SUPPLEMENT TO THE
FIDELITY PURITAN(registered trademark) FUND SEPTEMBER 29,1998
PROSPECTUS
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices" section under the heading
"Equity Securities" on page 10.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the
fund may not invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. This limitation does not apply to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices" section under the heading
"Diversification" on page 13.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the
fund may not invest more than 5% in the securities of any one issuer.
This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Fundamental Investment Policies and Restrictions" section on page
14.
With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not invest
more than 5% in the securities of any one issuer and may not invest in
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
These limitations do not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information supplements information found under the
heading "Other Expenses" in the "Fund In Detail" section on page
15.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that recognizes
that FMR may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past
profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for
expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to
result in the sale of fund shares and/or shareholder support services.
FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay intermediaries, such as banks,
broker-dealers and other service-providers, that provide those
services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such
payments.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"How To Buy Shares" section on page 18.
These minimums may be lower for investments through a Fidelity
GoalPlannerSM account.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FIDELITY
PURITAN(registered trademark) FUND
SEPTEMBER 29, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 2:
(1) The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total
assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as
a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be
invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a
registered investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an
affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements
are treated as borrowings for purposes of fundamental investment
limitation (3)).
(v) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 15% of
the fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio
for which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b)
acquiring loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt
instruments and, in connection therewith, assuming any associated
unfunded commitments of the sellers. (This limitation does not apply
to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements.)
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS THE INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION ON PAGE 3.
For purposes of investing at least 25% of the fund's total assets in
fixed-income senior securities (including debt securities and
preferred stock), FMR interprets "total assets" to exclude collateral
received for securities lending transactions.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND UNDER THE
HEADING "EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS" IN THE "INVESTMENT POLICIES AND
LIMITATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 3.
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for
foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC)
markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets,
while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as
developed as those in the United States, and securities of some
foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities
of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and
custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement
where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are
often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in
increased risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or
the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer,
securities depository or foreign subcustodian. For example, many
foreign countries are less prepared than the United States to properly
process and calculate information related to dates from and after
January 1, 2000. As a result, some foreign markets, brokers, banks or
securities depositories could experience at least temporary
disruptions, which could result in difficulty buying and selling
securities in certain foreign markets and pricing foreign investments,
and foreign issuers could fail to pay timely dividends, interest or
principal. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments,
including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
THE FOLLOWING SECTION IS TO BE ADDED, FOLLOWING THE "MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTS" SECTION, ENDING ON PAGE 23.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an
affiliate of FMR. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreement
calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other
business, to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are
continuously offered at NAV. Promotional and administrative expenses
in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan on
behalf of the fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may
not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is
primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund except
pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The
Plan, as approved by the Trustees, allows the fund and FMR to incur
certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect
payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to
FMR is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution
of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan
specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue,
as well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for
expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to
result in the sale of fund shares and/or shareholder support services.
In addition, the Plan provides that FMR, directly or through FDC, may
pay intermediaries, such as banks, broker-dealers and other
service-providers, that provide those services. Currently, the Board
of Trustees has authorized such payments for shares.
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will
benefit the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees
noted that the Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than
those made to FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the
extent that the Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in
connection with the distribution of fund shares, additional sales of
fund shares or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore,
certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively
under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders have other
relationships.
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state
chartered or supervised banks from engaging in the business of
underwriting, selling or distributing securities. Although the scope
of this prohibition under the Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly
defined by the courts or appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes
that the Glass-Steagall Act should not preclude a bank from performing
shareholder support services, or servicing and recordkeeping
functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to perform such functions.
However, changes in federal or state statutes and regulations
pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their affiliates
or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions,
if any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and
effective shareholder services. In such event, changes in the
operation of the fund might occur, including possible termination of
any automatic investment or redemption or other services then provided
by the bank. It is not expected that shareholders would suffer any
adverse financial consequences as a result of any of these
occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on this issue may
differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed herein, and
banks and other financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase
securities issued by, depository institutions that receive payments
under the Plan. No preference for the instruments of such depository
institutions will be shown in the selection of investments.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 24:
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Puritan Fund is a fund of
Fidelity Puritan Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 1, 1984.
