "Appendix B" to this Prospectus.

**Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)** 

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **A** | **B** | **C** | **R** | **IS** | **SS** | **R6** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases <br> (as a percentage of offering price)<br>| 4.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a <br> percentage of original purchase price or redemption <br> proceeds, as applicable)<br>| 0.00% | 5.50% | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested <br> Dividends (and other Distributions) <br> (as a percentage of offering price)<br>|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount <br> redeemed, if applicable)<br>|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Exchange Fee |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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**1**

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)** 

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **A** | **B** | **C** | **R** | **IS** | **SS** | **R6** |
| Management Fee | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% |
| Distribution (12b-1) Fee | 0.25% | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.50% |  | 0.25% |  |
| Other Expenses | 0.43% | 0.48% | 0.42% | 0.37% | 0.15% | 0.39% | 0.10% |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.00% | 1.55% | 1.49% | 1.19% | 0.47% | 0.96% | 0.42% |
| Fee Waivers and/or Expense <br> Reimbursements<sup>1</sup><br>| (0.06)% | (0.04)% | 0.00% | (0.06)% | (0.08)% | (0.27)% | (0.04)% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses <br> After Fee Waivers and/or <br> Expense Reimbursements<br>| 0.94% | 1.51% | 1.49% | 1.13% | 0.39% | 0.69% | 0.38% |

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The Adviser and certain of its affiliates on their own initiative have agreed to waive certain amounts of their respective fees and/or reimburse expenses. Total annual fund operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, interest expense, extraordinary expenses and proxy-related expenses paid by the Fund, if any) paid by the Fund's A, B, C, R, IS, SS and R6 classes (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 0.92%, 1.49%, 1.47%, 1.11%, 0.37%, 0.67% and 0.36% (the "Fee Limit"), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the "Termination Date"): (a) February 1, 2024; or (b) the date of the Fund's next effective Prospectus. While the Adviser and its 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 Fund's Board of Directors.

**Example**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. Expenses assuming no redemption are also shown. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Although your actual costs and returns may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **A:** |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses assuming redemption | $547 | $754 | $978 | $1620 |
| Expenses assuming no redemption | $547 | $754 | $978 | $1620 |
| **B:** |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses assuming redemption | $708 | $890 | $1045 | $1698 |
| Expenses assuming no redemption | $158 | $490 | $845 | $1698 |

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**2**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **C:** |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses assuming redemption | $252 | $471 | $813 | $1647 |
| Expenses assuming no redemption | $152 | $471 | $813 | $1647 |
| **R:** |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses assuming redemption | $121 | $378 | $654 | $1443 |
| Expenses assuming no redemption | $121 | $378 | $654 | $1443 |
| **IS:** |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses assuming redemption | $48 | $151 | $263 | $591 |
| Expenses assuming no redemption | $48 | $151 | $263 | $591 |
| **SS:** |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses assuming redemption | $98 | $306 | $531 | $1178 |
| Expenses assuming no redemption | $98 | $306 | $531 | $1178 |
| **R6:** |  |  |  |  |
| Expenses assuming redemption | $43 | $135 | $235 | $530 |
| Expenses assuming no redemption | $43 | $135 | $235 | $530 |

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**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 107% of the average value of its portfolio.

**RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENTS, RISKS and PERFORMANCE** 

**What are the Fund's Main Investment Strategies?**

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in U.S. dollar denominated, investment-grade, fixed-income securities. In addition, the Fund may invest in high-yield, non-U.S. dollar denominated, and emerging market fixed-income securities when Federated Investment Management Company (the "Adviser") considers the risk-return prospects of those sectors to be attractive. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in noninvestment-grade debt securities (otherwise known as "junk bonds"). The amount of any unhedged non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed-income securities and foreign currencies in the Fund's portfolio will normally not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets. The maximum amount that the Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar denominated fixed-income securities and foreign currencies is 20% of the Fund's total assets. Investment-grade, fixed-income securities are rated in one of the four highest categories (BBB- or higher) by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). Noninvestment-grade, fixed-income securities are rated in one of the six lowest categories (BB or lower) by a NRSRO, or in either case if unrated, of comparable quality as

