As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 19, 1997.
Registration Nos. 333-11125 and 811-07795
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3
AND
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 4
JPM SERIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 557-0700
John E. Pelletier, c/o Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to: Stephen K. West, Esq.
Sullivan & Cromwell
125 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
[ ] Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] on June 23, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
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<PAGE>
The Registrant has previously elected to register an indefinite number of shares
of Registrant and any series thereof hereinafter created under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended. (Incorporated herein from Registrant's registration
statement on Form N-1A as filed on August 29, 1996, Accession No.
0000912057-96-019242.) The Registrant has filed a Rule 24f-2 notice with respect
to California Bond Fund (for its fiscal year ended April 30, 1997) on June 6,
1997. The Registrant expects to file a Rule 24f-2 notice with respect to its
other series as follows: Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund and Tax Aware Disciplined
Equity Fund (for their fiscal years ending October 31, 1997) on or before
December 30, 1997.
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<PAGE>
JPM SERIES TRUST
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
(As Required by Rule 495)
PART A ITEM NO.: Prospectus Headings.
1. COVER PAGE: Cover Page.
2. SYNOPSIS: Expense Table.
3. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Financial Highlights.
4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT: Cover Page; Expense Table;
Investment Objective and Policies; Additional Investment Practices and
Risks; Investment Policies and Restrictions; Organization.
5. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND: Management of the Fund; Shareholder Servicing;
Additional Information.
5A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE: Not applicable.
6. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES: Net Asset Value; Purchase of
Shares; Taxes; Dividends and Distributions; Organization.
7. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED: Purchase of Shares; Exchange of
Shares (if applicable); Who May be a Suitable Investor in the Fund(s);
Dividends and Distributions; Net Asset Value.
8. REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE: Redemption of Shares; Exchange of Shares (if
applicable); Net Asset Value.
9. PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: Not applicable.
PART B ITEM NO.: Statement of Additional Information Headings.
10. COVER PAGE: Cover Page.
11. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Table of Contents.
12. GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY: General.
13. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES: Investment Objectives and Policies;
Investment Restrictions; Appendices A and B.
14. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND: Trustees and Officers.
15. CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES: Description of
Shares.
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<PAGE>
16. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES: Investment Advisor;
Distributor; Co-Administrator; Services Agent; Custodian and Transfer
Agent; Independent Accountants; Expenses.
17. BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES: Portfolio Transactions.
18. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES: Massachusetts Trust; Description of
Shares.
19. PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED: Net Asset
Value; Purchase of Shares; Redemption of Shares; Exchange of Shares.
20. TAX STATUS: Taxes.
21. UNDERWRITERS: Distributor.
22. CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA: Performance Data.
23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Financial Statements.
PART C
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriately numbered items included in Part C of this registration statement.
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<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This post-effective amendment no. 3 to the Registrant's registration statement
on Form N-1A (File no. 333-11125) is being filed pursuant to the Registrant's
undertaking to file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement,
using financials which need not be certified, within four to six months
following the date of commencement of public investment operations of the
Registrant's three series of shares of beneficial interest.
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<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
JPM Series Trust
JPM Pierpont Shares: Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund
JPM Pierpont Shares: Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
For information call (800) 521-5411
Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund and Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund (the "Funds")
each seek to provide high total return, while being sensitive to the impact of
capital gains taxes on investors' returns. The Funds are designed for long-term
investors. Each Fund invests primarily in common stocks and other equity
securities of large and medium-sized U.S. companies.
The Funds are series of JPM Series Trust (the "Trust") and are advised by Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan" or the "Advisor").
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the JPM Pierpont
Shares of each Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing and
should be retained for future reference. Additional information has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Statement of Additional
Information dated June 25, 1997, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
This information is incorporated herein by reference and is available without
charge upon written request from the Funds' Distributor or by calling (800)
221-7930. The Funds' Distributor is Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street,
Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, Attention: JPM Pierpont Tax Aware
Funds.
SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER BANK. SHARES
OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE VALUE
OF AN INVESTMENT IN EITHER FUND MAY FLUCTUATE AND MAY, AT THE TIME IT IS
REDEEMED, BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THE AMOUNT ORIGINALLY INVESTED.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JUNE 25, 1997.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Expense Table.......................................... 1
Financial Highlights................................... 3
Investment Objective and Policies...................... 4
Additional Investment Practices and Risks.............. 5
Management of the Funds................................ 8
Shareholder Inquiries and Services..................... 10
Purchase of Shares..................................... 10
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Redemption of Shares................................... 11
Dividends and Distributions............................ 13
Net Asset Value........................................ 13
Taxes.................................................. 13
Additional Information................................. 14
Organization........................................... 15
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXPENSE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JPM PIERPONT JPM PIERPONT
SHARES: TAX SHARES: TAX
AWARE U.S. AWARE
EQUITY DISCIPLINED
FUND EQUITY FUND
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases(1).............. None None
Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Distributions.......... None None
Deferred Sales Load....................................... None None
Redemption Fees(2):
Shares held less than 1 year............................ 2% 2%
Shares held at least 1 year but less than 5 years....... 1% 1%
Shares held 5 years or more............................. None None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES(3)
Advisory Fees............................................. 0.45% 0.35%
Rule 12b-1 Fees........................................... None None
Other Expenses (after expense reimbursement).............. 0.40% 0.20%
--- ---
Total Operating Expenses (after expense
reimbursement)....................................... 0.85% 0.55%
</TABLE>
- ---------
1 Certain Eligible Institutions may charge customers fees of varying amounts
in connection with the purchase of shares of a Fund through such Eligible
Institutions.
2 Redemption fees are retained by the Fund and are not paid to any other
entity. The fee will be prorated if the shares redeemed have been held for
time periods subject to differing fees. Each Fund intends, whenever
feasible, to pay redemptions in excess of $250,000 in the Tax Aware U.S.
Equity Fund and $500,000 in the Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund by an
in-kind distribution of portfolio securities. There will be no redemption
fee charged on in-kind redemptions.
3 These expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for each
Fund after expense reimbursement for the fiscal period indicated in
Financial Highlights below and through February 28, 1998. See Management of
the Funds--Expenses. Without such reimbursement, Other Expenses and Total
Operating Expenses were 2.60% and 3.05%, respectively, of Tax Aware U.S.
Equity Fund on an annualized basis and 7.70% and 8.05%, respectively, of Tax
Aware Disciplined Equity Fund on an annualized basis.
1
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE
An investor would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000
investment, assuming a 5% annual return with and without redemption at the end
of each time period. (However, each Fund's minimum initial investment is greater
than $1,000.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JPM PIERPONT JPM PIERPONT
SHARES: TAX SHARES: TAX
AWARE U.S. AWARE
EQUITY DISCIPLINED
FUND EQUITY FUND
-------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assuming No Redemption
1 Year.................................................... $ 9 $ 6
3 Years................................................... $ 27 $18
5 Years................................................... $ 47 $31
10 Years.................................................. $105 $69
Assuming Redemption at the End of Each Period
1 Year.................................................... $ 29 $26
3 Years................................................... $ 37 $28
5 Years................................................... $ 57 $41
10 Years.................................................. $105 $69
</TABLE>
The above expense table is designed to assist investors in understanding the
various estimated direct and indirect costs and expenses that investors in JPM
Pierpont Shares of each Fund bear. For a complete description of contractual
arrangements and other expenses applicable to the Funds, see Management of the
Funds and Shareholder Inquiries and Services--Shareholder Servicing. THE EXAMPLE
IS INCLUDED SOLELY FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
2
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following selected data for a share outstanding for each Fund for the
indicated periods should be read in conjunction with the financial statements
and related notes which are contained in the Fund's semi-annual report and are
incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information. The
Fund's semi-annual report includes a discussion of those factors, strategies and
techniques that materially affected the Fund's performance during the period of
the report, as well as certain related information. A copy of the Fund's
semi-annual report will be made available without charge upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JPM PIERPONT
JPM PIERPONT SHARES:
SHARES: TAX AWARE
TAX AWARE U.S. DISCIPLINED EQUITY
EQUITY FUND FUND
FOR THE PERIOD FROM FOR THE PERIOD FROM
DECEMBER 18, 1996 JANUARY 30, 1997
(COMMENCEMENT OF (COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS) TO OPERATIONS) TO
APRIL 30, 1997 APRIL 30, 1997
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................ $ 10.00 $ 10.00
------- --------
Income from Investment Operations
Net Investment Income..................................... 0.03 0.03
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments........... 0.87 0.22
------- --------
Total from Investment Operations............................ 0.90 0.25
------- --------
Less Distributions to Shareholders from
Net Investment Income...................................... (0.01) --
------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.............................. $ 10.89 $ 10.25
------- --------
------- --------
Total Return................................................ 9.02%(b) 2.50%(b)
------- --------
------- --------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands).................. $13,763 $ 4,450
Ratios to Average Net Assets..............................
Expenses................................................ 0.85%(a) 0.55%(a)
Net Investment Income................................... 0.81%(a) 1.48%(a)
Decrease Reflected in Expense Ratio due to Expense
Reimbursement.......................................... 2.20%(a) 7.50%(a)
Portfolio Turnover Rate................................... 16% 12%
Average Broker Commissions................................ $0.0300 $0.0283
</TABLE>
- ---------
(a) Annualized.
(b) Not annualized.
3
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund (the "U.S. Equity Fund")
and Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund (the "Disciplined Equity Fund") is to
provide high total return while being sensitive to the impact of capital gains
taxes on investors' returns. Each Fund invests primarily in common stocks of
large and medium-sized U.S. companies.
WHO MAY BE A SUITABLE INVESTOR IN THE FUNDS. The Funds are designed for
long-term taxable investors who are interested in minimizing the receipt of
taxable distributions. The Funds are not suitable vehicles for short-term
trading or "market timing." The Funds may not be suitable for tax-deferred or
tax-exempt retirement or pension plans, including Individual Retirement Accounts
(IRAs), 401(k) plans and 403(b) plans. Whenever feasible, the U.S. Equity Fund
intends to satisfy redemption requests exceeding $250,000 by an in-kind
distribution of portfolio securities and the Disciplined Equity Fund intends to
satisfy redemption requests exceeding $500,000 in-kind. See Redemption of
Shares--Redemption In-Kind. Neither Fund is a complete investment program and
there is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.
PRIMARY INVESTMENTS. Each Fund is required, under normal market conditions, to
invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities. However, each Fund
intends, under normal market conditions and to the extent practicable, to be
fully invested in the common stocks and other equity securities of large and
medium-sized U.S. companies and, to a lesser extent, foreign companies. Equity
securities consist of exchange-traded, over-the-counter ("OTC") and unlisted
common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, trust
certificates, limited partnership interests and equity participations.
HOW INVESTMENTS ARE SELECTED. Morgan uses fundamental analysis, systematic stock
valuation and a disciplined portfolio construction process to select equity
investments for each Fund. Using a dividend discount model and based on
analysts' industry expertise, Morgan ranks companies within industry sectors
according to their relative values and then separates them into quintiles by
sector. From those securities identified by the model as undervalued, Morgan
selects securities based on several criteria, including a company's managerial
strength, prospects for growth and competitive position. The U.S. Equity Fund
generally invests in stocks ranked in the top two quintiles. The Disciplined
Equity Fund generally invests in stocks ranked in the top three quintiles. The
U.S. Equity Fund's industry sector weightings may be modestly overweighted or
underweighted relative to the sector weightings in the Standard & Poor's 500
Index (the "S&P 500"). The Disciplined Equity Fund's industry sector weightings
(but not necessarily the individual securities in its portfolio) are expected,
under normal market conditions, to be comparable to those of the S&P 500. The
U.S. Equity Fund's portfolio typically consists of between 50 and 100 stocks.
The Disciplined Equity Fund's portfolio typically consists of between 250 and
300 stocks.
4
<PAGE>
The following chart summarizes the principal differences between the investment
policies of the U.S. Equity Fund and the Disciplined Equity Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITY
MORGAN RANKING SECTOR WEIGHTINGS POSITIONS
----------------- --------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Equity Fund..................................... Concentrated in May modestly over- or 50-100
Top 2 Quintiles underweight vs. S&P 500
Disciplined Equity Fund.............................. Concentrated in Generally, seeks to 250-300
Top 3 Quintiles maintain weightings
comparable to S&P 500
</TABLE>
TAX MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. The Funds use Morgan's proprietary tax sensitive
optimization model, which is designed to reduce, but not eliminate, the impact
of capital gains taxes on shareholders' after tax total returns. Each Fund will
try to minimize the realization of net short-term and long-term capital gains by
matching securities sold at a gain with those sold at a loss to the extent
practicable. In addition, when selling a portfolio security, each Fund will
generally select the highest cost basis shares of the security to reduce the
amount of realized capital gains. Because the gain on securities that have been
held for more than one year is subject to a lower federal income tax rate, these
securities will generally be sold before securities held less than one year. The
use of these tax management techniques will not necessarily reduce a Fund's
portfolio turnover rate or prevent the Funds from selling securities to the
extent warranted by shareholder transactions, actual or anticipated economic,
market or issuer-specific developments or other investment considerations.
However, the annual portfolio turnover rate of each Fund is generally not
expected to exceed 100%.
In addition, the policy of making substantial redemptions in-kind when feasible
may also reduce the impact of capital gains taxes on shareholders' after tax
total return. See Redemption In-Kind.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISKS
WARRANTS AND CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Warrants acquired by a Fund will entitle it
to buy common stock at a specified price and time. Warrants are subject to the
same market risks as stocks, but may be more volatile in price. A Fund's
investment in warrants will not entitle it to receive dividends or exercise
voting rights and will become worthless if the warrants cannot be profitably
exercised before their expiration dates. Convertible debt securities and
preferred stock entitle the Fund to acquire the issuer's stock by exchange or
purchase at a predetermined rate. Convertible securities are subject both to the
credit and interest rate risks associated with debt obligations and to the stock
market risk associated with equity securities.
RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities, including certain restricted and private
placement securities. The price a Fund pays for illiquid securities or receives
upon resale may be lower than the price paid or received for similar securities
with a more liquid market. Accordingly, the valuation of these securities will
reflect any limitations on their liquidity. The Funds may also purchase Rule
144A securities eligible for resale to institutional investors without
registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be
determined to be liquid in accordance with guidelines established by Morgan and
approved by the Trustees. The Trustees will monitor Morgan's implementation of
these guidelines on a periodic basis.
5
<PAGE>
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. Although the Funds intend, under normal circumstances
and to the extent practicable, to be fully invested in equity securities, the
Funds may invest in money market instruments to invest temporary cash balances,
to maintain liquidity to meet redemptions or as a defensive measure during, or
in anticipation of, adverse market conditions. These money market instruments
include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its
agencies and instrumentalities, commercial paper, bank obligations, repurchase
agreements and other debt obligations. If a repurchase agreement counterparty
defaults on its obligations, a Fund may, under some circumstances, be limited or
delayed in disposing of the repurchase agreement collateral to recover its
investment.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. Each Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets at the
time of purchase in the equity securities of foreign companies that are included
in the S&P 500 or are listed on a U.S. stock exchange. These investments may be
in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") or similar securities
representing interests in an underlying foreign security. ADRs are not
necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying foreign
securities. If an ADR is not sponsored by the issuer of the underlying foreign
security, the institution issuing the ADR may have reduced access to information
about the issuer.
Investments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated
with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers. These risks may include less
publicly available financial and other information about foreign companies; less
rigorous securities regulation; the potential imposition of currency controls,
foreign withholding and other taxes; and war, expropriation or other adverse
governmental actions. In addition, the prices of unsponsored ADRs may be more
volatile than if they were sponsored by the issuers of the underlying
securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT TRANSACTIONS. The Funds may purchase
when-issued securities and enter into other forward commitments to purchase or
sell securities. The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis may decline between the purchase date and the settlement date.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. Each Fund may enter into derivative contracts
to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices or as a substitute for the
purchase or sale of securities. Each Fund may also use derivative contracts for
risk management purposes. See Risk Management in the Statement of Additional
Information. The Funds may purchase and sell (write) exchange traded and OTC put
and call options on securities and securities indexes, purchase and sell futures
contracts on securities and securities indexes and purchase and sell (write) put
and call options on futures contracts on securities and securities indexes. Some
options and futures strategies, including selling futures contracts, buying puts
and writing calls, tend to hedge a Fund's investments against price
fluctuations. Other strategies, including buying futures contracts, writing puts
and buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Options and futures
contracts may be combined with each other in order to adjust the risk and return
characteristics of the Fund's overall strategy in a manner consistent with the
Fund's objective and policies.
Transactions in derivative contracts often involve a risk of loss or
depreciation due to unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices. A Fund
incurs liability to a counterparty in connection with transactions in futures
contracts and the writing of options. As a result, the loss on these derivative
contracts may exceed a Fund's initial investment. A Fund may also lose the
entire premium paid for purchased options that expire before they can be
profitably exercised by the Fund. In addition, a Fund incurs transaction costs
in opening and closing positions in derivative contracts.
6
<PAGE>
Derivative contracts may sometimes increase or leverage a Fund's exposure to a
particular market risk. Leverage magnifies the price volatility of derivative
contracts held by a Fund. The Funds are required to offset the leverage inherent
in derivative contracts by maintaining a segregated account consisting of cash
or liquid securities, by holding offsetting portfolio securities or contracts or
by covering written options.
A Fund's success in using derivative contracts to hedge portfolio assets or as a
substitute for the purchase or sale of assets depends on the degree of price
correlation between the derivative contract and the hedged or simulated asset.
Imperfect correlation may be caused by several factors, including temporary
price disparities among the trading markets for the derivative contract, the
assets underlying the derivative contract and the Fund's portfolio assets.
During periods of extreme market volatility, a commodity or options exchange may
suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative contract, which may
make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. The staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") takes the position that certain
OTC options are subject to each Fund's 15% limit on illiquid investments. The
Funds' ability to terminate OTC derivative contracts may depend on the
cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded
derivative contracts, the only source of price quotations may be the selling
dealer or counterparty. In addition, derivative securities and OTC derivative
contracts involve a risk that the issuer or counterparty will fail to perform
its contractual obligations.
Neither Fund will engage in a transaction in futures or options on futures for
risk management purposes if, immediately thereafter, the sum of initial margin
deposits and premiums required to establish risk management positions in futures
contracts and options on futures would exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANS. Each Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value
up to one-third of its total assets. Each loan must be fully collateralized by
cash or other eligible assets. The Funds may pay reasonable fees in connection
with securities loans. The Advisor will evaluate the creditworthiness of
prospective institutional borrowers and monitor the adequacy of the collateral
to reduce the risk of default by borrowers.
BORROWING AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. A Fund may (1) borrow money from
banks solely for temporary or emergency (but not for leverage) purposes and (2)
may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for any purpose. The aggregate
amount of such borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements may not exceed one-
third of the Fund's total assets less liabilities (other than borrowings). For
the purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), reverse
repurchase agreements are considered a form of borrowing by a Fund and,
therefore, a form of leverage. Leverage may cause any gains or losses of the
Fund to be magnified.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS. Except as otherwise stated in this
Prospectus or the Funds' Statement of Additional Information, the Funds'
investment objective, policies and restrictions are not fundamental and may be
changed without shareholder approval. Each Fund is diversified and therefore may
not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, (1) invest more than 5% of its
total assets in the securities of any one issuer, other than U.S. Government
securities, or (2) acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
any one issuer. Neither Fund will concentrate (invest 25% or more of its total
assets) in the securities of issuers in any one industry.
7
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
TRUSTEES. The Funds are series of the Trust. The Trustees of the Trust decide
upon matters of general policy and review the actions of the Advisor and other
service providers. The Trustees of the Trust are identified below.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Frederick S. Addy.................................. Former Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Amoco Corporation
William G. Burns................................... Former Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief
Financial Officer, NYNEX Corporation
Arthur C. Eschenlauer.............................. Former Senior Vice President, Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York
Matthew Healey..................................... Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Trust; Chairman, Pierpont Group, Inc.
Michael P. Mallardi................................ Former Senior Vice President, Capital
Cities/ABC, Inc. and President, Broadcast
Group
</TABLE>
ADVISOR. The Trust has retained Morgan as Investment Advisor to provide
investment advice and portfolio management services to the Funds. Subject to the
supervision of the Trustees, Morgan makes the Funds' day-to-day investment
decisions, arranges for the execution of portfolio transactions and generally
manages the Funds' investments.
Morgan, with principal offices at 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260, is a
New York trust company that conducts a general banking and trust business.
Morgan is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated ("J.P.
Morgan"), a bank holding company organized under the laws of Delaware. Through
offices in New York City and abroad, J.P. Morgan, through the Advisor and other
subsidiaries, offers a wide range of services to governmental, institutional,
corporate and individual customers and acts as investment advisor to individual
and institutional clients with combined assets under management of $208 billion.
Morgan uses a sophisticated, disciplined, collaborative process for managing all
asset classes. For equity portfolios, this process utilizes fundamental
research, systematic stock selection and disciplined portfolio construction.
Morgan has managed portfolios of U.S. equity securities on behalf of its clients
for over 40 years. The portfolio managers making investments in U.S. equity
securities work in conjunction with Morgan's domestic equity analysts, as well
as capital market, credit and economic research analysts, traders and
administrative officers. The U.S. equity analysts each cover a different
industry, monitoring a universe of approximately 700 predominantly large and
medium-sized U.S. companies.
The following persons are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
and implementation of Morgan's processes for the Funds (the inception date of
each person's responsibility for a Fund and his or her business experience for
the past five years is indicated parenthetically): U.S. Equity Fund: Terry E.
Banet, Vice President (since November, 1996, employed by Morgan since prior to
1992) and Gordon B. Fowler, Managing Director (since November, 1996, employed by
Morgan since prior to 1992); Disciplined Equity Fund: Robin B. Chance, Vice
President (since November, 1996, employed by Morgan since prior to 1992) and
Frederic A. Nelson, Managing Director (since November, 1996, employed by Morgan
since May, 1994, previously portfolio manager, Bankers Trust Company).
8
<PAGE>
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by Morgan
under its investment advisory agreement with the Trust, the U.S. Equity Fund and
the Disciplined Equity Fund have each agreed to pay Morgan a fee which is
calculated daily and may be paid monthly at the annual rate of 0.45% and 0.35%,
respectively, of average daily net assets.
INVESTMENTS IN THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER BANK.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement with the Trust,
Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") serves as the Co-Administrator for the Funds.
FDI (i) provides office space, equipment and clerical personnel for maintaining
the organization and books and records of the Funds; (ii) provides officers for
the Trust; (iii) prepares and files documents required for notification of state
securities administrators; (iv) reviews and files marketing and sales
literature; and (v) maintains related books and records.
For its services under the Co-Administration Agreement, each Fund has agreed to
pay FDI fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide charge of
$425,000 plus FDI's out-of-pocket expenses. The amount allocable to each Fund is
based on the ratio of the Fund's net assets to the aggregate net assets of the
Funds, the other fund in the Trust and certain other registered investment
companies subject to similar agreements with FDI.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement
with the Trust, Morgan provides administrative and related services to each
Fund, including services related to tax compliance, preparation of financial
statements, calculation of performance data, oversight of service providers and
certain regulatory and Board of Trustees matters.
Under the Administrative Services Agreement, each Fund has agreed to pay Morgan
fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide charge. This charge
is calculated daily based on the aggregate net assets of the Funds, the other
fund in the Trust and certain other registered investment companies managed by
the Advisor in accordance with the following annual schedule: 0.09% on the first
$7 billion of their aggregate average daily net assets and 0.04% of their
aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion, less the
complex-wide fees payable to FDI.
DISTRIBUTOR. FDI, a registered broker-dealer, also serves as the Distributor of
shares of the Funds. FDI is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston
Institutional Group, Inc. FDI's principal business address is 60 State Street,
Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT. Pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement with the Trust,
Pierpont Group, Inc. ("PGI"), 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017,
assists the Trustees in exercising their overall supervisory responsibilities
for the affairs of the Trust and other funds for which the Trustees serve as
trustees. PGI provides these services for a fee approximating its reasonable
cost in providing these services to the Trust and certain other registered
investment companies subject to similar agreements with PGI.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT. State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Funds' custodian and fund
accounting, transfer and dividend disbursing agent.
EXPENSES. In addition to the fees payable to the service providers identified
above, each Fund is responsible for usual and customary expenses associated with
its operation. These include, among other things, organization expenses, legal
fees, audit and accounting expenses, insurance costs, the compensation and
expenses of the Trustees,
9
<PAGE>
the expenses of printing and mailing reports, notices and proxy statements to
Fund shareholders, registration fees under federal and state securities laws,
brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses (such as for
litigation).
Morgan has agreed that it will reimburse each Fund through at least the date
listed below to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund's operating expenses
for JPM Pierpont Shares at the following annual percentage of average daily net
assets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JPM PIERPONT SHARES EXPENSE CAP DATE
- ---------------------------------------- ----------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. Equity Fund........................ 0.85% February 28, 1998
Disciplined Equity Fund................. 0.55% February 28, 1998
</TABLE>
This expense reimbursement does not apply to taxes, interest, brokerage
commissions, litigation costs and other extraordinary expenses.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES AND SERVICES
Shareholders may call J.P. Morgan Funds Services at (800) 521-5411 for
information about the Funds and assistance with shareholder transactions.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING. Under a shareholder servicing agreement with the Trust,
Morgan, acting directly or through an agent (designated as an Eligible
Institution), provides account administration and personal and account
maintenance services to Fund shareholders. These services include assisting in
the maintenance of accurate account records; processing orders to purchase and
redeem shares of a Fund, and responding to shareholder inquiries. Each Fund has
agreed to pay Morgan a fee for these services at an annual rate of 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of JPM Pierpont Shares.
Shares may be sold to or through Eligible Institutions, including financial
institutions and broker-dealers, that may be paid fees by Morgan or its
affiliates for services provided to their clients that invest in a Fund.
Organizations that provide recordkeeping or other services to certain employee
benefit or retirement plans that include a Fund as an investment alternative may
also be paid a fee.
The business days of the Funds are the days the New York Stock Exchange is open.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
METHOD OF PURCHASE. Investors may open accounts with a Fund only through the
Distributor. All purchase transactions in Fund accounts are processed by Morgan
as shareholder servicing agent and a Fund is authorized to accept any
instructions relating to a Fund account from Morgan as shareholder servicing
agent for the customer. All purchase orders must be accepted by the Funds'
Distributor. Investors must be customers of Morgan or an Eligible Institution.
Investors may also be employer-sponsored retirement plans that have designated a
Fund as an investment option for the plans. Prospective investors who are not
already customers of Morgan may apply to become customers of Morgan for the sole
purpose of Fund transactions. There are no charges associated with becoming a
Morgan customer for this purpose. Morgan reserves the right to determine the
customers that it will accept, and the Funds reserve the right to determine the
purchase orders that they will accept.
10
<PAGE>
MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS. Each Fund requires a minimum initial investment
in JPM Pierpont Shares of $100,000. The minimum subsequent investment for all
investors is $5,000. For investors who were shareholders of a fund in The JPM
Pierpont Funds as of September 29, 1995, the minimum initial investment in JPM
Pierpont Shares is $10,000. These minimum investment requirements may be waived
for certain investors, including investors for whom the Advisor is a fiduciary,
who are employees of the Advisor, who maintain related accounts with the Funds,
The JPM Pierpont Funds or the Advisor, who make investments for a group of
clients, such as financial advisors, trust companies and investment advisors, or
who maintain retirement accounts with the Funds.
PURCHASE PRICE AND SETTLEMENT. Each Fund's shares are sold on a continuous basis
without a sales charge at the net asset value next determined after receipt of
an order. Prospective investors may purchase shares with the assistance of an
Eligible Institution that may establish its own terms, conditions and charges.
To purchase JPM Pierpont Shares, investors should request their Morgan
representative (or a representative of their Eligible Institution) to assist
them in placing a purchase order with the Fund's Distributor and to transfer
immediately available funds to the Fund's Distributor on the next business day.
Any shareholder may also call J.P. Morgan Funds Services at (800) 521-5411 for
assistance in placing an order for shares. If the Fund or its agent receives a
purchase order prior to 4:00 P.M. New York time on any business day, the
purchase of Fund shares is effective and is made at the net asset value
determined that day, and the purchaser becomes a holder of record on the next
business day upon the Fund's receipt of payment in immediately available funds.
If the Fund or its agent receives a purchase order after 4:00 P.M. New York
time, the purchase is effective and is made at the net asset value determined on
the next business day, and the purchaser becomes a holder of record on the
following business day upon the Fund's receipt of payment.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS. The services provided by Eligible Institutions may
include establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts, processing purchase
and redemption transactions, arranging for bank wires, performing shareholder
subaccounting, answering client inquiries regarding the Trust, assisting clients
in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses, providing
periodic statements showing the client's account balance and integrating these
statements with those of other transactions and balances in the client's other
accounts serviced by the Eligible Institution, transmitting proxy statements,
periodic reports, updated prospectuses and other communications to shareholders
and, with respect to meetings of shareholders, collecting, tabulating and
forwarding executed proxies and obtaining such other information and performing
such other services as Morgan or the Eligible Institution's clients may
reasonably request and agree upon with the Eligible Institution.
Although there is no sales charge levied directly by the Funds, Eligible
Institutions may establish their own terms and conditions for providing their
services and may charge investors a transaction-based or other fee for their
services. Such charges may vary among Eligible Institutions but in all cases
will be retained by the Eligible Institution and not remitted to the Funds or
Morgan.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
METHOD OF REDEMPTION. To redeem JPM Pierpont Shares, an investor may instruct
Morgan or his or her Eligible Institution, as appropriate, to submit a
redemption request to the Fund or may telephone J.P. Morgan Funds Services
directly at (800) 521-5411 and give the Shareholder Service Representative a
preassigned shareholder Personal Identification Number and the amount of the
redemption. The Funds execute effective redemption requests at the next
determined net asset value per share. See Net Asset Value.
11
<PAGE>
A redemption request received by a Fund or its agent prior to 4:00 P.M. New York
time is effective on that day. A redemption request received after that time
becomes effective on the next business day. Cash proceeds of an effective
redemption are generally deposited the next business day in immediately
available funds to the shareholder's account at Morgan or at his Eligible
Institution or, in the case of certain Morgan customers, are mailed by check or
wire transferred in accordance with the customer's instructions, and, subject to
Further Redemption Information below, in any event are paid within seven days.
The cash proceeds of any redemption will be reduced by the applicable 2% or 1%
redemption fee for shares held less than five years.
REDEMPTION FEE. A redemption fee will be imposed by and paid to each Fund on the
gross dollar amount of shares redeemed for cash in accordance with the following
schedule.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION FEE
RATE AS A
PERCENTAGE OF
GROSS REDEMPTION
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PROCEEDS
- ---------------------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C>
Shares held less than 1 year............ 2%
Shares held at least 1 year but less
than 5 years........................... 1%
Shares held 5 years or more............. None
</TABLE>
The redemption fees help cover transaction costs and the tax costs long-term
investors may bear when a Fund realizes capital gains as a result of selling
securities to meet redemptions. By being paid directly to the Funds, the fees
tend to be more advantageous to long-term investors and less advantageous to
short-term investors.
There will be no redemption fee charged on the cash redemption of i) shares
acquired through reinvested dividends and distributions, ii) shares redeemed in
connection with the settlement of an estate, or iii) shares subject to a
mandatory redemption.
For federal income tax purposes, the redemption fee will reduce the proceeds
paid to the shareholder upon the redemption of shares.
REDEMPTION IN-KIND. Each Fund intends whenever feasible to pay redemption
proceeds by an in-kind distribution of portfolio securities to the extent that
the amount of the redemption exceeds, for the U.S. Equity Fund $250,000 and for
the Disciplined Equity Fund, $500,000. Although the Funds generally intend to
pay redemptions equal to or less than these respective amounts in cash, they
reserve the right to pay such redemptions in-kind. The Funds are not permitted
to make in-kind distributions of redemption proceeds to shareholders who hold
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund in the absence of an
exemptive order from the SEC. Each Fund has applied to the SEC for such an
order, but there can be no assurance that the order will be granted. In general,
a Fund will attempt to select securities for in-kind redemptions that
approximate the overall characteristics of the Fund's portfolio. A Fund will not
distribute illiquid securities to satisfy in-kind redemptions. For purposes of
effecting in-kind redemptions, securities will be valued in the manner regularly
used to value a Fund's portfolio securities. The Fund will not redeem its shares
in-kind in a manner that after giving effect to the redemption would cause it to
violate its investment restrictions or policies. A shareholder who receives an
in-kind distribution of redemption proceeds may incur brokerage or other
transaction costs in liquidating the distributed securities. There is also a
risk that the securities distributed in-kind may decline in value before they
can be sold by the redeeming shareholder. Although an in-kind redemption will
not cause a Fund to realize capital gains or losses redeeming shareholders may
realize taxable capital gains or losses based on the difference between the cost
basis and redemption price of their shares. NO REDEMPTION FEE WILL BE IMPOSED ON
THE AMOUNT OF ANY SHARES REDEEMED IN-KIND.
