As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 1998
FILE NO. 811-7844
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 8
THE SHORT TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
P.O. Box 2508 GT, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (345) 949-6644
Christopher J. Kelley, c/o Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to: John E. Baumgardner, Jr., Esq.
Sullivan & Cromwell
125 Broad Street
New York, NY 10004
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement has been filed by the Registrant pursuant
to Section 8(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. However,
beneficial interests in the Registrant are not being registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), because such interests will
be issued solely in private placement transactions that do not involve any
"public offering" within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act.
Investments in the Registrant may only be made by other investment companies,
insurance company separate accounts, common or commingled trust funds or similar
organizations or entities that are "accredited investors" within the meaning of
Regulation D under the 1933 Act. This Registration Statement does not constitute
an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any beneficial
interests in the Registrant.
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PART A
Responses to Items 1 through 3 and 5A have been omitted pursuant to
paragraph 4 of Instruction F of the General Instructions to Form N-1A.
ITEM 4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT.
The Short Term Bond Portfolio (the "Portfolio") is a diversified,
open-end management investment company which was organized as a trust under the
laws of the State of New York on January 29, 1993. Beneficial interests in the
Portfolio are issued solely in private placement transactions that do not
involve any "public offering" within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Investments in the
Portfolio may only be made by other investment companies, insurance company
separate accounts, common or commingled trust funds or similar organizations or
entities that are "accredited investors" within the meaning of Regulation D
under the 1933 Act. This Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to
sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning
of the 1933 Act.
The Portfolio is advised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM"
or the "Advisor").
Investments in the Portfolio are not deposits or obligations of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan"),
an affiliate of the Advisor, or any other bank. Interests in the Portfolio are
not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal
Reserve Board or any other governmental agency. An investment in the Portfolio
is subject to risk, as the net asset value of the Portfolio will fluctuate with
changes in the value of the Portfolio's holdings.
Part B contains more detailed information about the Portfolio,
including information related to (i) the investment policies and restrictions of
the Portfolio, (ii) the Trustees, officers, Advisor and administrators of the
Portfolio, (iii) portfolio transactions, (iv) rights and liabilities of
investors and (v) the audited financial statements of the Portfolio at October
31, 1997.
The investment objective of the Portfolio is described below, together
with the policies employed to attempt to achieve this objective. Additional
information about the investment policies of the Portfolio appears in Part B,
under Item 13. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the
Portfolio will be achieved.
The Portfolio's investment objective, which is non-fundamental and can
be changed without the approval of interest holders, is to provide a high total
return consistent with low volatility of principal. Total return will consist of
income plus realized and unrealized capital gains and losses. The Portfolio
seeks to achieve this high total return to the extent consistent with modest
risk of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
The Portfolio is designed for investors who place a strong emphasis on
conservation of capital but who also want a return greater than that of a money
market fund and other very low risk investment vehicles. It is appropriate for
investors who do not require the stable value typical of a money market fund but
do want less price fluctuation than is typical of a longer-term bond fund.
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The Advisor actively manages the Portfolio's duration, the allocation
of securities across market sectors and the selection of securities within
sectors. Based on fundamental, economic and capital markets research, the
Advisor adjusts the duration of the Portfolio in accordance with the Advisor's
outlook for interest rates. The Advisor also actively allocates the Portfolio's
assets among the broad sectors of the fixed income market including, but not
limited to, U.S. Government and agency securities, corporate securities, private
placements, asset-backed and mortgage-related securities. Specific securities
which the Advisor believes are undervalued are selected for purchase within the
sectors 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 Advisor also seeks to limit the likelihood of negative quarterly
returns by balancing the Portfolio's level of income with the possibility of
capital losses. This balancing effort helps determine the Portfolio's duration.
Duration is a measure of the weighted average maturity of the bonds
held in the Portfolio and can be used as a measure of the sensitivity of the
Portfolio's market value to changes in interest rates. Generally, the longer the
duration of the Portfolio, the more sensitive its market value will be to
changes in interest rates. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio's
duration will range between one and three years. The maturities of the
individual securities in the Portfolio may vary widely, however.
The Advisor intends to manage the Portfolio actively in pursuit of its
investment objective. Portfolio transactions are undertaken principally to
accomplish the Portfolio's objective in relation to expected movements in the
general level of interest rates, but the Portfolio may also engage in short-term
trading consistent with its objective. To the extent the Portfolio engages in
short-term trading, it may incur increased transaction costs. The portfolio
turnover rates for the Portfolio for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996 and
1997 were 191% and 219%, respectively.
FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS. The Portfolio may invest in a broad range of
debt securities of domestic and foreign corporate and government issuers. The
corporate securities in which the Portfolio may invest include debt securities
of various types and maturities, e.g., debentures, notes, mortgage securities,
equipment trust certificates and other collateralized securities and zero coupon
securities. Collateralized securities are backed by a pool of assets such as
loans or receivables which generate cash flow to cover the payments due on the
securities. Collateralized securities are subject to certain risks, including a
decline in the value of the collateral backing the security, failure of the
collateral to generate the anticipated cash flow or in certain cases more rapid
prepayment because of events affecting the collateral, such as accelerated
prepayment of mortgages or other loans backing these securities or destruction
of equipment subject to equipment trust certificates. In the event of any such
prepayment a Fund will be required to reinvest the proceeds of prepayments at
interest rates prevailing at the time of reinvestment, which may be lower. In
addition, the value of zero coupon securities which do not pay interest is more
volatile than that of interest bearing debt securities with the same maturity.
CORPORATE BONDS, ETC. The Portfolio may invest in a broad range of debt
securities of domestic and foreign issuers. These include debt securities of
various types and maturities, e.g., debentures, notes, mortgage securities,
equipment trust certificates and other collateralized securities and zero
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coupon securities. Collateralized securities are backed by a pool of
assets such as loans or receivables which generate cash flow to cover the
payments due on the securities. Collateralized securities are subject to certain
risks, including a decline in the value of the collateral backing the security,
failure of the collateral to generate the anticipated cash flow or in certain
cases more rapid prepayment because of events affecting the collateral, such as
accelerated prepayment of mortgages or other loans backing these securities or
destruction of equipment subject to equipment trust certificates. In the event
of any such prepayment the Portfolio will be required to reinvest the proceeds
of prepayments at interest rates prevailing at the time of reinvestment, which
may be lower. In addition, the value of zero coupon securities which do not pay
interest is more volatile than that of interest bearing debt securities with the
same maturity. The Portfolio does not intend to invest in common stock but may
invest to a limited extent in convertible debt or preferred stock. The Portfolio
may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities denominated in
foreign currencies of developed countries. The Portfolio does not expect to
invest more than 25% of its assets in securities of foreign issuers. See
Additional Investment Information and Risk Factors for further information on
foreign investments and convertible securities.
GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS, ETC. The Portfolio may invest in obligations
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States. These securities include Treasury securities,
obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA
Certificates"), the Farmers Home Administration and the Export Import Bank. GNMA
Certificates are mortgage-backed securities which evidence an undivided interest
in mortgage pools. These securities are subject to more rapid repayment than
their stated maturity would indicate because prepayments of principal on
mortgages in the pool are passed through to the holder of the securities. During
periods of declining interest rates, prepayments of mortgages in the pool can be
expected to increase. The pass-through of these prepayments would have the
effect of reducing the Portfolio's positions in these securities and requiring
the Portfolio to reinvest the prepayments at interest rates prevailing at the
time of reinvestment. The Portfolio may also invest in obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities where the Portfolio
must look principally to the issuing or guaranteeing agency for ultimate
repayment; some examples of agencies or instrumentalities issuing these
obligations are the Federal Farm Credit System, the Federal Home Loan Banks and
the Federal National Mortgage Association. Although these governmental issuers
are responsible for payments on their obligations, they do not guarantee their
market value.
The Portfolio may also invest in municipal obligations which may be
general obligations of the issuer or payable only from specific revenue sources.
However, the Portfolio will invest only in municipal obligations that have been
issued on a taxable basis or have an attractive yield excluding tax
considerations. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in debt securities of
foreign governments and governmental entities denominated in the U.S. dollar and
other currencies. See Additional Investment Information and Risk Factors for
further information on foreign investments.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. The Portfolio may purchase money market
instruments to invest temporary cash balances or to maintain liquidity to meet
withdrawals. However, the Portfolio may also invest in money market instruments
as a temporary defensive measure taken during, or in anticipation of, adverse
market conditions. The money market investments permitted for the Portfolio
include obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and
instrumentalities, other debt securities, commercial paper, bank obligations
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and repurchase agreements. For more detailed information about these
money market investments, see Item 13 in Part B.
QUALITY INFORMATION. It is the current policy of the Portfolio that
under normal circumstances at least 90% of total assets will consist of
securities that at the time of purchase are rated Baa or better by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better by Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's"), of which at least 75% of total assets will
be rated A or better. The remaining 10% of total assets may be invested in
securities that are rated B or better by Moody's or Standard & Poor's. In each
case, the Portfolio may invest in securities which are unrated if in the
Advisor's opinion such securities are of comparable quality. Securities rated
Baa by Moody's or BBB by Standard & Poor's are considered investment grade, but
have some speculative characteristics. Securities rated Ba or B by Moody's and
BB or B by Standard & Poor's are below investment grade and considered to be
speculative with regard to payment of interest and principal. These standards
must be satisfied at the time an investment is made. If the quality of the
investment later declines, the Portfolio may continue to hold the investment.
See Appendix A in Part B for more detailed information on these ratings.
The Portfolio may also purchase obligations on a when-issued or delayed
delivery basis, enter into repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, lend
its portfolio securities, purchase certain privately placed securities and enter
into certain hedging transactions that may involve options on securities and
securities indexes, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and forward
contracts on foreign currencies. For a discussion of these investments and
investment techniques, see Additional Investment Information and Risk Factors.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND RISK FACTORS
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in convertible
securities of domestic and, subject to the Portfolio's restrictions, foreign
issuers. The convertible securities in which the Portfolio 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.
BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE DEBT. Certain lower rated securities purchased
by the Portfolio, such as those rated Ba or B by Moody's or BB or B by Standard
& Poor's (commonly known as junk bonds), may be subject to certain risks with
respect to the issuing entity's ability to make scheduled payments of principal
and interest and to greater market fluctuations. While generally providing
higher coupons or interest rates income than investments in higher quality
securities, lower quality fixed income securities involve greater risk of loss
of principal and income, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of
the issuers of such securities, and have greater price volatility, especially
during periods of economic uncertainty or change. These lower quality fixed
income securities tend to be affected by economic changes and short-term
corporate and industry developments to a greater extent than higher quality
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in such lower quality
securities, the achievement of its investment objective may be more dependent on
the Advisor's own credit analysis.
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Lower quality fixed income securities are affected by the market's
perception of their credit quality, especially during times of adverse
publicity, and the outlook for economic growth. Economic downturns or an
increase in interest rates may cause a higher incidence of default by the
issuers of these securities, especially issuers that are highly leveraged. The
market for these lower quality fixed income securities is generally less liquid
than the market for investment grade fixed income securities. It may be more
difficult to sell these lower rated securities to meet redemption requests, to
respond to changes in the market, or to value accurately the Portfolio's
portfolio securities for purposes of determining net asset value. See Appendix A
in Part B for more detailed information on these ratings.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. The Portfolio may purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. Delivery of and payment
for these securities may take as long as a month or more after the date of the
purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market
fluctuation during this period and for fixed income securities no interest
accrues to the Portfolio until settlement. At the time of settlement a when-
issued security may be valued at less than its purchase price. The Portfolio
maintains with the Custodian a separate account with a segregated portfolio of
securities in an amount at least equal to these commitments. When entering into
a when-issued or delayed delivery transaction, the Portfolio will rely on the
other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so,
the Portfolio may be disadvantaged. It is the current policy of the Portfolio
not to enter into when-issued commitments exceeding in the aggregate 15% of the
market value of the Portfolio's total assets less liabilities other than the
obligations created by these commitments.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio may engage in repurchase agreement
transactions with brokers, dealers or banks that meet the credit guidelines
established by the Portfolio's Trustees. In a repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio buys a security from a seller that has agreed to repurchase it at a
mutually agreed upon date and price, reflecting the interest rate effective for
the term of the agreement. The term of these agreements is usually from
overnight to one week. A repurchase agreement may be viewed as a fully
collateralized loan of money by the Portfolio to the seller. The Portfolio
always receives securities as collateral with a market value at least equal to
the purchase price plus accrued interest and this value is maintained during the
term of the agreement. If the seller defaults and the collateral value declines,
the Portfolio might incur a loss. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with
respect to the seller, the Portfolio's realization upon the disposition of
collateral may be delayed or limited. Investments in certain repurchase
agreements and certain other investments which may be considered illiquid are
limited. See Illiquid Investments; Privately Placed and other Unregistered
Securities below.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Subject to applicable investment
restrictions, the Portfolio is permitted to lend its securities in an amount up
to 33 1/3% of the value of the Portfolio's net assets. The Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio
any income accruing thereon. Loans will be subject to termination by the
Portfolio 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
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the loan inures to the Portfolio and its respective investors. The
Portfolio may pay reasonable finders' and custodial fees in connection with a
loan. In addition, the Portfolio will consider all facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrowing financial institution, and the
Portfolio will not make any loans in excess of one year.
Loans of portfolio securities may be considered extensions of credit by
the Portfolio. The risks to the Portfolio with respect to borrowers of its
portfolio securities are similar to the risks to the Portfolio with respect to
sellers in repurchase agreement transactions. See Repurchase Agreements above.
The Portfolio will not lend its securities to any officer, Trustee, director,
employee or other affiliate of the Portfolio, the Advisor or the placement
agent, unless otherwise permitted by applicable law.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio is permitted to enter into
reverse repurchase agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio
sells a security and agrees to repurchase it at a mutually agreed upon date and
price, reflecting the interest rate effective for the term of the agreement. For
purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), it
is considered a form of borrowing by the Portfolio and, therefore, is a form of
leverage. Leverage may cause any gains or losses of the Portfolio to be
magnified. See Investment Restrictions for investment limitations applicable to
reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowings. For more information, see
Item 13 in Part B.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT INFORMATION. The Portfolio may invest in certain
foreign securities denominated in the U.S. dollar and other currencies.