Currently, there are four funds in the trust: Fidelity Balanced Fund,
Fidelity Global Balanced Fund, Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Fund, and
Fidelity Puritan Fund. The Trustees are permitted to create additional
funds in the trust.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of
each fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof,
subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets
of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and
expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust
shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY. The trust is an entity commonly known
as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and
expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that
the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the
payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each
agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include
a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or
to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust
further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on
or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of each
fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of
his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his
or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of
Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the
defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund
itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FMR believes that, in
view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is
remote.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of
beneficial interest. As a shareholder, you are entitled to one vote
for each dollar of net asset value that you own. The voting rights of
shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be
voted in the aggregate, by fund and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are
fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading
"Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or any of its funds may be terminated upon the sale of
its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment
company or series thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its
assets. Generally, the merger of the trust or a fund with another
entity or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the trust or
a fund to another entity requires approval by a vote of shareholders
of the trust or the fund. The Trustees may, however, reorganize or
terminate the trust or any of its funds without prior shareholder
approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust,
shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the
underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund, shareholders of
that fund are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund
available for distribution.
SUPPLEMENT
TO THE FIDELITY
BALANCED FUND
SEPTEMBER 29, 1998
PROSPECTUS
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices" section under the heading
"Equity Securities"on page 11.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may
not invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a
single issuer. This limitation does not apply to securities of other
investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices" section under the heading
"Diversification" on page 13.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may
not invest more than 5% in the securities of any one issuer. This
limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Fundamental Investment Policies and Restrictions" section on page 14.
With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not invest more
than 5% in the securities of any one issuer and may not invest in more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
These limitations do not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FIDELITY BALANCED FUND
A FUND OF FIDELITY PURITAN TRUST
SEPTEMBER 29, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 2:
(1) The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total
assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as
a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be
invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
(5) The fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other
than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of
the fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of
companies whose principal business activities are in the same
industry.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a
registered investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an
affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements
are treated as borrowings for purposes of fundamental investment
limitation (3)).
(v) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 15% of
the fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio
for which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b)
acquiring loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt
instruments and, in connection therewith, assuming any associated
unfunded commitments of the sellers. (This limitation does not apply
to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements.)
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS THE INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 2:
For purposes of investing at least 25% of the fund's total assets in
fixed-income senior securities (including debt securities and
preferred stock), FMR interprets "total assets" to exclude collateral
received for securities lending transactions.
THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH REPLACES THE THIRD PARAGRAPH UNDER THE HEADING
"EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS" FOUND IN THE "INVESTMENT POLICIES AND
LIMITATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 2:
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for
foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC)
markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets,
while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as
developed as those in the United States, and securities of some
foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities
of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and
custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement
where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are
often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in
increased risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or
the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer,
securities depository or foreign subcustodian. For example, many
foreign countries are less prepared than the United States to properly
process and calculate information related to dates from and after
January 1, 2000. As a result, some foreign markets, brokers, banks or
securities depositories could experience at least temporary
disruptions, which could result in difficulty buying and selling
securities in certain foreign markets and pricing foreign investments,
and foreign issuers could fail to pay timely dividends, interest or
principal. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments,
including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST" SECTION ON PAGE 24:
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Balanced Fund is a fund of
Fidelity Puritan Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 1, 1984.