12
<PAGE>
OTHER REDEMPTION PROCESSING INFORMATION. Redemption requests may not be
processed if the redemption request is not submitted in proper form. A
redemption request is not in proper form unless the Fund has received the
shareholder's certified taxpayer identification number and address. In addition,
if shares were paid for by check and the check has not yet cleared, redemption
proceeds will not be transmitted until the check has cleared, which may take up
to 15 days. Each Fund reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption or
postpone the payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted by the SEC.
Shareholders may realize taxable capital gains upon redeeming shares.
MANDATORY REDEMPTION. If a redemption of JPM Pierpont Shares reduces the value
of a shareholder's account balance below the required initial minimum
investment, the Fund may redeem the remaining shares in the account 60 days
after providing written notice to the shareholder of the mandatory redemption.
An account will not be subject to mandatory redemption if the shareholder
purchases sufficient shares during the 60-day period to increase the account
balance to the required minimum investment amount. NO REDEMPTION FEE WILL BE
IMPOSED ON THE AMOUNT OF ANY MANDATORY REDEMPTION.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund's net investment income and realized net capital gains, if any, will
be distributed at least annually. Dividends and distributions will be payable to
shareholders of record on the record date. If investors purchase JPM Pierpont
Shares shortly before the record date of a dividend or distribution, they may be
subject to adverse tax consequences as described under Taxes.
A Fund's dividends and distributions are paid in additional JPM Pierpont Shares
unless the shareholder elects to have them paid in cash. The tax effects of
dividends and distributions are the same whether they are paid in shares or
cash. Cash dividends and distributions either (1) are credited to the
shareholder's account at Morgan or the shareholder's Eligible Institution or (2)
in the case of certain Morgan clients, are paid by a check mailed in accordance
with the client's instructions.
NET ASSET VALUE
Each Fund computes the net asset value per share ("NAV") of the JPM Pierpont
Shares at 4:15 p.m. New York time on each weekday that is not a holiday listed
in the Statement of Additional Information (a "business day"). The NAV of JPM
Pierpont Shares is calculated by dividing the net assets attributable to JPM
Pierpont Shares by the number of JPM Pierpont Shares outstanding.
TAXES
Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for tax purposes. Each Fund intends to
elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). To qualify as such, each Fund must satisfy
certain requirements relating to the sources of its income, diversification of
its assets and distribution of its income to shareholders. As a regulated
investment company, each Fund will not be subject to federal income or excise
tax on any net investment income and net realized capital gains that are
distributed to shareholders in accordance with certain timing requirements of
the Code.
Dividends paid by a Fund from net investment income and the excess of short-term
capital gain over net long term capital loss will be taxable to its shareholders
as ordinary income. Distributions paid by a Fund from the excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss will be taxable as
long-term capital gains regardless of
13
<PAGE>
how long shareholders have held their shares. These tax consequences will apply
whether distributions are received in additional shares or in cash. A Fund's
dividends that are paid to its corporate shareholders and are attributable to
qualifying dividends received by the Fund from U.S. domestic corporations may be
eligible, in the hands of these corporate shareholders, for the corporate
dividends-received deduction, subject to certain holding period requirements and
debt financing limitations under the Code. Shareholders will be informed
annually about the amount and character, for federal income tax purposes, of
distributions received from the Funds.
The Funds are managed to minimize the amount of capital gains realized and
distributed during a particular year. Nevertheless, the realization of capital
gains may be affected by shareholder redemption transactions, economic, market
or issuer-specific developments or other investment considerations.
Investors should consider the adverse tax implications of buying shares
immediately before a distribution. Investors who purchase shares shortly before
the record date for a distribution will pay a per share price that includes the
value of the anticipated distribution and will be taxed on the distribution even
though the distribution represents a return of a portion of the purchase price.
Redemptions of shares, whether for cash or in-kind, are taxable events on which
a shareholder may recognize a gain or loss. Individuals and certain other
shareholders may be subject to 31% backup withholding of federal income tax on
distributions and redemptions if they fail to furnish their correct taxpayer
identification number and certain certifications or if they are otherwise
subject to backup withholding.
In addition to federal taxes, a shareholder may be subject to state or local
taxes on income and gains derived with respect to shares in the Funds.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning specific
questions about federal, state and local taxes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS AND CONFIRMATIONS. Each Fund sends to its shareholders
annual and semiannual reports. The financial statements appearing in annual
reports are audited by independent accountants. Shareholders will also be sent
confirmations of each purchase and redemption transaction and monthly statements
reflecting all account activity.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS. All shareholders are entitled to initiate redemptions
and other transactions by telephone. However, a transaction authorized by
telephone and reasonably believed by a Fund, Morgan, an Eligible Institution or
the Distributor to be genuine may result in a loss to the investor if the
transaction is not in fact genuine. The Funds will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that investor instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
These include requiring investors to give their personal identification numbers
and tape recording telephone instructions. If these procedures are not followed,
the Fund, Morgan, the investor's Eligible Institution or the Distributor may be
liable for any losses resulting from unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.
PERFORMANCE ADVERTISING. Each Fund may advertise historical performance
information and compare its performance to other investments or relevant
indexes. An advertisement may also include data supplied by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Micropal Inc., Morningstar Inc., Ibbotson Associates and other
industry publications.
The Funds may advertise average annual total return and other forms of total
return data. Average annual total return is determined by computing the average
annual percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at NAV for specified
periods ending with the most recent calendar quarter. The total return
calculation assumes a complete redemption of the investment at the end of the
relevant period and reflects the deduction of any applicable
14
<PAGE>
redemption fee. Each Fund may also advertise total return on a cumulative,
average, year-by-year or other basis for specified periods. The investment
results of JPM Pierpont Shares will fluctuate over time and should not be
considered a representation of performance in the future.
In addition, the Funds may advertise their yield. Yield reflects a Fund's rate
of income on portfolio investments as a percentage of its NAV. The yield on JPM
Pierpont Shares is computed by annualizing the result of dividing the net
investment income per share over a 30-day period by the NAV on the last day of
that period. Yield is calculated by accounting methods that are standardized for
all stock and bond funds and differ from the methods used for other accounting
purposes. Therefore, the yield on JPM Pierpont Shares may not equal the income
paid on these shares or the income reported in a Fund's financial statements.
Performance information may be obtained by calling Morgan at (800) 521-5411.
ORGANIZATION
The Trust was organized on August 15, 1996 as a Massachusetts business trust.
The Trust currently has three series of shares, including the two Funds
described in this Prospectus. The Trustees have authorized one class of shares
of each Fund: the JPM Pierpont Shares offered by this Prospectus. Other future
classes of shares of the Funds will be subject to different expenses, which may
affect the performance of each class. The Trustees reserve the right to
authorize and issue additional series and classes of shares.
Shareholders of each Fund are entitled to one full or fractional vote for each
dollar or fraction of a dollar invested in JPM Pierpont Shares. There is no
cumulative voting and shares have no preemption or conversion rights. The Trust
does not intend to hold meetings of shareholders annually. The Trustees will
call special meetings of shareholders to the extent required by the Trust's
Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires the Trustees, under
certain circumstances, to call a meeting to allow shareholders to vote on the
removal of a Trustee and to assist shareholders in communicating with each
other.
15
<PAGE>
------------------------------------
JPM Pierpont Shares:
Tax Aware U.S.
Equity Fund
Tax Aware Disciplined
Equity Fund
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR ANY OTHER
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED
IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
THE TRUST OR THE DISTRIBUTOR. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER BY THE TRUST OR BY THE
DISTRIBUTOR TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY
ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED
HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR
THE TRUST OR THE DISTRIBUTOR TO
MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH PROSPECTUS
JURISDICTION. JUNE 25, 1997
PROS236/237-976
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
JPM Series Trust
JPM Pierpont Shares: California Bond Fund
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
For information call (800) 521-5411
California Bond Fund (the "Fund") seeks to provide a high after tax total return
for California residents consistent with moderate risk of capital. The Fund is
designed for investors subject to federal and California personal income taxes
who are seeking a high after tax total return that may include some taxable
income and gains.
The Fund is a series of JPM Series Trust (the "Trust") and is advised by Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan" or the "Advisor").
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the JPM Pierpont
Shares of the Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing and
should be retained for future reference. Additional information has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Statement of Additional
Information dated June 25, 1997, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
This information is incorporated herein by reference and is available without
charge upon written request from the Fund's Distributor or by calling (800)
221-7930. The Fund's Distributor is Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street,
Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, Attention: JPM Series Trust--California
Bond Fund.
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER BANK. SHARES OF THE
FUND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE
FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE VALUE OF AN INVESTMENT
IN THE FUND MAY FLUCTUATE AND MAY, AT THE TIME IT IS REDEEMED, BE HIGHER OR
LOWER THAN THE AMOUNT ORIGINALLY INVESTED.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JUNE 25, 1997
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Expense Table.......................................... 1
Financial Highlights................................... 2
Investment Objective and Policies...................... 2
Additional Investment Practices and Risks.............. 4
Management of the Fund................................. 7
Shareholder Inquiries and Services..................... 9
Purchase of Shares..................................... 10
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Redemption of Shares................................... 11
Exchange of Shares..................................... 11
Dividends and Distributions............................ 12
Net Asset Value........................................ 12
Taxes.................................................. 12
Additional Information................................. 14
Organization........................................... 15
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXPENSE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND
<S> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases(1).............. None
Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Distributions.......... None
Deferred Sales Load....................................... None
Redemption Fee............................................ None
Exchange Fee.............................................. None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES(2)
Advisory Fees............................................. 0.30%
Rule 12b-1 Fees........................................... None
Other Expenses (after expense reimbursement).............. 0.35%
---
Total Operating Expenses (after expense
reimbursement)........................................ 0.65%
---
---
</TABLE>
- ---------
(1) Certain Eligible Institutions (defined below) may impose fees in connection
with the purchase of the Fund's shares through such institutions.
(2) These expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
Fund after expense reimbursement for the fiscal period indicated in
Financial Highlights below and through August 31, 1998. See Management of
the Fund--Expenses. Without such reimbursement, Other Expenses and Total
Operating Expenses were 0.87% and 1.17%, respectively, for JPM Pierpont
Shares on an annualized basis.
EXAMPLE
An investor would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000
investment, assuming a 5% annual return and redemption at the end of each time
period. (However, the Fund's minimum initial investment is greater than $1,000.)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1 Year...................................................... $ 7
3 Years..................................................... $ 21
5 Years..................................................... $ 36
10 Years.................................................... $ 81
</TABLE>
The above expense table is designed to assist investors in understanding the
various estimated direct and indirect costs and expenses that investors in JPM
Pierpont Shares of the Fund bear. For a complete description of contractual
arrangements and other expenses applicable to the Fund, see Management of the
Fund and Shareholder Inquiries and Services--Shareholder Servicing. THE EXAMPLE
IS INCLUDED SOLELY FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
1
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following selected data for a share outstanding for the Fund for the
indicated period should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes which are contained in the Fund's annual report and are
incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information. The
following selected data have been audited by independent accountants. The Fund's
annual report includes a discussion of those factors, strategies and techniques
that materially affected the Fund's performance during the period of the report,
as well as certain related information. A copy of the Fund's annual report will
be made available without charge upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JPM PIERPONT SHARES
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 21, 1997
(COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS) TO
APRIL 30, 1997
----------------------
<S> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................ $10.00
------
Income from Investment Operations.........................
Net Investment Income..................................... 0.01
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments.... 0.04
------
Total from Investment Operations.......................... 0.05
------
Less Distributions to Shareholders from
Net Investment Income..................................... (0.01)
------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.............................. $10.04
------
------
Total Return................................................ 0.51%(a)
------
------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands).................. $302
Ratios to Average Net Assets..............................
Expenses................................................ 0.62%(b)
Net Investment Income................................... 4.52%(b)
Decrease Reflected in Expense Ratio due to Expense
Reimbursement.......................................... 0.55%(b)
Portfolio Turnover Rate..................................... 40%
</TABLE>
- ---------
(a) Not annualized.
(b) Annualized.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of California Bond Fund is to provide a high after tax
total return for California residents consistent with moderate risk of capital.
The Fund invests primarily in California Municipal Securities (defined below)
the income from which is exempt from federal and California personal income
taxes. It may also invest in other municipal securities that generate income
exempt from federal income tax but not from California income tax. In addition,
in order to maximize after tax total return, the Fund may invest in taxable debt
obligations to the extent consistent with its objective.
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<PAGE>
WHO MAY BE A SUITABLE INVESTOR IN THE FUND. The Fund is designed for investors
subject to federal and California personal income taxes who are seeking high
after tax return but are not adverse to receiving some taxable income and gains.
The Fund is not suitable for tax-deferred retirement or pension plans, including
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans and 403(b) plans. The Fund
is not a complete investment program and there is no assurance that the Fund
will achieve its investment objective.
PRIMARY INVESTMENTS. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 65%
of its total assets in California municipal bonds. For purposes of this policy,
"California municipal bonds" has the same meaning as "California Municipal
Securities," which are obligations of any duration (or maturity) issued by
California, its political subdivisions and their agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities and any other obligations, the interest from which is exempt
from California personal income tax. The interest from many but not all
California Municipal Securities is also exempt from federal income tax. The Fund
may also invest in debt obligations of state and municipal issuers outside of
California. In general, the interest on such securities is exempt from federal
income tax but subject to California income tax. A portion of the Fund's
distributions from interest on California Municipal Securities and other
municipal securities in which the Fund invests may under certain circumstances
be subject to federal alternative minimum tax. See Taxes.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in municipal securities of any
maturity and type. These include both general obligation bonds secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing authority and revenue bonds
payable from specific revenue sources, but generally not backed by the issuer's
taxing authority. In addition, the Fund may invest in all types of municipal
notes, including tax, revenue and grant anticipation notes, municipal commercial
paper, and municipal demand obligations such as variable rate demand notes and
master demand obligations. There is no specific percentage limitation on these
investments.
NON-MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in U.S. Government, bank and
corporate debt obligations, as well as asset- and mortgage-backed securities and
repurchase agreements. The Fund will purchase such securities only when Morgan
believes that they would enhance the after tax total return of a shareholder of
the Fund in the highest federal and California income tax brackets. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund's holdings of non-municipal securities and securities of
municipal issuers outside California will not exceed 35% of its total assets.
CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund will invest primarily in investment grade securities,
which are obligations rated at the time of purchase at least Baa by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group. Securities
rated Baa or BBB are considered to have certain speculative characteristics.
The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in below investment grade
municipal and taxable securities rated at least B. Such securities are sometimes
referred to as "junk bonds." Below investment grade securities typically are
subject to greater fluctuations in price and yield resulting in a greater
volatility of total return than investment grade bonds. These fluctuations may
be sharp and unanticipated. Issuers of below investment grade securities
typically are weak in financial health and their ability to repay interest or
principal is uncertain. Compared to issuers of investment grade bonds, they are
more likely to encounter financial difficulties and to be materially affected by
those difficulties when they do encounter them. As a result, markets for below
investment grade securities may react strongly to adverse news about an issuer
or the economy or to the perception or expectation of adverse news. If a
security purchased by the Fund is later downgraded below B, the Fund may
continue to hold the security.
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HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED. Morgan actively manages the Fund's duration, the
allocation of securities across market sectors and the selection of securities
to maximize after tax total return. Morgan adjusts the Fund's duration based
upon fundamental economic and capital markets research and Morgan's interest
rate outlook.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will have a duration of three to ten
years, although the maturities of individual portfolio securities may vary
widely. Duration measures the price sensitivity of the Fund's portfolio,
including expected cash flow under a wide range of interest rate scenarios. A
longer duration generally results in greater price volatility. As a result, when
interest rates increase, the prices of longer duration securities decrease more
than the prices of comparable quality securities with a shorter duration. When
interest rates decrease, the prices of longer duration securities increase more
than the prices of comparable quality securities with a shorter duration.
Morgan also seeks to enhance after tax total return by allocating the Fund's
assets among market sectors. Specific securities which Morgan believes are
undervalued are selected for purchase using advanced quantitative tools,
analysis of credit risk, the expertise of a dedicated trading desk and the
judgment of fixed income portfolio managers and analysts.
The Fund may engage in short-term trading to the extent consistent with its
objective. The annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund is generally not
expected to exceed 100%. Portfolio transactions may generate taxable capital
gains and result in increased transaction costs.
TAX MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment
objective, Morgan attempts to consider the tax consequences to investors of all
portfolio transactions. The success of this strategy depends on Morgan's ability
to forecast accurately changes in interest rates and assess the value of fixed
income securities.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISKS
NON-DIVERSIFICATION. Because the Fund is a non-diversified investment company,
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") does not limit the
percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in the securities of a
single issuer. To the extent that the Fund invests a greater percentage of its
assets in a smaller number of issuers, its portfolio will be subject to more
concentrated credit and liquidity risk than a more diversified portfolio. The
Fund must still comply with the quarterly diversification requirements under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") under which, with respect to 50% of
its total assets, the Fund generally may not invest more than 5% of its assets
in any one issuer. With respect to the other 50% of total assets, the Fund may
invest up to 25% of its assets in the securities of each of any two issuers.
LIQUIDITY. The secondary market for municipal securities is generally less
liquid than for taxable fixed income securities. These risks are accentuated to
the extent that the Fund, by itself or together with other accounts managed by
Morgan or its affiliates, owns all or a substantial portion of an issue of
municipal securities. In addition, if the issuer of certain types of municipal
securities such as industrial revenue bonds defaults, the Fund could be required
to seize and manage, or dispose of under adverse market conditions, collateral,
which could increase the Fund's operating expenses, lower the Fund's net asset
value and generate taxable income.
CONCENTRATION. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any
one industry. Governmental issuers of municipal securities are not considered
part of any industry for this purpose. However, taxable municipal
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<PAGE>
securities backed only by the assets or revenues of nongovernmental users may be
deemed to be issued by such nongovernmental users, and the 25% limitation would
apply to obligations backed by the assets or revenues of nongovernmental users
in the same industry.
The Fund may invest more than 25% of its assets in certain sectors of the
municipal securities market, such as revenue obligations of hospitals and other
health care facilities, housing agency obligations, transportation related
obligations and utilities related obligations. The Fund will concentrate in a
particular market sector only if Morgan determines that the returns available
from issuers in the sector justify the additional risks. To the extent that the
Fund concentrates in a particular market sector, its portfolio will be more
exposed to adverse economic, business, political and other developments
affecting issuers or users within that sector.
CALL RISK. The Fund may invest in municipal securities that permit the issuer to
"call" or redeem the securities. If the issuer calls these securities when
interest rates are falling, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds in
securities providing a comparable return.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. The Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds that pay interest
only upon maturity. Zero coupon bonds may present a greater risk of price
volatility and credit problems than other bonds and involve certain special tax
considerations. See Taxes.
CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Since the Fund invests primarily in California
Municipal Securities, its performance and the ability of California issuers to
meet their obligations may be affected by economic, political, demographic or
other conditions in California. As a result, the value of the Fund's shares may
fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a fund investing in securities
of issuers in multiple states. The ability of state, county or local governments
to meet their obligations will depend primarily on the availability of tax and
other revenues to those governments and on their general fiscal conditions.
Constitutional or statutory restrictions may limit a municipal issuer's power to
raise revenues or increase taxes. The availability of federal, state and local
aid to issuers of California Municipal Securities may also affect their ability
to meet their obligations. Payments of principal and interest on revenue bonds
will depend on the economic or fiscal condition of the issuer or specific
revenue source from whose revenues the payments will be made. Any reduction in
the actual or perceived ability of an issuer of California Municipal Securities
to meet its obligations (including a reduction in the rating of its outstanding
securities) would probably reduce the market value and marketability of the
Fund's portfolio securities.
SECURITIES LOANS, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY
SECURITIES. The Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value up to one third
of its total assets and may enter into repurchase agreements. These transactions
must be fully collateralized at all times. The Fund may also purchase securities
on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, which may increase its overall
investment exposure and involves a risk of loss if the value of the securities
declines prior to the settlement date. Lending, repurchase agreement and when-
issued transactions involve the risk that the other party may default on its
obligation and the Fund could be delayed in or prevented from recovering the
collateral or completing the transaction.
PUTS. The Fund may purchase municipal securities together with a right to resell
or "put" the securities back to the seller on agreed upon terms. The Fund may
pay a premium to purchase securities with a put feature. A put involves the risk
that the counterparty will default on its obligations to repurchase the
underlying securities.
STRUCTURED DEBT SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in structured debt securities
which may include various types of derivative securities such as tender option
bonds, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate
(capped floaters), leveraged floating rate securities (super floaters) and
leveraged inverse floating rate securities
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<PAGE>
(inverse floaters). The interest rate or, in some cases, the principal payable
at the maturity of a structured debt security may change positively or inversely
in relation to one or more interest rates, financial indices or other financial
indicators. In addition, the yield on a structured security may fail to track
the yield on conventional securities of comparable maturity. A structured debt
security may be leveraged to the extent that the magnitude of any change in the
interest rate or principal payable on an indexed security is a multiple of the
change in the underlying interest rate or index. Thus, leveraged structured
securities may experience greater price volatility than conventional debt
securities in response to changes in interest rates or other reference prices.
RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities, including certain restricted and private
placement securities. The price the Fund pays for illiquid securities or
receives upon resale may be lower than the price paid or received for similar
securities with a more liquid market. Accordingly, the valuation of these
securities will reflect any limitations on their liquidity. The Fund may also
purchase Rule 144A securities eligible for resale to institutional investors
without registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be
determined to be liquid in accordance with guidelines established by Morgan and
approved by the Trustees. The Trustees will monitor Morgan's implementation of
these guidelines on a periodic basis.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may enter into derivative contracts
to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices or as a substitute for the
purchase or sale of securities. The Fund may also use derivative contracts for
risk management purposes. See Risk Management in the Statement of Additional
Information. The Fund may purchase and sell (write) exchange traded and
over-the-counter ("OTC") put and call options on securities and securities
indexes, purchase and sell futures contracts on securities and securities
indexes and purchase and sell (write) put and call options on futures contracts
on securities and securities indexes. Some options and futures strategies,
including selling futures contracts, buying puts and writing calls, tend to
hedge the Fund's investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies,
including buying futures contracts, writing puts and buying calls, tend to
increase market exposure. Options and futures contracts may be combined with
each other in order to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the Fund's
overall strategy in a manner consistent with the Fund's objective and policies.
Because transactions in derivative instruments result in taxable gains or losses
it is expected that the Fund will utilize derivative contracts infrequently.
Transactions in derivative contracts often involve a risk of loss or
depreciation due to unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices. The Fund
incurs liability to a counterparty in connection with transactions in futures
contracts and the writing of options. As a result, the loss on these derivative
contracts may exceed the Fund's initial investment. The Fund may also lose the
entire premium paid for purchased options that expire before they can be
profitably exercised by the Fund. In addition, the Fund incurs transaction costs
in opening and closing positions in derivative contracts.
Derivative contracts may sometimes increase or leverage the Fund's exposure to a
particular market risk. Leverage magnifies the price volatility of derivative
contracts held by the Fund. The Fund is required to offset the leverage inherent
in derivative contracts by maintaining a segregated account consisting of cash
or liquid securities, by holding offsetting portfolio securities or contracts or
by covering written options.
The Fund's success in using derivative contracts to hedge portfolio assets
depends on the degree of price correlation between the derivative contract and
the hedged asset. Imperfect correlation may be caused by several factors,
including temporary price disparities among the trading markets for the
derivative contract, the assets underlying the derivative contract and the
Fund's portfolio assets.
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<PAGE>
During periods of extreme market volatility, a commodity or options exchange may
suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative contract, which may
make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. The Fund's
ability to terminate OTC derivative contracts may depend on the cooperation of
the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative contracts,
the only source of price quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty.
In addition, derivative securities and OTC derivative contracts involve a risk
that the issuer or counterparty will fail to perform its contractual
obligations.
The Fund will not engage in a transaction in futures or options on futures for
risk management purposes if, immediately thereafter, the sum of initial margin
deposits and premiums required to establish risk management positions in futures
contracts and options on futures would exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets.
BORROWING AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may (1) borrow money from
banks solely for temporary or emergency (but not for leverage) purposes and (2)
may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for any purpose. The aggregate
amount of such borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements may not exceed one-
third of the Fund's total assets less liabilities (other than borrowings). For
the purposes of the 1940 Act, reverse repurchase agreements are considered a
form of borrowing by the Fund and, therefore, a form of leverage. Leverage may
cause any gains or losses of the Fund to be magnified.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS. Except as otherwise stated in this
Prospectus or the Fund's Statement of Additional Information, the Fund's
investment objective, policies and restrictions are not fundamental and may be
changed without shareholder approval.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
TRUSTEES. The Fund is a series of the Trust. The Trustees of the Trust decide
upon matters of general policy and review the actions of the Advisor and other
service providers. The Trustees of the Trust are identified below.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Frederick S. Addy.................................. Former Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Amoco Corporation
William G. Burns................................... Former Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief
Financial Officer, NYNEX Corporation
Arthur C. Eschenlauer.............................. Former Senior Vice President, Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York
Matthew Healey..................................... Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Trust; Chairman, Pierpont Group, Inc.
Michael P. Mallardi................................ Former Senior Vice President, Capital Cities/
ABC, Inc. and President, Broadcast Group
</TABLE>
ADVISOR. The Fund has retained Morgan as Investment Advisor to provide
investment advice and portfolio management services to the Fund. Subject to the
supervision of the Trustees, Morgan makes the Fund's day-to-day investment
decisions, arranges for the execution of portfolio transactions and generally
manages the Fund's investments.
Morgan, with principal offices at 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260, is a
New York trust company that conducts a general banking and trust business.
Morgan is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan & Co.
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<PAGE>
Incorporated ("J.P. Morgan"), a bank holding company organized under the laws of
Delaware. Through offices in New York City and abroad, J.P. Morgan, through the
Advisor and other subsidiaries, offers a wide range of services to governmental,
institutional, corporate and individual customers and acts as investment advisor
to individual and institutional clients with combined assets under management of
$208 billion.
Morgan uses a sophisticated, disciplined, collaborative process for managing all
asset classes. For fixed-income portfolios, this process focuses on the
systematic analysis of real interest rates, sector diversification and
quantitative and credit analysis. Morgan has managed portfolios of domestic
fixed-income securities on behalf of its clients for over 50 years. The
portfolio managers making investments in domestic fixed-income securities work
in conjunction with fixed-income, credit, capital market and economic research
analysts, as well as traders and administrative officers.
Elizabeth A. Augustin and Robert W. Meiselas have been primarily responsible for
the day-to-day management and implementation of Morgan's processes for the Fund
since its November, 1996 inception (they are Vice Presidents of Morgan and have
been employed by Morgan since prior to 1992).
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by Morgan
under its investment advisory agreement with the Trust, the Fund has agreed to
pay Morgan a fee which is calculated daily and may be paid monthly at the annual
rate of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
INVESTMENTS IN THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER BANK.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement with the Trust,
Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") serves as the Co-Administrator for the Fund. FDI
(i) provides office space, equipment and clerical personnel for maintaining the
organization and books and records of the Fund; (ii) provides officers for the
Trust; (iii) prepares and files documents required for notification of state
securities administrators; (iv) reviews and files marketing and sales
literature; and (v) maintains related books and records.
For its services under the Co-Administration Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay FDI fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide charge of
$425,000 plus FDI's out-of-pocket expenses. The amount allocable to the Fund is
based on the ratio of the Fund's net assets to the aggregate net assets of the
Fund, the other funds in the Trust and certain other registered investment
companies subject to similar agreements with FDI.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement
with the Trust, Morgan provides administrative and related services to the Fund,
including services related to tax compliance, preparation of financial
statements, calculation of performance data, oversight of service providers and
certain regulatory and Board of Trustees matters.
Under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay Morgan
fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide charge. This charge
is calculated daily based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund, the other
funds in the Trust and certain other registered investment companies managed by
the Advisor in accordance with the following annual schedule: 0.09% on the first
$7 billion of their aggregate average daily net assets and 0.04% of their
aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion, less the
complex-wide fees payable to FDI.
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<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTOR. FDI, a registered broker-dealer, also serves as the Distributor of
shares of the Fund. FDI is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston
Institutional Group, Inc. FDI's principal business address is 60 State Street,
Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT. Pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement with the Trust,
Pierpont Group, Inc. ("PGI"), 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017,
assists the Trustees in exercising their overall supervisory responsibilities
for the affairs of the Trust. PGI provides these services for a fee
approximating its reasonable cost in providing these services to the Trust and
certain other registred investment companies subject to similar agreements with
PGI.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT. State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Fund's custodian and fund
accounting, transfer and dividend disbursing agent. State Street keeps the books
of account for the Fund.
EXPENSES. In addition to the fees payable to the service providers identified
above, the Fund is responsible for usual and customary expenses associated with
its operation. These include, among other things, organization expenses, legal
fees, audit and accounting expenses, insurance costs, the compensation and
expenses of the Trustees, the expenses of printing and mailing reports, notices
and proxy statements to Fund shareholders, registration fees under federal and
state securities laws, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses (such as for
litigation).
Morgan has agreed that it will reimburse the Fund through at least August 31,
1998 to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund's operating expenses for JPM
Pierpont Shares at the annual rate of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of
the Fund's JPM Pierpont Shares. This expense reimbursement does not apply to
taxes, interest, litigation costs and other extraordinary expenses.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES AND SERVICES
Shareholders may call J.P. Morgan Funds Services at (800) 521-5411 for
information about the Fund and assistance with shareholder transactions.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING. Under a shareholder servicing agreement with the Trust,
Morgan, acting directly or through an agent (designated as an Eligible
Institution) provides account administration and personal and account
maintenance services to Fund shareholders. These services include assisting in
the maintenance of accurate account records, processing orders to purchase and
redeem shares of the Fund, and responding to shareholder inquiries. The Fund has
agreed to pay Morgan a fee for these services at an annual rate of 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of JPM Pierpont Shares.
Shares may be sold to or through Eligible Institutions, including financial
institutions and broker-dealers, that may be paid fees by Morgan or its
affiliates for services provided to their clients that invest in the Fund. See
Eligible Institutions. Organizations that provide recordkeeping or other
services to certain employee benefit or retirement plans that include the Fund
as an investment alternative may also be paid a fee.
The business days of the Fund are the days the New York Stock Exchange is open.
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<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF SHARES
METHOD OF PURCHASE. Investors may open accounts with the Fund only through the
Distributor. All purchase transactions in Fund accounts are processed by Morgan
as shareholder servicing agent and the Fund is authorized to accept instructions
relating to a Fund account from Morgan as shareholder servicing agent for the
customer. All purchase orders must be accepted by the Fund's Distributor.
Investors must be customers of Morgan or an Eligible Institution. Investors may
also be employer-sponsored retirement plans that have designated the Fund as an
investment option for the plans. Prospective investors who are not already
customers of Morgan may apply to become customers of Morgan for the purpose of
Fund transactions. There are no charges associated with becoming a Morgan
customer for this purpose. Morgan reserves the right to determine the customers
that it will accept, and the Fund reserves the right to determine the purchase
orders that it will accept.
MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS. The Fund requires a minimum initial investment
in JPM Pierpont Shares of $100,000, except for investors who were shareholders
of a fund in The JPM Pierpont Funds as of September 29, 1995, for whom the
minimum initial investment is $10,000. The minimum subsequent investment for all
investors is $5,000. These minimum investment requirements may be waived for
certain investors, including investors for whom the Advisor is a fiduciary, who
are employees of the Advisor, who maintain related accounts with other funds in
the Trust, The JPM Pierpont Funds or the Advisor, who make investments for a
group of clients, such as financial advisors, trust companies and investment
advisors, or who maintain retirement accounts with the Fund.
PURCHASE PRICE AND SETTLEMENT. The Fund's shares are sold on a continuous basis
without a sales charge at the net asset value next determined after receipt of
an order. Prospective investors may purchase shares with the assistance of an
Eligible Institution that may establish its own terms, conditions and charges.
To purchase JPM Pierpont Shares, investors should request their Morgan
representative (or a representative of their Eligible Institution) to assist
them in placing a purchase order with the Fund's Distributor and to transfer
immediately available funds to the Fund's Distributor on the settlement date.
Any shareholder may also call J.P. Morgan Funds Services at (800) 521-5411 for
assistance in placing an order for shares. If the Fund or its agent receives a
purchase order prior to 4:00 P.M. New York time on any business day, the
purchase of Fund shares is effective and is made at the net asset value
determined that day, and the purchaser becomes a holder of record on the
following business day upon the Fund's receipt of payment in immediately
available funds. If the Fund or its agent receives a purchase order after 4:00
P.M. New York time, the purchase is effective and is made at the net asset value
determined on the next business day. The settlement date is generally the
business day after the purchase is effective. The purchaser will begin to
receive the daily dividends on the settlement date. See Dividends and
Distributions.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS. The services provided by Eligible Institutions may
include establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts, processing purchase
and redemption transactions, arranging for bank wires, performing shareholder
subaccounting, answering client inquiries regarding the Trust, assisting clients
in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses, providing
periodic statements showing the client's account balance and integrating these
statements with those of other transactions and balances in the client's other
accounts serviced by the Eligible Institution, transmitting proxy statements,
periodic reports, updated prospectuses and other communications to shareholders
and, with respect to meetings of shareholders, collecting, tabulating and
forwarding executed proxies and obtaining such other information and performing
such other services as Morgan or the Eligible Institution's clients may
reasonably request and agree upon with the Eligible Institution.