Investment in securities of foreign issuers and in obligations of foreign
branches of domestic banks involves somewhat different investment risks from
those affecting securities of U.S. domestic issuers. There may be limited
publicly available information with respect to foreign issuers, and foreign
issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies.
Dividends and interest paid by foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and
other foreign taxes which may decrease the net return on foreign investments as
compared to dividends and interest paid to the Portfolio by domestic companies.
Investors should realize that the value of the Portfolio's investments
in foreign securities may be adversely affected by changes in political or
social conditions, diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation,
nationalization, limitation on the removal of funds or assets, or imposition of
(or change in) exchange control or tax regulations in those foreign countries.
In addition, changes in government administrations or economic or monetary
policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or
depreciation of portfolio securities and could favorably or unfavorably affect
the Portfolio's operations. Furthermore, the economies of individual foreign
nations may differ from the U.S. economy, whether favorably or unfavorably, in
areas such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position; it may
also be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign
issuer. Any foreign investments made by the Portfolio must be made in compliance
with U.S. and foreign currency restrictions and tax laws restricting the amounts
and types of foreign investments.
In addition, while the volume of transactions effected on foreign
exchanges has increased in recent years, in most cases it remains appreciably
below that of domestic security exchanges. Accordingly, the Portfolio's
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foreign investments may be less liquid and their prices may be more
volatile than comparable investments in securities of U.S. companies. Moreover,
the settlement periods for foreign securities, which are often longer than those
for securities of U.S. issuers, may affect portfolio liquidity. In addition,
there is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities
exchanges, brokers and issuers located in foreign countries than in the United
States.
The Portfolio may invest in securities of foreign issuers directly or
in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary
Receipts ("EDRs") or other similar securities of foreign issuers. These
securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities they represent. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or
trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Certain
such institutions issuing ADRs may not be sponsored by the issuer of the
underlying foreign securities. A non-sponsored depository may not provide the
same shareholder information that a sponsored depository is required to provide
under its contractual arrangements with the issuer of the underlying foreign
securities. EDRs are receipts issued by a European financial institution
evidencing a similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are
designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are
designed for use in European securities markets.
Since the Portfolio's investments in foreign securities involve foreign
currencies, the value of its assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control
regulations, including currency blockage. See Foreign Currency Exchange
Transactions.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. Because the Portfolio may buy
and sell securities and receive interest in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar, the Portfolio may enter from time to time into foreign currency exchange
transactions. The Portfolio either enters into these transactions on a spot
(i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange
market or uses forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. The
cost of the Portfolio's spot currency exchange transactions is generally the
difference between the bid and offer spot rate of the currency being purchased
or sold.
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an obligation by the
Portfolio to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the date of the contract. Forward foreign currency
exchange contracts establish an exchange rate at a future date. These contracts
are derivative instruments, as their value derives from the spot exchange rates
of the currencies exchanged under the contract. These contracts are entered into
in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large
commercial banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency exchange
contract generally has no deposit requirement, and is traded at a net price
without commission. The Portfolio will not enter into forward contracts for
speculative purposes. Neither spot transactions nor forward foreign currency
exchange contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the Portfolio's
securities or in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the prices of these
securities should decline.
The Portfolio may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions in
an attempt to protect against changes in foreign currency exchange rates between
the trade and settlement dates of specific securities transactions or
anticipated securities transactions. The Portfolio may also enter into forward
contracts to hedge against a change in foreign currency exchange rates that
would cause a decline in the value of existing investments denominated or
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principally traded in a foreign currency. To do this, the Portfolio
would enter into a forward contract to sell the foreign currency in which the
investment is denominated or principally traded in exchange for U.S. dollars or
in exchange for another foreign currency. The Portfolio will only enter into
forward contracts to sell a foreign currency in exchange for another foreign
currency if the Advisor expects the foreign currency purchased to appreciate
against the U.S. dollar.
Although these transactions are intended to minimize the risk of loss
due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they
limit any potential gain that might be realized should the value of the hedged
currency increase. In addition, forward contracts that convert a foreign
currency into another foreign currency will cause the Portfolio to assume the
risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency purchased against the hedged
currency and the U.S. dollar. The precise matching of the forward contract
amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible
because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as
a consequence of market movements in the value of such securities between the
date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The
projection of currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the
successful execution of a hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
SOVEREIGN FIXED INCOME SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in fixed
income securities issued or guaranteed by a foreign sovereign government or its
agencies, authorities or political subdivisions. Investment in sovereign fixed
income securities involves special risks not present in corporate fixed income
securities. The issuer of the sovereign debt or the governmental authorities
that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay
principal or interest when due, and the Portfolio may have limited recourse in
the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market
prices of sovereign debt, and the Portfolio's net asset value, may be more
volatile than prices of U.S. debt obligations. In the past, certain foreign
countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations,
withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the
payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debts.
A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay
interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash
flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of
sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the
sovereign debtor's policy toward international lenders and local political
constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements
from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce
principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign
debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic
performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the
cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor,
which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its
debts.
BRADY BONDS. The Portfolio may invest in Brady bonds, which are
securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to
public and private entities in certain emerging markets for new bonds in
connection with debt restructurings. Brady bonds have been issued since 1989 and
do not have a long payment history. In light of the history of defaults of
countries issuing Brady bonds on their commercial bank loans, investments in
Brady bonds may be viewed as speculative. Brady bonds may be fully or partially
collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies
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(but primarily the dollar) and are actively traded in over-the-counter
secondary markets. Incomplete collateralization of interest or principal payment
obligations results in increased credit risk. Dollar-denominated collateralized
Brady bonds, which may be fixed-rate bonds or floating-rate bonds, are generally
collateralized by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as
the Brady bonds.
OBLIGATIONS OF SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES. The Portfolio may invest in
obligations of supranational entities designated or supported by governmental
entities to promote economic reconstruction or development and of international
banking institutions and related government agencies. Examples include the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank"), the
European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank and the
Inter-American Development Bank. Each supranational entity's lending activities
are limited to a percentage of its total capital (including "callable capital"
contributed by its governmental members at the entity's call), reserves and net
income. There is no assurance that participating governments will be able or
willing to honor their commitments to make capital contributions to a
supranational entity.
INVESTING IN EMERGING MARKETS. The Portfolio may also invest in
countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Political and economic
structures in many of such countries may be undergoing significant evolution and
rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and
economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such
countries may have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and
have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a
result, the risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or
expropriation of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political
or social developments may affect the values of the Portfolio's investments in
those countries and the availability to the Portfolio of additional investments
in those countries. The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in
certain of such countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in
those countries may make the Portfolio's investments in such countries illiquid
and more volatile than investments in more developed countries, and the
Portfolio may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements
before making certain investments in those countries. There may be little
financial or accounting information available with respect to issuers located in
certain of such countries, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the
value or prospects of an investment in such issuers.
Transaction costs in emerging markets may be higher than in the United
States and other developed securities markets. As legal systems in emerging
markets develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended
laws and regulations or may not be able to obtain swift and equitable
enforcement of existing law.
RESTRICTIONS ON INVESTMENT AND REPATRIATION. Certain emerging markets
limit, or require governmental approval prior to, investments by foreign
persons. Repatriation of investment income and capital from certain emerging
markets is subject to certain governmental consents. Even where there is no
outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation
may affect the operation of the Portfolio.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS; PRIVATELY PLACED AND OTHER UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
The Portfolio may not acquire any illiquid securities if, as a result thereof,
more than 15% of the Portfolio's net assets would be in illiquid investments.
Subject to this non-fundamental policy limitation, the
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Portfolio may acquire investments that are illiquid or have limited
liquidity, such as private placements or investments that are not registered
under the 1933 Act, and cannot be offered for public sale in the United States
without first being registered under the 1933 Act. An illiquid investment is any
investment that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the normal course of
business at approximately the amount at which it is valued by the Portfolio. The
price the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may also purchase Rule 144A securities sold to
institutional investors without registration under the 1933 Act. These
securities may be determined to be liquid in accordance with guidelines
established by the Advisor and approved by the Trustees. The Trustees will
monitor the Advisor's implementation of these guidelines on a periodic basis.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
The Portfolio is permitted to enter into futures and options
transactions described below for hedging purposes although not for speculation.
For a more detailed description of these transactions see Options and Futures
Transactions in Item 13 in Part B.
The Portfolio may (a) purchase and sell exchange traded and OTC put and
call options on fixed income securities and indexes of fixed income securities,
(b) purchase and sell futures contracts on fixed income securities and indexes
of fixed income securities, and (c) purchase put and call options on futures
contracts on fixed income securities and indexes of fixed income securities.
Each of these instruments is a derivative instrument as its value derives from
the underlying asset or index.
The Portfolio may use futures contracts and options for hedging and
risk management purposes. The Portfolio may not use futures contracts and
options for speculation.
The Portfolio may utilize options and futures contracts to manage their
exposure to changing interest rates and/or security prices. Some options and
futures strategies, including selling futures contracts and buying puts, tend to
hedge the Portfolio's investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies,
including buying futures contracts and buying calls, tend to increase market
exposure. Options and futures contracts may be combined with each other or with
forward contracts in order to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the
Portfolio's overall strategy in a manner deemed appropriate to the Advisor and
consistent with the Portfolio's objective and policies. Because combined options
positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and
may be more difficult to open and close out.
The use of options and futures is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions, and there can be no guarantee that
their use will increase the Portfolio's return. While the use of these
instruments by the Portfolio may reduce certain risks associated with owning its
portfolio securities, these techniques themselves entail certain other risks. If
the Advisor applies a strategy at an inappropriate time or judges market
conditions or trends incorrectly, options and futures strategies may lower the
Portfolio's return. Certain strategies limit the Portfolio's possibilities to
realize gains as well as its exposure to losses. The Portfolio could also
experience losses if the prices of its options and
<PAGE>
futures positions were poorly correlated with its other investments, or
if it could not close out its positions because of an illiquid secondary market.
In addition, the Portfolio will incur transaction costs, including trading
commissions and option premiums, in connection with its futures and options
transactions and these transactions could significantly increase the Portfolio's
turnover rate.
The Portfolio may purchase and sell put and call options on securities,
indexes of securities and futures contracts, or purchase and sell futures
contracts, only if such options are written by other persons and if (i) the
aggregate premiums paid on all such options which are held at any time do not
exceed 20% of the Portfolio's net assets, and (ii) the aggregate margin deposits
required on all such futures or options thereon held at any time do not exceed
5% of the Portfolio's total assets.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, the
Portfolio obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the instrument
underlying the option at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the
Portfolio pays the current market price for the option (known as the option
premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including
specific securities, indexes of securities, indexes of securities prices, and
futures contracts. The Portfolio may terminate its position in a put option it
has purchased by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. The
Portfolio may also close out a put option position by entering into an
offsetting transaction, if a liquid market exists. If the option is allowed to
expire, the Portfolio will lose the entire premium it paid. If the Portfolio
exercises a put option on a security, it will sell the instrument underlying the
option at the strike price. If the Portfolio exercises an option on an index,
settlement is in cash and does not involve the actual sale of securities. An
option may be exercised on any day up to its expiration date.
The buyer of a typical put option can expect to realize a gain if the
price of the underlying instrument falls substantially. However, if the price of
the instrument underlying the option does not fall enough to offset the cost of
purchasing the option, a put buyer can expect to suffer a loss (limited to the
amount of the premium paid, plus related transaction costs).
The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put
options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to
purchase, rather than sell, the instrument underlying the option at the option's
strike price. A call buyer typically attempts to participate in potential price
increases of the instrument underlying the option with risk limited to the cost
of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the buyer can expect to
suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of
the option.
SELLING (WRITING) PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. When the Portfolio writes a put
option, it takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option's
purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the Portfolio assumes the
obligation to pay the strike price for the instrument underlying the option if
the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. The Portfolio may seek to
terminate its position in a put option it writes before exercise by purchasing
an offsetting option in the market at its current price. If the market is not
liquid for a put option the Portfolio has written, however, the Portfolio must
continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding,
regardless of price changes, and must continue to post margin as discussed
below.
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If the price of the underlying instrument rises, a put writer would
generally expect to profit, although its gain would be limited to the amount of
the premium it received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is
likely that the writer will also profit, because it should be able to close out
the option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the put writer would
expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss from purchasing
and holding the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium
received for writing the option should offset a portion of the decline.
Writing a call option obligates the Portfolio to sell or deliver the
option's underlying instrument in return for the strike price upon exercise of
the option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of
writing put options, except that writing calls generally is a profitable
strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option
premium a call writer offsets part of the effect of a price decline. At the same
time, because a call writer must be prepared to deliver the underlying
instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater,
a call writer gives up some ability to participate in security price increases.
The writer of an exchange traded put or call option on a security, an
index of securities or a futures contract is required to deposit cash or
securities or a letter of credit as margin and to make mark to market payments
of variation margin as the position becomes unprofitable.
OPTIONS ON INDEXES. The Portfolio may purchase put and call options on
any securities index based on securities in which the Portfolio may invest.
Options on securities indexes are similar to options on securities, except that
the exercise of securities index options is settled by cash payment and does not
involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, these options
are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment
of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
The Portfolio, in purchasing index options, is subject to the risk that the
value of its portfolio securities may not change as much as an index because the
Portfolio's investments generally will not match the composition of an index.
For a number of reasons, a liquid market may not exist and thus the
Portfolio may not be able to close out an option position that it has previously
entered into. When the Portfolio purchases an OTC option, it will be relying on
its counterparty to perform its obligations, and the Portfolio may incur
additional losses if the counterparty is unable to perform.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. When the Portfolio purchases a futures contract, it
agrees to purchase a specified quantity of an underlying instrument at a
specified future date or to make a cash payment based on the value of a
securities index. When the Portfolio sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell
a specified quantity of the underlying instrument at a specified future date or
to receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index. The price at
which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the Portfolio enters
into the contract. Futures can be held until their delivery dates or the
position can be (and normally is) closed out before then. There is no assurance,
however, that a liquid market will exist when the Portfolio wishes to close out
a particular position.
When the Portfolio purchases a futures contract, the value of the
futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of
<PAGE>
its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will
tend to increase the Portfolio's exposure to positive and negative price
fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the
underlying instrument directly. When the Portfolio sells a futures contract, by
contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction
contrary to the value of the underlying instrument. Selling futures contracts,
therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes,
much as if the underlying instrument had been sold.