Currently, there are four funds in the trust: Fidelity Balanced Fund,
Fidelity Global Balanced Fund, Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Fund, and
Fidelity Puritan Fund. The Trustees are permitted to create additional
funds in the trust.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of
each fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof,
subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets
of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and
expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust
shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY. The trust is an entity commonly known
as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and
expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that
the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the
payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each
agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include
a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or
to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust
further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on
or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of each
fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of
his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his
or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of
Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the
defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund
itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FMR believes that, in
view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is
remote.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of
beneficial interest. As a shareholder, you are entitled to one vote
for each dollar of net asset value that you own. The voting rights of
shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be
voted in the aggregate, by fund and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are
fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading
"Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or any of its funds may be terminated upon the sale of
its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment
company or series thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its
assets. Generally, the merger of the trust or a fund with another
entity or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the trust or
a fund to another entity requires approval by a vote of shareholders
of the trust or the fund. The Trustees may, however, reorganize or
terminate the trust or any of its funds without prior shareholder
approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust,
shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the
underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund, shareholders of
that fund are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund
available for distribution.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FIDELITY LOW-PRICED STOCK FUND
SEPTEMBER 29, 1998 PROSPECTUS
Effective March 17, 1999, the fund's shares will be available for
purchase by new accounts. References to the availability of fund
shares only to certain purchasers in the "Who May Want to Invest"
section on page 3 and in the "How to Buy Shares" section on page 18
are no longer applicable.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices" section under the heading
"Equity Securities" on page 11.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the
fund may not invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. This limitation does not apply to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices" section under the heading
"Diversification" on page 13.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the
fund may not invest more than 5% in the securities of any one issuer.
This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Fundamental Investment Policies and Restrictions" section on page
13.
With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not invest
more than 5% in the securities of any one issuer and may not invest in
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
These limitations do not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information supplements information found under the
heading "Other Expenses" in the "Fund In Detail" section on page
15.
The fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that recognizes
that FMR may use its management fee revenues, as well as its past
profits or its resources from any other source, to pay FDC for
expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to
result in the sale of fund shares and/or shareholder support services.
FMR, directly or through FDC, may pay intermediaries, such as banks,
broker-dealers and other service-providers, that provide those
services. Currently, the Board of Trustees has authorized such
payments.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FIDELITY LOW-PRICED STOCK FUND
A FUND OF FIDELITY PURITAN TRUST
SEPTEMBER 29, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 2:
(1) The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total
assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as
a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be
invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a
registered investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an
affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements
are treated as borrowings for purposes of fundamental investment
limitation (3)).
(v) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money (up to 15% of
the fund's net assets) to a registered investment company or portfolio
for which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b)
acquiring loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt
instruments and, in connection therewith, assuming any associated
unfunded commitments of the sellers. (This limitation does not apply
to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements.)
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS THE INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION ON PAGE 3.
For purposes of normally investing at least 65% of the fund's total
assets in low-priced common and preferred stocks, FMR interprets
"total assets" to exclude collateral received for securities lending
transactions.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION UNDER THE HEADING
"EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS" ON PAGE 4.
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for
foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC)
markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets,
while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as
developed as those in the United States, and securities of some
foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities
of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and
custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement
where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are
often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in
increased risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or
the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer,
securities depository or foreign subcustodian. For example, many
foreign countries are less prepared than the United States to properly
process and calculate information related to dates from and after
January 1, 2000. As a result, some foreign markets, brokers, banks or
securities depositories could experience at least temporary
disruptions, which could result in difficulty buying and selling
securities in certain foreign markets and pricing foreign investments,
and foreign issuers could fail to pay timely dividends, interest or
principal. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments,
including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"MANAGEMENT CONTRACT" SECTION UNDER THE HEADING "COMPUTING THE
PERFORMANCE ADJUSTMENT" ON PAGE 22:
Each percentage point of difference, calculated to the nearest
0.01% (up to a maximum difference of (plus/minus)10.00 is multiplied
by a performance adjustment rate of 0.02%).