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<PAGE>
Although there is no sales charge levied directly by the Fund, Eligible
Institutions may establish their own terms and conditions for providing their
services and may charge investors a transaction-based or other fee for their
services. Such charges may vary among Eligible Institutions but in all cases
will be retained by the Eligible Institution and not remitted to the Fund or
Morgan.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
METHOD OF REDEMPTION. To redeem JPM Pierpont Shares, an investor may instruct
Morgan or his or her Eligible Institution, as appropriate, to submit a
redemption request to the Fund or may telephone J.P. Morgan Funds Services
directly at (800) 521-5411 and give the Shareholder Service Representative a
preassigned shareholder Personal Identification Number and the amount of the
redemption. The Fund executes effective redemption requests at the next
determined net asset value per share. See Net Asset Value.
A redemption request received by the Fund or its agent prior to 4:00 P.M. New
York time is effective on that day. A redemption request received after that
time becomes effective on the next business day. Proceeds of an effective
redemption are deposited on the settlement date in immediately available funds
to the shareholders's account at Morgan or at his Eligible Institution or, in
the case of certain Morgan customers, are mailed by check or wire transferred in
accordance with the customer's instructions. The redeemer will continue to
receive dividends on these shares through the day before the settlement date.
The settlement date is generally the next business day after a redemption is
effective and, subject to Further Redemption Information below, in any event is
within seven days. See Dividends and Distributions.
OTHER REDEMPTION PROCESSING INFORMATION. Redemption requests may not be
processed if the redemption request is not submitted in proper form. A
redemption request is not in proper form unless the Fund has received the
shareholder's certified taxpayer identification number and address. In addition,
if shares were paid for by check and the check has not yet cleared, redemption
proceeds will not be transmitted until the check has cleared, which may take up
to 15 days. The Fund reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption or
postpone the payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted by the SEC.
Shareholders may be required to recognize taxable gains or losses upon redeeming
shares.
MANDATORY REDEMPTION. If a redemption of JPM Pierpont Shares reduces the value
of a shareholder's account balance below the required initial minimum
investment, the Fund may redeem the remaining shares in the account 60 days
after providing written notice to the shareholder of the mandatory redemption.
An account will not be subject to mandatory redemption if the shareholder
purchases sufficient shares during the 60-day period to increase the account
balance to the required minimum investment amount.
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
An investor may exchange JPM Pierpont Shares for JPM Institutional shares or
shares of any fund in The JPM Pierpont Funds or The JPM Institutional Funds
without charge subject to the same minimum investment requirements as are
applicable to purchases of shares of such funds. Shareholders should read the
prospectus of the fund into which they are exchanging and may only exchange
between fund accounts that are registered in the same name, address and taxpayer
identification number. An exchange is in effect a redemption from one fund or
class followed by a purchase of another fund and is therefore subject to the
requirements applicable to share purchases and redemptions. Exchanges may result
in the recognition of taxable gains or losses. The Fund reserves the right to
terminate or alter the terms of the exchange privilege at any time.
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<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income.
The net investment income of the Fund is declared as a dividend daily for each
class of shares outstanding immediately prior to the determination of the net
asset value per share ("NAV") of each class on that day and paid monthly. If an
investor's shares are redeemed during a month, accrued but unpaid dividends are
paid with the redemption proceeds. Net investment income for dividend purposes
consists of the income of the Fund less certain of the Fund's expenses and other
expenses directly attributable to such class. Fund expenses, including the fees
payable to Morgan, are accrued daily. Shares will accrue dividends as long as
they are issued and outstanding. Shares are issued and outstanding as of the
settlement date of a purchase order to the settlement date of a redemption
order.
Substantially all the realized net capital gains, if any, of the Fund are
declared and paid on an annual basis, except that an additional capital gains
distribution may be made in a given year to the extent necessary to avoid the
imposition of federal excise tax on the Fund.
The Fund's dividends and distributions are paid in additional JPM Pierpont
Shares unless the shareholder elects to have them paid in cash. The tax effects
of dividends and distributions are the same whether they are paid in shares or
cash. Cash dividends and distributions either (1) are credited to the
shareholder's account at Morgan or the shareholder's Eligible Institution or (2)
in the case of certain Morgan clients, are paid by a check mailed in accordance
with the client's instructions.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund computes the NAV of the JPM Pierpont Shares at 4:15 p.m. New York time
on each business day. The NAV of JPM Pierpont Shares is calculated by dividing
the net assets attributable to JPM Pierpont Shares by the number of JPM Pierpont
Shares outstanding.
TAXES
The Fund is treated as a separate entity for tax purposes. The Fund intends to
elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as such, the Fund must, in addition
to other requirements, limit its investments so that at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year (a) no more than 25% of its total assets are
invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies), and (b)
with regard to 50% of its total assets, no more than 5% of its total assets are
invested in the securities of a single issuer. As a regulated investment
company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income or excise tax on any net
investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed to
shareholders in accordance with certain timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund intends to qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends to its shareholders
by having, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the
value of its total assets consist of tax exempt securities. An exempt-interest
dividend is that part of dividend distributions made by the Fund which consists
of interest received by the Fund on tax exempt securities. Exempt-interest
dividends received from the Fund will be treated for federal income tax purposes
as tax exempt interest income. However, an investor receiving Social Security or
railroad retirement benefits should consult his tax adviser to determine if an
investment in the Fund may affect the federal taxation of these benefits.
California does not tax any portion of such benefits. To the extent that
exempt-interest dividends are
12
<PAGE>
derived from interest on California Municipal Securities, such distributions
will also be exempt from California personal income tax. However, these
exempt-interest dividends may result in liability for state and local taxes for
individual shareholders subject to taxation by other states and municipalities
outside of California.
For federal income tax purposes, dividends other than exempt interest dividends
paid by the Fund from net investment income and the excess of net short-term
capital gain over net long-term capital loss will be taxable to its shareholders
as ordinary income. Dividends paid by the Fund from the excess of net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss and designated by the Fund as
"capital gain dividends" will be taxable as long-term capital gains regardless
of how long shareholders have held their shares. These tax consequences will
apply whether distributions are received in additional shares or in cash.
Shareholders will be informed annually about the amount and character, for
federal and California personal income tax purposes, of distributions received
from the Fund.
For California personal income tax purposes, distributions derived from
investments other than California Municipal Securities and U.S. Government
securities that pay interest exempt from state personal income taxation, as well
as distributions from any net realized capital gains, will be taxable whether
taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
Interest on certain tax exempt municipal obligations issued after August 7, 1986
is a preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax applicable to
individuals and corporations. Under tax regulations to be issued, the portion of
the exempt-interest dividend of a regulated investment company that is allocable
to these obligations will be treated as a preference item for purposes of the
alternative minimum tax. To the extent that the Fund invests in California
Municipal Securities or other municipal securities the interest from which is
subject to federal alternative minimum tax, individual shareholders, depending
on their own tax status, may be subject to federal but not California
alternative minimum tax on that portion of the Fund's distributions attributable
to such income. An investment in the Fund may cause corporate investors to be
subject to (or increase their liability under) California corporate taxation.
Corporations should also be aware that interest on all municipal securities will
be included in calculating (i) adjusted current earnings for purposes of the
alternative minimum tax applicable to them, (ii) the additional tax imposed on
certain corporations by the Superfund Revenue Act of 1986, and (iii) the foreign
branch profits tax imposed on certain effectively connected earnings and profits
of U.S. branches of foreign corporations. Furthermore, special tax provisions
may apply to certain financial institutions and property and casualty insurance
companies, and they should consult their tax advisors before purchasing shares
of the Fund.
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder (whether a
corporation or an individual) to purchase or carry shares of the Fund is
generally not deductible. Investors who are, or are related to, "substantial
users" of bond-financed facilities should consult their tax advisors prior to
purchasing shares of the Fund.
The Fund generally will be required to recognize accrued income on its
investments in zero coupon bonds each taxable year, even though no corresponding
amount of cash may be received during that year, and may have to obtain cash
from other sources to enable it to satisfy certain income distribution
requirements applicable to the Fund under the Code.
Redemptions or exchanges of shares, whether for cash or in-kind, are taxable
events on which a shareholder may recognize a gain or loss. Any gain or loss
realized by a shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will be treated as
long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one
year and otherwise a short-term
13
<PAGE>
capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized by a shareholder upon the
redemption or exchange of shares in the Fund held for six months or less will be
treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain
distributions received by the shareholder with respect to such shares. In
addition, any loss realized by a shareholder upon the redemption or exchange of
shares in the Fund held six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of
any exempt-interest dividends received by the shareholder with respect to these
shares.
Individuals and certain other shareholders may be subject to 31% backup
withholding of federal income tax on taxable distributions and the proceeds of
redemptions if they fail to furnish their correct taxpayer identification number
and certain certifications or if they are otherwise subject to backup
withholding.
The foregoing summarizes certain federal and California income tax consequences
of investing in the Fund. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax
advisors concerning specific questions about federal, state and local taxes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS AND CONFIRMATIONS. The Fund sends to its shareholders annual
and semiannual reports. The financial statements appearing in annual reports are
audited by independent accountants. Shareholders will also be sent confirmations
of each purchase and redemption transaction and monthly statements reflecting
all account activity.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS. All shareholders are entitled to initiate redemptions
and other transactions by telephone. However, a transaction authorized by
telephone and reasonably believed by the Fund, Morgan, an Eligible Institution
or the Distributor to be genuine may result in a loss to the investor if the
transaction is not in fact genuine. The Fund will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that investor instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
These include requiring investors to give their personal identification numbers
and tape recording telephone instructions. If these procedures are not followed,
the Fund, Morgan, the investor's Eligible Institution or the Distributor may be
liable for any losses resulting from unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.
PERFORMANCE ADVERTISING. The Fund may advertise historical performance
information and compare its performance to other investments or relevant
indexes. An advertisement may also include data supplied by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Micropal Inc., Morningstar Inc., Ibbotson Associates and other
industry publications.
The Fund may advertise average annual total return and other forms of total
return data. Average annual total return is determined by computing the average
annual percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at NAV for specified
periods ending with the most recent calendar quarter. The total return
calculation assumes a complete redemption of the investment at the end of the
relevant period. The Fund may also advertise total return on a cumulative,
average, year-by-year or other basis for specified periods. The investment
results of JPM Pierpont Shares will fluctuate over time and should not be
considered a representation of performance in the future.
In addition, the Fund may advertise yield and "tax-equivalent yield." Yield
reflects the Fund's rate of income on portfolio investments as a percentage of
its NAV. The yield on JPM Pierpont Shares is computed by annualizing the result
of dividing the net investment income per share over a 30-day period by the NAV
on the last day of that period. Yield is calculated by accounting methods that
are standardized for all stock and bond funds and differ from the methods used
for other accounting purposes. Therefore, the yield on JPM Pierpont Shares may
not equal the income paid on these shares or the income reported in the Fund's
financial statements. Tax-equivalent yield shows
14
<PAGE>
the effect on performance of the tax-exempt status of distributions received by
the Fund. It reflects the approximate yield that a taxable investment must earn
for shareholders at stated income levels to produce an after tax yield
equivalent to the Fund's tax-exempt yield.
Performance information may be obtained by calling Morgan at (800) 521-5411.
ORGANIZATION
The Trust was organized on August 15, 1996 as a Massachusetts business trust.
The Trust currently has three series of shares, including the Fund described in
this Prospectus. The Trustees have authorized two classes of shares of the Fund:
JPM Pierpont Shares offered by this Prospectus and JPM Institutional
Shares offered by a separate Prospectus. JPM Pierpont Shares and JPM
Institutional Shares are subject to different expenses, which may affect the
performance of each class. More information about the JPM Institutional Shares
may be obtained by calling (800) 766-7722. The Trustees reserve the right to
authorize and issue additional series and classes of shares.
Shareholders of the Fund are entitled to one full or fractional vote for each
dollar or fraction of a dollar invested in JPM Pierpont Shares. There is no
cumulative voting and shares have no preemption or conversion rights. The Trust
does not intend to hold meetings of shareholders annually. The Trustees will
call special meetings of shareholders to the extent required by the Trust's
Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires the Trustees, under
certain circumstances, to call a meeting to allow shareholders to vote on the
removal of a Trustee and to assist shareholders in communicating with each
other.
15
<PAGE>
------------------------------------
JPM
Pierpont Shares:
California Bond Fund
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR ANY OTHER
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED
IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
THE TRUST OR THE DISTRIBUTOR. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER BY THE TRUST OR BY THE
DISTRIBUTOR TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY
ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED
HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR
THE TRUST OR THE DISTRIBUTOR TO
MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH PROSPECTUS
JURISDICTION. JUNE 25, 1997
PROS238-976
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
JPM Series Trust
JPM Institutional Shares: California Bond Fund
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
For information call (800) 766-7722
California Bond Fund (the "Fund") seeks to provide a high after tax total
return for California residents consistent with moderate risk of capital. The
Fund is designed for investors subject to federal and California personal
income taxes who are seeking a high after tax total return that may include
some taxable income and gains.
The Fund is a series of JPM Series Trust (the "Trust") and is advised by Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan" or the "Advisor").
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the JPM
Institutional Shares of the Fund that a prospective investor should know before
investing and should be retained for future reference. Additional information
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Statement of
Additional Information dated June 25, 1997, as amended or supplemented from
time to time. This information is incorporated herein by reference and is
available without charge upon written request from the Fund's Distributor or by
calling (800) 221-7930. The Fund's Distributor is Funds Distributor, Inc., 60
State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, Attention: JPM Series
Trust-- California Bond Fund.
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER BANK.
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE
VALUE OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND MAY FLUCTUATE AND MAY, AT THE TIME IT IS
REDEEMED, BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THE AMOUNT ORIGINALLY INVESTED.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JUNE 25, 1997
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Expense Table.............................................................. 1
Financial Highlights....................................................... 2
Investment Objective and Policies.......................................... 3
Additional Investment Practices and Risks.................................. 4
Management of the Fund..................................................... 7
Shareholder Inquiries and Services......................................... 9
Purchase of Shares......................................................... 9
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Redemption of Shares....................................................... 10
Exchange of Shares......................................................... 11
Dividends and Distributions................................................ 11
Net Asset Value............................................................ 11
Taxes...................................................................... 12
Additional Information..................................................... 13
Organization............................................................... 14
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
JPM Institutional Shares: California Bond Fund
EXPENSE TABLE
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases(1).............................. None
Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Distributions.......................... None
Deferred Sales Load....................................................... None
Redemption Fee............................................................ None
Exchange Fee.............................................................. None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES(2)
Advisory Fees............................................................. 0.30%
Rule 12b-1 Fees........................................................... None
Other Expenses (after expense reimbursement).............................. 0.15%
-----
Total Operating Expenses (after expense reimbursement).................... 0.45%
=====
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) Certain Eligible Institutions may charge customers fees of varying amounts
in connection with the purchase of shares of the Fund through such Eligible
Institutions.
(2) These expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
Fund after expense reimbursement for the fiscal period indicated in Finan-
cial Highlights below and through August 31, 1998. See Management of the
Fund--Expenses. Without such reimbursement, Other Expenses and Total Oper-
ating Expenses were 3.16% and 3.46%, respectively, for JPM Institutional
Shares on an annualized basis.
EXAMPLE
An investor would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000 invest-
ment, assuming a 5% annual return and redemption at the end of each time peri-
od. (However, the Fund's minimum initial investment is greater than $1,000.)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1 Year..................................................................... $ 5
3 Years.................................................................... $14
5 Years.................................................................... $25
10 Years.................................................................... $57
</TABLE>
The above expense table is designed to assist investors in understanding the
various estimated direct and indirect costs and expenses that investors in JPM
Institutional Shares of the Fund bear. For a complete description of contrac-
tual arrangements and other expenses applicable to the Fund, see Management of
the Fund and Shareholder Inquiries and Services--Shareholder Servicing. THE EX-
AMPLE IS INCLUDED SOLELY FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED
A REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE OR EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE MORE
OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
1
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following selected data for a share outstanding for the Fund for the indi-
cated period should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes which are contained in the Fund's annual report and are incorpo-
rated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information. The following
selected data have been audited by independent accountants. The Fund's annual
report includes a discussion of those factors, strategies and techniques that
materially affected the Fund's performance during the period of the report, as
well as certain related information. A copy of the Fund's annual report will be
made available without charge upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JPM INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 23, 1996
(COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS) TO
APRIL 30, 1997
------------------------
<S> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.................. $ 10.00
-------
Income from Investment Operations
Net Investment Income............................... 0.16
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Invest-
ments.............................................. (0.10)
-------
Total from Investment Operations.................... 0.06
-------
Less Distributions to Shareholders from
Net Investment Income............................... (0.16)
-------
Net Asset Value, End of Period........................ $ 9.90
=======
Total Return.......................................... 0.56%(a)
=======
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)............ $14,793
Ratios to Average Net Assets........................
Expenses.......................................... 0.45%(b)
Net Investment Income............................. 4.43%(b)
Decrease Reflected in Expense Ratio due to Expense
Reimbursement.................................... 3.01%(b)
Portfolio Turnover Rate............................... 40%
</TABLE>
- -------
(a) Not annualized.
(b) Annualized.
2
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of California Bond Fund is to provide a high after tax
total return for California residents consistent with moderate risk of capital.
The Fund invests primarily in California Municipal Securities (defined below)
the income from which is exempt from federal and California personal income
taxes. It may also invest in other municipal securities that generate income
exempt from federal income tax but not from California income tax. In addition,
in order to maximize after tax total return, the Fund may invest in taxable
debt obligations to the extent consistent with its objective.
WHO MAY BE A SUITABLE INVESTOR IN THE FUND. The Fund is designed for investors
subject to federal and California personal income taxes who are seeking high
after tax return but are not adverse to receiving some taxable income and
gains. The Fund is not suitable for tax-deferred retirement or pension plans,
including Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans and 403(b) plans.
The Fund is not a complete investment program and there is no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
PRIMARY INVESTMENTS. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 65%
of its total assets in California municipal bonds. For purposes of this policy,
"California municipal bonds" has the same meaning as "California Municipal Se-
curities," which are obligations of any duration (or maturity) issued by Cali-
fornia, its political subdivisions and their agencies, authorities and instru-
mentalities and any other obligations, the interest from which is exempt from
California personal income tax. The interest from many but not all California
Municipal Securities is also exempt from federal income tax. The Fund may also
invest in debt obligations of state and municipal issuers outside of Califor-
nia. In general, the interest on such securities is exempt from federal income
tax but subject to California income tax. A portion of the Fund's distributions
from interest on California Municipal Securities and other municipal securities
in which the Fund invests may under certain circumstances be subject to federal
alternative minimum tax. See Taxes.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in municipal securities of any matu-
rity and type. These include both general obligation bonds secured by the is-
suer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing authority and revenue bonds
payable from specific revenue sources, but generally not backed by the issuer's
taxing authority. In addition, the Fund may invest in all types of municipal
notes, including tax, revenue and grant anticipation notes, municipal commer-
cial paper, and municipal demand obligations such as variable rate demand notes
and master demand obligations. There is no specific percentage limitation on
these investments.
NON-MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in U.S. Government, bank and cor-
porate debt obligations, as well as asset- and mortgage-backed securities and
repurchase agreements. The Fund will purchase such securities only when Morgan
believes that they would enhance the after tax total return of a shareholder of
the Fund in the highest federal and California income tax brackets. Under nor-
mal circumstances, the Fund's holdings of non-municipal securities and securi-
ties of municipal issuers outside California will not exceed 35% of its total
assets.
CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund will invest primarily in investment grade securities,
which are obligations rated at the time of purchase at least Baa by Moody's In-
vestors Service, Inc. or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group. Securities
rated Baa or BBB are considered to have certain speculative characteristics.
The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in below investment
grade municipal and taxable securities rated at least B. Such securities are
sometimes referred to as "junk bonds." Below investment grade securities typi-
cally are subject to greater fluctuations in price and yield resulting in a
greater volatility of total return than investment grade bonds. These fluctua-
tions may be sharp and unanticipated. Issuers of below investment grade securi-
ties typically are weak in financial health and their ability to repay interest
or principal is uncertain. Compared to issuers of investment grade bonds, they
are more likely to encounter financial difficulties and to be materially af-
fected by those difficulties when they
3
<PAGE>
do encounter them. As a result, markets for below investment grade securities
may react strongly to adverse news about an issuer or the economy or to the
perception or expectation of adverse news. If a security purchased by the Fund
is later downgraded below B, the Fund may continue to hold the security.
HOW THE FUND IS MANAGED. Morgan actively manages the Fund's duration, the allo-
cation of securities across market sectors and the selection of securities to
maximize after tax total return. Morgan adjusts the Fund's duration based upon
fundamental economic and capital markets research and Morgan's interest rate
outlook.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will have a duration of three to ten
years, although the maturities of individual portfolio securities may vary
widely. Duration measures the price sensitivity of the Fund's portfolio, in-
cluding expected cash flow under a wide range of interest rate scenarios. A
longer duration generally results in greater price volatility. As a result,
when interest rates increase, the prices of longer duration securities decrease
more than the prices of comparable quality securities with a shorter duration.
When interest rates decrease, the prices of longer duration securities increase
more than the prices of comparable quality securities with a shorter duration.
Morgan also seeks to enhance after tax total return by allocating the Fund's
assets among market sectors. Specific securities which Morgan believes are un-
dervalued are selected for purchase using advanced quantitative tools, analysis
of credit risk, the expertise of a dedicated trading desk and the judgment of
fixed income portfolio managers and analysts.
The Fund may engage in short-term trading to the extent consistent with its ob-
jective. The annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund is generally not ex-
pected to exceed 100%. Portfolio transactions may generate taxable capital
gains and result in increased transaction costs.
TAX MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objec-
tive, Morgan attempts to consider the tax consequences to investors of all
portfolio transactions. The success of this strategy depends on Morgan's abil-
ity to forecast accurately changes in interest rates and assess the value of
fixed income securities.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISKS
NON-DIVERSIFICATION. Because the Fund is a non-diversified investment company,
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") does not limit the percent-
age of the Fund's assets that may be invested in the securities of a single is-
suer. To the extent that the Fund invests a greater percentage of its assets in
a smaller number of issuers, its portfolio will be subject to more concentrated
credit and liquidity risk than a more diversified portfolio. The Fund must
still comply with the quarterly diversification requirements under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") under which, with respect to 50% of its total
assets, the Fund generally may not invest more than 5% of its assets in any one
issuer. With respect to the other 50% of total assets, the Fund may invest up
to 25% of its assets in the securities of each of any two issuers.
LIQUIDITY. The secondary market for municipal securities is generally less liq-
uid than for taxable fixed income securities. These risks are accentuated to
the extent that the Fund, by itself or together with other accounts managed by
Morgan or its affiliates, owns all or a substantial portion of an issue of mu-
nicipal securities. In addition, if the issuer of certain types of municipal
securities such as industrial revenue bonds defaults, the Fund could be re-
quired to seize and manage, or dispose of under adverse market conditions, col-
lateral, which could increase the Fund's operating expenses, lower the Fund's
net asset value and generate taxable income.
CONCENTRATION. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in
any one industry. Governmental issuers of municipal securities are not consid-
ered part of any industry for this purpose. However, taxable municipal securi-
ties
4
<PAGE>
backed only by the assets or revenues of nongovernmental users may be deemed to
be issued by such nongovernmental users, and the 25% limitation would apply to
obligations backed by the assets or revenues of nongovernmental users in the
same industry.
The Fund may invest more than 25% of its assets in certain sectors of the mu-
nicipal securities market, such as revenue obligations of hospitals and other
health care facilities, housing agency obligations, transportation related ob-
ligations and utilities related obligations. The Fund will concentrate in a
particular market sector only if Morgan determines that the returns available
from issuers in the sector justify the additional risks. To the extent that the
Fund concentrates in a particular market sector, its portfolio will be more ex-
posed to adverse economic, business, political and other developments affecting
issuers or users within that sector.
CALL RISK. The Fund may invest in municipal securities that permit the issuer
to "call" or redeem the securities. If the issuer calls these securities when
interest rates are falling, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds
in securities providing a comparable return.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. The Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds that pay interest
only upon maturity. Zero coupon bonds may present a greater risk of price vola-
tility and credit problems than other bonds and involve certain special tax
considerations. See Taxes.
CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Since the Fund invests primarily in California
Municipal Securities, its performance and the ability of California issuers to
meet their obligations may be affected by economic, political, demographic or
other conditions in California. As a result, the value of the Fund's shares may
fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a fund investing in securi-
ties of issuers in multiple states. The ability of state, county or local gov-
ernments to meet their obligations will depend primarily on the availability of
tax and other revenues to those governments and on their general fiscal condi-
tions. Constitutional or statutory restrictions may limit a municipal issuer's
power to raise revenues or increase taxes. The availability of federal, state
and local aid to issuers of California Municipal Securities may also affect
their ability to meet their obligations. Payments of principal and interest on
revenue bonds will depend on the economic or fiscal condition of the issuer or
specific revenue source from whose revenues the payments will be made. Any re-
duction in the actual or perceived ability of an issuer of California Municipal
Securities to meet its obligations (including a reduction in the rating of its
outstanding securities) would probably reduce the market value and marketabil-
ity of the Fund's portfolio securities.
SECURITIES LOANS, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY
SECURITIES. The Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value up to one third
of its total assets and may enter into repurchase agreements. These transac-
tions must be fully collateralized at all times. The Fund may also purchase se-
curities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, which may increase its
overall investment exposure and involves a risk of loss if the value of the se-
curities declines prior to the settlement date. Lending, repurchase agreement
and when-issued transactions involve the risk that the other party may default
on its obligation and the Fund could be delayed in or prevented from recovering
the collateral or completing the transaction.
PUTS. The Fund may purchase municipal securities together with a right to re-
sell or "put" the securities back to the seller on agreed upon terms. The Fund
may pay a premium to purchase securities with a put feature. A put involves the
risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations to repurchase the
underlying securities.
STRUCTURED DEBT SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in structured debt securities
which may include various types of derivative securities such as tender option
bonds, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate
(capped floaters), leveraged floating rate securities (super floaters) and
leveraged inverse floating rate securities (inverse floaters). The interest
rate or, in some cases, the principal payable at the maturity of a structured
debt security may change positively or inversely in relation to one or more in-
terest rates, financial indices or other financial indicators. In
5
<PAGE>
addition, the yield on a structured security may fail to track the yield on
conventional securities of comparable maturity. A structured debt security may
be leveraged to the extent that the magnitude of any change in the interest
rate or principal payable on an indexed security is a multiple of the change in
the underlying interest rate or index. Thus, leveraged structured securities
may experience greater price volatility than conventional debt securities in
response to changes in interest rates or other reference prices.
RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities, including certain restricted and private place-
ment securities. The price the Fund pays for illiquid securities or receives
upon resale may be lower than the price paid or received for similar securities
with a more liquid market. Accordingly, the valuation of these securities will
reflect any limitations on their liquidity. The Fund may also purchase Rule
144A securities eligible for resale to institutional investors without regis-
tration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be determined to
be liquid in accordance with guidelines established by Morgan and approved by
the Trustees. The Trustees will monitor Morgan's implementation of these guide-
lines on a periodic basis.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may enter into derivative contracts
to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices or as a substitute for the
purchase or sale of securities. The Fund may also use derivative contracts for
risk management purposes. See Risk Management in the Statement of Additional
Information. The Fund may purchase and sell (write) exchange traded and over-
the-counter ("OTC") put and call options on securities and securities indexes,
purchase and sell futures contracts on securities and securities indexes and
purchase and sell (write) put and call options on futures contracts on securi-
ties and securities indexes. Some options and futures strategies, including
selling futures contracts, buying puts and writing calls, tend to hedge the
Fund's investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies, including buy-
ing futures contracts, writing puts and buying calls, tend to increase market
exposure. Options and futures contracts may be combined with each other in or-
der to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the Fund's overall strat-
egy in a manner consistent with the Fund's objective and policies. Because
transactions in derivative instruments result in taxable gains or losses it is
expected that the Fund will utilize derivative contracts infrequently.
Transactions in derivative contracts often involve a risk of loss or deprecia-
tion due to unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices. The Fund incurs
liability to a counterparty in connection with transactions in futures con-
tracts and the writing of options. As a result, the loss on these derivative
contracts may exceed the Fund's initial investment. The Fund may also lose the
entire premium paid for purchased options that expire before they can be prof-
itably exercised by the Fund. In addition, the Fund incurs transaction costs in
opening and closing positions in derivative contracts.
Derivative contracts may sometimes increase or leverage the Fund's exposure to
a particular market risk. Leverage magnifies the price volatility of derivative
contracts held by the Fund. The Fund is required to offset the leverage inher-
ent in derivative contracts by maintaining a segregated account consisting of
cash or liquid securities, by holding offsetting portfolio securities or con-
tracts or by covering written options.
The Fund's success in using derivative contracts to hedge portfolio assets or
as a substitute for the purchase or sale of assets depends on the degree of
price correlation between the derivative contract and the hedged or simulated
asset. Imperfect correlation may be caused by several factors, including tempo-
rary price disparities among the trading markets for the derivative contract,
the assets underlying the derivative contract and the Fund's portfolio assets.
During periods of extreme market volatility, a commodity or options exchange
may suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative contract, which
may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. The staff of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") takes the position that cer-
tain OTC options are subject to the Fund's 15% limit on illiquid investments.
The Fund's ability to terminate OTC derivative contracts may depend on the co-
operation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative
contracts, the only source of price
6
<PAGE>
quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, derivative
securities and OTC derivative contracts involve a risk that the issuer or
counterparty will fail to perform its contractual obligations.
The Fund will not engage in a transaction in futures or options on futures for
risk management purposes if, immediately thereafter, the sum of initial margin
deposits and premiums required to establish risk management positions in
futures contracts and options on futures would exceed 5% of the Fund's net as-
sets.
BORROWING AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may (1) borrow money from
banks solely for temporary or emergency (but not for leverage) purposes and (2)
may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for any purpose. The aggregate
amount of such borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements may not exceed one-
third of the Fund's total assets less liabilities (other than borrowings). For
the purposes of the 1940 Act, reverse repurchase agreements are considered a
form of borrowing by the Fund and, therefore, a form of leverage. Leverage may
cause any gains or losses of the Fund to be magnified.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS. Except as otherwise stated in this Pro-
spectus or the Fund's Statement of Additional Information, the Fund's invest-
ment objective, policies and restrictions are not fundamental and may be
changed without shareholder approval.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
TRUSTEES. The Fund is a series of the Trust. The Trustees of the Trust decide
upon matters of general policy and review the actions of the Advisor and other
service providers. The Trustees of the Trust are identified below.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Frederick S. Addy................... Former Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Amoco Corporation
William G. Burns.................... Former Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief
Financial Officer, NYNEX Corporation
Arthur C. Eschenlauer............... Former Senior Vice President, Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York
Matthew Healey...................... Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Trust; Chairman, Pierpont Group, Inc.
Michael P. Mallardi................. Former Senior Vice President, Capital
Cities/ABC, Inc. and President, Broadcast
Group
</TABLE>
ADVISOR. The Fund has retained Morgan as Investment Advisor to provide invest-
ment advice and portfolio management services to the Fund. Subject to the su-
pervision of the Trustees, Morgan makes the Fund's day-to-day investment deci-
sions, arranges for the execution of portfolio transactions and generally man-
ages the Fund's investments.
Morgan, with principal offices at 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260, is
a New York trust company that conducts a general banking and trust business.
Morgan is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated ("J.P.
Morgan"), a bank holding company organized under the laws of Delaware. Through
offices in New York City and abroad, J.P. Morgan, through the Advisor and other
subsidiaries, offers a wide range of services to governmental, institutional,
corporate and individual customers and acts as investment advisor to individual
and institutional clients with combined assets under management of $208 bil-
lion.
7
<PAGE>
Morgan uses a sophisticated, disciplined, collaborative process for managing
all asset classes. For fixed-income portfolios, this process focuses on the
systematic analysis of real interest rates, sector diversification and quanti-
tative and credit analysis. Morgan has managed portfolios of domestic fixed-
income securities on behalf of its clients for over 50 years. The portfolio
managers making investments in domestic fixed-income securities work in con-
junction with fixed-income, credit, capital market and economic research ana-
lysts, as well as traders and administrative officers.