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determined by the Adviser. The Adviser seeks to enhance the Fund's performance by allocating relatively more of its portfolio to the sector that the Adviser expects to offer a better balance between total return and risk and thus offer a greater potential for return. The Fund may invest in derivative contracts or hybrid instruments (such as, for example, futures contracts, option contracts and swap contracts) to implement its investment strategies. The Fund may also use derivative contracts or hybrid instruments to increase or decrease the portfolio's exposure to the investments(s) underlying the derivative or hybrid in an attempt to benefit from changes in the value of the underlying investment(s). There can be no assurance that the Fund's uses of derivatives contracts or hybrid instruments will work as intended. Derivative investments made by the Fund are included within the Fund's 80% policy (as described below) and are calculated at market value. The Adviser may lengthen or shorten duration from time to time based on its interest rate outlook, but the Fund has no set duration parameters. Duration measures the price sensitivity of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The Fund may also invest in inflation-indexed bonds, a type of fixed-income security that is structured to provide protection against inflation.

Certain of the government securities in which the Fund invests are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as those issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. These entities are, however, supported through federal subsidies, loans or other benefits. The Fund may also invest in government securities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as those issued by the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"). Finally, to a lesser extent, the Fund may invest in certain government securities that are issued by entities whose activities are sponsored by the federal government but that have no explicit financial support.

The Adviser actively manages the Fund's portfolio seeking total returns over longer time periods in excess of the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index (BAB). The BAB is a composite index of the domestic, investment-grade, fixed-rate bond market, represented by the following sectors: government and credit securities; agency mortgage pass-through securities; asset-backed securities; and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The Adviser utilizes a five-part decision making process, focusing on: (1) duration; (2) yield curve; (3) sector allocation; (4) security selection; and (5) currency management, called the Alpha Pod process. This five-part investment process is designed to capitalize on the depth of experience and focus of each of the Adviser's fixed-income sector teams–government, corporate, mortgage-backed, asset-backed, high-yield and international.

There can be no assurance that the Adviser will be successful in achieving investment returns in excess of the BAB.

**4**

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When selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund can invest in securities directly or in other investment companies, including, for example, funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates (an "Underlying Fund"). At times, the Fund's investment in Underlying Funds may be a substantial portion of the Fund's portfolio.

The Fund will invest its assets so that at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in fixed-income investments. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any change in its investment policy that would enable the Fund to invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its net assets in fixed-income investments.

**What are the Main Risks of Investing in the Fund?**

All mutual funds take investment risks. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The primary factors that may reduce the Fund's returns include:

◾ **Underlying Fund Risk.** The risk that the Fund's performance is closely related to the risks associated with the securities and other investments held by Underlying Funds and that the ability of a Fund to achieve its investment objective will depend upon the ability of Underlying Funds to achieve their respective investment objectives. The Fund bears Underlying Fund fees and expenses indirectly.

◾ **Interest Rate Risk.** Prices of fixed-income securities generally fall when interest rates rise. The longer the duration of a fixed-income security, the more susceptible it is to interest rate risk. Recent and potential future changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments are likely to affect the level of interest rates.

◾ **Prepayment and Extension Risk.** When homeowners prepay their mortgages in response to lower interest rates, the Fund will be required to reinvest the proceeds at the lower interest rates available. Also, when interest rates fall, the price of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may not rise to as great an extent as that of other fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, homeowners are less likely to prepay their mortgages. A decreased rate of prepayments lengthens the expected maturity of a mortgage-backed security, and the price of mortgage-backed securities may decrease more than the price of other fixed-income securities when interest rates rise.

◾ **Credit Risk.** It is possible that interest or principal on securities will not be paid when due. Such non-payment or default may reduce the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings, its share price and its performance.

◾ **MBS Risk.** A rise in interest rates may cause the value of MBS held by the Fund to decline. Certain MBS issued by government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. A non-agency MBS is subject to the risk that the value of such security will decline, because the security is not issued or guaranteed as to principal or

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interest by the U.S. government or a GSE. The Fund's investments in collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) may entail greater market, prepayment and liquidity risks than other MBS.