The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is not required to
deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the contract is held until
the delivery date. However, when the Portfolio buys or sells a futures contract,
it will be required to deposit "initial margin" with its Custodian in a
segregated account in the name of its futures broker, known as a futures
commission merchant (FCM). Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a
small percentage of the contract's value. If the value of either party's
position declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation
margin" payments equal to the change in value on a daily basis. The party that
has a gain may be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. The
Portfolio may be obligated to make payments of variation margin at a time when
it is disadvantageous to do so. Furthermore, it may not always be possible for
the Portfolio to close out its futures positions. Until it closes out a futures
position, the Portfolio will be obligated to continue to pay variation margin.
Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing on margin for
purposes of the Portfolio's investment restrictions. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the Portfolio, the Portfolio
may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the
Portfolio.
The Portfolio will segregate liquid assets in connection with its use
of options and futures contracts to the extent required by the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 the Portfolio's assets could impede
portfolio management or the Portfolio's ability to meet redemption requests or
other current obligations.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
As a diversified investment company, 75% of the assets of the Portfolio
are currently subject to the following fundamental limitations: (a) the
Portfolio may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of
any one issuer, except U.S. Government securities, and (b) the Portfolio may not
own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
The investment restrictions of the Portfolio described in Item 13 of
Part B, except as noted, are deemed fundamental policies, i.e., they may be
changed only with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Portfolio as defined in the 1940 Act.
ITEM 5. MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIO.
The Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the affairs of
the Portfolio. The Portfolio has retained the services of JPMIM as investment
adviser and Morgan as administrative services agent. The Portfolio has retained
the services of Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") as co-administrator (the
"Co-Administrator").
<PAGE>
The Portfolio has not retained the services of a principal underwriter
or distributor, since interests in the Portfolio are offered solely in private
placement transactions. FDI, acting as agent for the Portfolio, serves as
exclusive placement agent of interests in the Portfolio. FDI receives no
additional compensation for serving as exclusive placement agent to the
Portfolio.
The Portfolio has entered into an Amended and Restated Portfolio Fund
Services Agreement dated July 11, 1996 with Pierpont Group, Inc. ("Pierpont
Group") to assist the Trustees in exercising their overall supervisory
responsibilities for the Portfolio. The fees to be paid under the agreement
approximate the reasonable cost of Pierpont Group in providing these services to
the Portfolio and certain other registered investment companies subject to
similar agreements with Pierpont Group. Pierpont Group was organized in 1989 at
the request of the Trustees of the J.P. Morgan Family of Funds (formerly The
Pierpont Family of Funds) for the purpose of providing these services at cost to
those funds. See Item 14 in Part B. The principal offices of Pierpont Group are
located at 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Subject to the supervision of the Portfolio's
Trustees, the Advisor makes the Portfolio's day-to-day investment decisions,
arranges for the execution of portfolio transactions and generally manages the
Portfolio's investments. Effective October 1, 1998 the portfolio's investment
advisor is JPMIM. Prior to that date, Morgan, a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P.
Morgan & Co. Incorporated ("J.P. Morgan"), was the Portfolio's investment
advisor. JPMIM, also a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan, is a registered
investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. JPMIM
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, through the Advisor 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 approximately $275 billion.
The Advisor uses a sophisticated, disciplined, collaborative process
for managing the Portfolio. For fixed income portfolios, this process focuses on
the systematic analysis of real interest rates, sector diversification,
quantitative and credit analysis, and, for foreign fixed income securities,
country selection. Morgan has managed portfolios of international fixed income
securities on behalf of its clients since 1977. The portfolio managers making
investments in international fixed income securities work in conjunction with
fixed income, credit, capital market and economic research analysts, as well as
traders and administrative officers.
The following persons are primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management and implementation of Morgan's process for the Portfolio (the
inception date of each person's responsibility for the Portfolio and his or her
business experience for the past five years is indicated parenthetically):
William G. Tenille, Vice President (since January, 1994; employed by Morgan
since March, 1992); and Connie J. Plaehn, Managing Director (since July, 1993;
employed by Morgan since prior to 1992).
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by
the Advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Portfolio, the
Portfolio has agreed to pay the Advisor a fee, which is computed daily and may
<PAGE>
be paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Portfolio's average
daily net assets.
Under a separate agreement, Morgan also provides administrative and related
services to the Portfolio. See Administrative Services Agent below.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement with the
Portfolio, FDI serves as the Co-Administrator for the Portfolio. FDI (i)
provides office space, equipment and clerical personnel for maintaining the
organization and books and records of the Portfolio; (ii) provides officers for
the Portfolio; (iii) files Portfolio regulatory documents and mails Portfolio
communications to Trustees and investors; and (iv) maintains related books and
records. See Administrative Services Agent below.
For its services under the Co-Administration Agreement, the Portfolio
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 Portfolio is based on the ratio of its net assets to the
aggregate net assets of the Portfolio and certain other registered investment
companies subject to similar agreements with FDI.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. Pursuant to the Administrative Services
Agreement with the Portfolio, Morgan provides certain administrative and related
services to the Portfolio, 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 Portfolio 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
Portfolio 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.
PLACEMENT AGENT. FDI, a registered broker-dealer, also serves as
exclusive placement agent for the Portfolio. 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.
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 serves as the Portfolio's custodian
and fund accounting and transfer agent. State Street keeps the books of account
for the Portfolio.
EXPENSES. In addition to the fees payable to the service providers
identified above, the Portfolio is responsible for usual and customary expenses
associated with its 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 and foreign securities
laws, extraordinary expenses and brokerage expenses.
J.P. Morgan has agreed that it will reimburse the Portfolio through at
least February 28, 1999 to the extent necessary to maintain the Portfolio's
total operating expenses at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Portfolio's average
daily net assets. This limit does not cover extraordinary expenses during the
period. There is no assurance that J.P. Morgan will continue this waiver beyond
the specified period. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
<PAGE>
1997, the Portfolio's total expenses were 0.25% of its average net assets
after voluntary reimbursement by J.P. Morgan.
ITEM 6. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES.
The Portfolio is organized as a trust under the laws of the State of
New York. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue
beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Each investor is entitled to a vote in
proportion to the amount of its investment in the Portfolio. Investments in the
Portfolio may not be transferred, but an investor may withdraw all or any
portion of its investment at any time at net asset value. Investors in the
Portfolio (e.g., other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts
and common and commingled trust funds) will each be liable for all obligations
of the Portfolio. However, the risk of an investor in the Portfolio incurring
financial loss on account of such liability is limited to circumstances in which
both inadequate insurance existed and the Portfolio itself was unable to meet
its obligations.
As of October 31, 1998, the J.P. Morgan Institutional Short Term Bond
Fund and the J.P. Morgan Short Term Bond Fund (collectively, the "Funds"),
series of the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and the J.P. Morgan Funds,
respectively, owned 88% and 12%, respectively, of the outstanding beneficial
interests in the Portfolio. So long as the Funds control the Portfolio, they
make take actions without the approval of any other holder of beneficial
interests in the Portfolio.
Investments in the Portfolio have no preemptive or conversion rights
and are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth below. The Portfolio
is not required and has no current intention of holding annual meetings of
investors, but the Portfolio will hold special meetings of investors when in the
judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for an
investor vote. Changes in fundamental policies will be submitted to investors
for approval. Investors have under certain circumstances (e.g., upon application
and submission of certain specified documents to the Trustees by a specified
percentage of the outstanding interests in the Portfolio) the right to
communicate with other investors in connection with requesting a meeting of
investors for the purpose of removing one or more Trustees. Investors also have
the right to remove one or more Trustees without a meeting by a declaration in
writing by a specified percentage of the outstanding interests in the Portfolio.
Upon liquidation of the Portfolio, investors would be entitled to share pro rata
in the net assets of the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.
The net asset value of the Portfolio is determined each business day
other than the holidays listed in Part B ("Portfolio Business Day"). This
determination is made once each Portfolio Business Day at the close of trading
on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m.) (the "Valuation Time"). See
Item 19 in Part B.
The "net income" of the Portfolio will consist of (i) all income accrued,
less the amortization of any premium, on the assets of the Portfolio, less (ii)
all actual and accrued expenses of the Portfolio determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. Interest income includes discount
earned (including both original issue and market discount) on discount paper
accrued ratably to the date of maturity and any net realized gains or losses on
the assets of the Portfolio. All the net income of the Portfolio is allocated
pro rata among the investors in the Portfolio.
The end of the Portfolio's fiscal year is October 31.
<PAGE>
Under the anticipated method of operation of the Portfolio, the
Portfolio will not be subject to any income tax. However, each investor in the
Portfolio will be taxable on its share (as determined in accordance with the
governing instruments of the Portfolio) of the Portfolio's ordinary income and
capital gain in determining its income tax liability. The determination of such
share will be made in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") and regulations promulgated thereunder.
It is intended that the Portfolio's assets, income and distributions
will be managed in such a way that an investor in the Portfolio will be able to
satisfy the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code, assuming that the investor
invested all of its assets in the Portfolio.
Investor inquiries may be directed to FDI, in care of State Street
Cayman Trust Company, Ltd., at Elizabethan Square, Shedden Road, George Town,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI (345-949-6644).
ITEM 7. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES.
Beneficial interests in the Portfolio are issued solely in private
placement transactions that do not involve any "public offering" within the
meaning of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act. Investments in the Portfolio may only
be made by other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts,
common or commingled trust funds, or similar organizations or entities which are
"accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501 under the 1933 Act. This
Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning of the 1933 Act.
An investment in the Portfolio may be made without a sales load. All
investments are made at net asset value next determined after an order is
received in "good order" by the Portfolio. The net asset value of the Portfolio
is determined on each Portfolio Business Day.
There is no minimum initial or subsequent investment in the Portfolio.
However, because the Portfolio intends to be as fully invested at all times as
is reasonably practicable in order to enhance the yield on its assets,
investments must be made in federal funds (i.e., monies credited to the account
of the Custodian by a Federal Reserve Bank).
The Portfolio may, at its own option, accept securities in payment for
investments in its beneficial interests. The securities delivered in kind are
valued by the method described in Item 19 of Part B as of the business day prior
to the day the Portfolio receives the securities. Securities may be accepted in
payment for beneficial interests only if they are, in the judgment of the
Advisor, appropriate investments for the Portfolio. In addition, securities
accepted in payment for beneficial interests must: (i) meet the investment
objective and policies of the Portfolio; (ii) be acquired by the Portfolio for
investment and not for resale; (iii) be liquid securities which are not
restricted as to transfer either by law or liquidity of market; 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. The Portfolio reserves the right to accept or reject
at its own option any and all securities offered in payment for beneficial
interests.
The Portfolio and FDI reserve the right to cease accepting investments
at any time or to reject any investment order.
<PAGE>
Each investor in the Portfolio may add to or reduce its investment in
the Portfolio on each Portfolio Business Day. At the Valuation Time on each such
day, the value of each investor's beneficial interest in the Portfolio will be
determined by multiplying the net asset value of the Portfolio by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents that investor's share of
the aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Any additions or
reductions, which are to be effected at the Valuation Time on such day, will
then be effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate beneficial
interests in the Portfolio will then be recomputed as the percentage equal to
the fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor's
investment in the Portfolio at the Valuation Time on such day plus or minus, as
the case may be, the amount of net additions to or reductions in the investor's
investment in the Portfolio effected at the Valuation Time, and (ii) the
denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio as of the
Valuation Time on such day, plus or minus, as the case may be, the amount of net
additions to or reductions in the aggregate investments in the Portfolio by all
investors in the Portfolio. The percentage so determined will then be applied to
determine the value of the investor's interest in the Portfolio as of the
Valuation Time on the following Portfolio Business Day.
ITEM 8. REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE.
An investor in the Portfolio may reduce all or any portion of its
investment at the net asset value next determined after a request in "good
order" is furnished by the investor to the Portfolio. The proceeds of a
reduction will be paid by the Portfolio in federal funds normally on the next
Portfolio Business Day after the reduction is effected, but in any event within
seven days. Investments in the Portfolio may not be transferred.
The right of any investor to receive payment with respect to any
reduction may be suspended or the payment of the proceeds therefrom postponed
during any period in which the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is closed
(other than weekends or holidays) or trading on the NYSE is restricted or, to
the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, if an emergency exists.
The Portfolio reserves the right under certain circumstances, such as
accommodating requests for substantial withdrawals or liquidations, to pay
distributions in kind to investors (i.e., to distribute portfolio securities as
opposed to cash). If securities are distributed, an investor could incur
brokerage, tax or other charges in converting the securities to cash. In
addition, distribution in kind may result in a less diversified portfolio of
investments or adversely affect the liquidity of the Portfolio or the investor's
portfolio, as the case may be.
ITEM 9. PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Not applicable.
<PAGE>
PART B
ITEM 10. COVER PAGE.
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE
General Information and History B-1
Investment Objective and Policies B-1
Management of the Portfolio B-17
Control Persons and Principal Holders
of Securities B-21
Investment Advisory and Other Services B-21
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices B-26
Capital Stock and Other Securities B-27
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered B-28
Tax Status B-30
Underwriters B-31
Calculations of Performance Data B-32
Financial Statements B-32
ITEM 12. GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY.
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.
The investment objective of The Short Term Bond Portfolio (the
"Portfolio") is to provide a high total return consistent with low volatility of
principal. The Portfolio attempts to achieve its investment objective by
investing primarily in the corporate and government debt obligations and related
securities of domestic and foreign issuers described in Part A and this Part B.
The Portfolio is advised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM"
or the "Advisor").
The following discussion supplements the information regarding the
investment objective of the Portfolio and the policies to be employed to achieve
this objective as set forth above and in Part A.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
As discussed in Part A, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio appears below. Also see "Quality and Diversification
Requirements".
U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES. The Portfolio 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.
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. The Portfolio 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. In the case of securities not backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States, the Portfolio 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 the Portfolio may invest that are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States include, but are not limited to,
obligations of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation, and the U.S. Postal Service, each of which has the right to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations. Securities in which the
Portfolio may invest that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States include obligations of the Federal Farm Credit System and the
Federal Home Loan Banks, both of whose obligations may be satisfied only by the
individual credits of each issuing agency. 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.
