As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 1997
FILE NO. 811-08462
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 4
THE NEW YORK TOTAL RETURN BOND PORTFOLIO
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in
Charter)
60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (617) 557-0700
John E. Pelletier, c/o Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to: Steven K. West, 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 New York Total Return Bond Portfolio (the "Portfolio") is a no-load
non-diversified open-end management investment company which was organized as a
trust under the laws of the State of New York on June 16, 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.
Investments in the Portfolio are not deposits or obligations of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan"
or 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. There can be no assurance that
the investment objective of the Portfolio will be achieved.
The Portfolio is advised by Morgan.
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 March 31,
1996 and the unaudited financial statements of the Portfolio at September 30,
1996.
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.
The Portfolio's investment objective is to provide a high after tax
total return for New York residents consistent with moderate risk of capital.
Total return will consist of income plus capital gains and losses. The Portfolio
is designed for investors who seek a high after tax total return and who are
willing to receive some taxable income and capital gains to achieve that return.
The Portfolio's primary investments are municipal securities issued by
New York State and its political subdivisions and by agencies, authorities and
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instrumentalities of New York and its political subdivisions. These securities
earn income exempt from federal and New York State and local income taxes but,
in certain circumstances, may be subject to alternative minimum tax. In
addition, the Portfolio may invest in municipal securities issued by states
other than New York, by territories and possessions of the United States and
their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities. These securities
earn income exempt from federal income taxes but subject to New York State and
local income taxes. In order to seek to enhance the Portfolio's after tax
return, the Advisor may also invest in securities which earn income subject to
New York and/or federal income taxes. These securities include U.S. government
securities, corporate securities and municipal securities issued on a taxable
basis. For more information regarding tax matters, see Item 20 in Part B. Since
the Portfolio limits its purchases to investment grade securities, it may not
obtain the higher current income available from lower rated securities. See
"Quality Information" below.
The Advisor actively manages the Portfolio's duration, the allocation
of securities across market sectors and the selection of securities to seek to
achieve a high after tax total return. Based on fundamental economic and capital
markets research, the Advisor adjusts the duration of the Portfolio in light of
the Advisor's interest rate outlook. For example, if interest rates are expected
to rise, the duration may be shortened to lessen the Portfolio's exposure to the
expected decrease in bond prices. If interest rates are expected to remain
stable, the Advisor may lengthen the duration in order to enhance the
Portfolio's yield.
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 Advisor believes
the Portfolio will have a duration of three to seven years. The maturity of
individual securities in the Portfolio may vary widely, however.
The Advisor also attempts to enhance after tax total return by
allocating the Portfolio's assets among market sectors. Specific securities
which the Advisor believes are undervalued are selected for purchase within
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.
In seeking to achieve the Portfolio's investment objective, the Advisor
attempts to consider the tax consequences to investors of all portfolio
transactions. The Advisor will sell and purchase securities to change the
Portfolio's duration, sector allocation or securities holdings only if it
believes that the expected benefit to the Portfolio will be greater than the
capital gains or income taxes investors would incur as a result of these sales
and purchases. The success of this strategy depends on the Advisor's ability to
forecast accurately changes in interest rates and assess the value of fixed
income securities.
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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 engage in short-term
trading consistent with its objective. Portfolio transactions may incur taxable
long term or short term capital gains which will be distributed and taxable to
investors. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio engages in short-term
trading, it may incur increased transactions costs. The Portfolio turnover rate
for the Portfolio for the period April 11, 1994 (commencement of operations)
through March 31, 1995 and the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996 were 63% and
41%, respectively.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio will
invest at least 65% of its total assets in municipal securities issued by New
York State and its political subdivisions and their agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities. The Portfolio may also invest in debt obligations of
municipal issuers other than New York. The municipal securities in which the
Portfolio invests are primarily municipal bonds and municipal notes.
MUNICIPAL BONDS. The Portfolio may invest in bonds issued by or on
behalf of New York State, other states, territories and possessions of the
United States and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities. These obligations may be general obligation bonds secured by
the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment
of principal and interest, or they may be revenue bonds payable from specific
revenue sources, but not generally backed by the issuer's taxing power.
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
municipal commercial paper and municipal demand obligations such as variable
rate demand notes and master demand obligations. The interest rate on variable
rate demand notes is adjustable at periodic intervals as specified in the notes.
Master demand obligations permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at
periodically adjusted interest rates. They are governed by agreements between
the municipal issuer and Morgan acting as agent, for no additional fee, in its
capacity as Advisor to the Portfolio and as fiduciary for other clients.
Although master demand obligations are not marketable to third parties, the
Portfolio considers them to be liquid because they are payable on demand. There
is no specific percentage limitation on these investments. For more information
about municipal notes, see Item 13 in Part B.
NEW YORK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Because of the Portfolio's significant
investment in New York municipal securities, its performance will be affected by
the condition of New York's economy, as well as the fiscal condition of the
State, its agencies and municipalities. The New York State economy generally
remains weak, despite some signs of growth. Compounding this effect is the
presence of a persistent budget deficit and the significant claims placed on the
State's budget by education, social service, and infrastructure needs. In
addition, the New York City economy and fiscal condition have profound
influences upon the market for most New York debt obligations. The Advisor
currently views the New York economy and financial condition as fundamentally
stable. However,
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the possibility of a disruption to economic and financial conditions which would
adversely affect the creditworthiness and marketability of New York municipal
securities continues to exist. For a more detailed discussion of the risks
associated with investing in New York municipal securities, see Item 13 in Part
B.