◾ **Liquidity Risk.** The fixed-income securities in which the Fund invests may be less readily marketable and may be subject to greater fluctuation in price than other securities. Liquidity risk also refers to the possibility that the Fund may not be able to sell a security or close out a derivative contract when it wants to. If this happens, the Fund could incur losses.

◾ **Risk of Inflation-Protected Bonds.** The value of inflation-protected bonds is subject to the effects of changes in market interest rates caused by factors other than inflation ("real interest rates"). If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation, the Fund's investment in these bonds may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond's inflation measure.

◾ **Risk of Investing in Loans.** In addition to the risks generally associated with debt instruments, such as credit, market, interest rate, liquidity and derivatives risks, bank loans are also subject to the risk that the value of the collateral securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower or be difficult to liquidate. The Fund's access to the collateral may be limited by bankruptcy, other insolvency laws or by the type of loan the Fund has purchased. For example, if the Fund purchases a participation instead of an assignment, it would not have direct access to collateral of the borrower. As a result, a floating rate loan may not be fully collateralized and can decline significantly in value. Additionally, collateral on loan instruments may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets will satisfy a borrower's obligations under the instrument. Loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Loans and other forms of direct indebtedness may be structured such that they are not securities under securities laws and subject securities laws protections against fraud and misrepresentation. While there can be no assurance that fraud or misrepresentation will not occur with respect to the loans and other investments in which the Fund invests, the Fund relies on the Adviser's research in an attempt to seek to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the Fund.

◾ **Loan Liquidity Risk.** Loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. The liquidity of loans, including the volume and frequency of secondary market trading in such loans, varies significantly over time and among individual loans. Transactions in loan instruments may take longer than seven days to settle. This could pose a liquidity risk to the Fund and, if the Fund's exposure to such investments is substantial, could impair the Fund's ability to meet shareholder redemptions in a timely manner. Loan instruments may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of loans may require weeks to complete. Thus, transactions in loan instruments

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may take longer than seven days to settle. This could pose a liquidity risk to the Fund and, if the Fund's exposure to such investments is substantial, could impair the Fund's ability to meet shareholder redemptions in a timely manner.

◾ **Loan Prepayment Risk.** During periods of declining interest rates or for other purposes, borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled which may force the Fund to reinvest in lower-yielding instruments.

◾ **Agent Insolvency Risk.** In a syndicated loan, the agent bank is the bank in the syndicate that undertakes the bulk of the administrative duties involved in the day-to-day administration of the loan. In the event of the insolvency of an agent bank, a loan could be subject to settlement risk as well as the risk of interruptions in the administrative duties performed in the day-to-day administration of the loan (such as processing interest rate calculations, processing draws, pursuing certain available contractual remedies, etc.).

◾ **Risk Associated with Noninvestment-Grade Securities.** Securities rated below investment grade may be subject to greater interest rate, credit and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. These securities are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal.

◾ **Risk Related to the Economy.** The value of the Fund's portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the markets in which the Fund invests and/or other markets. Economic, political and financial conditions, industry or economic trends and developments or public health risks, such as epidemics or pandemics, may, from time to time, and for varying periods of time, cause the Fund to experience volatility, illiquidity, shareholder redemptions, or other potentially adverse effects. Among other investments, lower-grade bonds may be particularly sensitive to changes in the economy.

◾ **Risk of Foreign Investing.** Because the Fund invests in securities issued by foreign companies and national governments, the Fund's share price may be more affected by foreign economic and political conditions, taxation policies and accounting and auditing standards than would otherwise be the case.

◾ **Currency Risk.** Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. Accordingly, the Fund may experience increased volatility with respect to the value of its Shares and its returns as a result of its exposure to foreign currencies through direct holding of such currencies or holding of non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.

◾ **European Union and Eurozone Related Risk.** A number of countries in the European Union (EU), including certain countries within the EU that have adopted the euro (Eurozone), have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional countries within the EU may also fall subject to such difficulties. These events could

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negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments in euro-denominated securities and derivatives contracts, securities of issuers located in the EU or with significant exposure to EU issuers or countries.

◾ **Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Countries.** Securities issued or traded in emerging markets generally entail greater risks than securities issued or traded in developed markets. Emerging market economies may also experience more severe downturns (with corresponding currency devaluations) than developed economies.