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. The Portfolio, subject to its applicable
investment policies, may also invest in obligations of foreign sovereign
governments or of their agencies, instrumentalities, authorities or political
subdivisions. These securities may be denominated in the U.S. dollar or in
another currency. See "Foreign Investments".
BANK OBLIGATIONS. The Portfolio, unless otherwise noted in Part A or
below, 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 Portfolio will not invest in
obligations for which the Advisor, or any of its affiliated persons, is the
ultimate obligor or accepting bank. The Portfolio 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. The Portfolio 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.
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 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
Treasury Bill auction 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
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are not rated by credit rating agencies, the Portfolio may invest in
such unrated obligations only if at the time of an investment the obligation is
determined by the Advisor to have a credit quality which satisfies the
Portfolio's quality restrictions. See "Quality and Diversification
Requirements". Although there is no secondary market for master demand
obligations, such obligations are considered by the Portfolio to be liquid
because they are payable upon demand. The Portfolio does 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. The Portfolio may enter into repurchase
agreements with brokers, dealers or banks that meet the credit guidelines
approved by the Trustees. In a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio is invested in the agreement
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 the
Portfolio to the seller. The period of these repurchase agreements will usually
be short, from overnight to one week, and at no time will the Portfolio 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
Portfolio 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 Portfolio in each agreement plus accrued
interest, and the Portfolio 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, the Portfolio 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 the Portfolio may be delayed or
limited.
The Portfolio may make investments in other debt securities, including
without limitation corporate and foreign bonds, asset-backed securities and
other obligations described in Part A or this Part B.
CORPORATE BONDS AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES
As discussed in Part A, the Portfolio may invest in bonds and other
debt securities of domestic and foreign issuers to the extent consistent with
its investment objectives and policies. A description of these investments
appears in Part A and below. See "Quality and Diversification Requirements". For
information on short-term investments in these securities, see "Money Market
Instruments".
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed
securities. Each mortgage pool underlying mortgage-backed securities consists of
mortgage loans evidenced by promissory notes secured by first mortgages or first
deeds of trust or other similar security instruments creating a first lien on
owner occupied and non-owner occupied one-unit to four-unit residential
properties, multifamily (i.e., five or more) properties, agriculture properties,
commercial properties and mixed use properties. The investment characteristics
of adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-backed securities differ from those of
traditional fixed income securities. The
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major differences include the payment of interest and principal on
mortgage-backed securities on a more frequent (usually monthly) schedule and the
possibility that principal may be prepaid at any time due to prepayments on the
underlying mortgage loans or other assets. These differences can result in
significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with
traditional fixed income securities. As a result, a faster than expected
prepayment rate will reduce both the market value and the yield to maturity from
those which were anticipated. A prepayment rate that is slower than expected
will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity and market value.
GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Government National
Mortgage Association mortgage-backed certificates ("Ginnie Maes") are supported
by the full faith and credit of the United States. Certain other U.S. Government
securities, issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or government sponsored
enterprises, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the United
States, but may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury. These securities include obligations of instrumentalities such as the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Macs") and the Federal National
Mortgage Association ("Fannie Maes"). No assurance can be given that the U.S.
Government will provide financial support to these federal agencies,
authorities, instrumentalities and government sponsored enterprises in the
future.
There are several types of guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
currently available, including guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates and
multiple class securities, which include guaranteed real estate mortgage
investment conduit certificates ("REMIC Certificates"), other collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and stripped mortgage-backed securities.
Mortgage pass-through securities are fixed or adjustable rate
mortgage-backed securities which provide for monthly payments that are a
"pass-through" of the monthly interest and principal payments (including any
prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net
of any fees or other amounts paid to any guarantor, administrator and/or
servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.
Multiple class securities include CMOs and REMIC Certificates issued by
U.S. Government agencies, instrumentalities (such as Fannie Mae) and sponsored
enterprises (such as Freddie Mac) or by trusts formed by private originators of,
or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and
special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. In general, CMOs are debt
obligations of a legal entity that are collateralized by, and multiple class
mortgage-backed securities represent direct ownership interests in, a pool of
mortgage loans or mortgaged-backed securities and payments on which are used to
make payments on the CMOs or multiple class mortgage-backed securities.
CMOs and guaranteed REMIC Certificates issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie
Mac are types of multiple class mortgage-backed securities. Investors may
purchase beneficial interests in REMICs, which are known as "regular" interests
or "residual" interests. The Portfolio does not intend to purchase residual
interests in REMICs. The REMIC Certificates represent beneficial ownership
interests in a REMIC trust, generally consisting of mortgage loans or Fannie
Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (the
"Mortgage Assets"). The obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under their
respective guaranty of the REMIC Certificates are obligations solely of Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively.
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CMOs and REMIC Certificates are issued in multiple classes. Each class
of CMOs or REMIC Certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a
specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later
than its final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the assets underlying
the CMOs or REMIC Certificates may cause some or all of the classes of CMOs or
REMIC Certificates to be retired substantially earlier than their final
scheduled distribution dates. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all
classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates on a monthly basis.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Stripped mortgage-backed
securities ("SMBS") are derivative multiclass mortgage securities, issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or by
private issuers. Although the market for such securities is increasingly liquid,
privately issued SMBS may not be readily marketable and will be considered
illiquid for purposes of the Portfolio's limitation on investments in illiquid
securities. The Advisor may determine that SMBS which are U.S. Government
securities are liquid for purposes of the Portfolio's limitation on investments
in illiquid securities in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of
Trustees. The market value of the class consisting entirely of principal
payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest
rates. The yields on a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest
from Mortgage Assets are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other
mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile
and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully
recouped.
MORTGAGES (DIRECTLY HELD). The Portfolio may invest directly in
mortgages. Mortgages are debt instruments secured by real property. Unlike
mortgage-backed securities, which generally represent an interest in a pool of
mortgages, direct investments in mortgages involve prepayment and credit risks
of an individual issuer and real property. Consequently, these investments
require different investment and credit analysis by the Advisor.
The directly placed mortgages in which the Portfolio invests may
include residential mortgages, multifamily mortgages, mortgages on cooperative
apartment buildings, commercial mortgages, and sale-leasebacks. These
investments are backed by assets such as office buildings, shopping centers,
retail stores, warehouses, apartment buildings and single-family dwellings. In
the event that the Portfolio forecloses on any non-performing mortgage, and
acquires a direct interest in the real property, the Portfolio will be subject
to the risks generally associated with the ownership of real property. There may
be fluctuations in the market value of the foreclosed property and its occupancy
rates, rent schedules and operating expenses. There may also be adverse changes
in local, regional or general economic conditions, deterioration of the real
estate market and the financial circumstances of tenants and sellers,
unfavorable changes in zoning, building environmental and other laws, increased
real property taxes, rising interest rates, reduced availability and increased
cost of mortgage borrowings, the need for unanticipated renovations, unexpected
increases in the cost of energy, environmental factors, acts of God and other
factors which are beyond the control of the Portfolio or the Advisor. Hazardous
or toxic substances may be present on, at or under the mortgaged property and
adversely affect the value of the property. In addition, the owners of property
containing such substances may be held responsible, under various laws, for
containing, monitoring, removing or cleaning up such substances. The presence of
such substances may also provide a basis for other claims by third parties.
Costs of clean-up or of liabilities to third parties may exceed the value of the
property. In addition, these risks may be uninsurable. In light of these and
similar risks, it may be impossible to dispose profitably of properties in
<PAGE>
foreclosure.
ZERO COUPON, PAY-IN-KIND AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES. While
interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities
are deemed to have received "phantom income." Because the Portfolio will
distribute "phantom income" to investors, the Portfolio may have fewer assets
with which to purchase income producing securities.
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 or other asset-backed securities collateralized by such
assets. 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
financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. The
asset-backed securities in which the Portfolio may invest are subject to the
Portfolio's overall credit requirements. However, asset-backed securities, in
general, are subject to certain risks. Most of these risks are related to
limited interests in applicable collateral. 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 underlying sales contracts 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 Part A, the Portfolio may, in certain circumstances,
invest in tax exempt obligations to the extent consistent with the Portfolio's
investment objective and policies. A description of the various types of tax
exempt obligations which may be purchased by the Portfolio appears in Part A 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. The Portfolio may also invest in municipal notes of
various types, including notes issued in anticipation of receipt of taxes, the
proceeds of the sale of bonds, other revenues or grant proceeds, as well as
<PAGE>
municipal commercial paper and municipal demand obligations such as
variable rate demand notes and master 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.
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 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 Portfolio may invest are payable, or are
subject to purchase, on demand usually on 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 Portfolio 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. The interest on such obligations is, in the
opinion of counsel for the borrower, exempt from federal income tax. Although
there is no secondary market for master demand obligations, such obligations are
considered by the Portfolio to be liquid because they are payable upon demand.
The Portfolio has no specific percentage limitations on investments in master
demand obligations.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
The Portfolio may invest in fixed income securities of foreign issuers
denominated in the U.S. dollar and other currencies. The Portfolio may invest up
to 20% of its total assets in fixed income securities of foreign issuers
denominated in foreign currencies. The Portfolio does not expect to invest more
than 25% of its total assets at the time of purchase in securities of foreign
issuers. Any foreign commercial paper must not be subject to foreign withholding
tax at the time of purchase. Foreign investments may be made directly in
securities of foreign issuers or in the form of American
<PAGE>
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs").
Generally, ADRs and EDRs are receipts issued by a bank or trust company that
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation and
that are designed for use in the domestic, in the case of ADRs, or European, in
the case of EDRs, securities markets.
Since investments in foreign securities may involve foreign currencies,
the value of the Portfolio's assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control
regulations, including currency blockage. The Portfolio may enter into forward
commitments for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies in connection with
the settlement of foreign securities transactions or to manage the Portfolio's
currency exposure related to foreign investments. See "Additional Investment
Information" in Part A.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in convertible
securities of domestic and, subject to the Portfolio's investment restrictions,
foreign issuers. The convertible securities in which the Portfolio 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.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. The Portfolio 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 for fixed income securities no interest accrues to the Portfolio
until settlement takes place. At the time the Portfolio 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, the Portfolio will maintain with the custodian a segregated
account with liquid assets, consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities or
other appropriate securities, in an amount at least equal to such commitments.
On delivery dates for such transactions, the Portfolio will meet its obligations
from maturities or sales of the securities held in the segregated account and/or
from cash flow. If the Portfolio 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. It is the current policy of the Portfolio not to enter into
when-issued commitments exceeding in the aggregate 15% of the market value of
the Portfolio's total assets, less liabilities other than the obligations
created by when-issued commitments.
INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES. Securities of other investment companies
may be acquired by the Portfolio to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act or
any order pursuant thereto. These limits currently require that, as determined
immediately after a purchase is made, (i) not more than 5% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets will be invested in the securities of any one
investment company, (ii) not more than 10% of the value of its total
<PAGE>
assets will be invested in the aggregate in securities of investment
companies as a group, and (iii) not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock
of any one investment company will be owned by the Portfolio. As a shareholder
of another investment company, the Portfolio would bear, along with other
shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses,
including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and
other expenses that the Portfolio bears directly in connection with its own
operations. The Portfolio has applied for exemptive relief from the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to permit the Portfolio to invest in affiliated
investment companies. If the requested relief is granted, the Portfolio would
then be permitted to invest in affiliated Funds, subject to certain conditions
specified in the applicable order.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio may enter into reverse
repurchase agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio 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 is
also considered as the borrowing of money by the Portfolio and, therefore, a
form of leverage. The Portfolio will invest the proceeds of borrowings under
reverse repurchase agreements. In addition, the Portfolio will enter into a
reverse repurchase agreement only when the interest income to be earned from the
investment of the proceeds is greater than the interest expense of the
transaction. The Portfolio will not invest the proceeds of a reverse repurchase
agreement for a period which exceeds the duration of the reverse repurchase
agreement. The Portfolio will establish and maintain with the custodian a
separate account with a segregated portfolio of securities in an amount at least
equal to its purchase obligations under its reverse repurchase agreements. If
interest rates rise during the term of a reverse repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio's entering into the reverse repurchase agreement may have a negative
impact on the Portfolio's net asset value. See "Investment Restrictions" below
for the Portfolio's limitations on reverse repurchase agreements and bank
borrowings.
MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTIONS. The Portfolio may engage in mortgage
dollar roll transactions with respect to mortgage securities issued by the
Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage
Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. In a mortgage dollar
roll transaction, the Portfolio sells a mortgage backed security and
simultaneously agrees to repurchase a similar security on a specified future
date at an agreed upon price. During the roll period, the Portfolio will not be
entitled to receive any interest or principal paid on the securities sold. The
Portfolio is compensated for the lost interest on the securities sold by the
difference between the sales price and the lower price for the future repurchase
as well as by the interest earned on the reinvestment of the sales proceeds. The
Portfolio may also be compensated by receipt of a commitment fee. When the
Portfolio enters into a mortgage dollar roll transaction, liquid assets in an
amount sufficient to pay for the future repurchase are segregated with the
custodian. Mortgage dollar roll transactions are considered reverse repurchase
agreements for purposes of the Portfolio's investment restrictions.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio any income accruing
thereon. Loans will be subject to termination by the Portfolio 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
<PAGE>
securities which occurs during the term of the loan inures to the
Portfolio and its investors. The Portfolio may pay reasonable finders' and
custodial fees in connection with a loan. In addition, the Portfolio will
consider all facts and circumstances before entering into such an agreement,
including the creditworthiness of the borrowing financial institution, and the
Portfolio will not make any loans in excess of one year. The Portfolio will not
lend its securities to any officer, Trustee, Director, employee, or other
affiliate of the Portfolio, the Advisor or the placement agent, unless otherwise
permitted by applicable law.
PRIVATELY PLACED AND CERTAIN UNREGISTERED SECURITIES. The Portfolio may
invest in privately placed, restricted, Rule 144A or other unregistered
securities as described in Part A.
As to illiquid investments, the Portfolio is subject to a risk that
should the Portfolio decide to sell them when a ready buyer is not available at
a price the Portfolio deems representative of their value, the value of the
Portfolio's net assets could be adversely affected. Where an illiquid security
must be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act")
before it may be sold, the Portfolio may be obligated to pay all or part of the
registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time of
the decision to sell and the time the Portfolio may be permitted to sell a
security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period,
adverse market conditions were to develop, the Portfolio might obtain a less
favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell.