THE FOLLOWING SECTION IS TO BE ADDED, FOLLOWING THE "MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTS" SECTION, ENDING ON PAGE 23.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The fund has entered into a distribution agreement with FDC, an
affiliate of FMR. FDC is a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The distribution agreement
calls for FDC to use all reasonable efforts, consistent with its other
business, to secure purchasers for shares of the fund, which are
continuously offered at NAV. Promotional and administrative expenses
in connection with the offer and sale of shares are paid by FMR.
The Trustees have approved a Distribution and Service Plan on
behalf of the fund (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act (the Rule). The Rule provides in substance that a mutual fund may
not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is
primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the fund except
pursuant to a plan approved on behalf of the fund under the Rule. The
Plan, as approved by the Trustees, allows the fund and FMR to incur
certain expenses that might be considered to constitute indirect
payment by the fund of distribution expenses.
Under the Plan, if the payment of management fees by the fund to
FMR is deemed to be indirect financing by the fund of the distribution
of its shares, such payment is authorized by the Plan. The Plan
specifically recognizes that FMR may use its management fee revenue,
as well as its past profits or its other resources, to pay FDC for
expenses incurred in connection with providing services intended to
result in the sale of fund shares and/or shareholder support services.
In addition, the Plan provides that FMR, directly or through FDC, may
pay intermediaries, such as banks, broker-dealers and other
service-providers, that provide those services. Currently, the Board
of Trustees has authorized such payments for shares.
Prior to approving the Plan, the Trustees carefully considered all
pertinent factors relating to the implementation of the Plan, and
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will
benefit the fund and its shareholders. In particular, the Trustees
noted that the Plan does not authorize payments by the fund other than
those made to FMR under its management contract with the fund. To the
extent that the Plan gives FMR and FDC greater flexibility in
connection with the distribution of fund shares, additional sales of
fund shares or stabilization of cash flows may result. Furthermore,
certain shareholder support services may be provided more effectively
under the Plan by local entities with whom shareholders have other
relationships.
The Glass-Steagall Act generally prohibits federally and state
chartered or supervised banks from engaging in the business of
underwriting, selling or distributing securities. Although the scope
of this prohibition under the Glass-Steagall Act has not been clearly
defined by the courts or appropriate regulatory agencies, FDC believes
that the Glass-Steagall Act should not preclude a bank from performing
shareholder support services, or servicing and recordkeeping
functions. FDC intends to engage banks only to perform such functions.
However, changes in federal or state statutes and regulations
pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their affiliates
or subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative
decisions or interpretations, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of the contemplated services. If a bank were
prohibited from so acting, the Trustees would consider what actions,
if any, would be necessary to continue to provide efficient and
effective shareholder services. In such event, changes in the
operation of the fund might occur, including possible termination of
any automatic investment or redemption or other services then provided
by the bank. It is not expected that shareholders would suffer any
adverse financial consequences as a result of any of these
occurrences. In addition, state securities laws on this issue may
differ from the interpretations of federal law expressed herein, and
banks and other financial institutions may be required to register as
dealers pursuant to state law.
The fund may execute portfolio transactions with, and purchase
securities issued by, depository institutions that receive payments
under the Plan. No preference for the instruments of such depository
institutions will be shown in the selection of investments.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 24:
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Fund is a fund
of Fidelity Puritan Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 1, 1984.
Currently, there are four funds in the trust: Fidelity Balanced Fund,
Fidelity Global Balanced Fund, Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Fund, and
Fidelity Puritan Fund. The Trustees are permitted to create additional
funds in the trust.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of
each fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof,
subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets
of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and
expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust
shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY. The trust is an entity commonly known
as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and
expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that
the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the
payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each
agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include
a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or
to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust
further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on
or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of each
fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of
his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his
or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of
Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the
defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund
itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FMR believes that, in
view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is
remote.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of
beneficial interest. As a shareholder, you are entitled to one vote
for each dollar of net asset value that you own. The voting rights of
shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be
voted in the aggregate, by fund and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are
fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading
"Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or any of its funds may be terminated upon the sale of
its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment
company or series thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its
assets. Generally, the merger of the trust or a fund with another
entity or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the trust or
a fund to another entity requires approval by a vote of shareholders
of the trust or the fund. The Trustees may, however, reorganize or
terminate the trust or any of its funds without prior shareholder
approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust,
shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the
underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund, shareholders of
that fund are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund
available for distribution.