Elizabeth A. Augustin and Robert W. Meiselas have been primarily responsible
for the day-to-day management and implementation of Morgan's processes for the
Fund since its November, 1996 inception (they are Vice Presidents of Morgan
and have been employed by Morgan since prior to 1992).
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by Morgan
under its investment advisory agreement with the Trust, the Fund has agreed to
pay Morgan a fee which is calculated daily and may be paid monthly at the an-
nual rate of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
INVESTMENTS IN THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER BANK.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement with the Trust,
Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") serves as the Co-Administrator for the Fund.
FDI (i) provides office space, equipment and clerical personnel for maintain-
ing the organization and books and records of the Fund; (ii) provides officers
for the Trust; (iii) prepares and files documents required for notification of
state securities administrators; (iv) reviews and files marketing and sales
literature; and (v) maintains related books and records.
For its services under the Co-Administration Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay FDI fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide charge of
$425,000 plus FDI's out-of-pocket expenses. The amount allocable to the Fund
is based on the ratio of the Fund's net assets to the aggregate net assets of
the Fund, the other funds in the Trust and certain other registered investment
companies subject to similar agreements with FDI.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agree-
ment with the Trust, Morgan provides administrative and related services to
the Fund, including services related to tax compliance, preparation of finan-
cial statements, calculation of performance data, oversight of service provid-
ers and certain regulatory and Board of Trustees matters.
Under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay Morgan
fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide charge. This
charge is calculated daily based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund, the
other funds in the Trust and certain other registered investment companies
managed by the Advisor in accordance with the following annual schedule: 0.09%
on the first $7 billion of their aggregate average daily net assets and 0.04%
of their aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion, less the
complex-wide fees payable to FDI.
DISTRIBUTOR. FDI, a registered broker-dealer, also serves as the Distributor
of shares of the Fund. FDI is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston In-
stitutional Group, Inc. FDI's principal business address is 60 State Street,
Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT. Pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement with the Trust,
Pierpont Group, Inc. ("PGI"), 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as-
sists the Trustees in exercising their overall supervisory responsibilities
for the affairs of the Trust and other funds for which the Trustees serve as
trustees. PGI provides these services for a fee approximating its reasonable
cost in providing these services to the Trust and certain other registered in-
vestment companies subject to similar agreements with PGI.
8
<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT. State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Fund's custodian and fund
accounting, transfer and dividend disbursing agent.
EXPENSES. In addition to the fees payable to the service providers identified
above, the Fund is responsible for usual and customary expenses associated with
its operation. These include, among other things, organization expenses, legal
fees, audit and accounting expenses, insurance costs, the compensation and ex-
penses of the Trustees, the expenses of printing and mailing reports, notices
and proxy statements to Fund shareholders, registration fees under federal and
state securities laws, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses (such as for
litigation).
Morgan has agreed that it will reimburse the Fund through at least August 31,
1998 to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund's operating expenses for JPM
Institutional Shares at the annual rate of 0.45% of the average daily net as-
sets of the Fund's JPM Institutional Shares. This expense reimbursement does
not apply to taxes, interest, litigation costs and other extraordinary ex-
penses.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES AND SERVICES
Shareholders may call J.P. Morgan Funds Services at (800) 766-7722 for informa-
tion about the Fund and assistance with shareholder transactions.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING. Under a shareholder servicing agreement with the Trust,
Morgan, acting directly or through an agent (designated as an Eligible Institu-
tion) provides account administration and personal and account maintenance
services to Fund shareholders. These services include assisting in the mainte-
nance of accurate account records, processing orders to purchase and redeem
shares of the Fund, and responding to shareholder inquiries. The Fund has
agreed to pay Morgan a fee for these services at an annual rate of 0.05% of the
average daily net assets of JPM Institutional Shares.
Shares may be sold to or through Eligible Institutions, including financial in-
stitutions and broker-dealers, that may be paid fees by Morgan or its affili-
ates for services provided to their clients that invest in the Fund. Organiza-
tions that provide recordkeeping or other services to certain employee benefit
or retirement plans that include the Fund as an investment alternative may also
be paid a fee.
The business days of the Fund are the days the New York Stock Exchange is open.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
METHOD OF PURCHASE. Investors may open accounts with the Fund only through the
Distributor. All purchase transactions in Fund accounts are processed by Morgan
as shareholder servicing agent and the Fund is authorized to accept instruc-
tions relating to a Fund account from Morgan as shareholder servicing agent for
the customer. All purchase orders must be accepted by the Fund's Distributor.
Investors must be customers of Morgan or an Eligible Institution. Investors may
also be employer-sponsored retirement plans that have designated the Fund as an
investment option for the plans. Prospective investors who are not already cus-
tomers of Morgan may apply to become customers of Morgan for the purpose of
Fund transactions. There are no charges associated with becoming a Morgan cus-
tomer for this purpose. Morgan reserves the right to determine the customers
that it will accept, and the Fund reserves the right to determine the purchase
orders that it will accept.
MINIMUM INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS. The Fund requires a minimum initial investment
in JPM Institutional Shares of $5,000,000. The minimum subsequent investment is
$25,000. These minimum investment requirements may be waived for certain in-
vestors, including investors for whom the Advisor is a fiduciary, who maintain
related accounts with the Fund, The JPM Institutional Funds or the Advisor, who
make investments for a group of clients, such as financial advisors, trust com-
panies and investment advisors, or who maintain retirement accounts with the
Fund.
9
<PAGE>
PURCHASE PRICE AND SETTLEMENT. The Fund's shares are sold on a continuous ba-
sis without a sales charge at the net asset value next determined after re-
ceipt of an order. Prospective investors may purchase shares with the assis-
tance of an Eligible Institution that may establish its own terms, conditions
and charges.
To purchase JPM Institutional Shares, investors should request their Morgan
representative (or a representative of their Eligible Institution) to assist
them in placing a purchase order with the Fund's Distributor and to transfer
immediately available funds to the Fund's Distributor on the settlement date.
Any shareholder may also call J.P. Morgan Funds Services at (800) 766-7722 for
assistance in placing an order for shares. If the Fund or its agent receives a
purchase order prior to 4:00 P.M. New York time on any business day, the pur-
chase of Fund shares is effective and is made at the net asset value deter-
mined that day, and the purchaser becomes a holder of record on the following
business day upon the Fund's receipt of payment in immediately available
funds. If the Fund or its agent receives a purchase order after 4:00 P.M. New
York time, the purchase is effective and is made at the net asset value deter-
mined on the next business day. The settlement date is generally the business
day after the purchase is effective. The purchaser will begin to receive the
daily dividends on the settlement date. See Dividends and Distributions.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS. The services provided by Eligible Institutions may in-
clude establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts, processing purchase
and redemption transactions, arranging for bank wires, performing shareholder
subaccounting, answering client inquiries regarding the Trust, assisting cli-
ents in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses, provid-
ing periodic statements showing the client's account balance and integrating
these statements with those of other transactions and balances in the client's
other accounts serviced by the Eligible Institution, transmitting proxy state-
ments, periodic reports, updated prospectuses and other communications to
shareholders and, with respect to meetings of shareholders, collecting, tabu-
lating and forwarding executed proxies and obtaining such other information
and performing such other services as Morgan or the Eligible Institution's
clients may reasonably request and agree upon with the Eligible Institution.
Although there is no sales charge levied directly by the Fund, Eligible Insti-
tutions may establish their own terms and conditions for providing their serv-
ices and may charge investors a transaction-based or other fee for their serv-
ices. Such charges may vary among Eligible Institutions but in all cases will
be retained by the Eligible Institution and not remitted to the Fund or Mor-
gan.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
METHOD OF REDEMPTION. To redeem JPM Institutional Shares, an investor may in-
struct Morgan or his or her Eligible Institution, as appropriate, to submit a
redemption request to the Fund or may telephone J.P. Morgan Funds Services di-
rectly at (800) 766-7722 and give the Shareholder Service Representative a
preassigned shareholder Personal Identification Number and the amount of the
redemption. The Fund executes effective redemption requests at the next deter-
mined net asset value per share. See Net Asset Value.
A redemption request received by the Fund or its agent prior to 4:00 P.M. New
York time is effective on that day. A redemption request received after that
time becomes effective on the next business day. Proceeds of an effective re-
demption are deposited on the settlement date in immediately available funds
to the shareholder's account at Morgan or at his Eligible Institution or, in
the case of certain Morgan customers, are mailed by check or wire transferred
in accordance with the customer's instructions. The redeemer will continue to
receive dividends on these shares through the day before the settlement date.
The settlement date is generally the next business day after a redemption is
effective and, subject to Further Redemption Information below, in any event
is within seven days. See Dividends and Distributions.
OTHER REDEMPTION PROCESSING INFORMATION. Redemption requests may not be proc-
essed if the redemption request is not submitted in proper form. A redemption
request is not in proper form unless the Fund has received the shareholder's
10
<PAGE>
certified taxpayer identification number and address. In addition, if shares
were paid for by check and the check has not yet cleared, redemption proceeds
will not be transmitted until the check has cleared, which may take up to 15
days. The Fund reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption or post-
pone the payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted by the SEC.
Shareholders may be required to recognize taxable gains or losses upon redeem-
ing shares.
MANDATORY REDEMPTION. If a redemption of JPM Institutional Shares reduces the
value of a shareholder's account balance below the required initial minimum in-
vestment, the Fund may redeem the remaining shares in the account 60 days after
providing written notice to the shareholder of the mandatory redemption. An ac-
count will not be subject to mandatory redemption if the shareholder purchases
sufficient shares during the 60-day period to increase the account balance to
the required minimum investment amount.
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
An investor may exchange JPM Institutional Shares for shares of any fund in The
JPM Pierpont Funds or The JPM Institutional Funds without charge subject to the
same minimum investment requirements as are applicable to purchases of shares
of such funds. An exchange is in effect a redemption from one fund followed by
a purchase of another fund and is therefore subject to the requirements appli-
cable to share purchases and redemptions. Exchanges may result in the recogni-
tion of taxable gains or losses. The Fund reserves the right to terminate or
alter the terms of the exchange privilege at any time.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income.
The net investment income of the Fund is declared as a dividend daily for each
class of shares outstanding immediately prior to the determination of the net
asset value per share ("NAV") of each class on that day and paid monthly. If an
investor's shares are redeemed during a month, accrued but unpaid dividends are
paid with the redemption proceeds. Net investment income for dividend purposes
consists of the income of the Fund less certain of the Fund's expenses and
other expenses directly attributable to such class. Fund expenses, including
the fees payable to Morgan, are accrued daily. Shares will accrue dividends as
long as they are issued and outstanding. Shares are issued and outstanding as
of the settlement date of a purchase order to the settlement date of a redemp-
tion order.
Substantially all the realized net capital gains, if any, of the Fund are de-
clared and paid on an annual basis, except that an additional capital gains
distribution may be made in a given year to the extent necessary to avoid the
imposition of federal excise tax on the Fund.
The Fund's dividends and distributions are paid in additional shares unless the
shareholder elects to have them paid in cash. The tax effects of dividends and
distributions are the same whether they are paid in shares or cash. Cash divi-
dends and distributions either (1) are credited to the shareholder's account at
Morgan or the shareholder's Eligible Institution or (2) in the case of certain
Morgan clients, are paid by a check mailed in accordance with the client's in-
structions.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund computes the NAV of the JPM Institutional Shares at 4:15 p.m. New York
time on each weekday that is not a holiday listed in the Statement of Addi-
tional Information (a "business day"). The NAV of JPM Institutional Shares is
calculated by dividing the net assets attributable to JPM Institutional Shares
by the number of JPM Institutional Shares outstanding.
11
<PAGE>
TAXES
The Fund is treated as a separate entity for tax purposes. The Fund intends to
elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as such, the Fund must, in addition
to other requirements, limit its investments so that at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year (a) no more than 25% of its total assets are in-
vested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securi-
ties or the securities of other regulated investment companies), and (b) with
regard to 50% of its total assets, no more than 5% of its total assets are in-
vested in the securities of a single issuer. As a regulated investment compa-
ny, the Fund will not be subject to federal income or excise tax on any net
investment income and net realized capital gains that are distributed to
shareholders in accordance with certain timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund intends to qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends to its sharehold-
ers by having, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50%
of the value of its total assets consist of tax exempt securities. An exempt-
interest dividend is that part of dividend distributions made by the Fund
which consists of interest received by the Fund on tax exempt securities. Ex-
empt-interest dividends received from the Fund will be treated for federal in-
come tax purposes as tax exempt interest income. However, an investor receiv-
ing Social Security or railroad retirement benefits should consult his tax ad-
viser to determine if an investment in the Fund may affect the federal taxa-
tion of these benefits. California does not tax any portion of such benefits.
To the extent that exempt-interest dividends are derived from interest on Cal-
ifornia Municipal Securities, such distributions will also be exempt from Cal-
ifornia personal income tax. However, these exempt-interest dividends may re-
sult in liability for state and local taxes for individual shareholders sub-
ject to taxation by other states and municipalities outside of California.
For federal income tax purposes, dividends other than exempt interest divi-
dends paid by the Fund from net investment income and the excess of net short-
term capital gain over net long-term capital loss will be taxable to its
shareholders as ordinary income. Dividends paid by the Fund from the excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss and designated by
the Fund as "capital gain dividends" will be taxable as long-term capital
gains regardless of how long shareholders have held their shares. These tax
consequences will apply whether distributions are received in additional
shares or in cash. Shareholders will be informed annually about the amount and
character, for federal and California personal income tax purposes, of distri-
butions received from the Fund.
For California personal income tax purposes, distributions derived from in-
vestments other than California Municipal Securities and U.S. Government secu-
rities that pay interest exempt from state personal income taxation, as well
as distributions from any net realized capital gains, will be taxable whether
taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares.
Interest on certain tax exempt municipal obligations issued after August 7,
1986 is a preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax applica-
ble to individuals and corporations. Under tax regulations to be issued, the
portion of the exempt-interest dividend of a regulated investment company that
is allocable to these obligations will be treated as a preference item for
purposes of the alternative minimum tax. To the extent that the Fund invests
in California Municipal Securities or other municipal securities the interest
from which is subject to federal alternative minimum tax, individual share-
holders, depending on their own tax status, may be subject to federal but not
California alternative minimum tax on that portion of the Fund's distributions
attributable to such income. An investment in the Fund may cause corporate in-
vestors to be subject to (or increase their liability under) California corpo-
rate taxation.
Corporations should also be aware that interest on all municipal securities
will be included in calculating (i) adjusted current earnings for purposes of
the alternative minimum tax applicable to them, (ii) the additional tax im-
posed on certain corporations by the Superfund Revenue Act of 1986, and (iii)
the foreign branch profits tax imposed on certain effectively connected earn-
ings and profits of U.S. branches of foreign corporations. Furthermore, spe-
cial tax provisions may apply to certain financial institutions and property
and casualty insurance companies, and they should consult their tax advisors
before purchasing shares of the Fund.
12
<PAGE>
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder (whether a cor-
poration or an individual) to purchase or carry shares of the Fund is generally
not deductible. Investors who are, or are related to, "substantial users" of
bond- financed facilities should consult their tax advisors prior to purchasing
shares of the Fund.
The Fund generally will be required to recognize accrued income on its invest-
ments in zero coupon bonds each taxable year, even though no corresponding
amount of cash may be received during that year, and may have to obtain cash
from other sources to enable it to satisfy certain income distribution require-
ments applicable to the Fund under the Code.
Redemptions or exchanges of shares, whether for cash or in-kind, are taxable
events on which a shareholder may recognize a gain or loss. Any gain or loss
realized by a shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will be treated as
long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one
year and otherwise a short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss real-
ized by a shareholder upon the redemption or exchange of shares in the Fund
held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the
extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received by the shareholder
with respect to such shares. In addition, any loss realized by a shareholder
upon the redemption or exchange of shares in the Fund held six months or less
will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received by
the shareholder with respect to these shares.
Individuals and certain other shareholders may be subject to 31% backup with-
holding of federal income tax on taxable distributions and the proceeds of re-
demptions if they fail to furnish their correct taxpayer identification number
and certain certifications or if they are otherwise subject to backup withhold-
ing.
The foregoing summarizes certain federal and California income tax consequences
of investing in the Fund. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advi-
sors concerning specific questions about federal, state and local taxes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS AND CONFIRMATIONS. The Fund sends to its shareholders an-
nual and semiannual reports. The financial statements appearing in annual re-
ports are audited by independent accountants. Shareholders will also be sent
confirmations of each purchase and redemption transaction and monthly state-
ments reflecting all account activity.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS. All shareholders are entitled to initiate redemptions
and other transactions by telephone. However, a transaction authorized by tele-
phone and reasonably believed by the Fund, Morgan, an Eligible Institution or
the Distributor to be genuine may result in a loss to the investor if the
transaction is not in fact genuine. The Fund will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that investor instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
These include requiring investors to give their personal identification numbers
and tape recording telephone instructions. If these procedures are not fol-
lowed, the Fund, Morgan, the investor's Eligible Institution or the Distributor
may be liable for any losses resulting from unauthorized or fraudulent instruc-
tions.
PERFORMANCE ADVERTISING. The Fund may advertise historical performance informa-
tion and compare its performance to other investments or relevant indexes. An
advertisement may also include data supplied by Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc., Micropal Inc., Morningstar Inc., Ibbotson Associates and other industry
publications.
The Fund may advertise average annual total return and other forms of total re-
turn data. Average annual total return is determined by computing the average
annual percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at NAV for specified peri-
ods ending with the most recent calendar quarter. The total return calculation
assumes a complete redemption of the investment at the end of the relevant pe-
riod. The Fund may also advertise total return on a cumulative, average, year-
by-year or other basis for specified periods. The investment results of JPM In-
stitutional Shares will fluctuate over time and should not be considered a rep-
resentation of performance in the future.
13
<PAGE>
In addition, the Fund may advertise yield and "tax-equivalent yield." Yield re-
flects the Fund's rate of income on portfolio investments as a percentage of
its NAV. The yield on JPM Institutional Shares is computed by annualizing the
result of dividing the net investment income per share over a 30-day period by
the NAV on the last day of that period. Yield is calculated by accounting meth-
ods that are standardized for all stock and bond funds and differ from the
methods used for other accounting purposes. Therefore, the yield on JPM Insti-
tutional Shares may not equal the income paid on these shares or the income re-
ported in the Fund's financial statements. Tax-equivalent yield shows the ef-
fect on performance of the tax-exempt status of distributions received by the
Fund. It reflects the approximate yield that a taxable investment must earn for
shareholders at stated income levels to produce an after tax yield equivalent
to the Fund's tax-exempt yield.
Performance information may be obtained by calling Morgan at (800) 766-7722.
ORGANIZATION
The Trust was organized on August 15, 1996 as a Massachusetts business trust.
The Trust currently has three series of shares, including the Fund described in
this Prospectus. The Trustees have authorized two classes of shares of the Fund:
JPM Institutional Shares offered by this Prospectus and JPM Pierpont Shares
offered by a separate Prospectus. JPM Institutional Shares and JPM Pierpont
Shares are subject to different expenses, which may affect the performance of
each class. The Trustees reserve the right to authorize and issue additional
series and classes of shares.
Shareholders of the Fund are entitled to one full or fractional vote for each
dollar or fraction of a dollar invested in JPM Institutional Shares. There is
no cumulative voting and shares have no preemption or conversion rights. The
Trust does not intend to hold meetings of shareholders annually. The Trustees
will call special meetings of shareholders to the extent required by the
Trust's Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires the Trust-
ees, under certain circumstances, to call a meeting to allow shareholders to
vote on the removal of a Trustee and to assist shareholders in communicating
with each other.
14
<PAGE>
---------------------------------------
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
Prospectus, in connection with the offer contained in this Prospectus and, if
given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Distributor. This Prospectus
does not constitute an offer by the Trust or by the Distributor to sell or a
solicitation of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any
jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful for the Trust or the
Distributor to make such an offer in such jurisdiction.
PROS332-976
JPM Institutional Shares: California Bond Fund
PROSPECTUS
June 25, 1997
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JPM SERIES TRUST
TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND
TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JUNE 25, 1997
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS BUT CONTAINS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PROSPECTUS
FOR THE FUND OR FUNDS LISTED ABOVE, AS SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH MAY
BE OBTAINED UPON REQUEST FROM FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC., 60 STATE STREET, SUITE
1300, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109, ATTENTION: JPM SERIES TRUST (800) 221-7930.
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Table of Contents
PAGE
General................................. 1
Investment Objectives and Policies...... 1
Investment Restrictions................. 13
Trustees and Officers................... 16
Investment Advisor...................... 20
Distributor............................. 23
Co-Administrator........................ 23
Services Agent.......................... 24
Custodian and Transfer Agent............ 25
Shareholder Servicing................... 25
Independent Accountants................. 26
Expenses................................ 26
Purchase of Shares...................... 27
Redemption of Shares.................... 27
Exchange of Shares...................... 28
Net Asset Value......................... 28
Performance Data........................ 29
Portfolio Transactions.................. 31
Massachusetts Trust..................... 33
Description of Shares................... 34
Taxes................................... 35
Additional Information.................. 38
Financial Statements.................... 38
Appendix A - Description of Securities
Ratings................................. A-1
Appendix B - Additional Information
Concerning California Municipal
Securities.............................. B-1
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GENERAL
Each of Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund (the " U.S. Equity Fund"), Tax Aware
Disciplined Equity Fund (the "Disciplined Equity Fund," and together with the
U.S. Equity Fund, the "Equity Funds") and California Bond Fund (the "California
Fund") is a series of JPM Series Trust, an open-end management investment
company organized as a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"). The Equity
Funds and California Fund are referred to collectively as the "Funds." The
Trustees of the Trust have authorized the issuance and sale of shares of one
class of each Equity Fund (JPM Pierpont Shares) and shares of two classes of the
California Fund (JPM Pierpont Shares and JPM Institutional Shares).
This Statement of Additional Information provides additional
information with respect to the Funds and should be read in conjunction with the
applicable current prospectus (the "Prospectus"). Capitalized terms not
otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Prospectus.
The Trust's executive offices are located at 60 State Street, Suite 1300,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The investment objectives and policies of each Fund are described in
the Prospectus. The following discussion supplements the information in the
Prospectus regarding the investment policies of the Funds.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
Each Fund may invest in money market instruments to the extent
consistent with its investment objective and policies. A description of the
various types of money market instruments that may be purchased by the Funds
appears below.
See "Quality and Diversification Requirements."
U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES. Each of the Funds may invest in direct
obligations of the U.S. Treasury, including Treasury bills, notes and bonds, all
of which are backed as to principal and interest payments by the full faith and
credit of the United States.
ADDITIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. Each of the Funds may invest in
obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities. These obligations may or may not be backed by the "full faith
and credit" of the United States. Securities which are backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States include obligations of the Government National
Mortgage Association, the Farmers Home Administration, and the Export-Import
Bank. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States, each Fund must look principally to the federal agency issuing or
guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert
a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or
instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Securities in which each Fund may
invest that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States
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include, but are not limited to: (i) obligations of the Tennessee Valley
Authority, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal Home Loan
Banks and the U.S. Postal Service, each of which has the right to borrow from
the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations; (ii) securities issued by the Federal
National Mortgage Association, which are supported by the discretionary
authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; and (iii)
obligations of the Federal Farm Credit System and the Student Loan Marketing
Association, each of whose obligations may be satisfied only by the individual
credits of the issuing agency.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. Unless otherwise noted below, each of the Funds may
invest in negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers'
acceptances of (i) banks, savings and loan associations and savings banks which
have more than $2 billion in total assets and are organized under the laws of
the United States or any state, (ii) foreign branches of these banks or of
foreign banks of equivalent size (Euros) and (iii) U.S. branches of foreign
banks of equivalent size (Yankees). The California Fund may not invest in
obligations of foreign branches of foreign banks. See "Foreign Investments." The
Funds will not invest in obligations for which Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York, the Funds' investment advisor ("Morgan" or the "Advisor"), or any of
its affiliated persons, is the ultimate obligor or accepting bank. Each of the
Equity Funds may also invest in obligations of international banking
institutions designated or supported by national governments to promote economic
reconstruction, development or trade between nations (e.g., the European
Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, or the World Bank).
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Each of the Funds may invest in commercial paper,
including master demand obligations. Master demand obligations are obligations
that provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid and permit
daily changes in the amount borrowed. Master demand obligations are governed by
agreements between the issuer and Morgan acting as agent, for no additional fee,
in its capacity as investment advisor to the Funds and as fiduciary for other
clients for whom it exercises investment discretion. The monies loaned to the
borrower come from accounts managed by Morgan or its affiliates, pursuant to
arrangements with such accounts. Interest and principal payments are credited to
such accounts. Morgan, acting as a fiduciary on behalf of its clients, has the
right to increase or decrease the amount provided to the borrower under an
obligation. The borrower has the right to pay without penalty all or any part of
the principal amount then outstanding on an obligation together with interest to
the date of payment. Since these obligations typically provide that the interest
rate is tied to the Federal Reserve commercial paper composite rate, the rate on
master demand obligations is subject to change.
Repayment of a master demand obligation to participating accounts
depends on the ability of the borrower to pay the accrued interest and principal
of the obligation on demand, which is continuously monitored by Morgan. Since
master demand obligations typically are not rated by credit rating agencies, the
Funds may invest in such unrated obligations only if, at the time of investment,
the obligation is determined by Morgan to have a credit quality which satisfies
the Fund's quality restrictions. See "Quality and Diversification Requirements."
Although there is no secondary market for master demand obligations, such
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obligations are considered by the Funds to be liquid because they are payable
upon demand. The Funds do not have any specific percentage limitation on
investments in master demand obligations. It is possible that the issuer of a
master demand obligation could be a client of Morgan to whom Morgan, in its
capacity as a commercial bank, has made a loan.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each of the Funds may enter into repurchase
agreements with brokers, dealers or banks that meet the credit guidelines
approved by the Trust's Trustees. In a repurchase agreement, a Fund buys a
security from a seller that has agreed to repurchase the same security at a
mutually agreed upon date and price. The resale price normally is in excess of
the purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon interest rate. This interest rate
is effective for the period of time the agreement is in effect and is not
related to the coupon rate on the underlying security. A repurchase agreement
may also be viewed as a fully collateralized loan of money by a Fund to the
seller. The period of these repurchase agreements will usually be short, from
overnight to one week, and at no time will the Funds invest in repurchase
agreements for more than thirteen months. The securities which are subject to
repurchase agreements, however, may have maturity dates in excess of thirteen
months from the effective date of the repurchase agreement. The Funds will
always receive securities as collateral whose market value is, and during the
entire term of the agreement remains, at least equal to 100% of the dollar
amount invested by the Funds in each agreement plus accrued interest, and the
Funds will make payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or upon
evidence of book entry transfer to the account of the Custodian. If the seller
defaults, a Fund might incur a loss if the value of the collateral securing the
repurchase agreement declines and might incur disposition costs in connection
with liquidating the collateral. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are
commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization upon disposal
of the collateral by a Fund may be delayed or limited.
OTHER DEBT SECURITIES. Each of the Funds may invest in other debt
securities with remaining effective maturities of not more than thirteen months,
including without limitation corporate bonds, asset-backed securities and other
obligations described in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional
Information.
CORPORATE BONDS AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES
As discussed in the Prospectus, the California Fund may invest in bonds
and other debt securities of U.S. issuers to the extent consistent with its
investment objective and policies. A description of these investments appears in
the Prospectus and below. See "Quality and Diversification Requirements." For
information on short-term investments in these securities, see "Money Market
Instruments."
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Asset-backed securities directly or indirectly
represent a participation interest in, or are secured by and payable from, a
stream of payments generated by particular assets such as motor vehicle or
credit card receivables. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up
to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by
a
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financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. The
asset-backed securities in which a Fund may invest are subject to the Fund's
overall credit requirements. However, asset-backed securities, in general, are
subject to certain risks. For example, credit card debt receivables are
generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number
of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the
right to set off certain amounts on credit card debt, thereby reducing the
balance due. Additionally, if the letter of credit is exhausted, holders of
asset-backed securities may also experience delays in payments or losses if the
full amounts due on the underlying debt are not realized. Because asset-backed
securities are relatively new, the market experience in these securities is
limited and the market's ability to sustain liquidity through all phases of the
market cycle has not been tested.
TAX EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS
As discussed in the Prospectus, the California Fund may invest in
California Municipal Securities and other obligations exempt from federal income
taxes to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
policies. A description of the various types of tax exempt obligations which may
be purchased by the Fund appears in the Prospectus and below. See "Quality and
Diversification Requirements."
MUNICIPAL BONDS. Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued by the
states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District of
Columbia, by their political subdivisions and by duly constituted authorities
and corporations. For example, states, territories, possessions and
municipalities may issue municipal bonds to raise funds for various public
purposes such as airports, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools,
water and sewer works. They may also issue municipal bonds to refund outstanding
obligations and to meet general operating expenses. Public authorities issue
municipal bonds to obtain funding for privately operated facilities, such as
housing and pollution control facilities, for industrial facilities or for water
supply, gas, electricity or waste disposal facilities.
Municipal bonds may be general obligation or revenue bonds. General
obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit
and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are
payable from revenues derived from particular facilities, from the proceeds of a
special excise tax or from other specific revenue sources. They are not
generally payable from the general taxing power of a municipality.
MUNICIPAL NOTES. Municipal notes are subdivided into three categories of
short-term obligations: municipal notes, municipal commercial paper and
municipal demand obligations.
Municipal notes are short-term obligations with a maturity at the time
of issuance ranging from six months to five years. The principal types of
municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue
anticipation notes, grant anticipation notes and project notes. Notes sold in
anticipation of collection of taxes, a bond sale, or receipt of other revenues
are usually general obligations of the issuing municipality or agency.
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Municipal commercial paper typically consists of very short-term
unsecured negotiable promissory notes that are sold to meet seasonal working
capital or interim construction financing needs of a municipality or agency.
While these obligations are intended to be paid from general revenues or
refinanced with long-term debt, they frequently are backed by letters of credit,
lending agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility
agreements offered by banks or financial institutions.
Municipal demand obligations are subdivided into two types: variable rate
demand notes and master demand obligations.
Variable rate demand notes are tax exempt municipal obligations or
participation interests that provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest
rate paid on the notes. They permit the holder to demand payment of the notes or
to demand purchase of the notes at a purchase price equal to the unpaid
principal balance, plus accrued interest either directly by the issuer or by
drawing on a bank letter of credit or guaranty issued with respect to such note.
The issuer of the municipal obligation may have a corresponding right to prepay
at its discretion the outstanding principal of the note plus accrued interest
upon notice comparable to that required for the holder to demand payment. The
variable rate demand notes in which the Fund may invest are payable, or are
subject to purchase, on demand usually upon notice of seven calendar days or
less. The terms of the notes provide that interest rates are adjustable at
intervals ranging from daily to six months, and the adjustments are based upon
the prime rate of a bank or other appropriate interest rate index specified in
the respective notes. Variable rate demand notes are valued at amortized cost;
no value is assigned to the right of the Fund to receive the par value of the
obligation upon demand or notice.
Master demand obligations are tax exempt municipal obligations that
provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid and permit daily
changes in the amount borrowed. For a description of the attributes of master
demand obligations, see "Money Market Instruments" above. Although there is no
secondary market for master demand obligations, such obligations are considered
by the Fund to be liquid because they are payable upon demand. The Fund has no
specific percentage limitations on investments in master demand obligations.
The interest on many such obligations is, in the opinion of counsel for
the borrower, exempt from federal income tax. However, the interest received
with respect to certain tax exempt notes that are issued on or after August 13,
1996 and provide for interest payments that are periodically adjusted may be
taxable as capital gain.
PREMIUM SECURITIES. During a period of declining interest rates, many
municipal securities in which the California Fund invests likely will bear
coupon rates higher than current market rates, regardless of whether the
securities were initially purchased at a premium. In general, such securities
have market values greater than the principal amounts payable on maturity, which
would be reflected in the net asset value of the Fund's shares. The values of
such "premium" securities tend to approach the principal amount as they near
maturity.
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PUTS. The California Fund may purchase without limit municipal bonds or
notes together with the right to resell the bonds or notes to the seller at an
agreed price or yield within a specified period prior to the maturity date of
the bonds or notes. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a "put." The
aggregate price for bonds or notes with puts may be higher than the price for
bonds or notes without puts. Consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
subject to the supervision of the Trustees, the purpose of this practice is to
permit the Fund to be fully invested in tax exempt securities while preserving
the necessary liquidity to purchase securities on a when-issued basis, to meet
unusually large redemptions, and to purchase at a later date securities other
than those subject to the put. The principal risk of puts is that the writer of
the put may default on its obligation to repurchase. Morgan will monitor each
writer's ability to meet its obligations under puts.
Puts may be exercised prior to the expiration date in order to fund
obligations to purchase other securities or to meet redemption requests. These
obligations may arise during periods in which proceeds from sales of Fund shares
and from recent sales of portfolio securities are insufficient to meet
obligations or when the funds available are otherwise allocated for investment.