QUALITY AND DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Portfolio intends to meet the diversification requirements of the
1940 Act. Current 1940 Act diversification requirements require that 75% of the
assets of the Portfolio are subject to the following fundamental limitations:
(1) the Portfolio may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer, except obligations of the U.S. Government, its
agencies and instrumentalities, and (2) the Portfolio may not own more than 10%
of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. As for the other 25% of
the Portfolio's assets not subject to the limitation described above, there is
no limitation on investment of these assets under the 1940 Act, so that all of
such assets may be invested in securities of any one issuers. Investments not
subject to the limitations described above could involve an increased risk to
the Portfolio should an issuer, or a state or its related entities, be unable to
make interest or principal payments or should the market value of such
securities decline.
The Portfolio invests in a diversified portfolio of securities with the
quality ratings described in Part A. These securities are considered "high
grade," "investment grade" and "below investment grade" as described in Appendix
A. In addition, at the time the Portfolio invests in any commercial paper, bank
obligation or repurchase agreement, the issuer must have outstanding debt rated
A or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's) or Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ("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 the Advisor's opinion. See Item 4 in Part A for a
description of lower rated securities.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
EXCHANGE TRADED AND OVER-THE-COUNTER OPTIONS. All options purchased or sold
by the Portfolio will be traded on a securities exchange or will be
<PAGE>
purchased or sold by securities dealers (OTC options) that meet
creditworthiness standards approved by the Board of Trustees. While
exchange-traded options are obligations of the Options Clearing Corporation, in
the case of OTC options, the Portfolio relies on the dealer from which it
purchased the option to perform if the option is exercised. Thus, when the
Portfolio 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 Portfolio as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.
Provided that the Portfolio has arrangements with certain qualified
dealers who agree that the Portfolio may repurchase any option it writes for a
maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula, the Portfolio may
treat the underlying securities used to cover the written OTC options as liquid.
In these cases, the OTC option itself would only be considered illiquid to the
extent that the maximum repurchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic
value of the option.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. In entering into
futures and options transactions the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures
contracts and purchase or sell put and call options, including put and call
options on futures contracts. 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 indexes of fixed income
securities and indexes of equity securities.
Unlike a futures contract, which 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, an option on a futures
contract entitles its holder to decide on or before a future 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 payments of cash in the
nature of "variation" margin payments to reflect the change in the value of the
underlying contract as does a purchaser or seller of a futures 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
contracts sold by the Portfolio are paid by the Portfolio into a segregated
account, in the name of the Futures Commission Merchant, as required by the 1940
Act and the SEC's interpretations thereunder.
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 the
Portfolio's current or anticipated investments exactly. The Portfolio may invest
in options and futures contracts based on securities with different issuers,
maturities, or other characteristics from the securities in which it typically
invests, which involves a risk that the options or futures position will not
track the performance of the Portfolio's other investments.
Options and futures contracts prices can also diverge from the prices
of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the
<PAGE>
Portfolio's investments well. Options and futures contracts prices are
affected by such factors as current and anticipated short term interest rates,
changes in 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
imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading halts. The Portfolio 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 the Portfolio'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 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 the
Portfolio 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 the Portfolio to continue to hold a position until
delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, the
Portfolio's access to other assets held to cover its options or futures
positions could also be impaired. (See "Exchange Traded and Over-the-Counter
Options" above for a discussion of the liquidity of options not traded on an
exchange).
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, the Portfolio or the Advisor 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
Portfolio intends to comply with Section 4.5 of the regulations under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which the Portfolio can
commit assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums. In addition, the
Portfolio will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to
coverage of options and futures contracts by mutual funds, and if the guidelines
so require, 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 the Portfolio's assets could impede
portfolio management or the Portfolio's ability to meet redemption requests or
other current obligations.
SWAPS AND RELATED SWAP PRODUCTS. The Portfolio may engage in swap
transactions, including, but not limited to, interest rate, currency, securities
index, basket, specific security and commodity swaps, interest rate
<PAGE>
caps, floors and collars and options on interest rate swaps
(collectively defined as "swap transactions").
The Portfolio may enter into swap transactions for any legal purpose
consistent with its investment objective and policies, such as for the purpose
of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower
cost than obtaining that return or spread through purchases and/or sales of
instruments in cash markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a
duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of
securities the Portfolio anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain
exposure to certain markets in the most economical way possible. The Portfolio
will not sell interest rate caps, floors or collars if it does not own
securities with coupons which provide the interest that the Portfolio may be
required to pay.
Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by
institutional counterparties for periods ranging from a few weeks to several
years. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns
(or differentials in rates of return) that would be earned or realized on
specified notional investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged
or "swapped" between the parties are calculated by reference to a "notional
amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount
invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency or
commodity, or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. The
purchaser of an interest rate cap or floor, upon payment of a fee, has the right
to receive payments (and the seller of the cap is obligated to make payments) to
the extent a specified interest rate exceeds (in the case of a cap) or is less
than (in the case of a floor) a specified level over a specified period of time
or at specified dates. The purchaser of an interest rate collar, upon payment of
a fee, has the right to receive payments (and the seller of the collar is
obligated to make payments) to the extent that a specified interest rate falls
outside an agreed upon range over a specified period of time or at specified
dates. The purchaser of an option on an interest rate swap, upon payment of a
fee (either at the time of purchase or in the form of higher payments or lower
receipts within an interest rate swap transaction) has the right, but not the
obligation, to initiate a new swap transaction of a pre-specified notional
amount with pre-specified terms with the seller of the option as the
counterparty.
The "notional amount" of a swap transaction is the agreed upon basis
for calculating the payments that the parties have agreed to exchange. For
example, one swap counterparty may agree to pay a floating rate of interest
(e.g., 3 month LIBOR) calculated based on a $10 million notional amount on a
quarterly basis in exchange for receipt of payments calculated based on the same
notional amount and a fixed rate of interest on a semi-annual basis. In the
event the Portfolio is obligated to make payments more frequently than it
receives payments from the other party, it will incur incremental credit
exposure to that swap counterparty. This risk may be mitigated somewhat by the
use of swap agreements which call for a net payment to be made by the party with
the larger payment obligation when the obligations of the parties fall due on
the same date. Under most swap agreements entered into by the Portfolio,
payments by the parties will be exchanged on a "net basis", and the
<PAGE>
Portfolio will receive or pay, as the case may be, only the net amount of the
two payments.
The amount of the Portfolio 's potential gain or loss on any swap
transaction is not subject to any fixed limit. Nor is there any fixed limit on
the Portfolio 's potential loss if it sells a cap or collar. If the Portfolio
buys a cap, floor or collar, however, the Portfolio 's potential loss is limited
to the amount of the fee that it has paid. When measured against the initial
amount of cash required to initiate the transaction, which is typically zero in
the case of most conventional swap transactions, swaps, caps, floors and collars
tend to be more volatile than many other types of instruments.
The use of swap transactions, caps, floors and collars involves
investment techniques and risks which are different from those associated with
portfolio security transactions. If the Advisor is incorrect in its forecasts of
market values, interest rates, and other applicable factors, the investment
performance of the Portfolio will be less favorable than if these techniques had
not been used. These instruments are typically not traded on exchanges.
Accordingly, there is a risk that the other party to certain of these
instruments will not perform its obligations to the Portfolio or that the
Portfolio may be unable to enter into offsetting positions to terminate its
exposure or liquidate its position under certain of these instruments when it
wishes to do so. Such occurrences could result in losses to the Portfolio.
The Advisor will, however, consider such risks and will enter into
swap and other derivatives transactions only when it believes that the risks are
not unreasonable.
The Portfolio will maintain cash or liquid assets in a segregated
account with its custodian in an amount sufficient at all times to cover its
current obligations under its swap transactions, caps, floors and collars. If
the Portfolio enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate
assets with a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the
Portfolio's accrued obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount
the Portfolio is entitled to receive under the agreement. If the Portfolio
enters into a swap agreement on other than a net basis, or sells a cap, floor or
collar, it will segregate assets with a daily value at least equal to the full
amount of the Portfolio 's accrued obligations under the agreement.
The Portfolio will not enter into any swap transaction, cap, floor, or
collar, unless the counterparty to the transaction is deemed creditworthy by the
Advisor. If a counterparty defaults, the Portfolio may have contractual remedies
pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The swap markets in which
many types of swap transactions are traded have grown substantially in recent
years, with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as
principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result,
the markets for certain types of swaps (e.g., interest rate swaps) have become
relatively liquid. The markets for some types of caps, floors and collars are
less liquid.
<PAGE>
The liquidity of swap transactions, caps, floors and collars will be as
set forth in guidelines established by the Advisor and approved by the Trustees
which are based on various factors, including (1) the availability of dealer
quotations and the estimated transaction volume for the instrument, (2) the
number of dealers and end users for the instrument in the marketplace, (3) the
level of market making by dealers in the type of instrument, (4) the nature of
the instrument (including any right of a party to terminate it on demand) and
(5) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or
offset the Portfolio 's rights and obligations relating to the instrument). Such
determination will govern whether the instrument will be deemed within the 15%
restriction on investments in securities that are not readily marketable.
During the term of a swap, cap, floor or collar, changes in the value
of the instrument are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by marking to
market to reflect the market value of the instrument. When the instrument is
terminated, the Portfolio will record a realized gain or loss equal to the
difference, if any, between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing
transaction and the Portfolio's basis in the contract.
The federal income tax treatment with respect to swap transactions,
caps, floors, and collars may impose limitations on the extent to which the
Portfolio may engage in such transactions.
RISK MANAGEMENT. The Portfolio may employ non-hedging risk management
techniques. Examples of risk management strategies include synthetically
altering the duration of the fixed income portion of the Portfolio or the mix of
securities in the Portfolio. For example, if the Advisor wishes to extend
maturities in the fixed income portion of the 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 portfolio to
purchase futures contracts on long-term debt securities. Similarly, if the
Advisor wishes to decrease fixed income securities or purchase equities, it
could cause the portfolio 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 because they involve leverage include, as do
all leveraged transactions, the possibility of losses as well as gains that are
greater than if these techniques involved the purchase and sale of the
securities themselves rather than their synthetic derivatives.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The portfolio turnover rates for the Portfolio for
the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996 and 1997 were 191% and 219%,
respectively. A rate of 100% indicates that the equivalent of all of the
Portfolio's assets have been sold and reinvested in a year. High portfolio
turnover may result in the realization of substantial net capital gains. To the
extent net short term capital gains are realized, any distributions resulting
from such gains are considered ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
See Item 20 below.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment restrictions below have been adopted by the Portfolio.
Except where 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" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
the Portfolio. 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
<PAGE>
present at a security holders 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 the purchase of
securities.
The Portfolio:
1. May not make any investments inconsistent with its classification as a
diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
2. May not purchase any security which would cause the Portfolio to concentrate
its investments in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular
industry except as permitted by the SEC;
3. May not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 or any rule, order or interpretation thereunder;
4. May not borrow money, except to the extent permitted by applicable law;
5. May not underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the
Portfolio, in disposing of portfolio securities, may be deemed an underwriter
within the meaning of the 1933 Act;
6. May not purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, the Portfolio may (a) invest in securities or other instruments
directly or indirectly secured by real estate, and (b) invest in securities or
other instruments issued by issuers that invest in real estate and (c) make
direct investments in mortgages.
7. May not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts unless acquired
as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments issued by persons
that purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts; but this shall not
prevent the Portfolio from purchasing, selling and entering into financial
futures contracts (including futures contracts on indices of securities,
interest rates and currencies), options on financial futures contracts
(including futures contracts on indices of securities, interest rates and
currencies), warrants, swaps, forward contracts, foreign currency spot and
forward contracts or other derivative instruments that are not related to
physical commodities; and
8. May make loans to other persons, in accordance with its investment objective
and policies and to the extent permitted by applicable law.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. The investment restriction
described below is not a fundamental policy of the Portfolio and may be changed
by the Trustees. This non-fundamental investment policy requires that the
Portfolio:
(i) May not 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 Portfolio's total assets would be in investments which
are illiquid;
(ii) May not purchase securities on margin, make short sales of
securities, or maintain a short position, provided that this restriction shall
not be deemed to be applicable to the purchase or sale of when-issued or
<PAGE>
delayed delivery securities.
(iii) May not acquire securities of other investment companies, except
as permitted by the 1940 Act or any order pursuant thereto.
There will be no violation of any investment restriction if
that restriction is complied with at the time the relevant action is taken
notwithstanding a later change in market value of an investment, in net or total
assets, in the securities rating of the investment, or any other later change.
ITEM 14. MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIO.
The Trustees and officers of the Portfolio, their business addresses,
principal occupations during the past five years and dates of birth are set
forth below. Their titles may have varied during that period. An asterisk
indicates that a Trustee is an "interested person" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the Portfolio.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Frederick S. Addy - Trustee; Retired; Prior to April 1994, Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Amoco Corporation. His address is
5300 Arbutus Cove, Austin, Texas 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, Florida
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, New Jersey 08540, and his date of birth is May 23, 1934.
Matthew Healey* - Trustee; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Chairman,
Pierpont Group, Inc. ("Pierpont Group ") since prior to 1993. His address is
Pine Tree Club Estates, 10286 Saint Andrews Road, Boynton Beach, Florida 33436,
and his date of birth is August 23, 1937.
Michael P. Mallardi - Trustee; Retired; Prior to April 1996, Senior Vice
President, Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and President, Broadcast Group. His address
is 10 Charnwood Drive, Suffern, New York 10910, and his date of birth is March
17, 1934.
---------------------- * Mr. Healey is an "interested person" (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio. Mr. Healey is also an "interested person" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Advisor due to his son's affiliation with JPMIM.
Each Trustee is currently paid an annual fee of $75,000 for serving as
Trustee of the Master Portfolios (as defined below), the J.P. Morgan Funds, the
J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and J.P. Morgan Series Trust and is reimbursed
for expenses incurred in connection with service as a Trustee. The Trustees may
hold various other directorships unrelated to the Portfolio.
Trustee compensation expenses paid by the Portfolio for the calendar year
ended December 31, 1997 is set forth below.
<PAGE>
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
TOTAL TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
ACCRUED BY THE MASTER
AGGREGATE TRUSTEE PORTFOLIOS(*), J.P. MORGAN
COMPENSATION PAID BY THE INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS, J.P.