SUPPLEMENT
TO THE FIDELITY
GLOBAL BALANCED
SEPTEMBER 29, 1998
PROSPECTUS
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices"section under the heading "Equity
Securities" on page 11.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the
fund may not invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. This limitation does not apply to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found under the
heading "Exposure to Foreign Markets" in the"Investment Principles and
Risks" section on page 13.
EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS. Foreign securities, foreign currencies,
and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign
operations may involve additional risks and considerations. These
include risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory
conditions in foreign countries; fluctuations in foreign currencies;
withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other
operational risks; and the potentially less stringent investor
protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. For example,
many foreign countries are less prepared than the United States to
properly process and calculate information related to dates from and
after January 1, 2000, which could result in difficulty pricing
foreign investments and failure by foreign issuers to pay timely
dividends, interest or principal. Additionally, governmental issuers
of foreign debt securities may be unwilling to pay interest and repay
principal when due and may require that the conditions for payment be
renegotiated. All of these factors can make foreign investments,
especially those in emerging markets, more volatile and potentially
less liquid than U.S. investments.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Securities and Investment Practices" section under the heading
"Diversification" on page 15.
RESTRICTIONS: With respect to 75% of its total assets, the
fund may not invest more than 5% in the securities of any one issuer.
This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Fundamental Investment Policies and Restrictions" section on page
15.
With respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not invest
more than 5% in the securities of any one issuer and may not invest in
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
These limitations do not apply to U.S. Government securities or to
securities of other investment companies.
The following information replaces similar information found in the
"Management Fee" section on page 17.
The sub-advisers may also provide investment management services.
In return, FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal to 50% and
FIJ and FIIA a fee equal to 57% of its management fee rate with
respect to the fund's investments that the sub-adviser manages on a
discretionary basis. FIIA pays FIIA (U.K.) L a fee equal to 110% of
the cost of providing these services.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FIDELITY
GLOBAL BALANCED FUND
SEPTEMBER 29, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"INVESTMENT POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 2:
(1) The fund may not with respect to 75% of the fund's total
assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies) if, as
a result, (a) more than 5% of the fund's total assets would be
invested in the securities of that issuer, or (b) the fund would hold
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
(iii) The fund may borrow money only (a) from a bank or from a
registered investment company or portfolio for which FMR or an
affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b) by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements with any party (reverse repurchase agreements
are treated as borrowings for purposes of fundamental investment
limitation (3)).
(v) The fund does not currently intend to lend assets other than
securities to other parties, except by (a) lending money up to 15% of
the fund's net assets to a registered investment company or portfolio
for which FMR or an affiliate serves as investment adviser or (b)
acquiring loans, loan participations, or other forms of direct debt
instruments and, in connection therewith, assuming any associated
unfunded commitments of the sellers. (This limitation does not apply
to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements.)
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENTS INFORMATION FOUND UNDER THE
HEADING "INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS" IN THE "INVESTMENT POLICIES AND
LIMITATIONS" SECTION ON PAGE 3.
For purposes of investing at least 25% of the fund's total assets in
fixed-income senior securities, including debt securities and
preferred stock, FMR interprets "total assets" to exclude collateral
received for securities lending transactions.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES THE SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND UNDER
THE HEADING "EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN MARKETS" IN THE "INVESTMENT POLICIES
AND LIMITATIONS" SECTION ON PAGE 3.