◾ **Leverage Risk.** Leverage risk is created when an investment exposes the Fund to a level of risk that exceeds the amount invested. Changes in the value of such an investment magnify the Fund's risk of loss and potential for gain.

◾ **Risk of Investing in Derivative Contracts and Hybrid Instruments.** Derivative contracts and hybrid instruments involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Specific risk issues related to the use of such contracts and instruments include valuation and tax issues, increased potential for losses and/or costs to the Fund and a potential reduction in gains to the Fund. Each of these issues is described in greater detail in this Prospectus. Derivative contracts and hybrid instruments may also involve other risks described in this Prospectus, such as interest rate, credit, currency, liquidity and leverage risks.

◾ **Exchange-Traded Funds Risk.** An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchanged traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies.

◾ **Risk of Loss after Redemption.** The Fund may also invest in trade finance loan instruments primarily by investing in other investment companies (which are not available for general investment by the public) that owns those instruments and that are advised by an affiliate of the Adviser and is structured as an extended payment fund (EPF). In the EPF, the Fund, as shareholder, will bear the risk of investment loss during the period between when shares of such EPF are presented to the transfer agent of the EPF for redemption and when the net asset value of the EPF is determined for payment of the redeemed EPF shares (the "Redemption Pricing Date").

◾ **Technology Risk.** The Manager uses various technologies in managing the Fund, consistent with its investment objective and strategy described in this prospectus. For example, proprietary and third-party data and systems are utilized to support decision making for the Fund. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems, which may negatively affect Fund performance.

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The Shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or 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.

**Performance: Bar Chart and Table** 

**Risk/Return Bar Chart**

The bar chart and performance table below reflect historical performance data for the Fund and are intended to help you analyze the Fund's investment risks in light of its historical returns. The bar chart shows the variability of the Fund's IS class total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis. The Average Annual Total Return Table shows returns for each class *averaged* over the stated periods, and includes comparative performance information. *The Fund's performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results.* Updated performance information for the Fund is available under the "Products" section at FederatedInvestors.com or by calling 1-800-341-7400. <br> ![](ftrbfpro26520.jpg)

*Within the periods shown in the bar chart, the Fund's IS class highest quarterly return was 5.52% (quarter ended June 30, 2020). Its lowest quarterly return was (5.29)% (quarter ended March 31, 2022).*

**Average Annual Total Return Table**

The Fund's Class R6 Shares commenced operations on April 17, 2015. For the period prior to the commencement of operations of Class R6 Shares, the performance information shown is for the Fund's Institutional Shares adjusted to reflect expenses of the Class R6 Shares for each year for which the expenses of Class R6 Shares would have exceeded the actual expenses paid by the Institutional Shares. In addition to Return Before Taxes, Return After Taxes is shown for the Fund's IS class to illustrate the effect of federal taxes on Fund returns. After-tax returns are shown only for IS class, and after-tax returns for the A, B, C, R, SS and R6 classes will differ from those shown for IS class. *Actual after-tax returns depend upon each investor's personal tax situation, and are likely to differ from those shown.* After-tax returns are calculated using a

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standard set of assumptions. The stated returns assume the highest historical **federal** income and capital gains tax rates. These after-tax returns do **not** reflect the effect of any applicable **state** and **local** taxes. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors holding Shares through tax-deferred programs, such as a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plans.

(For the Period Ended December 31, 2022)