In addition, puts may be exercised prior to the expiration date in order to take
advantage of alternative investment opportunities or in the event Morgan revises
its evaluation of the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying security.
In determining whether to exercise puts prior to their expiration date and in
selecting which puts to exercise, Morgan considers the amount of cash available
to the Fund, the expiration dates of the available puts, any future commitments
for securities purchases, alternative investment opportunities, the desirability
of retaining the underlying securities in the Fund's portfolio and the yield,
quality and maturity dates of the underlying securities.
The Fund values any municipal bonds and notes subject to puts with
remaining maturities of less than 60 days by the amortized cost method. If the
Fund were to invest in municipal bonds and notes with maturities of 60 days or
more that are subject to puts separate from the underlying securities, the puts
and the underlying securities would be valued at fair value as determined in
accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees. In connection
with determining the value of a put, the factors to be considered would include,
among other factors, the creditworthiness of the writer of the put, the duration
of the put, the dates on which or the periods during which the put may be
exercised and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
Since the value of the put is partly dependent on the ability of the
put writer to meet its obligation to repurchase, the Fund's policy is to enter
into put transactions only with municipal securities dealers who are approved by
Morgan. Each dealer will be approved on its own merits, and it is the Fund's
general policy to enter into put transactions only with those dealers which are
determined to present minimal credit risks. Commercial bank dealers normally
will be members of the Federal Reserve System, and other dealers will be members
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or members of a national
securities exchange. Other put writers will have outstanding debt rated Aa or
better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or AA or better by
Standard
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& Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's"), will be of comparable quality in
Morgan's opinion or such put writers' obligations will be collateralized and of
comparable quality in Morgan's opinion. In the event that a dealer defaults on
its obligation to repurchase an underlying security, the Fund may not be able to
recover all or any portion of any loss from such dealer.
Entering into a put with respect to a tax exempt security may be
treated, depending upon the terms of the put, as a taxable sale of the tax
exempt security by the Fund with the result that, while the put is outstanding,
the Fund will no longer be treated as the owner of the security and the interest
income derived with respect to the security will be treated as taxable income to
the Fund.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
As discussed in the Prospectus, the Equity Funds invest primarily in
equity securities consisting of exchange-traded, OTC and unlisted common and
preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, trust certificates,
limited partnership interests and equity participations of U.S. companies and,
to a lesser extent, foreign companies ("Equity Securities"). A discussion of the
various types of equity investments which may be purchased by the Equity Funds
appears in the Prospectus and below. See "Quality and Diversification
Requirements."
EQUITY SECURITIES. The Equity Securities in which the Equity Funds may
invest may or may not pay dividends and may or may not carry voting rights.
Common stock occupies the most junior position in a company's capital structure.
The convertible securities in which the Equity Funds may invest include
any debt securities or preferred stock which may be converted into common stock
or which carry the right to purchase common stock. Convertible securities
entitle the holder to exchange the securities for a specified number of shares
of common stock, usually of the same company, at specified prices within a
certain period of time.
The terms of any convertible security determine its ranking in a
company's capital structure. In the case of subordinated convertible debentures,
the holders' claims on assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of
other creditors and are senior to the claims of preferred and common
shareholders. In the case of convertible preferred stock, the holders' claims on
assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of all creditors and are
senior to the claims of common shareholders.
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
The Equity Funds may invest in common stock warrants that entitle the
holder to buy common stock from the issuer at a specific price (the strike
price) for a specific period of time. The market price of warrants may be
substantially lower than the current market price of the underlying common
stock, yet warrants are subject to similar price fluctuations. As a result,
warrants may be more volatile investments than the underlying common stock.
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Warrants generally do not entitle the holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying common stock and do not represent any
rights in the assets of the issuer company. A warrant will expire worthless if
it is not exercised prior to the expiration date.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. Each of the Funds may
purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. For example,
delivery of and payment for these securities can take place a month or more
after the date of the purchase commitment. The purchase price and the interest
rate payable, if any, on the securities are fixed on the purchase commitment
date or at the time the settlement date is fixed. The value of such securities
is subject to market fluctuation and no interest accrues to a Fund until
settlement takes place. At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, it will record the
transaction, reflect the value each day of such securities in determining its
net asset value and, if applicable, calculate the maturity for the purposes of
average maturity from that date. At the time of settlement a when-issued
security may be valued at less than the purchase price. To facilitate such
acquisitions, each Fund will maintain with the Custodian a segregated account
with liquid assets, consisting of cash or other liquid assets, in an amount at
least equal to such commitments. If a Fund chooses to dispose of the right to
acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition, it could, as with the
disposition of any other portfolio obligation, incur a gain or loss due to
market fluctuation.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each of the Funds may enter into reverse
repurchase agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells a
security and agrees to repurchase the same security at a mutually agreed upon
date and price. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a reverse repurchase agreement may
be deemed to be a borrowing of money by the Fund and, therefore, a form of
leverage. The Funds will invest the proceeds of borrowings under reverse
repurchase agreements. In addition, a Fund will enter into a reverse repurchase
agreement only when the expected return to be earned from the investment of the
proceeds is greater than the interest expense of the transaction. A Fund may not
enter into reverse repurchase agreements exceeding in the aggregate one-third of
the market value of its total assets less liabilities (other than reverse
repurchase agreements and other borrowings). See "Investment Restrictions."
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each of the Funds may lend its
securities if such loans are secured continuously by cash or equivalent
collateral or by a letter of credit in favor of the Fund at least equal at all
times to 100% of the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued
interest. While such securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any
income accruing thereon. Loans will be subject to termination by the Funds in
the normal settlement time, generally three business days after notice, or by
the borrower on one day's notice. Borrowed securities must be returned when the
loan is terminated. Any gain or loss in the market price of the borrowed
securities which occurs during the term of the loan inures to a Fund and its
respective shareholders. The Funds may pay reasonable finders' and custodial
fees in connection with a loan. In addition, a Fund will consider all facts and
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circumstances including the creditworthiness of the borrowing financial
institution, and no Fund will make any loans in excess of one year. The Funds
will not lend their securities to any officer, Trustee, Director, employee or
other affiliate of the Funds, Morgan or the Funds' distributor, unless otherwise
permitted by applicable law.
PRIVATELY PLACED AND CERTAIN UNREGISTERED SECURITIES. The Funds may
invest in privately placed, restricted, Rule 144A or other unregistered
securities as described in the Prospectus. These restricted securities are
subject to the risk that the Fund will not be able to sell them at a price the
Fund deems representative of their value. If a restricted security must be
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), before
it may be sold, a Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration
expenses. Also, a considerable period may elapse between the time of the
decision to sell and the time the Fund is permitted to sell a security under an
effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market
conditions were to develop, a Fund might obtain a less favorable price than
prevailed when it decided to sell.
QUALITY AND DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
For purposes of diversification under the Code and concentration under
the 1940 Act as described in the California Fund's Prospectus, identification of
the issuer of municipal bonds or notes in which the Fund invests depends on the
terms and conditions of the obligation. If the assets and revenues of an agency,
authority, instrumentality or other political subdivision are separate from
those of the government creating the subdivision and the obligation is backed
only by the assets and revenues of the subdivision, such subdivision is regarded
as the sole issuer. Similarly, in the case of an industrial development revenue
bond or pollution control revenue bond, if the bond is backed only by the assets
and revenues of the nongovernmental user, the nongovernmental user is regarded
as the sole issuer. If in either case the creating government or another entity
guarantees an obligation, the guaranty is regarded as a separate security and
treated as an issue of such guarantor.
As described in the Prospectus, the California Fund invests
principally in investment grade municipal securities and may also invest up to
10% of its total assets in below investment grade municipal and taxable
securities rated at least B by Moody's or by Standard & Poor's. In addition, the
California Fund may invest in debt securities which are not rated or other debt
securities to which these ratings are not applicable, if in the opinion of
Morgan, such securities are of comparable quality to rated securities in the
applicable category.
At the time any of the Funds invest in any taxable commercial paper,
master demand obligations, bank obligation or repurchase agreement, the issuer
must have outstanding debt rated A or higher by Moody's or Standard & Poor's,
the issuer's parent corporation, if any, must have outstanding commercial paper
rated Prime-1 by Moody's or A-1 by Standard & Poor's, or if no such ratings are
available, the investment must be of comparable quality in Morgan's opinion.
In determining suitability of investment in a particular unrated
security, Morgan takes into consideration asset and debt service coverage, the
purpose of
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the financing, history of the issuer, existence of other rated securities of the
issuer, and other relevant conditions, such as comparability to other issuers. A
Fund may only invest in unrated master demand obligations that Morgan has
determined are comparable in credit quality to obligations rated A or higher by
Moody's or Standard & Poor's.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
EXCHANGE TRADED AND OTC OPTIONS. All options purchased or sold by the
Funds will be traded on a securities exchange or will be purchased or sold by
securities dealers (OTC options) that meet the Funds' credit standards.
Exchange-traded options are obligations of the Options Clearing Corporation.
However, when a Fund purchases an OTC option, it relies on the dealer from which
it purchased the option to make or take delivery of the underlying securities.
Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by
the Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.
The staff of the SEC has taken the position that certain purchased OTC
options and the underlying securities used to cover certain written OTC options
are illiquid securities. However, a Fund may treat as liquid purchased OTC
options and underlying securities used to cover written OTC options determined
by Morgan to be liquid on a case-by-case basis pursuant to procedures approved
by the Trustees of the Trust.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Funds may
purchase or sell (write) futures contracts and purchase put and call options,
including put and call options on futures contracts. In addition, the Funds may
sell (write) put and call options, including options on futures. Futures
contracts obligate the buyer to take and the seller to make delivery at a future
date of a specified quantity of a financial instrument or an amount of cash
based on the value of a securities index. Currently, futures contracts are
available on various types of fixed-income securities, including but not limited
to U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, Eurodollar certificates of deposit and
on indices of fixed income securities (including municipal securities) and
indices composed of equity securities.
A futures contract requires the parties to buy and sell a security or
make a cash settlement payment based on changes in a financial instrument or
securities index on an agreed date. Each party to an open futures contract makes
daily payments of "variation" margin to the other party in an amount equal to
the decrease. In contrast, an option on a futures contract entitles its holder
to decide on or before the expiration date whether to enter into such a
contract. If the holder decides not to exercise its option, the holder may close
out the option position by entering into an offsetting transaction or may decide
to let the option expire and forfeit the premium thereon. The purchaser of an
option on a futures contract pays a premium for the option but makes no initial
margin payments or daily cash payments of "variation" margin to reflect the
change in the value of the underlying contract.
The seller of an option on a futures contract receives the premium paid
by the purchaser and may be required to pay initial margin. Amounts equal to the
initial margin and any additional collateral required on any options on futures
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contracts sold by a Fund are paid by the Fund into a segregated account
maintained by the Fund's custodian in the name of the futures commission
merchant. In connection with such transactions, a Fund will also segregate cash
or other liquid assets in a separate account in accordance with applicable SEC
requirements.
COMBINED POSITIONS. The Funds may engage in options transactions in
combination with other options, futures or forward contracts. For example, a
Fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the same underlying
instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose risk and return
characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible
combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and
buying a call option at a lower strike price, in order to reduce the risk of the
written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because
combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher
transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of
types of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized options and futures contracts available will not match a Fund's
current or anticipated investments exactly. A Fund may enter into options and
futures contracts based on securities with different issuers, maturities, or
other characteristics from the securities in which it typically invests. This
practice involves a risk that the options or futures position will not track the
performance of the Fund's other investments in securities.
Options and futures contracts prices can also diverge from the prices
of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments correlate
well with the Fund's investments. Options and futures contracts prices are
affected by such factors as current and anticipated interest rates, changes in
the price volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until
expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way.
Imperfect correlation may also result from differing levels of demand in the
options and futures markets and the securities markets, from structural
differences in how options and futures and securities are traded, or from the
imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. A Fund may
purchase or sell options and futures contracts with a greater or lesser value
than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to
attempt to compensate for differences in volatility between the contract and the
securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes
in a Fund's options or futures positions are poorly correlated with its other
investments, the positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in
losses that are not offset by gains in other investments.
LIQUIDITY OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS. There is no assurance that
a liquid market will exist for any particular option or futures contract at any
particular time even if the contract is traded on an exchange. In addition,
exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for options and futures
contracts and may halt trading if a contract's price moves up or down more than
the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation
limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible for a Fund
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to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a
contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or otherwise, it
could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and could potentially
require a Fund to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration
regardless of changes in its value. As a result, the Fund's access to other
assets held to cover its options or futures positions could also be impaired.
POSITION LIMITS. Futures exchanges can limit the number of futures and
options on futures contracts that can be held or controlled by an entity. If an
adequate exemption cannot be obtained, a Fund or Morgan may be required to
reduce the size of its futures and options positions or may not be able to trade
a certain futures or options contract in order to avoid exceeding such limits.
ASSET COVERAGE FOR FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS POSITIONS. The Funds
intend to comply with Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act, which limits
the extent to which a Fund can commit assets to initial margin deposits and
option premiums. In addition, the Funds will comply with guidelines established
by the SEC with respect to coverage of options and futures contracts by mutual
funds. If the guidelines so require, a Fund will set aside appropriate liquid
assets in a segregated custodial account in the amount prescribed. Securities
held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures contract or option
is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a
result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of a
Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet
redemption requests or other current obligations.
RISK MANAGEMENT. The Funds may employ non-hedging risk management
techniques. Examples of such strategies include using futures and options to
alter the duration or beta of a Fund's portfolio or the mix of securities in a
Fund's portfolio. For example, if Morgan wishes to extend maturities in the
California Fund's portfolio in order to take advantage of an anticipated decline
in interest rates, but does not wish to purchase the underlying long-term
securities, it might cause the Fund to purchase futures contracts on long-term
debt securities. Similarly, if Morgan wishes to reduce a Fund's exposure to
fixed income securities and purchase equities, it could cause the Fund to sell
futures contracts on debt securities and purchase futures contracts on a stock
index. Such non-hedging risk management techniques are not speculative, but may
involve leverage. Leverage magnifies the gains and losses experienced by the
Fund as a result of market fluctuations.
SPECIAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE CALIFORNIA FUND
The California Fund intends to invest a high proportion of its assets
in municipal obligations in California Municipal Securities. As discussed in the
Prospectus, payment of interest and preservation of principal is dependent upon
the continuing ability of California issuers and/or obligors of California
Municipal Securities to meet their obligations thereunder.
The fiscal stability of California is related, at least in part, to the
fiscal stability of its localities and authorities. Various California agencies,
authorities and localities have issued large amounts of bonds and notes either
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guaranteed or supported by California through lease-purchase arrangements, other
contractual arrangements or moral obligation provisions. While debt service is
normally paid out of revenues generated by projects of such California agencies,
authorities and localities, in the past the State has had to provide special
assistance, in some cases of a recurring nature, to enable such agencies,
authorities and localities to meet their financial obligations and, in some
cases, to prevent or cure defaults. The presence of such aid in the future
should not be assumed. To the extent that California agencies and local
governments require State assistance to meet their financial obligations, the
ability of California to meet its own obligations as they become due or to
obtain additional financing could be adversely affected.
For further information concerning California Municipal Obligations,
see Appendix B to this Statement of Additional Information. The summary set
forth above and in Appendix B is based on information from an official statement
of California general obligation municipal obligations and does not purport to
be complete.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund's expected portfolio turnover rates are set forth in the
Prospectus. A rate of 100% indicates that the equivalent of all of a Fund's
assets have been sold and reinvested in a year. High portfolio turnover may
result in the realization of substantial net capital gains or losses. To the
extent that net short term capital gains are realized, any distributions
resulting from such gains are considered ordinary income for federal income tax
purposes. See "Taxes" below.
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND -- For the period December 18,
1996 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): 16%.
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND -- For the period January
30, 1997 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): 12%.
JPM PIERPONT SHARES:CALIFORNIA BOND FUND -- For the period April 21, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997: 40%.
JPM INSTITUTIONAL SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND -- For the period December 23,
1996 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997: 40%.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment restrictions set forth below have been adopted by the
Trust with respect to each Fund. Except as otherwise noted, these investment
restrictions are "fundamental" policies which, under the 1940 Act, may not be
changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund. A "majority of the outstanding voting securities" is defined in the
1940 Act as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a
meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are
present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities. The percentage limitations contained in the restrictions below apply
at the time of purchasing securities to the market value of a Fund's assets.
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Unless Sections 8(b)(1) and 13(a) of the 1940 Act or any SEC or SEC
staff interpretations thereof are amended or modified, each Fund may not:
1. Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of its
total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers in
any single industry. This limitation shall not apply to
securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by
the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
2. Issue senior securities. For purposes of this restriction,
borrowing money in accordance with paragraph 3 below, making
loans in accordance with paragraph 8 below, the issuance of
shares of beneficial interest in multiple classes or series,
the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts, forward
commitments, swaps and transactions in repurchase agreements
are not deemed to be senior securities.
3. Borrow money, except in amounts not to exceed one third of the
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) (i) from
banks for temporary or short-term purposes or for the
clearance of transactions, (ii) in connection with the
redemption of Fund shares or to finance failed settlements of
portfolio trades without immediately liquidating portfolio
securities or other assets, (iii) in order to fulfill
commitments or plans to purchase
additional securities pending the anticipated sale of other
portfolio securities or assets and (iv) pursuant to reverse
repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund.
4. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under
the 1933 Act.
5. Purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may (i)
acquire or lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in
securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests
therein, (iii) invest in securities that are secured by real
estate or interests therein, (iv) purchase and sell
mortgage-related securities and (v) hold and sell real estate
acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities.
6. Purchase securities on margin (except that the Fund may obtai
such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance
of purchases and sales of securities).
7. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except
the Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts,
options on financial futures contracts and warrants and may
enter into swap and forward commitment transactions.
8. Make loans, except that the Fund (1) may lend portfolio
securities with a value not exceeding one-third of the Fund's
total assets, (2) enter into repurchase agreements, and (3)
purchase all or a portion
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of an issue of debt securities (including privately issued
debt securities), bank loan participation interests, bank
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or
other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the
original issuance of the securities.
9. In the case of each Equity Fund, with respect to 75% of its
total assets, purchase securities of an issuer (other than the
U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or
authorities or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government securities), if:
a. such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets to be invested in the securities of such issuer; or
b. such purchase would cause the Fund to hold more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
For purposes of fundamental investment restriction (1) regarding
industry concentration, Morgan may classify issuers by industry in accordance
with classifications set forth in the DIRECTORY OF COMPANIES FILING ANNUAL
REPORTS WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION or other sources. In the
absence of such classification or if Morgan determines in good faith based on
its own information that the economic characteristics affecting a particular
issuer make it more appropriately considered to be engaged in a different
industry, Morgan may classify an issuer accordingly. For instance, personal
credit finance companies and business credit finance companies are deemed to be
separate industries and wholly owned finance companies are considered to be in
the industry of their parents if their activities are primarily related to
financing the activities of their parents.
As a matter of non-fundamental policy, which may be changed by the
Trustees without shareholder approval, each Fund may not:
A. Make short sales of securities unless either (a) after giving
effect to any such short sale, the total market value of all
securities sold short would not exceed 25% of the Fund's net
assets or (b) at all times during which a short position is
open the Fund owns (or has the right to obtain through the
conversion or exchange of other securities) an equal amount of
such securities.
B. Acquire securities of other investment companies, except as
permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule, order or interpretation
thereunder, or in connection with a merger, consolidation,
reorganization, acquisition of assets or an offer of exchange.
C. Acquire any illiquid securities, such as repurchase agreements
with more than seven days to maturity or fixed time deposits
with a duration of over seven calendar days, if as a result
thereof, more than 15% of the market value of the Fund's total
assets would be in investments that are illiquid.
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Notwithstanding any other fundamental or non-fundamental investment
restriction or policy, each Fund reserves the right, without the approval of
shareholders, to invest all of its assets in another open-end registered
investment company with substantially the same fundamental investment objective,
restrictions and policies as the Fund.
If any percentage restriction described above is adhered to at the time
of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in the percentage resulting
from a change in the value of a Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of
the restriction.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
TRUSTEES
The Trustees of the Trust, their principal occupations during the past
five years, business addresses and dates of birth are set forth below.
FREDERICK S. ADDY--Trustee; Retired; Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer since prior to April 1994, Amoco Corporation. His address is
5300 Arbutus Cove, Austin, TX 78746, and his date of birth is January 1, 1932.
WILLIAM G. BURNS--Trustee; Retired, Former Vice Chairman and Chief
Financial Officer, NYNEX. His address is 2200 Alaqua Drive, Longwood, FL 32779,
and his date of birth is November 2, 1932.
ARTHUR C. ESCHENLAUER--Trustee; Retired; Former Senior Vice President,
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. His address is 14 Alta Vista Drive,
RD #2, Princeton, NJ 08540, and his date of birth is May 23, 1934.
MATTHEW HEALEY (*)--Trustee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;
Chairman, Pierpont Group, Inc., since prior to 1992. His address is Pine Tree
Club Estates, 10286 Saint Andrews Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33436, and his date of
birth is August 23, 1937.
MICHAEL P. MALLARDI--Trustee; Retired; Senior Vice President, Capital
Cities/ABC, Inc. and President, Broadcast Group since prior to April 1996. His
address is 10 Charnwood Drive, Suffern, NY 10910, and his date of birth is March
17, 1934.
- ------------------------
(*) Mr. Healey is an "interested person" of the Trust as that term is defined in
the 1940 Act.
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Each Trustee is currently paid an annual fee of $75,000 (adjusted as of
April 1, 1997) for serving as Trustee of the Trust, each of the Master
Portfolios (as defined below), The JPM Institutional Funds and The JPM Pierpont
Funds and is reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with service as a
Trustee. The Trustees may hold various other directorships unrelated to these
funds.
Trustee compensation expenses accrued by the Trust for the calendar
year ended December 31, 1996 is set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE TOTAL TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
TRUSTEE ACCRUED BY THE MASTER
COMPENSATION PORTFOLIOS (*), THE JPM
ACCRUED BY THE INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS, THE JPM
TRUST DURING PIERPONT FUNDS AND THE TRUST
NAME OF TRUSTEE 1996 DURING 1996 (***)
<S> <C> <C>
Frederick S. Addy, Trustee $0 $65,000
William G. Burns, Trustee $0 $65,000
Arthur C. Eschenlauer, Trustee $0 $65,000
Matthew Healey, Trustee (**) $0 $65,000
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Michael P. Mallardi, Trustee $0 $65,000
</TABLE>
(*) The JPM Pierpont Funds and The JPM Institutional Funds are each multi-
series registered investment companies that are part of a two-tier (master-
feeder) investment fund structure. Each series of The JPM Pierpont Funds and The
JPM Institutional Funds is a feeder fund that invests all of its investable
assets in one of 23 separate master portfolios (collectively the "Master
Portfolios"), 15 of which are registered investment companies.
(**) During 1996, Pierpont Group, Inc. paid Mr. Healey, in his role as Chairman
of Pierpont Group, Inc., compensation in the amount of $140,000, contributed
$21,000 to a defined contribution plan on his behalf and paid $21,500 in
insurance premiums for his benefit.
(***) No investment company within the fund complex has a pension or retirement
plan.
The Trustees, in addition to reviewing actions of the Trust's various
service providers, decide upon matters of general policy. The Trust has entered
into a Fund Services Agreement with Pierpont Group, Inc. to assist the Trustees
in exercising their overall supervisory responsibilities over the affairs of the
Trust. Pierpont Group, Inc. was organized in July 1989 to provide services for
The Pierpont Family of Funds, and the Trustees are the equal and sole
shareholders of Pierpont Group, Inc. The Trust has agreed to pay Pierpont Group,
Inc. a fee in an amount representing its reasonable costs in performing these
services to the Trust and certain other registered investment companies subject
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to similar agreements with Pierpont Group, Inc. These costs are periodically
reviewed by the Trustees.
The aggregate fees paid to Pierpont Group, Inc. by each Fund during the
indicated fiscal periods are set forth below:
TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND -- For the period December 18, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $100.
TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND -- For the period January 30, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $22.
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND -- For the period December 23, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997: $90.
OFFICERS
The Trust's executive officers (listed below), other than the Chief
Executive Officer, are provided and compensated by Funds Distributor, Inc.
("FDI"), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
The Chief Executive Officer receives no compensation in his capacity as an
officer of the Trust. The officers conduct and supervise the business operations
of the Trust. The Trust has no employees.
The officers of the Trust, their principal occupations during the past
five years and dates of birth are set forth below. The business address of each
of the officers unless otherwise noted is Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State
Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
MATTHEW HEALEY; Chief Executive Officer; Chairman, Pierpont Group,
since prior to 1992. His address is Pine Tree Club Estates, 10286 Saint Andrews
Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33436. His date of birth is August 23, 1937.
MARIE E. CONNOLLY; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. President,
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Director of FDI, Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of FDI ("Premier Mutual") and an
officer of certain investment companies advised or administered by the Dreyfus
Corporation ("Dreyfus") or its affiliates. From December 1991 to July 1994, she
was President and Chief Compliance Officer of FDI. Her date of birth is August
1, 1957.
DOUGLAS C. CONROY; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Assistant
Vice President and Manager of Treasury Services and Administration of FDI and an
officer of certain investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or
its affiliates. Prior to April 1997, Mr. Conroy was Supervisor of Treasury
Services and Administration of FDI. From April 1993 to January 1995, Mr. Conroy
was a Senior Fund Accountant for Investors Bank & Trust Company. Prior to March
1993, Mr. Conroy was employed as a fund accountant at The Boston Company, Inc.
His date of birth is March 31, 1969.
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RICHARD W. INGRAM; President and Treasurer. Executive Vice President
and Director of Client Services and Treasury Administration of FDI, Senior Vice
President of Premier Mutual and an officer of RCM Capital Funds, Inc., RCM
Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or Harris Trust and
Savings Bank ("Harris") or their respective affiliates. Prior to April 1997, Mr.
Ingram was Senior Vice President and Director of Client Service and Treasury
Administration of FDI. From March 1994 to November 1995, Mr. Ingram was Vice
President and Division Manager of First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. From
1989 to 1994, Mr. Ingram was Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Tax
Director - Mutual Funds of The Boston Company, Inc. His date of birth is
September 15, 1955.
KAREN JACOPPO-WOOD; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant
Vice President of FDI and an officer of RCM Capital Funds, Inc. and RCM Equity
Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and Harris or their
respective affiliates. From June 1994 to January 1996, Ms. Jacoppo-Wood was a
Manager, SEC Registration, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. From 1988 to May
1994, Ms. Jacoppo-Wood was a senior paralegal at The Boston Company Advisors,
Inc. ("TBCA"). Her date of birth is December 29, 1966.
ELIZABETH A. KEELEY; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice President
and Senior Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual and an officer of RCM Capital
Funds, Inc., RCM Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund,
Inc. and certain investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or
Harris or their respective affiliates. Prior to August 1996, Ms. Keeley was
Assistant Vice President and Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual. Prior to
September 1995, Ms. Keeley was enrolled at Fordham University School of Law and
received her JD in May 1995. Prior to September 1992, Ms. Keeley was an
assistant at the National Association for Public Interest Law. Address: 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Her date of birth is September 14, 1969.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Associate General Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual and an officer
of Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain investment
companies advised or administered by Harris or its affiliates. From April 1994
to July 1996, Mr. Kelley was Assistant Counsel at Forum Financial Group. From
1992 to 1994, Mr. Kelley was employed by Putnam Investments in legal and
compliance capacities. Prior to September 1992, Mr. Kelley was enrolled at
Boston College Law School and received his JD in May 1992. His date of birth is
December 24, 1964.
MARY A. NELSON; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President and
Manager of Treasury Services and Administration of FDI and Premier Mutual, an
officer of RCM Capital Funds, Inc., RCM Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors
Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain investment companies advised or
administered by Dreyfus or Harris or their respective affiliates. From 1989 to
1994, Ms. Nelson was an Assistant Vice President and Client Manager for The
Boston Company, Inc. Her date of birth is April 22, 1964.
JOHN E. PELLETIER; Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President,
General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk of FDI and Premier Mutual and an officer of
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RCM Capital Funds, Inc., RCM Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash
Management Fund, Inc. and certain investment companies advised or administered
by Dreyfus or Harris or their respective affiliates. From February 1992 to April
1994, Mr. Pelletier served as Counsel for TBCA. From August 1990 to February
1992, Mr. Pelletier was employed as an Associate at Ropes & Gray. His date of
birth is June 24, 1964.
MICHAEL S. PETRUCELLI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Senior Vice
President and Director of Strategic Client Initiatives for FDI since December
1996. From December 1989 through November 1996, Mr. Petrucelli was employed with
GE Investments where he held various financial, business development and
compliance positions. He also served as Treasurer of the GE Funds and as
Director of GE Investment Services. Address: 200 Park Avenue, New York, New
York, 10166. His date of birth is May 18, 1961.
JOSEPH F. TOWER III; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Executive Vice
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer
and Director Of FDI. Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Premier Mutual and an
officer of Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or its Affiliates. Prior
to April 1997, Mr. Tower was Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of FDI. From July
1988 to November 1993, Mr. Tower was Financial Manager of The Boston Company,
Inc. His date of birth is June 13, 1962.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
The investment advisor to the Funds is Morgan (Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York), a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan & Co.
Incorporated ("J.P. Morgan"), a bank holding company organized under the laws of
the State of Delaware. Morgan, whose principal offices are at 60 Wall Street,
New York, New York 10260, is a New York trust company which conducts a general
banking and trust business. The Advisor is subject to regulation by the New York
State Banking Department and is a member bank of the Federal Reserve System.
Through offices in New York City and abroad, Morgan offers a wide range of
services, primarily to governmental, institutional, corporate and high net worth
individual customers in the United States and throughout the world.
J.P. Morgan, through Morgan and other subsidiaries, acts as investment
advisor to individuals, governments, corporations, employee benefit plans,
mutual funds and other institutional investors with combined assets under
management of $208 billion.
J.P. Morgan has a long history of service as an advisor, underwriter
and lender to an extensive roster of major companies and as a financial advisor
to national governments. The firm, through its predecessor firms, has been in
business for over a century and has been managing investments since 1913.
The basis of Morgan's investment process is fundamental investment
research because the firm believes that fundamentals should determine an asset's
value over the long term. Morgan currently employs over 100 full time research
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analysts, among the largest research staffs in the money management industry, in
its investment management divisions located in New York, London, Tokyo,
Frankfurt, Melbourne and Singapore to cover companies, industries and countries
on site. In addition, the investment management divisions employ approximately
300 capital market researchers, portfolio managers and traders. The conclusions
of the equity analysts' fundamental research is quantified into a set of
projected returns for individual companies through the use of a dividend
discount model. These returns are projected for 2 to 5 years to enable analysts
to take a longer term view. These returns, or normalized earnings, are used to
establish relative values among stocks in each industrial sector. These values
may not be the same as the markets' current valuations of these companies. This
provides the basis for ranking the attractiveness of the companies in an
industry according to five distinct quintiles or rankings. This ranking is one
of the factors considered in determining the stocks purchased and sold in each
sector. Morgan's fixed income investment process is based on analysis of real
rates, sector diversification and quantitative and credit analysis.
The investment advisory services Morgan provides to the Funds are not
exclusive under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement. Morgan is free
to and does render similar investment advisory services to others. Morgan serves
as investment advisor to personal investors and other investment companies and
acts as fiduciary for trusts, estates and employee benefit plans. Certain of the
assets of trusts and estates under management are invested in common trust funds
for which Morgan serves as trustee. The accounts which are managed or advised by
Morgan have varying investment objectives and Morgan invests assets of such
accounts in investments substantially similar to, or the same as, those which
are expected to constitute the principal investments of the Funds. Such accounts
are supervised by officers and employees of Morgan who may also be acting in
similar capacities for the Funds. See "Portfolio Transactions."
Sector weightings are generally similar to a benchmark with the
emphasis on security selection as the method to achieve investment performance
superior to the benchmark. The benchmarks for the Funds are currently: U.S.
Equity Fund -- S&P 500; Disciplined Equity Fund -- S&P 500; and California Fund
- -- Lehman Brothers 1- to 16-Year Municipal Bond Index.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., also a wholly owned subsidiary
of J.P. Morgan, is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940 and manages employee benefit funds of corporations, labor unions and
state and local governments and the accounts of other institutional investors,
including investment companies. Certain of the assets of employee benefit
accounts under its management are invested in commingled pension trust funds for
which Morgan serves as trustee. J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. advises
Morgan on investment of the commingled pension trust funds.
The Funds are managed by officers of Morgan who, in acting for their
clients, including the Funds, do not discuss their investment decisions with any
personnel of J.P. Morgan or any personnel of other divisions of Morgan or with
any of its affiliated persons, with the exception of J.P. Morgan Investment
Management Inc.
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As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses such as
salaries of advisory personnel borne by the Advisor under the Advisory
Agreements, the Funds have agreed to pay the Advisor a fee, which is computed
daily and may be paid monthly, equal to the annual rates of each Fund's average
daily net assets shown below.
TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND: 0.45%
TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND: 0.35%
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND: 0.30%
The table below sets forth for each Fund listed the advisory fees paid
to the Advisor for the fiscal periods indicated. See "Expenses" in the
Prospectus and below for applicable expense limitations.
TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND -- For the period December 18, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $16,337.
TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND --For the period January 30, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $3,028.
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND -- For the period December 23, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997: $10,233.
The Investment Advisory Agreement between Morgan and the Trust, on
behalf of each Fund, provides that it will continue in effect for a period of
two years after execution only if specifically approved thereafter annually in
the same manner as the Distribution Agreement. See "Distributor" below. The
Investment Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically if assigned and is
terminable at any time with respect to a Fund without penalty by a vote of a
majority of the Trust's Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to Morgan
and by Morgan on 90 days' written notice to the Fund. See "Additional
Information."
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws generally prohibit
banks such as Morgan from engaging in the business of underwriting or
distributing securities. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
has issued an interpretation to the effect that under these laws a bank holding
company registered under the federal Bank Holding Company Act or certain
subsidiaries thereof may not sponsor, organize, or control a registered open-end
investment company that continuously issues shares, such as the Trust. The
interpretation does not prohibit a holding company or a subsidiary thereof from
acting as investment advisor, administrator, shareholder servicing agent or
custodian to such an investment company. The Advisor believes that it may
perform the services for the Funds contemplated by the Investment Advisory
Agreement without violation of the Glass-Steagall Act or other applicable
banking laws or regulations. State laws on this issue may differ from the
interpretation of relevant federal law, and banks and financial institutions may
be required to register as dealers pursuant to state securities laws. However,
it is possible that future changes in either federal or state statutes and
regulations
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concerning the permissible activities of banks or trust companies, as well as
further judicial or administrative decisions and interpretations of present and
future statutes and regulations, might prevent the Advisor from continuing to
perform such services for the Funds.
If the Advisor were prohibited from acting as investment advisor to any
Fund, it is expected that the Trustees of the Trust would recommend to
shareholders that they approve the Fund's entering into a new investment
advisory agreement with another qualified investment advisor selected by the
Trustees.
Under separate agreements, Morgan also provides certain financial, fund
accounting, administrative and shareholder services to the Trust. See "Services
Agent" and "Shareholder Servicing" below.
DISTRIBUTOR
FDI serves as the Trust's exclusive distributor and holds itself
available to receive purchase orders for each Fund's shares. In that capacity,
FDI has been granted the right, as agent of the Trust, to solicit and accept
orders for the purchase of each Fund's shares in accordance with the terms of
the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and FDI. Under the terms of the
Distribution Agreement between FDI and the Trust, FDI receives no compensation
in its capacity as the Funds' distributor.
The Distribution Agreement will continue in effect with respect to each
Fund for a period of two years after execution only if it is approved at least
annually thereafter (i) by a vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities or by its Trustees and (ii) by a vote of a
majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the parties to the Distribution Agreement, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval (see
"Trustees and Officers"). The Distribution Agreement will terminate
automatically if assigned by either party. The Distribution Agreement is also
terminable with respect to a Fund at any time without penalty by a vote of a
majority of the Trustees of the Trust, a vote of a majority of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons" of the Trust, or by a vote of (i) 67% or more of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of
more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding voting securities are present or
represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, whichever is less. The principal offices of FDI are located at 60
State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Under a Co-Administration Agreement with the Trust, FDI also serves as
the Trust's Co-Administrator. The Co-Administration Agreement may be renewed or
amended by the Trustees without a shareholder vote. The Co-Administration
Agreement is terminable at any time without penalty by a vote of a majority of
the Trustees of the Trust on not more than 60 days' written notice nor less than
30 days' written notice to the other party. The Co-Administrator may subcontract
for the performance of its obligations, provided, however, that unless the Trust
expressly agrees in writing, the Co-Administrator shall be fully responsible for
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the acts and omissions of any subcontractor as it would for its own acts or
omissions. See "Services Agent" below.
For its services under the Co-Administration Agreement, each Fund has
agreed to pay FDI fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide
charge of $425,000 plus FDI's out-of-pocket expenses. The amount allocable to
each Fund is based on the ratio of the Fund's net assets to the aggregate net
assets of the Trust and certain other registered investment companies subject to
similar arrangements with FDI.
The table below sets forth for each Fund listed the administrative fees
paid to FDI for the fiscal periods indicated. See "Expenses" in the Prospectus
and below for applicable expense limitations.
TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND: -- For the period December 18, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $73.
TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND: -- For the period January 30, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $17.
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND: -- For the period December 23, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997: $68.
SERVICES AGENT
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has entered into an Administrative
Services Agreement (the "Services Agreement") with Morgan pursuant to which
Morgan is responsible for certain administrative and related services provided
to each Fund. The Services Agreement may be terminated at any time, without
penalty, by the Trustees or Morgan, in each case on not more than 60 days' nor
less than 30 days' written notice to the other party.
Under the Services Agreement, each Fund has agreed to pay Morgan fees
equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide charge. This charge is
calculated daily based on the aggregate net assets of the Funds and the Master
Portfolios in accordance with the following annual schedule: 0.09% of the first
$7 billion of their aggregate average daily net assets, and 0.04% of their
aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion, less the
complex-wide fees payable to FDI. The portion of this charge payable by each
Fund is determined by the proportionate share that its net assets bear to the
total net assets of the Trust and the other investment companies provided
administrative services by Morgan.
The table below sets forth for each Fund listed the fees paid to
Morgan, net of fee waivers and reimbursements, as Services Agent. See "Expenses"
in the Prospectus and below for applicable expense limitations.
TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND: -- For the period December 18, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $1,377.
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TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND: -- For the period January 30, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $341.
CALIFORNIA BOND FUND: -- For the period December 23, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997: $1,332.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Trust's custodian and fund
accounting, transfer and dividend disbursing agent. Pursuant to the Custodian
Contract with the Trust, State Street is responsible for maintaining the books
and records of each Fund's portfolio transactions and holding portfolio
securities and cash. The Custodian maintains portfolio transaction records. As
transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, State Street is responsible for
maintaining account records detailing the ownership of Fund shares and for
crediting income, capital gains and other changes in share ownership to
shareholder accounts.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
The Trust on behalf of each of the Funds has entered into a Shareholder
Servicing Agreement with Morgan pursuant to which Morgan acts as shareholder
servicing agent for Fund shareholders. Under this agreement, Morgan is
responsible for performing, directly or through an agent, shareholder account
administrative and servicing functions, which include but are not limited to
answering inquiries regarding account status and history, the manner in which
purchases and redemptions of Fund shares may be effected, and certain other
matters pertaining to a Fund; assisting customers in designating and changing
dividend options, account designations and addresses; providing necessary
personnel and facilities to coordinate the establishment and maintenance of
shareholder accounts and records with the Funds' transfer agent; transmitting
purchase and redemption orders to the Funds' transfer agent and arranging for
the wiring or other transfer of funds to and from customer accounts in
connection with orders to purchase or redeem Fund shares; verifying purchase and
redemption orders, transfers among and changes in accounts; informing FDI of the
gross amount of purchase orders for Fund shares; and providing other related
services.
Under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement, each Fund has agreed to pay
Morgan for these services a fee at the following annual rates (expressed as a
percentage of the average daily net asset values of Fund shares owned by or for
shareholders for whom Morgan is acting as shareholder servicing agent): JPM
Pierpont Shares: Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund: 0.25%; JPM Pierpont Shares: Tax
Aware Disciplined Equity Fund: 0.25% ; JPM Pierpont Shares: California Bond
Fund: 0.25%; JPM Institutional Shares: California Bond Fund: 0.05%. Morgan
acts as shareholder servicing agent for all shareholders.
The table below sets forth for each Fund listed the shareholder
servicing fees paid by each Fund to Morgan, net of fee waivers and
reimbursements, for the fiscal periods indicated. See "Expenses" in the
Prospectus and below for applicable expense limitations.
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JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND: -- For the period December 18,
1996 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997 (unaudited): $9,076.
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND: -- For the period
January 30, 1997 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997
(unaudited): $2,163.
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND: -- For the period April 21, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997: $16.
JPM INSTITUTIONAL SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND: -- For the period December 23,
1996 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997: $1,543.
As discussed under "Investment Advisor," the Glass-Steagall Act and
other applicable laws and regulations limit the activities of bank holding
companies and certain of their subsidiaries in connection with registered
open-end investment companies. The activities of Morgan in acting as shareholder
servicing agent for Fund shareholders under the Shareholder Servicing Agreement
and for providing administrative services to the Funds under the Services
Agreement, may raise issues under these laws. However, Morgan believes that it
may properly perform these services and the other activities described in the
Prospectus without violating the Glass-Steagall Act or other applicable banking
laws or regulations.
If Morgan were prohibited from providing any of the services under the
Shareholder Servicing Agreement and the Services Agreement, the Trustees would
seek an alternative provider of such services. In such event, changes in the
operation of the Funds might occur and a shareholder might no longer be able to
avail himself or herself of any services then being provided to shareholders by
Morgan.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The independent accountants of the Trust are Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036. Price Waterhouse LLP conducts
an annual audit of the financial statements of each of the Funds, assists in the
preparation and/or review of each of the Fund's federal and state income tax
returns and consults with the Funds as to matters of accounting and federal and
state income taxation.
EXPENSES
In addition to the fees payable to Pierpont Group, Inc., Morgan and FDI
under various agreements discussed under "Trustees and Officers," "Investment
Advisor," "Co-Administrator" "Services Agent" and "Shareholder Servicing" above,
the Funds are responsible for usual and customary expenses associated with the
Trust's operations. Such expenses include organization expenses, legal fees,
accounting and audit expenses, insurance costs, the compensation and expenses of
the Trustees, registration fees under federal securities laws, extraordinary
expenses, transfer, registrar and dividend disbursing costs, the expenses of
printing and mailing reports, notices and proxy statements to Fund shareholders,
fees under state securities laws, custodian fees and brokerage expenses.
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PURCHASE OF SHARES
Investors may open Fund accounts and purchase JPM Pierpont Shares of
the Equity Funds and JPM Pierpont Shares or JPM Institutional Shares of the
California Fund as described in the Prospectus under "Purchase of Shares."
Each Fund may, at its own option, accept securities in payment for
shares. The securities so delivered are valued by the method described under
"Net Asset Value" as of the day the Fund receives the securities. This is a
taxable transaction to the shareholder. Securities may be accepted in payment
for shares only if they are, in the judgment of Morgan, appropriate investments
for the Fund. In addition, securities accepted in payment for shares must: (i)
meet the investment objective and policies of the acquiring Fund; (ii) be
acquired by the applicable Fund for investment and not for resale; (iii) be
liquid securities which are not restricted as to transfer; and (iv) if stock,
have a value which is readily ascertainable as evidenced by a listing on a stock
exchange, OTC market or by readily available market quotations from a dealer in
such securities. Each Fund reserves the right to accept or reject at its own
option any and all securities offered in payment for its shares.
Prospective investors may purchase shares with the assistance of an
Eligible Institution, and the Eligible Institution may charge the investor a fee
for this service and other services it provides to its customers.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Investors may redeem JPM Pierpont Shares of the Equity Funds and JPM
Pierpont Shares or JPM Institutional Shares of the California Fund as described
in the Prospectus under "Redemption of Shares."
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, reserves the right to suspend the
right of redemption and to postpone the date of payment upon redemption as
follows: (i) for up to seven days, (ii) during periods when the New York Stock
Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays or when trading thereon
is restricted as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation, (iii) during
periods in which an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists that causes
disposal by the Fund of, or evaluation of the net asset value of, its portfolio
securities to be unreasonable or impracticable, or (iv) for such other periods
as the SEC may permit.
If the Trust determines that it would be detrimental to the best
interest of the remaining shareholders of the California Fund to make payment
wholly or partly in cash, payment of the redemption price may be made in whole
or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from the Fund, in lieu of
cash. If shares are redeemed in kind, the redeeming shareholder might incur
costs in converting the assets into cash. The Trust is in the process of seeking
exemptive relief from the SEC with respect to redemptions in kind by the Funds.
If the requested relief is granted, each Fund would then be permitted to pay
redemptions to greater than 5% shareholders in securities, rather than in cash,
to the extent permitted by the SEC and applicable law. The method of valuing
portfolio securities is described under "Net Asset Value," and such valuation
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will be made as of the same time the redemption price is determined. See the
Prospectus for information on redemptions in kind for the Equity Funds.
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
An investor may exchange JPM Pierpont Shares or JPM Institutional
Shares of the California Fund for shares of any fund in The JPM Pierpont Funds
or The JPM Institutional Funds, as described under "Exchange of Shares" in the
Prospectus. For complete information, the Prospectus as it relates to the fund
into which a transfer is being made should be read prior to the transfer. Orders
for the purchases of shares to be acquired and orders for shares to be redeemed
are timed to settle on the same day. In the case of investors in certain states,
state securities laws may restrict the availability of the exchange privilege.
NET ASSET VALUE
Each of the Funds computes its net asset value separately for each
class of shares outstanding once daily at 4:15 P.M. New York time on Monday
through Friday as described under "Net Asset Value" in the Prospectus. The net
asset value will not be computed on the day the following legal holidays are
observed: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On days when
U.S. trading markets close early in observance of these holidays, the Funds will
close for purchases and redemptions at the same time. The Funds may also close
for purchases and redemptions at such other times as may be determined by the
Board of Trustees to the extent permitted by applicable law. The days on which
net asset value is determined are the Funds' business days.
CALIFORNIA FUND. Portfolio securities with a maturity of more than 60
days, including securities that are listed on an exchange or traded over the
counter, are valued using prices supplied daily by an independent pricing
service or services that (i) are based on the last sale price on a national
securities exchange or, in the absence of recorded sales, at the readily
available closing bid price on such exchange or at the quoted bid price in the
OTC market, if such exchange or market constitutes the broadest and most
representative market for the security and (ii) in other cases, take into
account various factors affecting market value, including yields and prices of
comparable securities, indications as to value from dealers and general market
conditions. If such prices are not supplied by the Fund's independent pricing
service, such securities are priced in accordance with procedures adopted by the
Trustees. All portfolio securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are valued by the amortized cost method. Because of the large number of
municipal bond issues outstanding and the varying maturity dates, coupons and
risk factors applicable to each issuer's books, no readily available market
quotations exist for most municipal securities.
EQUITY FUNDS. The value of investments listed on a domestic securities
exchange, other than options on stock indices, is based on the last sale prices
at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00
P.M., New York time) or, in the absence of recorded sales, at the average of
readily available closing bid and asked prices on such exchange. Unlisted
securities are valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices in the
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OTC market. The value of each security for which readily available market
quotations exist is based on a decision as to the broadest and most
representative market for such security. For purposes of calculating net asset
value all assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will
be converted into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates available at the
time of valuation.
Options on stock indexes traded on national securities exchanges are
valued at the close of options trading on such exchanges which is currently 4:10
P.M., New York time. Stock index futures and related options, which are traded
on commodities exchanges, are valued at their last sales price as of the close
of such commodities exchanges which is currently 4:15 P.M., New York time.
Securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily available
are valued at fair value in accordance with procedures established by and under
the general supervision and responsibility of the Trustees. Such procedures
include the use of independent pricing services which use prices based upon
yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type;
indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. Short-term
investments which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if
their original maturity was 60 days or less, or by amortizing their value on the
61st day prior to maturity, if their original maturity when acquired by the Fund
was more than 60 days, unless this is determined not to represent fair value by
the Trustees.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time, the Funds may quote performance in terms of yield,
tax equivalent yield (in the case of the California Fund), actual distributions,
total return or capital appreciation for the various Fund classes in reports,
sales literature and advertisements published by the Trust. Current performance
information may be obtained by calling Morgan at (800) 766-7722. See "Additional
Information" in the Prospectus.
The classes of shares of each Fund may bear different shareholder
servicing fees and other expenses, which may cause the performance of a class to
differ from the performance of another class. Performance quotations will be
computed separately for each class of a Fund's shares. Any fees charged by an
institution directly to its customers' accounts in connection with investments
in the Funds will not be included in calculations of total return or yield.
YIELD QUOTATIONS. The annualized yield for the California Fund's JPM
Pierpont and JPM Institutional shares is computed by dividing net investment
income per share earned during a 30-day period by the net asset value on the
last day of the period. The average daily number of shares outstanding during
the period that are eligible to receive dividends is used in determining the net
investment income per share. Income is computed by totaling the interest earned
on all debt obligations during the period and subtracting from that amount the
total of all recurring expenses incurred during the period. The 30-day yield is
then annualized on a bond-equivalent basis assuming semi-annual reinvestment and
compounding of net investment income. Annualized tax-equivalent yield reflects
the approximate annualized yield that a taxable investment must earn for
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shareholders at specified federal and California income tax levels to produce an
after-tax yield equivalent to the annualized tax-exempt yield.
Below is set forth historical yield information for the periods
indicated:
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND (for the period April 21, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997): 30-day yield : N/A; 30-day
tax equivalent yield at 39.6% tax rate: N/A.
JPM INSTITUTIONAL SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND (for the period December 23, 1996
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997): 30-day yield: 4.68%;
30-day tax equivalent yield at 39.6% tax rate: 7.75%.
TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS. The average annual total return of each Fund's
class(es) for a period is computed by assuming a hypothetical initial payment of
$1,000. It is then assumed that all of the dividends and distributions by the
Fund over the period are reinvested. It is then assumed that at the end of the
period, the entire amount is redeemed. The average annual total return is then
calculated by determining the annual rate required for the initial payment to
grow to the amount which would have been received upon redemption.
Aggregate total returns, reflecting the cumulative percentage change
over a measuring period, may also be calculated.
Historical performance for periods prior to the establishment of JPM
Pierpont Shares of the California Fund may be that of JPM Institutional Shares
of that Fund and will be presented in accordance with applicable SEC staff
interpretations. Such historical performance information may reflect operating
expenses which here lower than those associated with holding JPM Pierpont
Shares. Accordingly, the historical yield and historical returns for the
California Fund's JPM Pierpont Shares may be higher than would have occurred if
an investment had been made during the indicated periods in JPM Institutional
Shares of the Fund.
Below is set forth historical return information for the Funds for the
periods indicated:
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND (for the period December 18,
1996 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997): Average annual total
return, 1 year: N/A; average annual total return, 5 years: N/A; average annual
total return, commencement of operations to period end: 9.02%; aggregate total
return, 1 year: N/A; aggregate total return, 5 years: N/A; aggregate total
return, commencement of operations to period end: 9.02%.
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND (for the period January
30, 1997 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997): Average annual
total return, 1 year: N/A; average annual total return, 5 years: N/A; average
annual total return, commencement of operations to period end: 2.50%; aggregate
total return, 1 year: N/A; aggregate total return, 5 years: N/A; aggregate total
return, commencement of operations to period end: 2.50%.
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JPM PIERPONT SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND (for the period April 21, 1997
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997): Average annual total
return, 1 year: N/A; average annual total return, 5 years: N/A; average annual
total return, commencement of operations to period end: 0.51%; aggregate total
return, 1 year: N/A; aggregate total return, 5 years: N/A; aggregate total
return, commencement of operations to period end: 0.51%.
JPM INSTITUTIONAL SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND (for the period December 23, 1996
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1997): Average annual total
return, 1 year: N/A; average annual total return, 5 years: N/A; average annual
total return, commencement of operations to period end: 0.56%; aggregate total
return, 1 year: N/A; aggregate total return, 5 years: N/A; aggregate total
return, commencement of operations to period end: 0.56%.
GENERAL. Performance will vary from time to time depending upon market
conditions, the composition of the portfolio, and operating expenses.
Consequently, any given performance quotation should not be considered
representative of a Fund's performance for any specified period in the future.
In addition, because performance will fluctuate, it may not provide a basis for
comparing an investment in a Fund with certain bank deposits or other
investments that pay a fixed yield or return for a stated period of time.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising shares of the Funds, including data from Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc., Micropal, Inc., Ibbotson Associates, Morningstar Inc., the S&P 500, Lehman
Brothers 1- to 16-Year Municipal Bond Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average,
the Frank Russell Indexes and other industry publications.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Morgan places orders for all Funds for all purchases and sales of portfolio
securities, enters into repurchase agreements and may enter into reverse
repurchase agreements and execute loans of portfolio securities on behalf of all
the Funds. See "Investment Objectives and Policies."
Fixed income and debt securities and municipal bonds and notes are
generally traded at a net price with dealers acting as principal for their own
accounts without a stated commission. The price of the security usually includes
profit to the dealers. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a
fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter,
generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion,
certain securities may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no
commissions or discounts are paid.
In connection with portfolio transactions for the California Fund,
Morgan intends to seek best price and execution on a competitive basis for both
purchases and sales of securities.
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In connection with portfolio transactions for the Equity Funds, the
overriding objective is to obtain the best possible execution of purchase and
sale orders.
In selecting a broker, Morgan considers a number of factors including:
the price per unit of the security; the broker's reliability for prompt,
accurate confirmations and on-time delivery of securities; the broker's
financial condition; and the commissions charged. A broker may be paid a
brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged
for effecting the same transaction if, after considering the foregoing factors,
Morgan decides that the broker chosen will provide the best possible execution.
Morgan monitors the reasonableness of the brokerage commissions paid in light of
the execution received. The Trust's Trustees review regularly the reasonableness
of commissions and other transaction costs incurred by the Funds in light of
facts and circumstances deemed relevant from time to time and, in that
connection, will receive reports from Morgan and published data concerning
transaction costs incurred by institutional investors generally.
Research services provided by brokers to which Morgan has allocated
brokerage business in the past include economic statistics and forecasting
services, industry and company analyses, portfolio strategy services,
quantitative data, and consulting services from economists and political
analysts. Research services furnished by brokers are used for the benefit of all
of Morgan's clients and not solely or necessarily for the benefit of an
individual Fund. Morgan believes that the value of research services received is
not determinable and does not significantly reduce its expenses. The Funds do
not reduce their fee to Morgan by any amount that might be attributable to the
value of such services.
The Equity Funds paid the following approximate brokerage commissions
for the indicated fiscal periods:
TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND (for the period December 18, 1996 (commencement of
operations) through April 30, 1997) (unaudited): $792.
TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND (for the period January 30, 1997 (commencement
of operations) through April 30, 1997) (unaudited): $878.
Subject to the overriding objective of obtaining the best possible
execution of orders, Morgan may allocate a portion of a Fund's brokerage
transactions to affiliates of Morgan. In order for affiliates of Morgan to
effect any portfolio transactions for a Fund, the commissions, fees or other
remuneration received by such affiliates must be reasonable and fair compared to
the commissions, fees, or other remuneration paid to other brokers in connection
with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or
sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time. Furthermore,
the Trust's Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not
"interested persons," have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to
provide that any commissions, fees, or other remuneration paid to such
affiliates are consistent with the foregoing standard.
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Portfolio securities will not be purchased from or through or sold to
or through Morgan or FDI or any "affiliated person" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
thereof when such entities are acting as principals, except to the extent
permitted by law. In addition, the Funds will not purchase securities from any
underwriting group of which Morgan or an affiliate of Morgan is a member, except
to the extent permitted by law.
Investment decisions made by Morgan are the product of many factors in
addition to basic suitability for the particular Fund or other client in
question. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for certain clients
even though it could have been bought or sold for other clients at the same
time. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when
one or more other clients are selling the same security. The Funds may only sell
a security to each other or to other accounts managed by Morgan or its
affiliates in accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees.
It also sometimes happens that two or more clients simultaneously
purchase or sell the same security. On those occasions when Morgan deems the
purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund, as well as
other clients including other Funds, Morgan to the extent permitted by
applicable laws and regulations, may, but is not obligated to, aggregate the
securities to be sold or purchased for a Fund with those to be sold or purchased
for other clients in order to obtain best execution, including lower brokerage
commissions if appropriate. In such event, allocation of the securities so
purchased or sold as well as any expenses incurred in the transaction will be
made by Morgan in the manner it considers to be most equitable and consistent
with Morgan's fiduciary obligations to a Fund. In some instances, this procedure
might adversely affect a Fund.
MASSACHUSETTS TRUST
The Trust is a "Massachusetts business trust" of which each Fund is a
separate and distinct series. A copy of the Declaration of Trust for the Trust
is on file in the office of the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the
trust. However, the Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that the shareholders
will not be subject to any personal liability for the acts or obligations of any
Fund and that every written agreement, obligation, instrument or undertaking
made on behalf of any Fund will contain a provision to the effect that the
shareholders are not personally liable thereunder.
Effective May 12, 1997, the name of the U.S. Equity Fund was changed
from "Tax Aware Equity Fund" to "Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund".
The Trust's Declaration of Trust further provides that no Trustee,
officer, employee, or agent of the Trust is liable to a Fund or to a
shareholder, and that no Trustee, officer, employee, or agent is liable to any
third persons in connection with the affairs of a Fund, except as such liability
may arise from his or its own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of his or its duties to such third persons ("disabling
conduct"). It also provides that all third persons must look solely to Fund
property for
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satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of a Fund. The
Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee, officer, employee, or
agent is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the
affairs of a Fund, except liabilities arising from disabling conduct.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
Each Fund represents a separate series of shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust. Fund shares are further divided into separate classes. See
"Massachusetts Trust."
The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares ($0.001 par value) of one or more series
and classes within any series and to divide or combine the shares of any series
without changing the proportionate beneficial interest of each shareholder in a
Fund. To date, JPM Pierpont Shares of each Equity Fund and JPM Pierpont Shares
and JPM Institutional Shares of the California Fund described in this Statement
of Additional Information have been authorized and are currently available for
sale to the public.
Each share represents an equal proportional interest in a Fund with
each other share of the same class. Upon liquidation of a Fund, holders are
entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of a Fund available for
distribution to such shareholders. Shares of a Fund have no preemptive or
conversion rights.
The shareholders of the Trust are entitled to one full or fractional
vote for each dollar or fraction of a dollar invested in shares. Subject to the
1940 Act, the Trustees have the power to alter the number and the terms of
office of the Trustees, to lengthen their own terms, or to make their terms of
unlimited duration, subject to certain removal procedures, and to appoint their
own successors. However, immediately after such appointment, the requisite
majority of the Trustees must have been elected by the shareholders of the
Trust. The voting rights of shareholders are not cumulative. The Trust does not
intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders. The Trustees may call meetings
of shareholders for action by shareholder vote if required by either the 1940
Act or the Trust's Declaration of Trust.
Shareholders of the Trust have the right, upon the declaration in
writing or vote of shareholders whose shares represent two-thirds of the net
asset value of the Trust, to remove a Trustee. The Trustees will call a meeting
of shareholders to vote on removal of a Trustee upon the written request of the
shareholders whose shares represent 10% of the net asset value of the Trust. The
Trustees are also required, under certain circumstances, to assist shareholders
in communicating with other shareholders.
As of May 31, 1997, the following owned of record or, to the knowledge
of management, beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of:
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE U.S. EQUITY FUND -- Morgan as Agent for J.K.
Volwieder (6.54%), Morgan as Agent for A. Kaufman (6.49%), Morgan as Agent for
The Cumming Family Providence 1991 Irrevocable Trust (6.08);
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JPM PIERPONT SHARES: TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND -- J.E. Young and M.
Young (24.40%), Morgan as Agent for T. Andrew McWethy Nordal and M. McWethy
Asset Allocation (15.18%), Morgan as Agent for H.R. Geary (7.38%), Morgan as
Agent for H. Geary/G. Skip Trust (7.01%), Morgan as Agent for F.J. Casagrande
Special Account (6.35%), Morgan as Agent for J. Hyatt (5.78%), Morgan as Agent
for W.J. Brady (5.43%), Morgan as Agent for D.R. Seawell and E.R. Seawell
(5.19%);
JPM PIERPONT SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND -- Morgan as Agent for W.J. Brady
(100%); and
JPM INSTITUTIONAL SHARES: CALIFORNIA BOND FUND -- Morgan as Agent for V.G.
Defelice (18.86%), Morgan as Agent for N. Wright (15.32%), Morgan as Agent for
Yeo Living Trust (11.40%), Morgan as Agent for 1984 Geisel Trust - Survivor's
Trust (9.08%), Morgan as Agent for 1984 Geisel Trust - Marital Trust (7.35%),
Morgan as Agent for Shaklee Trust (5.69%), Morgan as Agent for Carey Family
Trust (5.48%), Morgan as Agent for R. Cort and R.S. Cort Community Property
Account (5.46%).
The address of each owner listed above is c/o Morgan, 522 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10036. As of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information the officers and Trustees as a group owned less than 1% of the
beneficial shares of each Fund.
TAXES
Each Fund intends to qualify and remain qualified as a regulated investment
company under Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, a
Fund must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of stock and securities,
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currency and other income (including but not limited to gains from options,
futures, and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of
investing in such stock, securities or foreign currency; (b) derive less than
30% of its gross income from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities,
options, futures or forward contracts (other than options, futures or forward
contracts on foreign currencies) held less than three months, or foreign
currencies (or options, futures or forward contracts on foreign currencies) held
less than three months, but only if such currencies (or options, futures or
forward contracts on foreign currencies) are not directly related to a Fund's
principal business of investing in stocks or securities (or options and futures
with respect to stocks or securities); and (c) diversify its holdings so that,
at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's
total assets is represented by cash, U.S. Government securities, investments in
other regulated investment companies and other securities limited, in respect of
any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund's total assets, and
10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than
25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities of any one
issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other
regulated investment companies). As a regulated investment company, a Fund (as
opposed to its shareholders) will not be subject to federal income taxes on the
net investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders,
provided that at least 90% of its
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net investment income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of net
long-term capital losses for the taxable year is distributed.
Under the Code, a Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on a portion of
its undistributed income if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements
by the end of the calendar year. Each Fund intends to make distributions in a
timely manner and accordingly does not expect to be subject to the excise tax.
For federal income tax purposes, dividends that are declared by a Fund in
October, November or December as of a record date in such month and actually
paid in January of the following year will be treated as if they were paid on
December 31 of the year declared. Therefore, such dividends will generally be
taxable to a shareholder in the year declared rather than the year paid.
The California Fund intends to qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends to
its shareholders by having, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at
least 50% of the value of its total assets consist of tax exempt securities. An
exempt-interest dividend is that part of dividend distributions made by the Fund
which consists of interest received by the Funds on tax exempt securities.
Shareholders will not incur any federal income tax on the amount of exempt-
interest dividends received by them from the Fund. In view of the Fund's
investment policies, it is expected that a substantial portion of all dividends
will be exempt-interest dividends, although the Fund may from time to time
realize and distribute net short-term capital gains and may invest limited
amounts in taxable securities under certain circumstances.
Distributions of net investment income (other than exempt-interest
dividends) and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term
capital losses are generally taxable to shareholders of the Funds as ordinary
income whether such distributions are taken in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. Distributions of net long-term capital gains (i.e., net long-term
capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) are taxable to
shareholders of a Fund as long-term capital gains, regardless of whether such
distributions are taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares and
regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares in the Fund. See "Taxes" in
the Prospectus for a discussion of the federal income tax treatment of any gain
or loss realized on the redemption or exchange of a Fund's shares. Additionally,
any loss realized on a redemption or exchange of shares of a Fund will be
disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced within a period of
61 days beginning 30 days before such disposition, such as pursuant to
reinvestment of a dividend in shares of the Fund.
Gains or losses on sales of portfolio securities will be treated as
long-term capital gains or losses if the securities have been held for more than
one year except in certain cases where, if applicable, a put is acquired or a
call option is written thereon. Other gains or losses on the sale of securities
will be short-term capital gains or losses. Gains and losses on the sale, lapse
or other termination of options on securities will be treated as gains and
losses from the sale of securities. If an option written by a Fund lapses or is
terminated through a closing transaction, such as a repurchase by the Fund of
the option from its holder, the Fund will realize a short-term capital gain or
loss, depending on whether the premium income is greater or less than the amount
paid
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by the Fund in the closing transaction. If securities are purchased by a Fund
pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund will subtract
the premium received from its cost basis in the securities purchased.
Options and futures contracts entered into by a Fund may create "straddles"
for U.S. federal income tax purposes and this may affect the character and
timing of gains or losses realized by the Fund on options and futures contracts
or on the underlying securities. Straddles may also result in the loss of the
holding period of underlying securities for purposes of the 30% of gross income
test described above, and therefore, a Fund's ability to enter into options and
futures contracts may be limited.
Certain options and futures held by a Fund at the end of each fiscal year
will be required to be "marked to market" for federal income tax purposes --
i.e., treated as having been sold at market value. For options and futures
contracts, 60% of any gain or loss recognized on these deemed sales and on
actual dispositions will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the
remainder will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss regardless of how
long the Fund has held such options or futures. Any gain or loss recognized on
foreign currency contracts will be treated as ordinary income.