NAME OF TRUSTEE PORTFOLIO DURING 1997 MORGAN FUNDS AND J.P.
MORGAN SERIES TRUST DURING
1997(**)
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Frederick S. Addy, $87.20 $72,500
Trustee
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
William G. Burns, $87.20 $72,500
Trustee
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Arthur C. Eschenlauer, $87.20 $72,500
Trustee
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Matthew Healey, $87.20 $72,500
Trustee(***), Chairman
and Chief Executive
Officer
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
Michael P. Mallardi, $87.20 $72,500
Trustee
- -------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
(*) Includes the Portfolio and 19 other portfolios (collectively, the
"Master Portfolios") for which JPMIM acts as investment advisor.
(**) No investment company within the fund complex has a pension or
retirement plan. Currently there are 18 investment companies (15 investment
companies comprising the J.P. Morgan Funds, the J.P. Morgan Funds, the J.P.
Morgan Institutional Funds and J.P. Morgan Series Trust) in the fund complex.
(***) During 1997, Pierpont Group paid Mr. Healey, in his role as Chairman of
Pierpont Group, compensation in the amount of $147,500, contributed
$22,100 to a defined contribution plan on his behalf and paid $20,500
in insurance premiums for his benefit.
The Trustees of the Portfolio are the same as the Trustees of each of
the J.P. Morgan Funds and the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds. In accordance
with applicable state requirements, a majority of the disinterested Trustees
have adopted written procedures reasonably appropriate to deal with potential
conflicts of interest arising from the fact that the same individuals are
Trustees of the Master Portfolios, the J.P. Morgan Funds and the J.P. Morgan
Institutional Funds, up to and including creating a separate board of trustees.
The Trustees of the Portfolio, in addition to reviewing actions of the
Portfolio's various service providers, decide upon matters of general policy.
The Portfolio has entered into a Portfolio Fund Services Agreement with Pierpont
Group to assist the Trustees in exercising their overall supervisory
responsibilities for the Portfolio's affairs. Pierpont Group was organized in
July 1989 to provide services for the J.P. Morgan Family of Funds (formerly The
Pierpont Family of Funds), and the Trustees are the sole shareholders of
Pierpont Group. The Portfolio has agreed to pay Pierpont Group a fee in an
amount representing its reasonable costs in performing these services. These
costs are periodically reviewed by the Trustees. The aggregate fees paid to
Pierpont Group by the Portfolio for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997 were $5,573, $1,005 and $1,343, respectively. The Portfolio has no
employees; its executive officers (listed below), other than the Chief
<PAGE>
Executive Officer and the officers who are employees of Morgan, are
provided and compensated by Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI"), a wholly owned,
indirect subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group, Inc. The Portfolio's officers
conduct and supervise the business operations of the Portfolio.
The officers of the Portfolio, their principal occupations during the
past five years and their dates of birth are set forth below. The business
address of each of the officers unless otherwise noted is 60 State Street, Suite
1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
MATTHEW HEALEY; Chief Executive Officer; Chairman, Pierpont Group,
since prior to 1993. His address is Pine Tree Club Estates, 10286 Saint Andrews
Road, Boynton Beach, Florida 33436. His date of birth is August 23, 1937.
MARGARET W. CHAMBERS; Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of FDI since April, 1998. From August 1996 to March 1998,
Ms. Chambers was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for Loomis, Sayles
& Company, L.P. From January 1986 to July 1996, she was an associate with the
law firm of Ropes & Gray. Her date of birth is October 12, 1959.
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 distributed or administered by FDI.
Prior 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 Assistant Department Manager of Treasury Services and
Administration of FDI and an officer of certain investment companies distributed
or administered by FDI. 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. His
date of birth is March 31, 1969.
JACQUELINE HENNING; Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of the
Portfolios only. Managing Director, State Street Cayman Trust Company, Ltd.
since October 1994. Prior to October 1994, Mrs. Henning was head of mutual funds
at Morgan Grenfell in Cayman and was Managing Director of Bank of Nova Scotia
Trust Company (Cayman) Limited prior to September 1993. Address: P.O. Box 2508
GT, Elizabethan Square, 2nd Floor, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand Cayman,
Cayman Islands, BWI. Her date of birth is March 24, 1942.
KAREN JACOPPO-WOOD; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice President
and Senior Counsel of FDI and an officer of certain investment companies
distributed or administered by FDI. From June 1994 to January 1996, Ms.
Jacoppo-Wood was a Manager of SEC Registration at Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.
Prior 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.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Senior Associate General Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual and an
officer of certain investment companies distributed or administered by FDI. From
April 1994 to July 1996, Mr. Kelley was Assistant Counsel at Forum Financial
Group. Prior to April 1994, Mr. Kelley was employed by Putnam Investments in
legal and compliance capacities. His date of birth is December 24, 1964.
<PAGE>
KATHLEEN K. MORRISEY; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Assistant Secretary of FDI. Manager of Treasury Services
Administration and an officer of certain investment companies advised or
administered by Montgomery Asset Management, L.P. and Dresdner RCM Global
Investors, Inc., and their respective affiliates. From July 1994 to November
1995, Ms. Morrisey was a Fund Accountant II for Investors Bank & Trust Company.
Prior to July 1994 she was a finance student at Stonehill College. Her date of
birth is July 5, 1972.
MARY A. NELSON; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President and
Manager of Treasury Services and Administration of FDI and Premier Mutual and an
officer of certain investment companies distributed or administered by FDI.
Prior to August 1994, Ms. Nelson was an Assistant Vice President and Client
Manager for The Boston Company, Inc. Her date of birth is April 22, 1964.
MARY JO PACE; Assistant Treasurer. Vice President, Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York. Ms. Pace serves in the Funds Administration group as a
Manager for the Budgeting and Expense Processing Group. Prior to September 1995,
Ms. Pace served as a Fund Administrator for Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York. Her address is 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260. Her date of birth
is March 13, 1966.
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.
STEPHANIE D. PIERCE; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice President
and Client Development Manager for FDI since April 1998. From April 1997 to
March 1998, Ms. Pierce was employed by Citibank, NA as an officer of Citibank
and Relationship Manager on the Business and Professional Banking team handling
over 22,000 clients. Address: 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Her
date of birth is August 18, 1968.
GEORGE A. RIO; President and Treasurer. Executive Vice President and Client
Service Director of FDI since April 1998. From June 1995 to March 1998, Mr. Rio
was Senior Vice President and Senior Key Account Manager for Putnam Mutual
Funds. From May 1994 to June 1995, Mr. Rio was Director of Business Development
for First Data Corporation. From September 1983 to May 1994, Mr. Rio was Senior
Vice President & Manager of Client Services and Director of Internal Audit at
The Boston Company. His date of birth is January 2, 1955.
CHRISTINE ROTUNDO; Assistant Treasurer. Vice President, Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York. Ms. Rotundo serves in the Funds Administration group
as a Manager of the Tax Group and is responsible for U.S. mutual fund tax
matters. Prior to September 1995, Ms. Rotundo served as a Senior Tax Manager in
the Investment Company Services Group of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Her address is
60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260. Her date of birth is September 26,
1965.
The Portfolio's Declaration of Trust provides that it will indemnify
its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in
connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their
offices with
<PAGE>
the Portfolio, unless, as to liability to the Portfolio or its
investors, it is finally adjudicated that they engaged in willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in
their offices, or unless with respect to any other matter it is finally
adjudicated that they did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that
their actions were in the best interests of the Portfolio. In the case of
settlement, such indemnification will not be provided unless it has been
determined by a court or other body approving the settlement or other
disposition, or by a reasonable determination, based upon a review of readily
available facts, by vote of a majority of disinterested Trustees or in a written
opinion of independent counsel, that such officers or Trustees have not engaged
in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
their duties.
ITEM 15. CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
As of October 31, 1998, the J.P. Morgan Institutional Short Term Bond
Fund and the J.P. Morgan Short Term Bond Fund (collectively, "the Funds"),
series of the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and the J.P. Morgan Funds,
respectively, owned 88% and 12%, respectively, of the outstanding beneficial
interests in the Portfolio. So long as the Funds control the Portfolio, they may
take actions without the approval of any other holder of beneficial interests in
the Portfolio.
Each of the Funds has informed the Portfolio that whenever it is
requested to vote on matters pertaining to the Portfolio (other than a vote by
the Portfolio to continue the operation of the Portfolio upon the withdrawal of
another investor in the Portfolio), it will hold a meeting of its shareholders
and will cast its vote as instructed by those shareholders.
The officers and Trustees of the Portfolio own none of the outstanding
beneficial interests in the Portfolio.
ITEM 16. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR. The investment advisor to the Portfolio is JPMIM, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan. Subject to the supervision of the
Portfolio's Trustees, the Advisor makes the Portfolio's day-to-day investment
decisions, arranges for the execution of portfolio transactions and generally
manages the Portfolio's investments. Prior to October 1, 1998, Morgan was the
investment advisor. JPMIM, a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan, is a
registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended, 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, through the Advisor 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 approximately $275 billion.
J.P. Morgan has a long history of service as adviser, 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.
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The basis of the Advisor's investment process is fundamental investment
research as the firm believes that fundamentals should determine an asset's
value over the long term. J.P. Morgan currently employs over 100 full time
research analysts, among the largest research staffs in the money management
industry, in its investment management divisions located in New York, London,
Tokyo, Frankfurt 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 investment advisory services the Advisor provides to the Portfolio
are not exclusive under the terms of the Advisory Agreement. The Advisor is free
to and does render similar investment advisory services to others. The Advisor
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 the Advisor serves as trustee. The accounts which
are managed or advised by the Advisor have varying investment objectives and the
Advisor 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 Portfolio. Such accounts are supervised by officers and employees of the
Advisor who may also be acting in similar capacities for the Portfolio. See Item
17 below.
Morgan, also a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan, is 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. Morgan 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.
The Portfolio is managed by officers of the Advisor who, in acting for
their customers, including the Portfolio, do not discuss their investment
decisions with any personnel of J.P. Morgan or any personnel of other divisions
of the Advisor or with any of its affiliated persons, with the exception of
certain other investment management affiliates of J.P. Morgan.
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses such as
salaries of advisory personnel borne by the Advisor under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, the Portfolio has agreed to pay the Advisor a fee, which is
computed daily and may be paid monthly, equal to the annual rate of 0.25% of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets. For the fiscal years ended October 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997, the Portfolio paid $146,335, $50,319 and $92,126,
respectively, in advisory fees.
The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that it will continue in
effect for a period of two years after execution only if specifically approved
annually thereafter (i) by a vote of the holders of a majority of the
Portfolio's outstanding securities or by its Trustees and (ii) by a vote of a
majority of the Portfolio's Trustees who are not parties to the Investment
Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" as defined by the 1940 Act cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The
Investment Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically if assigned and is
terminable at any time without penalty by a vote of a majority of the Trustees,
or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting
securities, on 60 days' written notice to the Advisor and by the Advisor on 90
days' written notice to the Portfolio.
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The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws generally prohibit
banks and their subsidiaries, such as the Advisor, from engaging in the business
of underwriting or distributing securities, and 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 continuously engaged in the
issuance of its shares, such as the Portfolio. The interpretation does not
prohibit a holding company or a subsidiary thereof from acting as investment
advisor and custodian to such an investment company. The Advisor believes that
it may perform the services for the Portfolio contemplated by the 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 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 Portfolio.
If the Advisor were prohibited from acting as investment advisor to the
Portfolio, it is expected that the Trustees of the Portfolio would recommend to
investors that they approve the Portfolio's entering into a new investment
advisory agreement with another qualified investment advisor selected by the
Trustees.
Under a separate agreement, Morgan provides administrative and related
services to the Portfolio. See "Administrative Services Agent" in Part A above.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Under the Portfolio's Co-Administration Agreement
dated August 1, 1996, FDI serves as the Portfolio's Co-Administrator. The
Co-Administration Agreement may be renewed or amended by the Trustees without an
investor vote. The Co-Administration Agreement is terminable at any time without
penalty by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Portfolio on not more
than 60 days' written notice nor less than 30 days' written notice to the other
party. The Co-Administrator may, subject to the consent of the Trustees of the
Portfolio may subcontract for the performance of its obligations, provided,
however, that unless the Portfolio expressly agrees in writing, the
Co-Administrator shall be fully responsible for the acts and omissions of any
subcontractor as it would for its own acts or omissions. See "Administrative
Services Agent" below.
For its services under the Co-Administration Agreement, the Portfolio
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 Portfolio is based on the ratio of its net assets to the
aggregate net assets of the J.P. Morgan Funds, the J.P. Morgan Institutional
Funds, the Master Portfolios, J.P. Morgan Series Trust and J.P. Morgan Series
Trust II. For the period from August 1, 1996 through October 31, 1996,and for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, administrative fees of $156 and $886,
respectively, were paid by the Portfolio to FDI.
The following administrative fees were paid by the Portfolio to
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. ("SBDS") (which provided placement agent
and administrative services to the Portfolio prior to August 1, 1996):
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995: $4,485. For the period from
<PAGE>
November 1, 1995 through July 31, 1996: $1,547.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. The Portfolio has entered into a
Restated Administrative Services Agreement (the "Services Agreement") with
Morgan, pursuant to which Morgan is responsible for certain administrative and
related services provided to the Portfolio.
Under the Services Agreement, effective August 1, 1996, the Portfolio
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 Master Portfolios and J.P. Morgan Series Trust 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. The portion
of this charge payable by the Portfolio is determined by the proportionate share
that its net assets bear to the total net assets of the J.P. Morgan Funds, the
J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds, the Master Portfolios, the other investors in
the Master Portfolios for which Morgan provides similar services and J.P. Morgan
Series Trust.
Under administrative services agreements in effect with Morgan from
December 29, 1995 through July 31, 1996, the Portfolio paid Morgan a fee equal
to its proportionate share of an annual complex-wide charge. This charge was
calculated daily based on the aggregate net assets of the Master Portfolios in
accordance with the following schedule: 0.06% of the first $7 billion of the
Master Portfolios' aggregate average daily net assets and 0.03% of the Master
Portfolios' aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion. Prior to
December 29, 1995, the Portfolio had entered into a financial and fund
accounting services agreement with Morgan, the provisions of which included
certain of the activities described above and, prior to September 1, 1995, also
included reimbursement of usual and customary expenses.
