0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:C000030200Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:C000030201Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:C000030202Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:C000030203Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:C000030204Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:C000030199Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member rr:AfterTaxesOnDistributionsMember frtsi1:C000030204Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member rr:AfterTaxesOnDistributionsAndSalesMember frtsi1:C000030204Member 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:BarclaysUsAggregateBondIndexMember 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 0000912763 frtsi1:S000010897Member frtsi1:LipperIntermediateInvestmentGradeDebtCategoryAverageMember 2012-02-01 2013-01-31 pure iso4217:USD <div style="display:none">~ http://www.federatedinvestors.com/role/ScheduleShareholderFeesFederatedTotalReturnBondFund column period compact * ~</div> <div style="display:none">~ http://www.federatedinvestors.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposedFederatedTotalReturnBondFund column period compact * ~</div> <div style="display:none">~ http://www.federatedinvestors.com/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedFederatedTotalReturnBondFund column period compact * ~</div> 2013-01-31 485BPOS FEDERATED TOTAL RETURN SERIES INC 0000912763 2012-11-30 false 0.045 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.055 0.01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.0025 0.0075 0.0075 0.005 0 0.0025 0.0045 0.0048 0.0044 0.0036 0.0016 0.004 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0101 0.0154 0.015 0.0117 0.0047 0.0096 -0.001 -0.0008 -0.0004 -0.0006 -0.0011 -0.003 0.0091 0.0146 0.0146 0.0111 0.0036 0.0066 548 707 253 119 48 98 757 886 474 372 151 306 983 1039 818 644 263 531 1631 1692 1791 1420 591 1178 548 157 153 48 119 98 757 486 474 372 151 306 983 839 818 644 263 531 1631 1791 1692 1420 591 1178 0.0531 0.051 0.0221 0.0703 0.0065 0.1214 0.0735 0.0628 0.0658 0.0507 0.0124 -0.0008 0.0445 0.0578 0.0658 0.0497 0.0451 0.0626 0.0422 0.0681 0.05 0.0506 0.0542 0.0575 0.0654 0.0476 0.0457 0.0622 0.0595 0.0589 0.0496 0.0518 0.0542 0.0385 0.0394 0.0573 0.0494 0.0464 0.0473 0.0468 Federated 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 and hold the Fund's Class A Shares (A), Class B Shares (B), Class C Shares (C), Class R Shares (R), Institutional Shares (IS) and Service Shares (SS). 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 Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the "What Do Shares Cost?" section of the Prospectus on page 17. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 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 42% of the average value of its portfolio. 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 are as shown in the table above and remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: INVESTMENTS, RISKS and PERFORMANCE What are the Fund's Main Investment Strategies? The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment-grade, fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt securities and U.S. government obligations. The Adviser expects that, normally, no more than 15% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in securities that are rated below investment grade. However, the Fund may opportunistically invest up to 25% of its total assets in noninvestment-grade debt securities (otherwise known as "junk bonds" or "leveraged loans"). 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 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 the best balance between total return and risk and thus offer the greatest 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 as more fully described herein. 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. 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, the Fund may invest in a few government securities that have no explicit financial support, but which are regarded as having implied support because the federal government sponsors their activities. Because the Fund refers to fixed-income investments in its name, it will notify shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any change in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its 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:<ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Interest Rate Risk. Prices of fixed-income securities rise and fall in response to changes in the interest rate paid by similar securities. Generally, when interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities fall.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Prepayment 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 may not rise to as great an extent as that of other fixed-income securities. </li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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. </li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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. Loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Agency 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.).</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Risk Associated with Noninvestment-Grade Securities. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities rated below investment grade which may be subject to greater interest rate, credit and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Risk Related to the Economy. Lower-grade bond returns are sensitive to changes in the economy. The value of the Fund's portfolio may decline in tandem with a drop in the overall value of the stock market based on negative developments in the U.S. and global economies.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Risk of Foreign Investing. Because the Fund invests in securities issued by foreign companies, 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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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. </li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Eurozone Related Risk. A number of countries in the European Union (EU) have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. Additional EU member countries may also fall subject to such difficulties. These events could 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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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 or the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI), such as interest rate, credit, liquidity and leverage risks.</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">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").</li></ul><ul type="square"><li style="margin-left: 30px">Technology Risk. 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.</li></ul>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 and Table 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 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. Federated Total Return Bond Fund - IS Class Within the periods shown in the bar chart, the Fund's IS class highest quarterly return was 5.07% (quarter ended September 30, 2009). Its lowest quarterly return was (1.97)% (quarter ended June 30, 2004). Average Annual Total Return Table 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 and SS classes will differ from those shown for IS class. The Fund's Class R Shares commenced operations on April 8, 2003. For the period prior to the commencement of operations of R class, the performance information shown is for the Fund's IS class, adjusted to reflect the expenses of R 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 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, 2012) February 1, 2014 0.42 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 Funds. Therefore, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. 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. The bar chart shows the variability of the Fund's IS class total returns on a calendar year-by-year basis. 1-800-341-7400 FederatedInvestors.com The Fund's performance will fluctuate, and past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future results. 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. After-tax returns are shown only for IS class, and after-tax returns for the A, B, C, R and SS classes will differ from those shown for IS class. <div style="display:none">~ http://www.federatedinvestors.com/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsFederatedTotalReturnBondFundBarChart column period compact * ~</div> <div style="display:none">~ http://www.federatedinvestors.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposedFederatedTotalReturnBondFund column period compact * ~</div> 2013-01-28 <div style="display:none">~ http://www.federatedinvestors.com/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpensesFederatedTotalReturnBondFund column period compact * ~</div> up to but not including the later of (the "Termination Date"): (a) February 1, 2014; or (b) the date of the Fund's next effective Prospectus. highest quarterly return 2009-09-30 0.0507 lowest quarterly return 2004-06-30 -0.0197 2013-01-25 100000 The Adviser and its affiliates have voluntarily agreed to waive their fees and/or reimburse expenses so that the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and Expenses Allocated from Affiliated Partnerships) paid by the Fund's A, B, C, R, IS and SS classes (after the voluntary waivers and/or reimbursements) will not exceed 0.90%, 1.45%, 1.45%, 1.10%, 0.35% and 0.65% (the "Fee Limit"), respectively, up to but not including the later of (the "Termination Date"): (a) February 1, 2014; 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. Barclays Capital changed the name of the "Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index" to "Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index." The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of securities from the Barclays Government/Credit Total Index, Mortgage-Backed Securities Index and the Asset-Backed Securities Index. Lipper figures represent the average of the total returns reported by all the mutual funds designated by Lipper, Inc. as falling into their respective categories indicated.