The Equity Funds may invest in Equity Securities of foreign issuers. If a
Fund purchases shares in certain foreign investment funds (referred to as
passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") under the Code), the Fund may be
subject to federal income tax on a portion of an "excess distribution" from such
foreign investment fund or gain from the disposition of such shares, even though
such income may have to be distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its
shareholders. In addition, certain interest charges may be imposed on a Fund or
its shareholders in respect of unpaid taxes arising from such distributions or
gains. Alternatively, a Fund may in certain circumstances include each year in
its income and distribute to shareholders a pro rata portion of the PFIC's
income, whether or not distributed to the Fund.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS. Dividends of net investment income and distributions
of realized net short-term gains in excess of net long-term losses to a
shareholder who, as to the United States, is a nonresident alien individual,
fiduciary of a foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or foreign
partnership (a "foreign shareholder") will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at
the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate) unless the dividends are effectively
connected with a U.S. trade or business of the shareholder, in which case the
dividends will be subject to tax on a net income basis at the graduated rates
applicable to U.S. individuals or domestic corporations. Distributions of net
long term capital gains to foreign shareholders will not be subject to U.S. tax
unless the distributions are effectively connected with the shareholder's trade
or business in the United States or, in the case of a shareholder who is a
nonresident alien individual, the shareholder was present in the United States
for more than 182 days during the taxable year and certain other conditions are
met.
In the case of a foreign shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual
and who is not otherwise subject to withholding as described above, a Fund may
be
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required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 31% unless IRS Form
W-8 is provided. Transfers by gift of shares of a Fund by a foreign shareholder
who is a nonresident alien individual will not be subject to U.S. federal gift
tax, but the value of shares of the Fund held by such a shareholder at his or
her death will be includible in his or her gross estate for U.S. federal estate
tax purposes.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. Each Fund may be subject to state or local taxes in
jurisdictions in which the Fund is deemed to be doing business. In addition, the
treatment of a Fund and its shareholders in those states which have income tax
laws might differ from treatment under the federal income tax laws. Shareholders
should consult their own tax advisors with respect to any state or local taxes.
OTHER TAXATION. Under current law, neither the Trust nor any Fund is liable
for any income or franchise tax in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provided
that each Fund continues to qualify as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Telephone calls to the Funds, Morgan or State Street may be tape recorded.
With respect to the securities offered hereby, this Statement of Additional
Information and the Prospectus do not contain all the information included in
the Trust's registration statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act and the
Trust's registration statement filed under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the rules
and regulations of the SEC, certain portions have been omitted. The registration
statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined at the office
of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
Statements contained in this Statement of Additional Information and the
Prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or other document are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the applicable
Registration Statements. Each such statement is qualified in all respects by
such reference.
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in the
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, in connection with the
offer contained therein and, if given or made, such other information or
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by any of the
Trust, the Funds or FDI. The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
Information do not constitute an offer by any Fund or by FDI to sell or solicit
any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any
person to whom it is unlawful for the Fund or FDI to make such offer in such
jurisdictions.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements and the report thereon of Price
Waterhouse LLP of the California Bond Fund are incorporated herein by reference
from its annual report dated April 30, 1997 made with the SEC pursuant to
Section 30(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 30b2-1 thereunder. The following
financial statements
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of the Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund and the Tax Aware Disciplined
Equity Fund are incorporated herein by reference from their respective
semi-annual reports dated April 30, 1997 made with the SEC pursuant to Section
30(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 30b2-1 thereunder. Any of the following financial
reports are available without charge upon request by calling J.P. Morgan Fund
Services at (800) 521-5411 for JPM Pierpont Shares: Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund,
JPM Pierpont Shares: Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund and JPM Pierpont Shares:
California Bond Fund; or (800) 766-7722 for JPM Institutional Shares: California
Bond Fund. The audited statement of assets and liabilities and the reports
thereon of Price Waterhouse LLP for the U.S. Equity Fund and the Disciplined
Equity Fund as of November 4, 1996 are attached hereto.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Date of Semi-Annual Date of Annual
Report; Date Semi- Report; Date Annual
Annual Report Filed; Report Filed; and
Name of Fund and Accession Number Accession Number
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund 04/30/97 N/A
06/19/97
0000912057-97-020765
Tax Aware Disciplined Equity 04/30/97 N/A
Fund 06/19/97
0000912057-97-020764
California Bond Fund N/A 04/30/97
06/13/97
0000912057-97-020343
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------- --------------------------------
</TABLE>
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TAX AWARE EQUITY FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
November 4, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Cash $ 25,000
Deferred Organization Expenses 47,567
---------
Total Assets 72,567
---------
LIABILITIES
Organization Expenses Payable 47,567
---------
Total Liabilities 47,567
---------
NET ASSETS $ 25,000
=========
Shares Outstanding (par value $0.001, unlimited shares authorized for each
class):
JPM Pierpont Shares 2,500
=========
Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price
Per Share $ 10.00
=========
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statement.
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TAX AWARE EQUITY FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT
November 4, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ORGANIZATION
Tax Aware Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a series of JPM Series Trust, a
Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"). The investment objective of the Fund
is to provide high total return while being sensitive to the impact of capital
gains taxes on investors' returns. The Trustees of the Trust have divided the
beneficial interests in the Fund into two classes of shares (JPM Institutional
Shares and JPM Pierpont Shares, respectively). The Trust was organized on August
15, 1996, and has been inactive since that date except for matters relating to
its organization and registration as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the sale of 2,500 JPM Pierpont Shares (the
"initial shares") of the Fund to FDI Distribution Services, Inc. ("FDSI"), a
wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
The Fund has incurred $47,567 in organization expenses based on its allocable
pro rata share of total organization expenses for the Fund and the other two
initial series in the Trust. These costs are being deferred and will be
amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed five years
beginning with the commencement of operations of the Fund. FDSI agrees that if
it or any direct or indirect transferee of any of the initial shares redeems any
of such shares prior to the fifth anniversary of the date the Fund commenced
operations, FDSI will pay to the Fund an amount equal to the number resulting
from multiplying the Fund's total unamortized organizational expenses by a
fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of initial shares
redeemed by FDSI or such transferee and the denominator of which is equal to the
number of such shares held by FDSI outstanding as of the date of such
redemption, as long as the administrative position of the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission requires such reimbursement.
2. SERVICE AGREEMENTS WITH AFFILIATES
The Trust has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York ("Morgan") to provide investment advice and portfolio
management services to the Fund and the other series of the Trust. The Trust has
also entered into (i) an Administrative Services Agreement with Morgan to
provide administrative and related services to the Trust and (ii) a Shareholder
Servicing Agreement with Morgan pursuant to which Morgan will provide
shareholder servicing to shareholders of each class of the Fund. The Trust is a
party to a Co-Administration Agreement and Distribution Agreement with Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("FDI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of FDSI, pursuant to which
FDI provides co-administration and distribution services, respectively, for the
Trust. The officers of the Trust are employees of FDI. The Trust has entered
into a Fund Services Agreement with Pierpont Group, Inc. to assist the Trustees
in exercising their overall responsibilities for the affairs of the Trust. The
Trustees of the Trust represent all the existing shareholders of Pierpont Group,
Inc.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholder and Trustees of
Tax Aware Equity Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tax Aware Equity
Fund, (one of three funds comprising JPM Series Trust, hereafter referred to as
the "Fund") at November 4, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. This financial statement is the responsibility of the
Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial
statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit of this financial statement
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statement is free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statement, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion expressed above.
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP 1177 Avenue of the Americas New
York, New York 10036
November 4, 1996
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TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
November 4, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Cash $ 50,000
Deferred Organization Expenses 47,567
---------
Total Assets 97,567
---------
LIABILITIES
Organization Expenses Payable 47,567
---------
Total Liabilities 47,567
---------
NET ASSETS $ 50,000
=========
Shares Outstanding (par value $0.001, unlimited shares authorized for each
class):
JPM Pierpont Shares 5,000
=========
Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price
Per Share $ 10.00
=========
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statement.
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TAX AWARE DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT
November 4, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ORGANIZATION
Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a series of JPM Series Trust,
a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"). The investment objective of the
Fund is to provide high total return while being sensitive to the impact of
capital gains taxes on investors' returns. The Trustees of the Trust have
divided the beneficial interests in the Fund into two classes of shares (JPM
Institutional Shares and JPM Pierpont Shares, respectively). The Trust was
organized on August 15, 1996, and has been inactive since that date except for
matters relating to its organization and registration as an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the sale of 5,000 JPM
Pierpont Shares (the "initial shares") of the Fund to FDI Distribution Services,
Inc. ("FDSI"), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group,
Inc.
The Fund has incurred $47,567 in organization expenses based on its allocable
pro rata share of total organization expenses for the Fund and the other two
initial series in the Trust. These costs are being deferred and will be
amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed five years
beginning with the commencement of operations of the Fund. FDSI agrees that if
it or any direct or indirect transferee of any of the initial shares redeems any
of such shares prior to the fifth anniversary of the date the Fund commenced
operations, FDSI will pay to the Fund an amount equal to the number resulting
from multiplying the Fund's total unamortized organizational expenses by a
fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of initial shares
redeemed by FDSI or such transferee and the denominator of which is equal to the
number of such shares held by FDSI outstanding as of the date of such
redemption, as long as the administrative position of the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission requires such reimbursement.
2. SERVICE AGREEMENTS WITH AFFILIATES
The Trust has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York ("Morgan") to provide investment advice and portfolio
management services to the Fund and the other series of the Trust. The Trust has
also entered into (i) an Administrative Services Agreement with Morgan to
provide administrative and related services to the Trust and (ii) a Shareholder
Servicing Agreement with Morgan pursuant to which Morgan will provide
shareholder servicing to shareholders of each class of the Fund. The Trust is a
party to a Co-Administration Agreement and Distribution Agreement with Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("FDI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of FDSI, pursuant to which
FDI provides co-administration and distribution services, respectively, for the
Trust. The officers of the Trust are employees of FDI. The Trust has entered
into a Fund Services Agreement with Pierpont Group, Inc. to assist the Trustees
in exercising their overall responsibilities for the affairs of the Trust. The
Trustees of the Trust represent all the existing shareholders of Pierpont Group,
Inc.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholder and Trustees of
Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tax Aware
Disciplined Equity Fund, (one of three funds comprising JPM Series Trust,
hereafter referred to as the "Fund") at November 4, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. This financial statement is the
responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the financial statement based on our audit. We conducted our audit of
this financial statement in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion expressed above.
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP 1177 Avenue of the Americas New
York, New York 10036
November 4, 1996
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APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
AAA - Debt rated AAA has the highest ratings assigned by Standard & Poor's to a
debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely
strong.
AA - Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in a small degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than for debt in higher rated categories.
BB-B - Debt rated BB and B is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative
with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
COMMERCIAL PAPER, INCLUDING TAX EXEMPT
A - Issues assigned this highest rating are regarded as having the greatest
capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with
the designations 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.
A-1 - This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong.
SHORT-TERM TAX-EXEMPT NOTES
SP-1 - The short-term tax-exempt note rating of SP-1 is the highest rating
assigned by Standard & Poor's and has a very strong or strong capacity to pay
principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety
characteristics are given a "plus" (+) designation.
SP-2 - The short-term tax-exempt note rating of SP-2 has a satisfactory capacity
to pay principal and interest.
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MOODY'S
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
COMMERCIAL PAPER, INCLUDING TAX EXEMPT
Prime-1 - Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a
superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1
repayment capacity will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:
- - Leading market positions in well established industries.
- - High rates of return on funds employed.
- - Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
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- - Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
internal cash generation.
- - Well established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
of alternate liquidity.
SHORT-TERM TAX EXEMPT NOTES
MIG-1 - The short-term tax-exempt note rating MIG-1 is the highest rating
assigned by Moody's for notes judged to be the best quality. Notes with this
rating enjoy strong protection from established cash flows of funds for their
servicing or from established and broad-based access to the market for
refinancing, or both.
MIG-2 - MIG-2 rated notes are of high quality but with margins of protection not
as large as MIG-1.
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APPENDIX B
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The following information is a summary of special factors affecting
investments in California Municipal Securities. The sources of payment for such
obligations and the marketability thereof may be affected by financial or other
difficulties experienced by the State of California and certain of its
municipalities and public authorities. It does not purport to be a complete
description and is based on information from official statements relating to
securities offerings of California issuers.
ECONOMIC FACTORS
PRIOR FISCAL YEARS' FINANCIAL RESULTS
FISCAL YEARS PRIOR TO 1995-96
The state's budget problems in recent years have been caused by a
combination of external economic conditions and a structural imbalance in that
the largest General Fund Programs--K-14 education, health, welfare and
corrections--were increasing faster than the revenue base, driven by the state's
rapid population growth. These pressures are expected to continue as population
trends maintain strong demand for health and welfare services, as the school age
population continues to grow, and as the state's corrections program responds to
a "Three Strikes" law enacted in 1994, which requires mandatory life prison
terms for certain third-time felony offenders.
As a result of these factors and others and especially because a severe
recession between 1990-94 reduced revenues and increased expenditures for social
welfare programs, from the late 1980s until 1992-93, the state had a period of
budget imbalance. During this period, expenditures exceeded revenues in four out
of six years, and the state accumulated and sustained a budget deficit in its
budget reserve, the Special Fund, approaching $2.8 billion at its peak at June
30, 1993. Starting in the 1990-91 fiscal year and for each fiscal year
thereafter, each budget required multibillion dollar actions to bring projected
revenues and expenditures into balance. The legislature and Governor agreed on
the following principal steps to produce budget acts in the years 1991-92 to
1994-95, although not all these actions were taken in each year:
significant cuts in health and welfare program expenditures;
transfers of program responsibilities and funding from the state to local
governments (referred to as "realignment"), coupled with some reduction in
mandates on local government;
transfer of about $3.6 billion in local property tax revenues from cities,
counties, redevelopment agencies and some other districts to local school
districts, thereby reducing state funding for schools under Proposition 98;
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reduction in growth of support for higher education programs, coupled with
increases in student fees, through the 1994-95 fiscal year;
maintenance of the minimum Proposition 98 funding guarantee for K-14
schools and the disbursement of additional funds to keep a constant level
of about $4,200 per K-12 pupil through the 1993-94 fiscal year (see
"Constitutional, Legislative and Other Factors--Proposition 98" below);
revenue increases (particularly in the 1991-92 fiscal year budget), most of
which were for a short duration;
increased reliance on aid from the federal government to offset the costs
of incarcerating, educating and providing health and welfare services to
illegal immigrants, although during this time frame, most of the additional
aid requested by the administration was not received; and
various one-time adjustments and accounting changes.
Despite these budget actions, as noted, the effects of the recession led to
large, unanticipated deficits in the budget reserve, the Special Fund, as
compared to projected positive balances. By the 1993-94 fiscal year, the
accumulated deficit was so large that it was impractical to budget to retire it
in one year, so a two-year program was implemented, using the issuance of
revenue anticipation warrants to carry a portion of the deficit over the end of
the fiscal year. When the economy failed to recover sufficiently in 1993-94, a
second two-year plan was implemented in 1994-95, again using cross-fiscal year
revenue anticipation warrants to partly finance the deficit into the 1995-96
fiscal year.
Another consequence of the accumulated budget deficits, together with other
factors such as disbursement of funds to local school districts "borrowed" from
future fiscal years and hence not shown in the annual budget, was to
significantly reduce the state's cash resources available to pay its ongoing
obligations. When the legislature and the Governor failed to adopt a budget for
the 1992-93 fiscal year by July 1, 1992, which would have allowed the state to
carry out its normal annual cash flow borrowing to replenish its cash reserves,
the state controller issued registered warrants to pay a variety of obligations
representing prior years' or continuing appropriations, and mandates from court
orders. Available funds were used to make constitutionally mandated payments,
such as debt service on bonds and warrants. Between July 1 and September 4,
1992, when the budget was adopted, the state controller issued a total of
approximately $3.8 billion of registered warrants.
During the past several fiscal years, the state was forced to rely
increasingly on external debt markets to meet its cash needs, as a succession of
notes and revenue anticipation warrants were issued in the period from June 1992
to July 1994, often needed to pay previously maturing notes or warrants. These
borrowings were used also in part to spread out the repayment of the accumulated
budget deficit over the end of a fiscal year, as noted earlier. The last and
largest of these borrowings was $4.0 billion of revenue
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anticipation warrants which were issued in July 1994 and matured on April 25,
1996.
1995-96 FISCAL YEAR
The 1995-96 budget act was signed by the Governor on August 3, 1995, 34
days after the start of the fiscal year. The budget act projected General Fund
revenues and transfers of $44.1 billion, a 3.5% increase from the prior year.
Expenditures were budgeted $43.4 billion, a 4% increase. The budget act also
projected Special Fund revenues of $12.7 billion and appropriated Special Fund
expenditures of $13.0 billion.
Final data for the 1995-96 fiscal year showed revenues and transfers of
$46.1 billion, some $2 billion over the original fiscal year estimate, which was
attributed to the strong economic recovery. Expenditures also increased, to an
estimated $45.4 billion, as a result of the requirement to expend revenues for
schools under Proposition 98 and, among other things, failure of the federal
government to enact welfare reform during the fiscal year and to budget new aid
for illegal immigrant costs, both of which had been counted on to allow
reductions in state costs. The Special Fund had a small negative balance of
about $87 million at June 30, 1996, all but eliminating the accumulated budget
deficit from the early 1990s. Available internal borrowable resources (available
cash, after payment of all obligations due) on June 30, 1996 was about $3.8
billion, representing a significant improvement in the state's cash position and
ending the need for deficit borrowing over the end of the fiscal year. The
state's improved cash position allowed it to repay the $4.0 billion Revenue
Anticipation Warrant issue on April 25, 1996, and to issue only $2.0 billion of
revenue anticipation notes during the fiscal year, which matured on June 28,
1996.
The 1995-96 budget act included substantial additional funding under
Proposition 98 for schools and community colleges (about $1.0 billion General
Fund and $1.2 billion total above 1994-95 levels). Because of higher than
projected revenues in 1994-95, an additional $561 million ($92 per K-12 average
daily attendance ("ADA")) was appropriated to the 1994-95 Proposition 98
entitlement. A large part of this was a block grant of about $50 per pupil for
any one-time purpose. For the first time in several years, a full 2.7%
cost-of-living allowance was funded. The budget was based on the settlement of
the CTA V. GOULD litigation. See "Constitutional, Legislative and Other
Factors--Proposition 98" below. Cuts in health and welfare costs totaled about
$220 million, almost $700 million less than had been anticipated, because of the
failure by the federal government to approve certain of these actions in a
timely manner. The federal government also failed to appropriate all but $31
million of an anticipated $500 million in new federal aid for incarceration and
health care costs of illegal immigrants. Funding from the General Fund for the
University of California was increased by $106 million and for the California
State University system by $97 million, with no increases in student fees.
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CURRENT STATE BUDGET
The discussion below of the 1996-97 fiscal year budget, the proposed
1997-98 fiscal year budget and the table under "Summary of State Revenues and
Expenditures" below are based on estimates and projections of revenues and
expenditures for the current and upcoming fiscal year and must not be construed
as statements of fact. These estimates and projections are based upon various
assumptions which may be affected by numerous factors, including future economic
conditions in the state and the nation, and there can be no assurance that the
estimates will be achieved.
Periodic reports on revenues and expenditures during the fiscal year are
issued by the administration, the state controller's office and the legislative
analyst's office. The Department of Finance issues a monthly bulletin which
reports the most recent revenue receipts, comparing them to budget projections,
and reports on other current developments affecting the budget. The
administration also formally updates its budget projections twice during each
fiscal year, generally in January and May, respectively.
1996-97 FISCAL YEAR
1996-97 BUDGET ACT
The 1996-97 budget act was signed by the Governor on July 15, 1996, along
with various implementing bills. The Governor vetoed about $82 million of
appropriations (both General Fund and Special Fund). With the signing of the
budget act, the state implemented its regular cash flow borrowing program with
the issuance of $3.0 billion of revenue anticipation notes to mature on June 30,
1997. The budget act appropriated a modest budget reserve in the Special Fund of
$305 million, as of June 30, 1997. The Department of Finance projected that, on
June 30, 1997, the state's available internal borrowable (cash) resources will
be $2.9 billion, after payment of all obligations due by that date, so that no
cross-fiscal year borrowing will be needed.
Revenues - The legislature rejected the Governor's proposed 15% cut in
personal income taxes (to be phased over three years) but did approve a 5% cut
in bank and corporation taxes, to be effective for income years starting on
January 1, 1997. As a result, revenues for the fiscal year were estimated to
total $47.643 billion, a 3.3% increase over the final estimated 1995-96
revenues. Special Fund revenues were estimated to be $13.3 billion.
Expenditures - The budget act contained General Fund appropriations
totaling $47.251 billion, a 4% increase over the final estimated 1995-96
expenditures. Special Fund expenditures were budgeted at $12.6 billion.
The following are principal features of the 1996-97 budget act:
1. Proposition 98 funding for schools and community college districts
increased by almost $1.6 billion (General Fund) and $1.65 billion total above
revised 1995-96 levels. Almost half of this money was budgeted to fund
class-size reductions in kindergarten and grades 1-3. Also, for the second
year in a row, the full cost-of-living allowance (3.2%) was funded. The
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Proposition 98 increases have brought K-12 expenditures to almost $4,800 per
K-12 ADA, an almost 15% increase over the level prevailing during the recession
years. Community colleges will receive an increase in funding of $157 million
for 1996-97 out of this $1.6 billion total.
Because of the higher than projected revenues in 1995-96, an additional
$1.1 billion ($190 per K-12 ADA and $145 million for community colleges) was
appropriated and retroactively applied towards the 1995-96 Proposition 98
guarantee, bringing K-12 expenditures in that year to over $4,600 per ADA. These
new funds were appropriated for a variety of purposes, including block grants,
allocations for each school site, facilities for class size reduction and a
reading initiative. Similar retroactive increases totaling $230 million, based
on final figures on revenues and state population growth, were made to the
1991-92 and the 1994-95 Proposition 98 guarantees, most of which was allocated
to each school site.
2. The budget act assumed savings of approximately $660 million in health
and welfare costs which required changes in federal law, including federal
welfare reform. The budget act further assumed federal law changes in August
1996 which would allow welfare cash grant levels to be reduced by October 1,
1996. These cuts totaled approximately $163 million of the anticipated $660
million savings.
3. A 4.9% increase in funding for the University of California ($130
million General Fund) and the California State University system ($101 million
General Fund), with no increases in student fees, maintaining the second year of
the Governor's four-year "Compact" with the state's higher education units.
4. The budget act assumed the federal government will provide approximately
$700 million in new aid for incarceration and health care costs of illegal
immigrants. These funds reduce appropriations in these categories that would
otherwise have to be paid from the General Fund. (For purposes of cash flow
projections, the Department of Finance expects $540 million of this amount to be
received during the 1996-97 fiscal year.)
5. General Fund support for the Department of Corrections was increased by
about 7% over the prior year, reflecting estimates of increased prison
population.
6. With respect to aid to local governments, the principal new programs
included in the budget act are $100 million in grants to cities and counties for
law enforcement purposes and $50 million budgeted for competitive grants to
local governments for programs to combat juvenile crime.
The budget act did not contain any tax increases. As noted, there was a
reduction in corporate taxes. In addition, the legislature approved another
one-year suspension of the renters tax credit, saving $520 million in
expenditures.
Federal Welfare Reform - Following enactment of the 1996-97 budget act,
Congress passed and the President signed (on August 22, 1996) the Personal
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Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) making a
fundamental reform of the current welfare system. Among many provisions, the law
includes: (i) conversion of Aid to Families with Dependent Children from an
entitlement program to a block grant titled Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families ("TANF"), with lifetime time limits on TANF recipients, work
requirements and other changes; (ii) provisions denying certain federal welfare
and public benefits to legal noncitizens, allowing states to elect to deny
additional benefits (including TANF) to legal noncitizens, and generally denying
almost all benefits to illegal immigrants; and (iii) changes in the food stamp
program, including reducing maximum benefits and imposing work requirements.
The law requires states to implement the new TANF program not later than
July 1, 1997 and provides California approximately $3.7 billion in block grant
funds for fiscal year 1996-97 for the provisions of the law. States are allowed
to implement TANF as soon as possible and will receive a prorated block grant
effective the date of application. The California State Plan was approved
November 27, 1996 to allow grant reductions to be implemented effective January
1, 1997 and to allow the state to capture approximately $267 million in
additional federal block grant funds over the currently budgeted level. None of
the other federal changes needed to achieve the balance of the $660 million cost
savings were enacted. Thus, in lieu of the $660 million savings initially
assumed, it is now projected that savings will total approximately $320 million.
A preliminary analysis of the law by the legislative analyst's office
indicates that an overall assessment of how these changes will affect the
state's General Fund will not be known for some time, and will depend on how the
state implements the law. There are many choices including how quickly the state
implements the law; the degree to which the state elects to make up for cuts in
federal aid, provide more aid to counties, or cut some of its own existing
programs for noncitizens; and the state's ability to avoid certain penalties
written into the law.
Other Subsequent Developments - With the continued strong economic recovery
in the state, the Department of Finance has estimated, in connection with the
release of the Governor's 1997-98 budget proposal, that revenues for the 1996-97
fiscal year will exceed initial projections by about $760 million. This increase
will be offset by higher expenditures for K-14 school aid (pursuant to
Proposition 98) and for health and welfare costs because federal law changes and
other federal actions did not provide as much assistance to the state as was
initially planned in the budget act. The department's updated projections show a
balance in the Special Fund of $197 million, slightly lower than projected in
July 1996. The department also projects the state's cash position will be
stronger than originally estimated, with unused internal borrowable resources at
June 30, 1997 of about $4.3 billion.
1997-98 FISCAL YEAR PROPOSED BUDGET
On January 9, 1997, the Governor released his proposed budget for the
1997-98 fiscal year (the "Governor's Budget"). The Governor's Budget projects
General Fund revenues and transfers in 1997-98 of $50.7 billion, a 4.6%
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increase from revised 1996-97 figures. The Governor proposes expenditures of
$50.3 billion, a 3.9% increase from 1996-97. The Governor's Budget projects a
balance in the Special Fund of $553 million on June 30, 1998. The Governor's
Budget also anticipates about $3 billion of external borrowing for cash flow
purposes during the year, with no requirement for cross-fiscal year borrowing.
Among the major initiatives and features of the Governor's Budget are the
following:
1. A proposed 10% cut in the bank and corporation tax rate, to be phased
in over two years.
2. Proposition 98 funding for K-14 schools will be increased again, as a
result of stronger revenues. Per-pupil funding for K-12 schools will reach
$5,010, compared to $4,220 as recently as the 1993-94 fiscal year. Part of the
new funding is proposed to be dedicated to the completion of the current program
to reduce class size to 20 pupils in lower elementary grades and to expand the
program by one grade, so that it will cover K-3rd grade.
3. Funding for higher education will be increased consistent with a
four-year "Compact" established in 1995-96. There is not projected to be any
increase in student fees at any of the three levels of the state higher
education system.
4. The 1997-98 proposed Governor's Budget assumes approximately $500
million in savings contingent upon federal action. The Governor's Budget assumes
that federal law will be enacted to remove the maintenance-of-effort requirement
for Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") payments, thereby enabling the state to
reduce grant levels pursuant to previously enacted state law ($279 million). The
Governor's Budget also assumes the federal government will fund $216 million in
costs of health care for illegal immigrants.
THE ORANGE COUNTY BANKRUPTCY. On December 6, 1994, Orange County,
California and its Investment Pool (the "Pool") filed for bankruptcy under
Chapter 9 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The subsequent restructuring led
to the sale of substantially all of the Pool's portfolio and resulted in losses
estimated to be approximately $1.7 billion (or approximately 22% of amounts
deposited by the Pool investors). Approximately 187 California public entities -
substantially all of which are public agencies within the county had various
bonds, notes or other forms of indebtedness outstanding. In some instances the
proceeds of such indebtedness were outstanding. In some instances the proceeds
of such indebtedness were invested in the Pool.
In April 1996, the county emerged from bankruptcy after closing on a $900
million recovery bond deal. At that time, the county and its financial advisors
stated that the county had emerged from the bankruptcy without any structural
fiscal problems and assured that the county would not slip back into bankruptcy.
However, for many of the cities, schools and special districts that lost money
in the county portfolio, repayment remains contingent on the outcome of
litigation which is pending against investment firms and other finance
professionals. Thus, it is impossible to determine
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the ultimate impact of the bankruptcy and its after math of these various
agencies and their claims.
CONSTITUTIONAL, LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER FACTORS
Certain California constitutional amendments, legislative measures,
executive orders, administrative regulations and voter initiatives could produce
the adverse effects described below, among others.
REVENUE DISTRIBUTION. Certain California Municipal Securities held by the
California Fund may be obligations of issuers which rely in whole or in part on
California state revenues for payment of these obligations. Property tax
revenues and a portion of the State's General Fund surplus are distributed to
counties, cities and their various taxing entities, and the state assumes
certain obligations therefore paid out of local funds. Whether and to what
extent a portion of the state's General Fund will be distributed in the future
to counties, cities and their various entities is unclear.
HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION. Certain California Municipal Securities held by
the California Fund may be obligations which are payable solely from the
revenues of health care institutions. Certain provisions under California law
may adversely affect these revenues and, consequently, payment on those
California Municipal Securities.
The federally sponsored Medicaid program for health care services to
eligible welfare beneficiaries in California is known as the Medi-Cal program.
Historically, the Medi-Cal program has provided for a cost-based system of
reimbursement for inpatient care furnished to Medi-Cal beneficiaries by any
hospital wanting to participate in the Medi-Cal program, provided such hospital
met applicable requirements for participation. California law now provides that
the State of California shall selectively contract with hospitals to provide
acute inpatient services to Medi-Cal patients. Medi-Cal contracts currently
apply only to acute inpatient services. Generally, such selective contracting is
made on a flat per diem payment basis for all services to Medi-Cal
beneficiaries, and generally such payment has not increased in relation to
inflation, costs or other factors. Other reductions or limitations may be
imposed on payment of services rendered to Medi-Cal beneficiaries in the future.
Under this approach, in most geographical areas of California, only those
hospitals which enter into a Medi-Cal contract with the State of California will
be paid for non-emergency acute inpatient services rendered to Medi-Cal
beneficiaries. The state may also terminate these contracts without notice under
certain circumstances and is obligated to make contractual payments only to the
extent the California legislature appropriates adequate funding therefor.
California enacted legislation in 1982 that authorizes private health plans
and insurers to contract directly with hospitals for services to beneficiaries
on negotiated terms. Some insurers have introduced plans known as "preferred
provider organizations" ("PPOs"), which offer financial incentives for
subscribers who use only the hospitals which contract with the plan. Under an
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exclusive provider plan, which includes most health maintenance organizations
("HMOs"), private payers limit coverage to those services provided by selected
hospitals. Discounts offered to HMOs and PPOs may result in payment to the
contracting hospital of less than actual cost, and the volume of patients
directed to a hospital under an HMO or PPO contract may vary significantly from
projections. Often, HMO or PPO contracts are enforceable for a stated term,
regardless of provider losses or of bankruptcy of the respective HMO or PPO. It
is expected that failure to execute and maintain such PPO and HMO contracts
would reduce a hospital's patient base or gross revenues. Conversely,
participation may maintain or increase the patient base, but may result in
reduce payment and lower the income to the contracting hospitals.
These California Municipal Securities may also be insured by the State of
California pursuant to an insurance program implemented by the Office of
Statewide Health Planning and Development for health facility construction
loans. If a default occurs on insured California Municipal Securities, the state
treasurer will issue debentures payable out of a reserve fund established under
the insurance program or will pay principal and interest on an unaccelerated
basis from unappropriated state funds.
MORTGAGES AND DEEDS. Certain California Municipal Securities held by the
California Fund may be obligations which are secured in whole or in part by a
mortgage or deed of trust on real property. California has five principal
statutory provisions which limit the remedies of a creditor secured by a
mortgage or deed of trust. Two statutes limit the creditor's right to obtain a
deficiency judgment, one limitation being based on the method of foreclosure and
the other on the type of debt secured. Under the former, a deficiency judgment
is barred when the foreclosed mortgage or deed of trust secures certain purchase
money obligations. Another California statute, commonly known as the "one form
of action" rule, requires creditors secured by real property to exhaust their
real property security by foreclosure before bringing a personal action against
the debtor. The fourth statutory provision limits any deficiency judgment
obtained by a creditor secured by real property following a judicial sale of
such property to the excess of the outstanding debt over the fair value of the
property at the time of the sale, thus preventing the creditor from obtaining a
large deficiency judgment against the debtor as the result of low bids at a
judicial sale. The fifth statutory provision gives the debtor the right to
redeem the real property from any judicial foreclosure sale as to which a
deficiency judgment may be ordered against the debtor.