It is anticipated that in most cases the best available market for
foreign securities will be on an exchange or in over-the-counter (OTC)
markets located outside of the United States. Foreign stock markets,
while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as
developed as those in the United States, and securities of some
foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities
of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign security trading, settlement and
custodial practices (including those involving securities settlement
where fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment) are
often less developed than those in U.S. markets, and may result in
increased risk or substantial delays in the event of a failed trade or
the insolvency of, or breach of duty by, a foreign broker-dealer,
securities depository or foreign subcustodian. For example, many
foreign countries are less prepared than the United States to properly
process and calculate information related to dates from and after
January 1, 2000. As a result, some foreign markets, brokers, banks or
securities depositories could experience at least temporary
disruptions, which could result in difficulty buying and selling
securities in certain foreign markets and pricing foreign investments,
and foreign issuers could fail to pay timely dividends, interest or
principal. In addition, the costs associated with foreign investments,
including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions and custodial
costs, are generally higher than with U.S. investments.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES THE SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN
THE "MANAGEMENT CONTRACT" SECTION ON PAGE 42.
For providing discretionary investment management and executing
portfolio transactions, the sub-advisers are compensated as
follows:
(small solid bullet) FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East a fee equal
to 50% of its monthly management fee with respect to the fund's
average net assets managed by the sub-adviser on a discretionary
basis.
(small solid bullet) FMR pays FIJ and FIIA a fee equal to 57% of
its monthly management fee with respect to the fund's average net
assets managed by the sub-adviser a discretionary basis.
(small solid bullet) FIIA pays FIIA(U.K.)L a fee equal to 110% of
FIIA(U.K.)L's costs incurred in connection with providing
discretionary investment management services.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REPLACES SIMILAR INFORMATION FOUND IN THE
"DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 44:
TRUST ORGANIZATION. Fidelity Global Balanced Fund is a fund
of Fidelity Puritan Trust, an open-end management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 1, 1984.
Currently, there are four funds in the trust: Fidelity Balanced Fund,
Fidelity Global Balanced Fund, Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Fund, and
Fidelity Puritan Fund. The Trustees are permitted to create additional
funds in the trust.
The assets of the trust received for the issue or sale of shares of
each fund and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof,
subject to the rights of creditors, are allocated to such fund, and
constitute the underlying assets of such fund. The underlying assets
of each fund in the trust shall be charged with the liabilities and
expenses attributable to such fund. Any general expenses of the trust
shall be allocated between or among any one or more of the funds.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY. The trust is an entity commonly known
as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for the obligations of the trust.
The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities, obligations, and
expenses of the trust or fund. The Declaration of Trust provides that
the trust shall not have any claim against shareholders except for the
payment of the purchase price of shares and requires that each
agreement, obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the
trust or the Trustees relating to the trust or to a fund shall include
a provision limiting the obligations created thereby to the trust or
to one or more funds and its or their assets. The Declaration of Trust
further provides that shareholders of a fund shall not have a claim on
or right to any assets belonging to any other fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of each
fund's property of any shareholder or former shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the fund solely by reason of
his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his
or her acts or omissions or for some other reason. The Declaration of
Trust also provides that each fund shall, upon request, assume the
defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of the fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a fund
itself would be unable to meet its obligations. FMR believes that, in
view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is
remote.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each fund's capital consists of shares of
beneficial interest. As a shareholder, you are entitled to one vote
for each dollar of net asset value that you own. The voting rights of
shareholders can be changed only by a shareholder vote. Shares may be
voted in the aggregate, by fund and by class.
The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are
fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth under the heading
"Shareholder Liability" above.
The trust or any of its funds may be terminated upon the sale of
its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management investment
company or series thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of its
assets. Generally, the merger of the trust or a fund with another
entity or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the trust or
a fund to another entity requires approval by a vote of shareholders
of the trust or the fund. The Trustees may, however, reorganize or
terminate the trust or any of its funds without prior shareholder
approval. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the trust,
shareholders of each of its funds are entitled to receive the
underlying assets of such fund available for distribution. In the
event of the dissolution or liquidation of a fund, shareholders of
that fund are entitled to receive the underlying assets of the fund
available for distribution.