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the
Portfolio paid Morgan $(21,070)*, $(42,274) and $(99,895), respectively, in
administrative service fees.
* Indicates a reimbursement by Morgan for expenses in excess of its fees
under the prior services agreement. No fees were paid for the fiscal
period.
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Portfolio's custodian and
fund accounting and transfer agent. Pursuant to the Custodian Contract, State
Street is responsible for maintaining the books of account and records of
portfolio transactions and holding portfolio securities and cash. In the case of
foreign assets held outside the United States, the Custodian employs various
sub-custodians, who were approved by the Trustees of the Portfolio in accordance
with the regulations of the SEC. The Custodian maintains portfolio transaction
records, calculates book and tax allocations for the Portfolio, and computes the
value of the interest of each investor.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. The independent accountants of the Portfolio
are PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
10036. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP conducts an annual audit of the financial
statements of the Portfolio, assists in the preparation and/or review of the
Portfolio's federal and state income tax returns and consults with the Portfolio
as to matters of accounting and federal and state income taxation.
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EXPENSES. In addition to the fees payable to the service providers
identified above, the Portfolio is responsible for usual and customary expenses
associated with its 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, and
extraordinary expenses applicable to the Portfolio. Such expenses also include
registration fees under foreign securities laws and brokerage expenses. Under
fee arrangements prior to September 1, 1995, Morgan as service agent was
responsible for reimbursements to the Portfolio for SBDS's fees as administrator
and the usual and customary expenses described above (excluding organization and
extraordinary expenses, custodian fees and brokerage expenses).
THE EURO. Effective January 1, 1999 the euro, a single multinational
currency, will replace the national currencies of certain countries in the
Economic Monetary Union (EMU). Conversion rates among EMU countries will be
fixed on December 31, 1998, however, existing currencies will still be used
through July 1, 2002. During this transition period, transactions may be settled
in either euro or existing currencies, but financial markets and payment systems
are expected to use the euro exclusively. Beginning January 1, 1999, J.P. Morgan
intends to conduct and settle all Portfolio transactions, where appropriate, in
the euro.
J.P. Morgan has identified the following potential risks to the
Portfolio, after the conversion: The risk that valuation of assets are not
properly redenominated; currency risk resulting from increased volatility in
exchange rates between EMU countries and non-participating countries; the
inability any of the Portfolio, its service providers and the issuers of the
Portfolio's portfolio securities to make information technology updates timely;
and the potential unenforceability of contracts. There have been recent laws and
regulations designed to ensure the continuity of contracts, however there is a
risk that the valuation of contracts will be negatively impacted after the
conversion. J.P. Morgan is working to avoid these problems and to obtain
assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar steps.
However, it is not certain that these actions will be sufficient to prevent
problems associated with the conversion from adversely impacting Portfolio
operations and interest holders.
The I.R.S has concluded that euro conversion will not cause a U.S.
taxpayer to realize gain or loss to the extent taxpayer's rights and obligations
are altered solely by reason of the conversion.
THE YEAR 2000 INITIATIVE. With the new millennium rapidly approaching,
organizations are examining their computer systems to ensure they are year 2000
compliant. The issue, in simple terms, is that many existing computer systems
use only two numbers to identify a year in the date field with the assumption
that the first two digits are always 19. As the century is implied in the date,
on January 1, 2000, computers that are not year 2000 compliant will assume the
year is 1900. Systems that calculate, compare, or sort using the incorrect date
will cause erroneous results, ranging from system malfunctions to incorrect or
incomplete transaction processing. If not remedied, potential risks include
business interruption or shutdown, financial loss, reputation loss, and/or legal
liability.
J.P. Morgan has undertaken a firmwide initiative to address the year 2000
issue and has developed a comprehensive plan to prepare, as appropriate, its
computer systems. Each business line has taken responsibility for identifying
and fixing the problem within its own area of operation and for addressing all
interdependencies. A multidisciplinary team of internal and
<PAGE>
external experts supports the business teams by providing direction and
firmwide coordination. Working together, the business and multidisciplinary
teams have completed a thorough education and awareness initiative and a global
inventory and assessment of J.P. Morgan's technology and application portfolio
to understand the scope of the year 2000 impact at J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan
presently is renovating and testing these technologies and applications in
partnership with external consulting and software development organizations, as
well as with year 2000 tool providers. J.P. Morgan is on target with its plan to
substantially complete renovation, testing, and validation of its key systems by
year-end 1998 and to participate in industry-wide testing (or streetwide
testing) in 1999. J.P. Morgan is also working with key external parties,
including clients, counterparties, vendors, exchanges, depositories, utilities,
suppliers, agents and regulatory agencies, to stem the potential risks the year
2000 problem poses to J.P. Morgan and to the global financial community.
Costs associated with efforts to prepare J.P. Morgan's systems for the
year 2000 approximated $95 million in 1997. In 1998, J.P. Morgan will continue
its efforts to prepare its systems for the year 2000. The total cost to become
year-2000 compliant is estimated at $250 million, for internal systems
renovation and testing, testing equipment, and both internal and external
resources working on the project. Remaining costs will be incurred primarily in
1998. The costs associated with J.P. Morgan becoming year-2000 compliant will be
borne by J.P. Morgan and not the Portfolio.
THE EURO. Effective January 1, 1999 the euro, a single multinational
currency, will replace the national currencies of certain countries in the
Economic Monetary Union (EMU). Conversion rates among EMU countries will be
fixed on December 31, 1998, however, existing currencies will still be used
through July 1, 2002. During this transition period, transactions may be settled
in either euro or existing currencies, but financial markets and payment systems
are expected to use the euro exclusively. Beginning January 1, 1999, J.P. Morgan
intends to conduct and settle all Portfolio transactions, where appropriate, in
the euro.
J.P. Morgan has identified the following potential risks to the
Portfolio, after the conversion: The risk that valuation of assets are not
properly redenominated; currency risk resulting from increased volatility in
exchange rates between EMU countries and non-participating countries; the
inability any of the Portfolio, its service providers and the issuers of the
Portfolio's portfolio securities to make information technology updates timely;
and the potential unenforceability of contracts. There have been recent laws and
regulations designed to ensure the continuity of contracts, however there is a
risk that the valuation of contracts will be negatively impacted after the
conversion. J.P. Morgan is working to avoid these problems and to obtain
assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar steps.
However, it is not certain that these actions will be sufficient to prevent
problems associated with the conversion from adversely impacting Portfolio
operations and interest holders.
The I.R.S has concluded that euro conversion will not cause a U.S.
taxpayer to realize gain or loss to the extent taxpayer's rights and obligations
are altered solely by reason of the conversion.
ITEM 17. BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES.
The Advisor places orders for the Portfolio 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
<PAGE>
behalf of the Portfolio. See Item 13 above.
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.
Portfolio transactions for the Portfolio will be undertaken principally
to accomplish the Portfolio's objective in relation to expected movements in the
general level of interest rates. The Portfolio may engage in short term trading
consistent with its objective.
In connection with portfolio transactions for the Portfolio, the
Advisor intends to seek best price and execution on a competitive basis for both
purchases and sales of securities.
In selecting a broker, the Advisor 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; as well as
the firm's financial condition. The Trustees of the Portfolio review regularly
the reasonableness of other transaction costs incurred by the Portfolio in light
of facts and circumstances deemed relevant from time to time, and, in that
connection, will receive reports from the Advisor and published data concerning
transaction costs incurred by institutional investors generally. Research
services provided by brokers to which the Advisor 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 the Advisor's
clients and not solely or necessarily for the benefit of the Portfolio. The
Advisor believes that the value of research services received is not
determinable and does not significantly reduce its expenses. The Portfolio does
not reduce its fee to the Advisor by any amount that might be attributable to
the value of such services.
Subject to the overriding objective of obtaining the best possible
execution of orders, the Advisor may allocate a portion of the Portfolio's
portfolio brokerage transactions to affiliates of the Advisor. In order for
affiliates of the Advisor to effect any portfolio transactions for the
Portfolio, 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
Trustees of the Portfolio, 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.
The Portfolio's securities will not be purchased from or through or
sold to or through the exclusive placement agent or Advisor or any other
"affiliated person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the exclusive placement
agent or Advisor when such entities are acting as principals, except to the
extent permitted by law. In addition, the Portfolio will not purchase securities
during the existence of any underwriting group relating thereto of
<PAGE>
which the Advisor or an affiliate of the Advisor is a member, except to the
extent permitted by law.
On those occasions when the Advisor deems the purchase or sale of a
security to be in the best interests of the Portfolio as well as other
customers, including other Master Portfolios, the Advisor, to the extent
permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but is not obligated to,
aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Portfolio with those to
be sold or purchased for other customers 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 the Advisor in the manner it considers to be most
equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Portfolio.
In some instances, this procedure might adversely affect the Portfolio.
If the Portfolio effects a closing purchase transaction with respect to
an option written by it, normally such transaction will be executed by the same
broker-dealer who executed the sale of the option. The writing of options by the
Portfolio will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges
governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written by a
single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether
the options are written on the same or different exchanges or are held or
written in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. The number of
options which the Portfolio may write may be affected by options written by the
Advisor for other investment advisory clients. An exchange may order the
liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may
impose certain other sanctions.
ITEM 18. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES.
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue
beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Investors are entitled to participate pro
rata in distributions of taxable income, loss, gain and credit of the Portfolio.
Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Portfolio, investors are entitled to
share pro rata in the Portfolio's net assets available for distribution to its
investors. Investments in the Portfolio have no preference, preemptive,
conversion or similar rights and are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set
forth below. Investments in the Portfolio may not be transferred. Certificates
representing an investor's beneficial interest in the Portfolio are issued only
upon the written request of an investor.
Each investor is entitled to a vote in proportion to the amount of its
investment in the Portfolio. Investors in the Portfolio do not have cumulative
voting rights, and investors holding more than 50% of the aggregate beneficial
interest in the Portfolio may elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so
and in such event the other investors in the Portfolio would not be able to
elect any Trustee. The Portfolio is not required and has no current intention to
hold annual meetings of investors but the Portfolio will hold special meetings
of investors when in the judgment of the Portfolio's Trustees it is necessary or
desirable to submit matters for an investor vote. No material amendment may be
made to the Portfolio's Declaration of Trust without the affirmative majority
vote of investors (with the vote of each being in proportion to the amount of
its investment).
The Portfolio may enter into a merger or consolidation, or sell all or
substantially all of its assets, if approved by the vote of two thirds of its
investors (with the vote of each being in proportion to its percentage of the
beneficial interests in the Portfolio), except that if the Trustees recommend
such sale of assets, the approval by vote of a majority of the investors (with
<PAGE>
the vote of each being in proportion to its percentage of the
beneficial interests of the Portfolio) will be sufficient. The Portfolio may
also be terminated (i) upon liquidation and distribution of its assets if
approved by the vote of two thirds of its investors (with the vote of each being
in proportion to the amount of its investment) or (ii) by the Trustees by
written notice to its investors.
The Portfolio is organized as a trust under the laws of the State of
New York. Investors in the Portfolio will be held personally liable for its
obligations and liabilities, subject, however, to indemnification by the
Portfolio in the event that there is imposed upon an investor a greater portion
of the liabilities and obligations of the Portfolio than its proportionate
beneficial interest in the Portfolio. The Declaration of Trust also provides
that the Portfolio shall maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity
bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for the protection of the Portfolio,
its investors, Trustees, officers, employees and agents covering possible tort
and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of an investor incurring financial loss on
account of investor liability is limited to circumstances in which both
inadequate insurance existed and the Portfolio itself was unable to meet its
obligations.
The Portfolio's Declaration of Trust further provides that obligations
of the Portfolio are not binding upon the Trustees individually but only upon
the property of the Portfolio and that the Trustees will not be liable for any
action or failure to act, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a
Trustee against any liability to which he would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
ITEM 19. PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED.
Beneficial interests in the Portfolio are issued solely in private
placement transactions that do not involve any "public offering" within the
meaning of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act.
The value of investments listed on a domestic securities exchange, is
based on the last sale prices on such exchange. In the absence of recorded
sales, investments are valued at the average of readily available closing bid
and asked prices on such exchange. Securities listed on a foreign exchange are
valued at the last quoted sale prices on such exchange. Unlisted securities are
valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices in the 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 currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
Securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available (including certain restricted and illiquid securities) 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
<PAGE>
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 Portfolio was more than 60 days, unless this is determined not
to represent fair value by the Trustees.
Trading in securities on most foreign exchanges and OTC markets is
normally completed before the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 4:00pm) and may also take place on days on which the New York Stock
Exchange is closed. If events materially affecting the value of securities occur
between the time when the exchange on which they are traded closes and the time
when a Portfolio's net asset value is calculated, such securities will be valued
at fair value in accordance with procedures established by and under the general
supervision of the Trustees.
If the Portfolio determines that it would be detrimental to the best
interest of the remaining investors in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio, in lieu of cash, in
conformity with the applicable rule of the SEC. If interests are redeemed in
kind, the redeeming investor might incur transaction costs in converting the
assets into cash. The Portfolio is in the process of seeking exemptive relief
from the SEC with respect to redemptions in kind. If the requested relief is
granted, the Portfolio would then be permitted to pay redemptions to investors
owning 5% or more of the outstanding beneficial interests in the Portfolio in
securities, rather than in cash, to the extent permitted by the SEC and
applicable law. The method of valuing portfolio securities is described above
and such valuation will be made as of the same time the redemption price is
determined. The Portfolio has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the
1940 Act pursuant to which the Portfolio is obligated to redeem interests solely
in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the
Portfolio during any 90 day period for any one investor. The Portfolio will not
redeem in kind except in circumstances in which an investor is permitted to
redeem in kind.
The net asset value of the Portfolio will not be computed on a day
which no orders to purchase or withdraw beneficial interests in the Portfolio
has been received or on the days the following legal holidays are observed: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. 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
Portfolio would expect to close for purchases and withdrawals at the same time.
The Portfolio may also close for purchases and withdrawals at such other times
as may be determined by the Trustees to the extent permitted by applicable law.
The days on which net asset value is determined are the Portfolio's business
days.
ITEM 20. TAX STATUS.
The Portfolio is organized as a New York trust. The Portfolio is not
subject to any income or franchise tax in the State of New York. However, each
investor in the Portfolio will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax in the
manner described below on its share (as determined in accordance with the
governing instruments of the Portfolio) of the Portfolio's ordinary income and
capital gain in determining its income tax liability. The determination of such
share will be made in accordance with the Code and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
<PAGE>
Although, as described above, the Portfolio will not be subject to
federal income tax, it will file appropriate income tax returns.