Upon the default of a mortgage or deed of trust with respect to California
real property, the creditor's nonjudicial foreclosure rights under the power of
sale contained in the mortgage or deed of trust are subject to the constraints
imposed by California law upon transfers of title to real property by private
power of sale. During the three-month period beginning with the filing of a
formal notice of default, the debtor is entitled to reinstate the mortgage by
making any overdue payments. Under standard loan servicing procedures, the
filing of the formal notice of default does not occur unless at least three full
monthly payments have become due and remain unpaid. The power of sale is
exercised by posting and publishing a notice of sale for at least 20 days after
expiration of the three-month reinstatement period. The
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debtor may reinstate the mortgage, in the manner described above, up to five
business days prior to the scheduled sale date. Therefore, the effective minimum
period for foreclosing on a mortgage could be in excess of seven months after
the initial default. Such time delays in collections could disrupt the flow of
revenues available to an issuer for the payment of debt service on the
outstanding obligations if such defaults occur with respect to a substantial
number of mortgages or deeds of trust securing an issuer's obligations.
In addition, a court could not find that there is sufficient involvement of
the issuer in the nonjudicial sale of property securing a mortgage for such
private sale to constitute "state action," and could hold that the private-
right-of-sale proceedings violate the due process requirements of the federal or
state constitutions, consequently preventing an issuer from using the
nonjudicial foreclosure remedy described above.
Certain California Municipal Securities held by the California Fund may be
obligations which finance the acquisition of single family home mortgages for
low and moderate income mortgagors. These obligations may be payable solely from
revenues derived from the home mortgages and are subject to California's
statutory limitations described above applicable to obligations secured by real
property. Under California antideficiency legislation, there is no personal
recourse against a mortgagor of a single-family residence purchased with the
loan secured by the mortgage, regardless of whether the creditor chooses
judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure.
Under California law, mortgage loans secured by single-family
owner-occupied dwellings may be prepaid at any time. Prepayment charges on such
mortgage loans may be imposed only with respect to voluntary prepayments made
during the first five years during the term of the mortgage loan and then only
if the borrower prepays in amount in excess of 20% of the original principal
amount of the mortgage loan in a 12-month period. A prepayment charge cannot in
any event exceed six months' advance interest on the amount prepaid during the
12-month period in excess of 20% of the original principal amount of the loan.
This limitation could affect the flow of revenues available to an issuer for
debt services on the outstanding debt obligations which financed such home
mortgages.
PROPOSITION 13. Certain California Municipal Securities held by the
California Fund may be obligations of issuers who rely in whole or in part on ad
valorem real property taxes as a source of revenue. On June 6, 1978, California
voters approved an amendment to the California Constitution known as Proposition
13, which added Article XIIIA to the California Constitution. The effect of
Article XIIIA was to limit ad valorem taxes on real property and to restrict the
ability of taxing entities to increase real property tax revenues.
Section 1 of Article XIIIA, as amended, limits the maximum ad valorem tax
on real property to 1% of full cash value to be collected by the counties and
apportioned according to law. The 1% limitation does not apply to ad valorem
taxes or special assessments to pay the interest and redemption charges on (a)
any indebtedness approved by the voters prior to July 1, 1978 or (b) any
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bonded indebtedness for the acquisition or improvement of real property approved
on or after July 1, 1978 by two-thirds of the votes cast by the voters on the
proposition. Section 2 of Article XIIIA defines "full cash value" to mean "the
County Assessor's valuation of real property as shown on the 1975/76 tax bill
under 'full cash value' or, thereafter, the appraised value of real property
when purchased, newly constructed, or a change in ownership has occurred after
the 1975 assessment." The full cash value may be adjusted annually to reflect
inflation at a rate not to exceed 2% per year, or reduction in the consumer
price index or comparable local data, or reduced in the event of declining
property value caused by damage, destruction or other factors.
Legislation enacted by the California legislature to implement Article
XIIIA provides that notwithstanding any other law, local agencies may not levy
any ad valorem property tax except to pay debt service on indebtedness approved
by the voters prior to July 1, 1978 and that each county will levy the maximum
tax permitted by Article XIIIA.
PROPOSITION 9. On November 6, 1979, an initiative known as "Proposition 0"
or the "Gann Initiative" was approved by the California voters, which added
Article XIIIB to the California Constitution. Under Article XIIIB, state and
local governmental entities have an annual "appropriations limit" and are not
allowed to spend certain moneys called "appropriations subject to limitation" in
an amount higher than the "appropriations limit." Article XIIIB does not affect
the appropriation of moneys which are excluded form the definition of
"appropriations subject to limitation," including debt service on indebtedness
existing or authorized as of January 1, 1979 or bonded indebtedness subsequently
approved by the voters. In general terms, the "appropriations limit" is required
to be based on certain 1978/79 expenditures and is to be adjusted annually to
reflect changes in consumer prices, population, and certain services provided by
these entities. Article XIIIB also provides that if these entities' revenues in
any year exceed the amounts permitted to be spent, the excess is to be returned
by revising tax rates or fee schedules over the subsequent two years.
PROPOSITION 98. On November 8, 1988, the California voters approved
Proposition 98, a combined initiative constitutional amendment and statute
called the "Classroom Instructional Improvement and Accountability Act."
Proposition 98 changed state funding of public education below the university
level and the operation of the state appropriations limit, primarily by
guaranteeing K-14 schools a minimum share of General Fund revenues. Under
Proposition 98 (modified by Proposition 111 as discussed below), K-14 schools
are guaranteed the greater of (a) in general, a fixed percent of General Fund
revenues ("Test 1"), (b) the amount appropriated to K-14 schools in the prior
year, adjusted for changes in the cost of living (measured as in Article XIIIB
by reference to state per capita personal income) and enrollment ("Test 2"), or
(c) a third test, which would replace Test 2 in any year when the percentage
growth in per capita General Fund revenues from the prior year plus one half of
one percent is less than the percentage growth in state per capital personal
income ("Test 3"). Under Test 3, schools would receive the amount appropriated
in the prior year adjusted for changes in enrollment and per capital General
Fund revenues, plus an additional small adjustment factor.
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If Test 3 is used in any year, the difference between Test 3 and Test 2 would
become a "credit" to schools which would be the basis of payments in future
years when per capita general fund revenue growth exceeds per capital personal
income growth.
Proposition 98 permits the legislature - by two-thirds vote of both houses,
with the Governor's concurrence - to suspend the K-14 schools' minimum funding
formula for a one-year period. Proposition 98 also contains provisions
transferring certain state tax revenues in excess of the Article XIIIB limit to
K-14 schools.
During the recession years of the early 1990s, General Fund revenues for
several years were less than originally projected, so that the original
Proposition 98 appropriations turned out to be higher than the minimum
percentage provided in the law. The legislature responded to these developments
by designating the "extra" Proposition 98 payments in one year as a "loan" from
future years' Proposition 98 entitlements and also intended that the "extra"
payments would not be included in the Proposition 98 "base" for calculating
future years' entitlements. In 1992, a lawsuit was filed, CALIFORNIA TEACHERS'
ASSOCIATION V. GOULD, which challenged the validity of these off-budget loans.
During the course of this litigation, a trial court determined that almost $2
billion in "loans" which had been provided to school districts during the
recession violated the constitutional protection of support for public
education. A settlement was reached on April 12, 1996 which ensures that future
school finding will not be in jeopardy over repayment of these so-called loans.
PROPOSITION 111. On June 30, 1989, the California legislature enacted
Senate Constitutional Amendment 1, a proposed modification of the California
Constitution to alter the spending limit and the education funding provisions of
Proposition 98. Senate Constitutional Amendment 1 - on the June 5, 1990 ballot
as Proposition 111 - was approved by the voters and took effect on July 1, 1990.
Among a number of important provisions, Proposition 111 recalculated spending
limits for the state and for local governments, allowed greater annual increases
in the limits, allowed the averaging of two years' tax revenues before requiring
action regarding excess tax revenues, reduced the amount of the funding
guarantee in recession years for school districts and community college
districts (but with a floor of 40.9 percent of state General Fund tax revenues),
removed the provision of Proposition 98 which included excess moneys transferred
to school districts and community college districts in the base calculation for
the next year, limited the amount of state school districts and community
college districts in the base calculation for the next year, limited the amount
of state tax revenue over the limit which would be transferred to school
districts and community college districts, and exempted increased gasoline taxes
and truck weight fees from the state appropriations limit. Additionally,
Proposition 111 exempted from the state appropriations limit funding for capital
outlays.
PROPOSITION 62. On November 4, 1986, California voters approved an
initiative statute known a Proposition 62. This initiative provided the
following:
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1. Requires that any tax for general governmental purposes imposed by local
governments be approved by resolution or ordinance adopted by a two-thirds vote
of the governmental entity's legislative body and by a majority vote of the
electorate of the governmental entity;
2. Requires that any special tax (defined as taxes levied for other than
general governmental purposes) imposed by a local governmental entity be
approved by a two-thirds vote of the voters within that jurisdiction;
3. Restricts the use of revenues from a special tax to the purposes or for
the service for which the special tax was imposed.
4. Prohibits the imposition of ad valorem taxes on real property by
local governmental entities except as permitted by Article XIIA;
5. Prohibits the imposition of transaction taxes and sales taxes on the
sale of real property by local governments;
6. Requires that any tax imposed by a local government on or after
August 1, 1985 be ratified by a majority vote of the electorate within two
years of the adoption of the initiative;
7. Requires that, in the event a local government fails to comply with the
provision of this measure, a reduction in the amount of property tax revenue
allocated to such local government occurs in an amount equal to the revenues
received by such entity attributable to the tax levied in violation of the
initiative; and
8. Permits these provisions to be amended exclusively by the voters of the
State of California.
In September 1988, the California Court of Appeal in CITY OF WESTMINSTER V.
COUNTY OF ORANGE, 204 Cal.App. 3d 623, 215 Cal.Rptr. 511 (Cal.Ct.App. 1988),
held that Proposition 62 is unconstitutional to the extent that it requires a
general tax by a general law city, enacted on or after August 1, 1985 and prior
to the effective date of Proposition 62, to be subject to approval by a majority
of voters. The court held that the California Constitution prohibits the
imposition of a requirement that local tax measures be submitted to the
electorate by either referendum or initiative. It is impossible to predict the
impact of this decision on charter cities, on special taxes or on new taxes
imposed after the effective date of Proposition 62. The California Court of
Appeal in CITY OF WOODLAKE V. LOGAN, (1991) 230 Cal.App.3d 1058, subsequently
held that Proposition 62's popular vote requirements for future local taxes also
provided for an unconstitutional referenda. The California Supreme Court
declined to review bote the City of Westminster and the City of Woodlake
decisions.
In SANTA CLARA LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY V. GUARDINO, (Sept. 28, 1995)
Cal.4th 220, reh'g denied, modified (Dec. 14, 1995) 12 Cal.4th 344e, the
California Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 62's
popular vote requirements for future taxes and specifically disapproved of the
City of Woodlake decision as erroneous. The court did not determine the
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correctness of the CITY OF WESTMINSTER decision, because that case appeared
distinguishable, was not relied on by the parties in GUARDINO, and involved
taxes not likely to still be at issue. It is impossible to predict the impact of
the court's decision on charter cities or on taxes imposed in reliance on the
CITY OF WOODLAKE case.
Senate Bill 1590 (O'Connell), introduced February 16, 1996, would make the
GUARDINO decision inapplicable to any tax first imposed or increased by an
ordinance or resolution adopted before December 14, 1995. The California Senate
passed the bill on May 16, 1996, and it is currently pending in the California
State Assembly. It is not clear whether the bill, if enacted would be
constitutional as a non-voted amendment to Proposition 62 or as a non-voted
change to Proposition 62's operative date.
The voters will be presented with a new initiative constitutional amendment
on the November 1996 ballot. The Right to Vote on Taxes Act, sponsored by the
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, seeks to strengthen Proposition 62 by
requiring majority voter approval for general taxes, two-thirds voter approval
for special taxes (including taxes imposed for specific purposes but placed in
the General Fund), voter approval of existing local taxes enacted after January
1, 1995, and placing other restrictions on fees and assessments. As a
constitutional amendment, the provisions would clearly apply to charter cities.
Another initiative on the November 1996 ballot, a statutory initiative
sponsored by the California Tax Reform Association, would reimpose the temporary
10 and 11 percent tax brackets and use the revenues from the increase to replace
a portion of the property tax revenue shifted from cities, counties and special
districts to schools on an ongoing basis since 1992.
PROPOSITION 87. On November 8, 1988, California voters approved Proposition
87. Proposition 87 amended Article XVI Section 16 of the California Constitution
by authorizing the California legislature to prohibit redevelopment agencies
from receiving any of the property tax revenue raised by increased property tax
rates levied to repay bonded indebtedness of local governments which is approved
by voters on or after January 1, 1989.
ARTICLES XIIIC AND XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION (PROPOSITION 218)
On November 5, 1996, the voters of the state approved Proposition 218 - the
"Right to Vote on Taxes Act." Proposition 218 adds Articles XIIIC and XIIID to
the State Constitution, which affect the ability of local government, including
charter cities, to levy and collect both existing and future taxes, assessments,
fees and charges. Proposition 218 became effective on November 6, 1996, although
application of some of its provisions is deferred until July 1, 1997. At this
time the City of San Francisco (the "City") cannot predict the impact of
Proposition 218 on the finances of the City, and no assurance can be given that
Proposition 218 will not have a material adverse impact on the City's revenues.
Article XIIIC requires that all new local taxes be submitted to the
electorate for approval before such taxes become effective. General taxes,
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imposed for general governmental purposes of the City, require a majority vote,
and special taxes, imposed for specific purposes (even if deposited in the
General Fund), require a two-thirds vote. Under Proposition 218, the City can
only continue to collect taxes that were imposed after January 1, 1995 if they
are approved by the voters by November 6, 1998. The voter approval requirements
of Article XIIIC reduce the flexibility to deal with fiscal problems by raising
revenue through new or extended or increased taxes, and no assurance can be
given that the City will be able to raise taxes in the future to meet increased
expenditure requirements.
The City has reviewed the taxes it currently collects and has determined
that a 2% increase in its hotel occupancy tax, a portion of the City's stadium
admissions tax and its existing firearm/ammunition tax must be approved by local
voters by November 6, 1998, in order for the City to continue collecting such
taxes. The City has not yet determined whether it will place these taxes before
local voters, and the City can make no assurances that, if placed before local
voters, the voters will approve these taxes. For Fiscal Year 1995-96, the City
expected to collect $17.1 million in revenue from the 2% increase in the hotel
tax, $1.2 million from the stadium admissions tax and less than $100,000 in
revenue from the firearm/ammunition tax.
In addition, Article XIIIC clarifies the initiative power in matters of
local taxes, assessments, fees and charges. Consequently, the voters of the City
could, by initiative, repeal or reduce any existing local tax, assessment, fee
or charge, or limit the future imposition or increase of any local tax,
assessment, fee or charge. "Assessment," "fee" and "charge" are not defined in
Article XIIIC, and it is not clear whether the definitions of these terms in
Article XIIID (which are generally property-related as described below) would be
applied to Article XIIIC. No assurance can be given that the voters of the City
will not approve initiatives that repeal, reduce or prohibit the imposition or
increase of local taxes, assessments, fees or charges.
Article XIIID contains several new provisions making it generally more
difficult for local agencies, such as the City, to levy and maintain
"assessments" for local services and programs. "Assessment" is defined to mean
any levy or charge upon real property for a special benefit conferred upon the
real property and expressly includes standby charges. Article XIIID also
includes new provisions affecting "fees" and "charges," defined for purposes of
Article XIIID to mean "any levy other than an ad valorem tax, a special tax or
an assessment, imposed by a county upon a parcel or upon a person as an incident
of property ownership, including a user fee or charge for a property related
service." All new and existing property-related fees and charges must conform to
specific requirements and prohibitions set forth in the article. Further, before
any property-related fee or charge may be imposed or increased, written notice
must be given to the record owner of each parcel of land affected by such fee or
charge. The City must then hold a hearing upon the proposed imposition or
increase, and if written protests against the proposal are presented by a
majority of the owners of the identified parcels, the City may not impose or
increase the fee or charge. Moreover, except for fees or charges for sewer,
water and refuse collection services (or fees for electrical and gas service,
which are not treated as
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"property-related" for purposes of Article XIIID), no property-related fee or
charge may be imposed or increased without majority approval by the property
owners subject to the fee or charge or, at the option of the local agency,
two-thirds voter approval by the electorate residing in the affected area.
The provisions of Proposition 218 have not been interpreted by any court,
and the California legislature has not yet enacted any legislation implementing
either Article XIIIC or Article XIIID. No assurance can be given that Articles
XIIIC and XIIID will not limit the ability of the City to impose taxes or levy
and collect assessments, fees and charges, nor that the City's ability to
increase ad valorem taxes in order to pay the principal of and interest on the
California municipal obligations, will not be adversely affected.
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PART C
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statements:
The following financial statements are included in Part A:
Financial Highlights:
JPM Pierpont Shares: Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund (unaudited);
JPM Pierpont Shares: Tax Aware Disciplned Equity Fund (unaudited);
JPM Pierpont Shares: California Bond Fund; and
JPM Institutional Shares: California Bond Fund
The following financial statements are included in Part B:
Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at November 4, 1996
Report of Independent Accountants
Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at November 4, 1996
Report of Independent Accountants
The following financial statements are incorporated by reference into
Part B:
Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund:
Schedule of Investments at April 30, 1997 (unaudited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at April 30, 1997 (unaudited)
Statement of Operations for the fiscal period ended April 30, 1997
(unaudited)
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)
Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Notes to Financial Statements April 30, 1997 (unaudited)
Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund:
Schedule of Investments at April 30, 1997 (unaudited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at April 30, 1997 (unaudited)
Statement of Operations for the fiscal period ended April 30, 199
(unaudited)
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)
Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Notes to Financial Statements April 30, 1997 (unaudited)
California Bond Fund:
Schedule of Investments at April 30, 1997
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at April 30, 1997
Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
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Financial Highlights
Notes to Financial Statements April 30, 1997
(b) Exhibits
1 Declaration of Trust.(1)
1(a) Amendment No. 1 to Declaration of Trust, Amended and Restated
Establishment and Designation of Series and Classes of Shares.(2)
1(b) Amendment No. 2 to Declaration of Trust, Second Amended and Restated
Establishment and Designation of Series and Classes of Shares.(4)
2 Restated By-Laws.(2)
5 Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan").(2)
6 Form of Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("FDI").(2)
8 Form of Custodian Contract between Registrant and State Street Bank and
Trust Company ("State Street").(2)
9(a) Form of Co-Administration Agreement between Registrant and FDI.(2)
9(b) Form of Administrative Services Agreement between Registrant and
Morgan.(2)
9(c) Form of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and
State Street.(2)
9(d) Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement between Registrant and
Morgan.(2)
11 Consents of independent accountants.(4)
13 Purchase agreement with respect to Registrant's initial shares.(2)
16 Schedule for computation of performance quotations.(2)
19 Powers of attorney.(2)
20 18f-3 Plan.(3)
27.1 Financial data schedule.(4)
27.2 Financial data schedule.(4)
27.3 Financial data schedule.(4)
27.4 Financial data schedule.(4)
- -------------------
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(1) Incorporated herein from Registrant's registration statement on Form
N-1A as filed on August 29, 1996 (Accession No. 0000912057-96-019242).
(2) Incorporated herein from Registrant's registration statement on Form
N-1A as filed on November 8, 1996 (Accession No. 0001016964-96-000034).
(3) Incorporated herein from Registrant's registration statement on Form
N-1A as filed on February 10, 1997
(Accession No. 0001016964-97-000014).
(4) Filed herewith.
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
Not applicable.
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
Title of Class: Shares of Beneficial Interest (par value $0.001)
As of May 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund: JPM Pierpont Shares: 111
Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund: JPM Pierpont Shares: 46
California Bond Fund: JPM Pierpont Shares: 19
California Bond Fund: JPM Institutional Shares: 48
</TABLE>
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is made to Section 5.3 of Registrant's Declaration of Trust and
Section 5 of Registrant's Distribution Agreement.
Registrant, its Trustees and officers are insured against certain expenses in
connection with the defense of claims, demands, actions, suits, or proceedings,
and certain liabilities that might be imposed as a result of such actions, suits
or proceedings.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be permitted to directors, trustees,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant and the principal underwriter
pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, trustee,
officer, or controlling person of the Registrant and the principal underwriter
in connection with the successful defense of any action, suite or proceeding) is
asserted against the Registrant by such director, trustee, officer or
controlling person or principal underwriter in connection with the shares being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether
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such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
Morgan is a New York trust company which is a wholly owned subsidiary of
J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated. Morgan conducts a general banking and trust
business.
To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors, except those
set forth below, or executive officers of Morgan is or has been during the past
two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or
employment of a substantial nature, except that certain officers and directors
of Morgan also hold various positions with, and engage in business for, J.P.
Morgan & Co. Incorporated, which owns all the outstanding stock of Morgan. Set
forth below are the names, addresses, and principal business of each director of
Morgan who is engaged in another business, profession, vocation or employment of
a substantial nature.
Riley P. Bechtel: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bechtel Group,
Inc. (architectural design and construction). His address is Bechtel Group,
Inc., P.O. Box 193965, San Francisco, CA 94119-3965.
Martin Feldstein: President and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau
of Economic Research, Inc. (national research institution). His address is
National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc., 1050 Massachusetts Avenue,
Cambridge, MA 02138-5398.
Hanna H. Gray: President Emeritus, The University of Chicago (academic
institution). Her address is The University of Chicago, Department of History,
1126 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
James R. Houghton: Retired Chairman, Corning Incorporated (glass
products). His address is R.D.#2 Spencer Hill Road, Corning, NY 14830.
James L. Ketelsen: Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Tenneco Inc. (oil, pipe-lines, and manufacturing). His address is 10 South
Briar Hollow 7, Houston, TX 77027.
John A. Krol: President and Chief Executive Officer, E.I. Du Pont de
Nemours & Company (chemicals and energy company). His address is E.I. Du Pont
de Nemours & Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19898.
Lee R. Raymond: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Exxon Corporation
(oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products). His address is Exxon
Corporation, 5959 Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX 75039-2298.
Richard D. Simmons: Retired; Former President, The Washington Post
Company and International Herald Tribune (newspapers). His address is P.O. Box
242, Sperryville, VA 22740.
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Douglas C. Yearley: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Phelps Dodge Corporation (chemicals). His address is Phelps Dodge Corporation,
2600 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004-3014.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
(a) FDI, located at 60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is
the principal underwriter of the Registrant's shares. FDI is an indirectly
wholly owned subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group, Inc., a holding company,
all of whose outstanding shares are owned by key employees. FDI is a
broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
FDI acts as principal underwriter of the following investment companies other
than the Registrant:
BJB Investment Funds
Burridge Funds
Foreign Fund, Inc.
Fremont Mutual Funds, Inc.
Harris Insight Funds Trust
H.T. Insight Funds, Inc. d/b/a
Harris Insight Funds
LKCM Fund
Monetta Fund, Inc.
Monetta Trust
The Munder Framlington Funds Trust
The Munder Funds, Inc.
The Munder Funds Trust
The PanAgora Institutional Funds
RCM Capital Funds, Inc.
RCM Equity Funds, Inc.
The Skyline Funds
St. Clair Money Market Fund
Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Funds, Inc.
The JPM Institutional Funds
The JPM Pierpont Funds
JPM Series Trust II
FDI does not act as depositor or investment adviser of any investment companies.
(b) The following is a list of officers, directors and partners of FDI. The
principal address of all officers and directors is 60 State Street, Suite 1300,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Name; Positions and Offices with Underwriter; Position and Offices with
Registrant:
Marie E. Connolly; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer; Vice
President and Assistant Treasurer
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Richard W. Ingram; Senior Vice President; President and Treasurer
John E. Pelletier; Senior Vice President and General Counsel; Vice President
and Secretary
Donald R. Roberson; Senior Vice President; None
John F. Tower III; Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
Rui M. Moura; First Vice President; None
Bernard A. Whalen; First Vice President; None
John W. Gomez; Chairman and Director; None
William J. Nutt; Director; None
The information required by this Item 29 with respect to each director and
officer of FDI is incorporated herein by reference to Schedule A of Form BD
filed by FDI pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEC File No.
20518).
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section
31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and
the Rules thereunder will be maintained at the offices of:
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York: 60 Wall Street, New York, New York
10260-0060, 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 or 522 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10036 (records relating to its functions as investment
advisor, shareholder servicing agent and administrative services agent).
State Street Bank and Trust Company: 1776 Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171 (records relating to its functions as custodian, transfer
agent and dividend disbursing agent).
Funds Distributor, Inc.: 60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts
02109 (records relating to its functions as distributor and co-administrator).
Pierpont Group, Inc.: 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017 (records
relating to its assisting the Trustees in carrying out their duties in
supervising the Registrant's affairs).
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
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<PAGE>
(a) If the information called for by Item 5A of Form N-1A is contained in
the latest annual report to shareholders, the Registrant shall furnish
each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the
Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders upon request and
without charge.
(b) The Registrant undertakes to comply with Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act
as though such provisions of the 1940 Act were applicable to the
Registrant, except that the request referred to in the second full
paragraph thereof may only be made by shareholders who hold in the
aggregate at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Registrant,
regardless of the net asset value of shares held by such requesting
shareholders.
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<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement pursuant to Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly
authorized, in the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 19th
day of June, 1997.
JPM SERIES TRUST
By /s/ RICHARD W. INGRAM
-------------------------
Richard W. Ingram
President and Treasurer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
indicated on June 19, 1997.
/s/ RICHARD W. INGRAM
- ---------------------------
Richard W. Ingram
President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
MATTHEW HEALEY*
- ---------------------------
Matthew Healey
Trustee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
FREDERICK S. ADDY*
- ---------------------------
Frederick S. Addy
Trustee
WILLIAM G. BURNS*
- ---------------------------
William G. Burns
Trustee
ARTHUR C. ESCHENLAUER*
- ---------------------------
Arthur C. Eschenlauer
Trustee
MICHAEL P. MALLARDI*
- ---------------------------
Michael P. Mallardi
Trustee
*By /s/ RICHARD W. INGRAM
--------------------------
Richard W. Ingram,
as attorney-in-fact pursuant to a power of attorney previously filed.
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<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
EX-99.B1b Amendment No. 2 to Declaration of Trust, Second Amended and
Restated Establishment and Designation of Series and
Classes of Shares
EX-99.B11 Consents of independent accountants
EX-27.1
to EX-27.4 Financial Data Schedules
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[RECEIVED APR 30 1997 [OFFICE OF THE CLERK
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH 601 CITY HALL
CORPORATIONS DIVISION] BOSTON, MA 02201
APR 29 1997]
JPMSDT2.DOC Appendix I
JPM SERIES TRUST
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO DECLARATION OF TRUST
Second Amended and Restated Establishment and
Designation of Series and Classes of Shares of
Beneficial Interest (par value $0.001 per share)
Dated April 10, 1997
Pursuant to Sections 6.9 and 9.3 of the Declaration of Trust, dated as
of August 15, 1996 (the "Declaration of Trust"), of JPM Series Trust (the
"Trust"), the Trustees of the Trust hereby amend and restate the Amended and
Restated Establishment and Designation of Series and Classes appended to the
Declaration of Trust to change the name of Tax Aware Equity Fund to "Tax Aware
U.S. Equity Fund" (such name change to become effective May 12, 1997), one of
the three initial series of Shares (as defined in the Declaration of Trust)
(each a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds") of the Trust.
1. The Funds shall be renamed and/or redesignated as follows:
Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund
Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund
California Bond Fund
Each Fund and, as applicable, each class into which the Shares of each
Fund are divided shall have the following special and relative rights:
2. Each Fund shall be authorized to hold cash, invest in securities,
instruments and other properties and use investment techniques as from time to
time described in the Trust's then currently effective registration statement
under the Securities Act of 1933. Each Share of a Fund shall be redeemable,
shall be entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value (or a
proportionate fractional vote in respect of a fractional dollar amount) on
matters on which Shares of the Fund shall be entitled to vote, shall represent a
pro rata beneficial interest in the assets allocated or belonging to the Fund,
and shall be entitled to receive its pro rata share of the net assets of the
Fund upon liquidation of the Fund, all as provided in Section 6.9 of the
Declaration of Trust. The proceeds of sales of Shares of a Fund, together with
any income and gain thereon, less any diminution or expenses thereof, shall
irrevocably belong to that Fund, unless otherwise required by law.
3. Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund, Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund and
California Bond Fund shall each be divided into two classes of Shares
designated "JPM Pierpont Shares" and "JPM Institutional Shares", respectively.
4. Shares of each class shall be entitled to all the rights and
preferences accorded to Shares under the Declaration of Trust.
5. The number of Shares of each class designated hereby shall be
unlimited.
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<PAGE>
6. Shareholders of each class shall vote separately on any matter to
the extent required by, and any matter shall be deemed to have been effectively
acted upon with respect to that class as provided in, Rule 18f-2 or Rule 18f-3,
as from time to time in effect, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), or any successor rule, and by the Declaration of
Trust. Shareholders of any class may vote together with shareholders of any
other class on any matter for which the interests of the classes do not
materially differ, and shareholders of all classes of all Funds may vote
together on Trust-wide matters.
7. The Trust's assets and liabilities shall be allocated among the
Funds and the classes thereof as set forth in Section 6.9 of the Declaration of
Trust.
8. Subject to the provisions of Section 6.9 and Article IX of the
Declaration of Trust, the Trustees (including any successor Trustees) shall have
the right at any time and from time to time to reallocate assets and expenses,
to change the designation of any Fund or class previously, now or hereafter
created, or otherwise to change the special and relative rights of any Fund or
class or any such other series of Shares or class thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument as of
the 10th day of April, 1997. This instrument may be executed by the Trustees on
separate counterparts but shall be effective only when signed by a majority of
the Trustees.
/s/ Frederick S. Addy
Frederick S. Addy
/s/ William G. Burns
William G. Burns
/s/ Arthur C. Eschenlauer
Arthur C. Eschenlauer
/s/ Matthew Healey
Matthew Healey
/s/ Michael P. Mallardi
Michael P. Mallardi
JPMSDT2.DOC
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EX-99.B11
CONSENTS OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our reports dated
November 4, 1996, relating to the statements of assets and liabilities of Tax
Aware Equity Fund and Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund (two of the funds
constituting the JPM Series Trust), which appear in such Statement of Additional
Information, and to the incorporation by reference of our reports into the
Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration Statement.
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information constituting parts of the Registration
Statement of our report dated June 5, 1997, relating to the financial statements
and financial highlights of California Bond Fund, appearing in the April 30,
1997 Annual Report, which are also incorporated by reference into the
Registration Statement.
We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial
Statements" and "Independent Accountants" in such Statement of Additional
Information.
/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New
June 18, 1997
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<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the semi-annual
report dated April 30, 1997 for Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such report.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CIK> 1016937
<NAME> JPM Series Trust
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 1
<NAME> Tax Aware U.S. Equity Fund JPM Pierpont Shares
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 4-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> DEC-18-1997
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 13162
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 13793
<RECEIVABLES> 30
<ASSETS-OTHER> 44
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 13867
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 0
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 104
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 13205
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1264
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 23
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (96)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 631
<NET-ASSETS> 13763
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 53
<INTEREST-INCOME> 7
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 31
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 29
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (96)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 631
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 564
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 6
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1263
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 13738
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 16
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 111
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 10040
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII> .03
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .87
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 9.02
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.89
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the semi-annual
report dated April 30, 1997 for Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such report.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CIK> 1016937
<NAME> JPM Series Trust
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 2
<NAME> Tax Aware Disciplined Equity Fund JPM Pierpont Shares
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-30-1997
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 4360
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 4472
<RECEIVABLES> 26
<ASSETS-OTHER> 45
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4543
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 0
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 93
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 4331
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 434
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 13
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (7)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 113
<NET-ASSETS> 4450
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 15
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 5
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 13
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (6)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 113
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 119
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 434
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 4400
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 3
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 70
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 3510
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII> .03
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .22
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 2.50
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.25
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .55
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the annual report
on Form N-SAR dated April 30, 1997 for California Bond Fund and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such report.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CIK> 1016937
<NAME> JPM Series Trust
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> California Bond Fund JPM Pierpont Shares
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 1-MO
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 15,808
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 15,734
<RECEIVABLES> 393
<ASSETS-OTHER> 63
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 16,190
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 928
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 168
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,096
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 15,226
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 30
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (57)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (74)
<NET-ASSETS> 302
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 167
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 15
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 152
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (57)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (74)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 20
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 151
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 30
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 15,069
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 10
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 118
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 300
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.011
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.04
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0.011
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.04
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.62
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the annual report
on Form N-SAR dated April 30, 1997 for California Bond Fund and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such report.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CIK> 1016937
<NAME> JPM Series Trust
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 4
<NAME> California Bond Fund JPM Institutional Shares
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 5-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 15,808
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 15,734
<RECEIVABLES> 393
<ASSETS-OTHER> 63
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 16,190
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 928
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 168
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,096
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 15,226
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,495
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (57)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (74)
<NET-ASSETS> 14,793
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 167
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 15
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 152
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (57)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (74)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 20
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 151
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,532
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 45
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 5
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 15,069
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 10
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 118
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 9,737
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.156
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.10)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0.156
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.90
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>