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years**  | **10 Years** |
| **A:** |  |  |  |
| Return Before Taxes | (16.92)% | (0.58)% | 0.76% |
| **B:** |  |  |  |
| Return Before Taxes | (18.05)% | (0.57)% | 0.78% |
| **C:** |  |  |  |
| Return Before Taxes | (14.25)% | (0.17)% | 0.81% |
| **R:** |  |  |  |
| Return Before Taxes | (13.13)% | 0.16% | 1.06% |
| **IS:** |  |  |  |
| Return Before Taxes | (12.49)% | 0.88% | 1.78% |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | (13.58)% | (0.54)% | 0.29% |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | &nbsp;&nbsp; (7.37)% | 0.17% | 0.75% |
| **SS:** |  |  |  |
| Return Before Taxes | (12.75)% | 0.58% | 1.48% |
| **R6:** |  |  |  |
| Return Before Taxes | (12.40)% | 0.90% | 1.76% |
| **Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index**<sup>1</sup><br> (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<br>| (13.01)% | 0.02% | 1.06% |
| **Bloomberg US Universal Index**<sup>2</sup><br> (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<br>| (12.99)% | 0.18% | 1.33% |
| **Lipper Core Bond Funds Average**<sup>3</sup> | (13.51)% | (0.04)% | 0.99% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar denominated, fixed-rate, taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities.*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*The Bloomberg US Universal Index covers U.S. dollar denominated, taxable bonds that are rated either investment-grade or high-yield.*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Lipper figures represent the average of the total returns reported by all mutual funds designated by Lipper, Inc., as falling into the respective category and is not adjusted to reflect any sales charges.*

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**FUND MANAGEMENT**

The Fund's Investment Adviser is Federated Investment Management Company.

Donald T. Ellenberger, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the Fund's portfolio manager since March of 2013.

Jerome D. Conner, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the Fund's portfolio manager since January of 2018.

R. J. Gallo, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the Fund's portfolio manager since January of 2018.

Chengjun (Chris) Wu, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, has been the Fund's portfolio manager since January of 2020.

**purchase and sale of fund shares**

Class B Shares are closed to new investments by new investors and existing shareholders (excluding reinvestment of dividends and capital gains). Reinvestment of dividends and capital gains will continue uninterrupted. Class B Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for Class B Shares of any other Federated Hermes fund.

Please disregard any further references to purchases of Class B Shares with the exception of Class B Share exchanges.

You may purchase, redeem or exchange Shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open. Shares may be purchased through a financial intermediary firm that has entered into a Fund selling and/or servicing agreement with the Distributor or an affiliate ("Financial Intermediary") or directly from the Fund, by wire or by check. Please note that certain purchase restrictions may apply. Redeem or exchange Shares through a financial intermediary or directly from the Fund by telephone at 1-800-341-7400 or by mail.

**A, B & C Classes**

The minimum investment amount for the Fund's A, B and C classes is generally $1,500 for initial investments and $100 for subsequent investments. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Individual Retirement Accounts are $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent investment amount for employer-sponsored retirement plans. Certain types of accounts are eligible for lower minimum investments. The minimum investment amount for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.

**R Class**

The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Individual Retirement Account rollovers into the Fund's R class are generally $250 and $100, respectively. There is no minimum initial or subsequent amount for employer-sponsored retirement plans. Certain types of accounts are eligible for lower minimum investments. The minimum investment amount for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.

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**IS & SS Classes**

The minimum initial investment amount for the Fund's IS and SS classes is generally $1,000,000 and there is no minimum subsequent investment amount. Certain types of accounts are eligible for lower minimum investments. The minimum investment amount for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.

**R6 Class**

There are no minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts required. The minimum investment amount for Systematic Investment Programs is $50.

**Tax Information**

**A, B, C, R, IS & SS Classes**

The Fund's distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gains except when your investment is through a 401(k) plan, an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged investment plan.

**R6 Class**

The Fund's distributions are taxable as ordinary income or capital gains except when your investment is through a tax-advantaged investment plan.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

**A, B, C, R, IS & SS Classes**

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and/or its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund Shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

**R6 Class**

Class R6 Shares do not make any payments to financial intermediaries, either from Fund assets or from the investment adviser and its affiliates.

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Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Fund <br>Federated Hermes Funds <br>4000 Ericsson Drive <br>Warrendale, PA 15086-7561

Contact us at **FederatedInvestors.com** <br>or call 1-800-341-7400.

Federated Securities Corp., Distributor

*Investment Company Act File No. 811-7115*

*CUSIP 31428Q820* <br>*CUSIP 31428Q812* <br>*CUSIP 31428Q796* <br>*CUSIP 31428Q770* <br>*CUSIP 31428Q101* <br>*CUSIP 31428Q507* <br>*CUSIP 31428Q739*

*Q450380 (1/23)*© 2023 Federated Hermes, Inc.

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