It is intended that the Portfolio's assets will be managed in such a
way that an investor in the Portfolio will be able to satisfy the requirements
of Subchapter M of the Code. For the Portfolio to qualify as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the Portfolio limits 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,
except government securities, 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, except U.S. Government securities.
Gains or losses on sales of securities by the Portfolio will be treated
as long-term capital gains or losses if the securities have been held by it for
more than one year except in certain cases where the Portfolio acquires a put or
writes a call thereon. Long-term capital gain of individual investors will be
subject to a reduced rate of tax if the portfolio securities have been held by
the Portfolio for more than one year at the time of sale and will be subject to
a further reduced rate of tax if the portfolio securities have been held by the
Portfolio for more than eighteen months at the time of sale. 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 the Portfolio lapses or is terminated through a closing
transaction, such as a repurchase by the Portfolio of the option from its
holder, the Portfolio will realize a short-term capital gain or loss, depending
on whether the premium income is greater or less than the amount paid by the
Portfolio in the closing transaction. If securities are purchased by the
Portfolio pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Portfolio
will subtract the premium received from its cost basis in the securities
purchased.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to disposition of foreign
currency or to foreign currency contracts, or to fluctuations in exchange rates
between the time the Portfolio accrues income or receivables or expenses or
other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Portfolio
actually collects such income or pays such liabilities, are treated as ordinary
income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses on the disposition of debt
securities held by the Portfolio, if any, denominated in foreign currency, to
the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the
acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss.
Forward currency contracts, options and futures contracts entered into
by the Portfolio 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
Portfolio on forward currency contracts, options and futures contracts or on the
underlying securities.
Certain options, futures and foreign currency contracts held by the
Portfolio 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 Portfolio has held such options
or futures. Any gain or loss recognized on foreign currency contracts will be
treated as ordinary income.
<PAGE>
FOREIGN INVESTORS. It is intended that the Portfolio will conduct its
affairs such that its income and gains will not be effectively connected with
the conduct of a U.S. trade or business. Provided the Portfolio conducts its
affairs in such a manner, allocations of U.S. source dividend income to an
investor who, as to the United States, is a foreign trust, foreign corporation
or other foreign investor will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or lower treaty rate), and allocations of portfolio interest (as defined in
the Code) or short term or net long term capital gains to such investors
generally will not be subject to U.S.
tax.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. The Portfolio may be subject to state or local
taxes in jurisdictions in which the Portfolio is deemed to be doing business. In
addition, the treatment of the Portfolio and its investors in those states which
have income tax laws might differ from treatment under the federal income tax
laws. Investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to any state
or local taxes.
FOREIGN TAXES. The Portfolio may be subject to foreign withholding taxes
with respect to income received from sources within foreign countries.
OTHER TAXATION. The investment by an investor in the Portfolio does not
cause the investor to be liable for any income or franchise tax in the State of
New York. Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect
to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Portfolio.
ITEM 21. UNDERWRITERS.
The exclusive placement agent for the Portfolio is FDI, which receives
no additional compensation for serving in this capacity. Investment companies,
insurance company separate accounts, common and commingled trust funds and
similar organizations and entities may continuously invest in the Portfolio.
ITEM 22. CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE DATA.
Not applicable.
ITEM 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
The Portfolio's October 31, 1997 annual report to investors filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 30(b) of the 1940 Act
and Rule 30b2-1 thereunder is incorporated herein by reference (Accession No.
0001047469-98-000422, filed January 8, 1998).
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITY RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
AAA - Debt rated AAA have 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 have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in a small degree.
A - Debt rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt
in higher rated categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit 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 - Debt rated BB are regarded as having less near-term vulnerability to
default than other speculative issues. However, they face major ongoing
uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic
conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely
interest and principal payments.
B - An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than
obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's
capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
CCC - An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions
for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In
the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the
obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
CC - An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C - The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments
on this obligation are being continued.
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.
<PAGE>
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.
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 Aaa 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 the
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.
<PAGE>
Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing.
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.
- 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.
<PAGE>
PART C
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN PART A:
Not applicable.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO PART B:
The audited financial statements included in Item 23 are as follows:
Schedule of Investments at October 31, 1997 Statement of Assets and
Liabilities at October 31, 1997 Statement of Operations
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the fiscal year ended October
31, 1996 and 1997 Supplementary Data Notes to Financial Statements at
October 31, 1997
(B) EXHIBITS
1 Declaration of Trust, as amended, of the Registrant.3
2 Restated By-Laws of the Registrant.2
5 Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York ("Morgan").3
5(a) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and J.P. Morgan
Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM").4
8 Custodian Contract between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company ("State Street").3
9(a) Co-Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Funds
Distributor, Inc. dated August 1, 1996 ("Co-Administration Agreement").1
9(a)(1) Amended Exhibit I to Co-Administration Agreement.2
9(b) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and State
Street.2
9(c) Restated Administrative Services Agreement between the Registrant and
Morgan dated August 1, 1996 ("Administrative Services Agreement").1
9(c)(1) Amended Exhibit I to Administrative Services Agreement.2
9(d) Amended and Restated Portfolio Fund Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Pierpont Group, Inc. dated July 11, 1996.1
13 Investment representation letters of initial investors.3
27 Financial Data Schedule.4
------------------- 1 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 5
to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the Securities
and
<PAGE>
Exchange Commission on October 9, 1996. (Accession No. 0000912057-96-022361)
2 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 6 to The U.S. Fixed
Income Portfolio's Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 1997.
(Accession No. 00001016964-97-000020)
3 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 6 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on February 28, 1997. (Accession No.
1016964-97-45)
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: Beneficial Interests
Number of Record Holders: 2 (as of October 31, 1998)
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is hereby made to Article V of the Registrant's Declaration
of Trust, filed as an Exhibit to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A.
The Trustees and officers of the Registrant and the personnel of the
Registrant's administrator are insured under an errors and omissions liability
insurance policy. The Registrant and its officers are also insured under the
fidelity bond required by Rule 17g-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR.
JPMIM is a Delaware corporation which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of J.P.
Morgan & Co. Incorporated.
JPMIM is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940, as amended, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan & Co.
Incorporated. JPMIM manages employee benefit funds of corporations, labor unions
and state and local governments and the accounts of other institutional
investors, including investment companies.
To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or
executive officers of JPMIM 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 JPMIM also
hold various positions with, and engage in business for, J.P. Morgan & Co.
Incorporated, which owns all the outstanding stock of JPMIM.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
Not applicable.
<PAGE>
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
The accounts and records of the Registrant are located, in whole or in
part, at the office of the Registrant and the following locations:
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. and Morgan Trust Guaranty Company of
New York, 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036 and/or 60 Wall Street, New
York, New York 10260-0060 (records relating to their functions as investment
adviser and administrative services agent).
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109 or 40 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 3Y8
(records relating to its functions as custodian and fund accounting and transfer
agent).
Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109 or c/o State Street Cayman Trust Company, Ltd., Elizabethan
Square, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI (records
relating to its functions as co-administrator and exclusive placement agent).
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.
Not applicable.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration
Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI, on the 6th
day of November, 1998.
THE SHORT TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
By /S/ JACQUELINE HENNING
--------------------------------------------
Jacqueline Henning
Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
EX-5 Investment Advisory Agreement
EX-27 Financial Data Schedule
THE SHORT TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Agreement, made this 28th day of October, 1998, between The Short Term Bond
Portfolio, a trust organized under the law of the State of New York (the
"Portfolio") and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Advisor"),
WHEREAS, the Portfolio is an open-end diversified management investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Portfolio desires to retain the Advisor to render
investment advisory services to the Portfolio, and the Advisor is willing to
render such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, this Agreement
W I T N E S S E T H:
that in consideration of the premises and mutual promises hereinafter set forth,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. The Portfolio hereby appoints the Advisor to act as investment
adviser to the Portfolio for the period and on the terms set forth in this
Agreement. The Advisor accepts such appointment and agrees to render the
services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.
2. Subject to the general supervision of the Trustees of the Portfolio,
the Advisor shall manage the investment operations of the Portfolio and the
composition of the Portfolio's holdings of securities and investments, including
cash, the purchase, retention and disposition thereof and agreements relating
thereto, in accordance with the Portfolio's investment objectives and policies
as stated in the Registration Statement (as defined in paragraph 3(d) of this
Agreement) and subject to the following understandings:
(a) the Advisor shall furnish a continuous investment program for the
Portfolio and determine from time to time what investments or securities will be
purchased, retained, sold or lent by the Portfolio, and what portion of the
assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash;
(b) the Advisor shall use the same skill and care in the management of
the Portfolio's investments as it uses in the administration of other accounts
for which it has investment responsibility as agent;
(c) the Advisor, in the performance of its duties and obligations under
this Agreement, shall act in conformity with the Declaration of Trust, By-Laws
and Registration Statement of the Portfolio and with the instructions and
directions of the Trustees of the Portfolio and will conform to and comply with
the requirements of the 1940 Act and all other applicable federal and state laws
and regulations;
(d) the Advisor shall determine the securities to be purchased, sold or
lent by the Portfolio and as agent for the Portfolio will effect portfolio
transactions pursuant to its determinations either directly with the issuer or
with any broker and/or dealer in such securities; in placing orders with brokers
and/or dealers the Advisor intends to seek best price and execution for
purchases and sales; the Advisor shall also determine whether or not the
Portfolio shall enter into repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements;
On occasions when the Advisor deems the purchase or sale of a security
to be in the best interest of the Portfolio as well as other customers of the
Advisor, the Advisor may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and
regulations, but shall not be obligated to, aggregate the securities to be so
sold or purchased in order to obtain best
<PAGE>
execution, including lower brokerage commissions, if applicable. In
such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the
expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Advisor in the manner
it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary
obligations to the Portfolio;
(e) the Advisor shall maintain books and records with respect to the
Portfolio's securities transactions and shall render to the Portfolio's Trustees
such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request; and
(f) the investment management services of the Advisor to the Portfolio
under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Advisor shall be
free to render similar services to others.
3. The Portfolio has delivered copies of each of the following
documents to the Advisor and will promptly notify and deliver to it all future
amendments and supplements, if any:
(a) Declaration of Trust of the Portfolio (such Declaration of Trust,
as presently in effect and as amended from time to time, is herein called the
"Declaration of Trust");
(b) By-Laws of the Portfolio (such By-Laws, as presently in effect and
as amended from time to time, are herein called the "By-Laws");
(c) Certified resolutions of the Trustees of the Portfolio authorizing
the appointment of the Advisor and approving the form of this Agreement;
(d) The Portfolio's Notification of Registration on Form N-8A and
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (No. 811-7844) each under the 1940 Act (the
"Registration Statement") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") on July 6, 1993, all amendments thereto.
4. The Advisor shall keep the Portfolio's books and records required to
be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 2(e). The Advisor agrees that all
records which it maintains for the Portfolio are the property of the Portfolio
and it will promptly surrender any of such records to the Portfolio upon the
Portfolio's request. The Advisor further agrees to preserve for the periods
prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act any such records
as are required to be maintained by the Advisor with respect to the Portfolio by
Rule 31a-1 of the Commission under the 1940 Act.
5. During the term of this Agreement the Advisor will pay all expenses
incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement, other
than the cost of securities and investments purchased for the Portfolio
(including taxes and brokerage commissions, if any).
6. For the services provided and the expenses borne pursuant to this
Agreement, the Portfolio will pay to the Advisor as full compensation therefor a
fee at an annual rate equal to .25% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets.
This fee will be computed daily and payable as agreed by the Portfolio and the
Advisor, but no more frequently than monthly.
7. The Advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake
of law or for any loss suffered by the Portfolio in connection with the matters
to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of
fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in
which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount
set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) or a loss resulting from willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its
duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement.
8. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than
two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act;
provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Portfolio at any
time, without the payment of
<PAGE>
any penalty, by vote of a majority of all the Trustees of the Portfolio
or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio
on 60 days' written notice to the Advisor, or by the Advisor at any time,
without the payment of any penalty, on 90 days' written notice to the Portfolio.
This Agreement will automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
9. The Advisor shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an
independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided herein or
authorized by the Trustees of the Portfolio from time to time, have no authority
to act for or represent the Portfolio in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent
of the Portfolio.
10. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of
the Portfolio must be approved (a) by vote of a majority of those Trustees of
the Portfolio who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any
such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
amendment, and (b) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Portfolio.
11. Notices of any kind to be given to the Advisor by the Portfolio
shall be in writing and shall be duly given if mailed or delivered to the
Advisor at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036, Attention: Funds
Management, or at such other address or to such other individual as shall be
specified by the Advisor to the Portfolio. Notices of any kind to be given to
the Portfolio by the Advisor shall be in writing and shall be duly given if
mailed or delivered to the Portfolio c/o State Street Cayman Trust Company at
Elizabethan Square, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands,
BWI, Attention: Treasurer, or at such other address or to such other individual
as shall be specified by the Portfolio to the Advisor.
12. The Trustees have authorized the execution of this Agreement in
their capacity as Trustees and not individually and the Advisor agrees that
neither the shareholders nor the Trustees nor any officer, employee,
representative or agent of the Portfolio shall be personally liable upon, or
shall resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of,
obligations given, executed or delivered on behalf of or by the Portfolio, that
the shareholders, trustees, officers, employees, representatives and agents of
the Portfolio shall not be personally liable hereunder, and that it shall look
solely to the property of the Portfolio for the satisfaction of any claim
hereunder.
13. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original.
14. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their officers designated below as of the 28th day of October,
1998.
THE SHORT TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
By: /s/Jacqueline Henning
Jacqueline Henning
Assistant Secretary
and Assistant Treasurer
J.P. MORGAN INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/Diane J. Minardi
Diane J. Minardi
Vice President
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the annual report
dated 10/31/97 for The Short Term Bond Portfolio and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such annual report.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 41456
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 41502
<RECEIVABLES> 4616
<ASSETS-OTHER> 1
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 46119
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4123
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 44
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 4167
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 0
<NET-ASSETS> 41952
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2365
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 92
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2273
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 79
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (139)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 2213
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 92
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 203
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 36866
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 0
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