NON-MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in non-municipal
securities including obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies and
instrumentalities, bank obligations, debt securities of corporate issuers,
asset-backed and mortgage-related securities and repurchase agreements. The
Portfolio will invest in non-municipal securities when, in the opinion of the
Advisor, these securities will enhance the after tax total return to investors'
who are subject to federal and New York State income taxes in the highest tax
bracket. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio's holdings of non-municipal
securities and municipal securities of tax-exempt issuers outside New York State
will not exceed 35% of its total assets.
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"). 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
Morgan'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 Additional Investment Information and Risk Factors.
NON-DIVERSIFICATION. The Portfolio is registered as a non-diversified
investment company which means that the Portfolio is not limited by the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), in the proportion
of its assets that may be invested in the obligations of a single issuer. Thus,
the Portfolio may invest a greater proportion of its assets in the securities of
a smaller number of issuers and, as a result, will be subject to greater risk
with respect to its portfolio securities. The Portfolio, however, will comply
with the diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), for qualification as a regulated investment
company. See "Investment Restrictions" below and Item 20 in Part B.
The Portfolio may also purchase municipal securities together with
puts, purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, enter into
repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, purchase synthetic variable rate
instruments, lend its portfolio securities, purchase certain privately placed
securities and enter into certain futures and options transactions. For a
discussion of these transactions, see "Additional Investment Information and
Risk Factors."
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ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND RISK FACTORS
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 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.
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 the Fund's net asset value. See
Appendix A 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 or
income 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 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
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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 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. The Portfolio will not lend its
securities to any officer, Trustee, Director, employee or other affiliate of the
Portfolio, the Advisor or the exclusive 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
the purposes of the 1940 Act, it is considered as 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. For more information, see Item 13 in
Part B.
PUTS. The Portfolio may purchase without limit municipal bonds or notes
together with the right to resell them at an agreed price or yield within a
specified period prior to maturity. This right to resell is known as a put. The
aggregate price paid for securities with puts may be higher than the price which
otherwise would be paid. The principal risk of puts is that the put writer may
default on its obligation to repurchase. The Advisor will monitor each writer's
ability to meet its obligations under puts. The amortized cost method is used by
the Portfolio to value all municipal securities with maturities of less than 60
days; when these securities are subject to puts separate from the underlying
securities, no value is assigned to the puts. The cost of any such put is
carried as an unrealized loss from the time of purchase until it is exercised or
expires.
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See Part B for the valuation procedure if the Portfolio were to invest in
municipal securities with maturities of 60 days or more that are subject to
separate puts.
SYNTHETIC VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS. The Portfolio may invest in
certain synthetic variable rate instruments. Such instruments generally involve
the deposit of a long-term tax exempt bond in a custody or trust arrangement and
the creation of a mechanism to adjust the long-term interest rate on the bond to
a variable short-term rate and a right (subject to certain conditions) on the
part of the purchaser to tender it periodically to a third party at par. The
Advisor will review the structure of synthetic variable rate instruments to
identify credit and liquidity risks (including the conditions under which the
right to tender the instrument would no longer be available) and will monitor
those risks. In the event that the right to tender the instrument is no longer
available, the risk to the Portfolio will be that of holding the long-term bond.
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 market value of the Portfolio's net assets
would be in illiquid investments. Subject to this non-fundamental policy
limitation, the 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 the futures and options
transactions described below for both hedging and risk management purposes,
although not for speculation. For a more detailed description of these
transactions see "Futures and Options Transaction" in Item 13 in Part B.
The Portfolio may (a) purchase and sell exchange traded and
over-the-counter ("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
and sell put and call options on futures contracts on fixed income securities
and indexes of fixed income securities.
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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 its
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, writing puts and calls, 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 limiting its exposure to losses. The Portfolio could
also experience losses if the prices of its options and 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
and indexes of securities, or futures contracts or options on futures contracts,
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 to 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 to not exceed 5% of the
Portfolio's assets. In addition, the Portfolio will not purchase or sell (write)
futures contracts, options on futures contracts or commodity options for risk
management purposes if, as a result, the aggregate initial margin and options
premiums required to establish these positions exceed 5% of the net asset value
of the Portfolio.
OPTIONS
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
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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.
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
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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 and sell put and call
options and sell (write) covered 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 or selling 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 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
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delivery date. However, when the Portfolio buys or sells a futures contract it
will be required to deposit "initial margin" with the 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
To allow investors in the Portfolio to qualify as regulated investment
companies 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 total assets, no more than
5% of total assets are invested in the securities of a single issuer, except
government securities.
The investment objective of the Portfolio, together with the investment
restrictions described below and in Part B, except as noted, are deemed
fundamental policies, i.e., they may be changed only with the approval of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.
The Portfolio may not (i) borrow money, except that the Portfolio may
(a) borrow money from banks for temporary or emergency purposes (not for
leveraging purposes) and (b) enter into reverse repurchase agreements for any
purpose; provided that (a) and (b) in total do not exceed 33 1/3% of the value
of the Portfolio's total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities
(other than borrowings). If at any time borrowings come to exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Portfolio's total assets, the Portfolio will reduce its borrowings
within three business days to the extent necessary to comply with the 33 1/3%
limitation; or (ii) issue senior securities except as permitted by the 1940 Act
or any rule, order or interpretation thereunder. See "Additional Investment
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Information and Risk Factors -- Loans of Portfolio Securities" and "Additional
Investment Information and Risk Factors -- Reverse Repurchase Agreements."
For a more detailed discussion of the above investment restrictions, as
well as a description of certain other investment restrictions, see Item 13 in
Part B.
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 Morgan as investment
adviser and administrative services agent. The Portfolio has retained the
services of Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") as co-administrator (the
"Co-Administrator").
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 in this capacity.
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 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 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. The Portfolio has retained the services of Morgan
as investment advisor. Morgan, with principal offices 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 a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan &
Co. Incorporated ("J.P. Morgan"), a bank holding company organized under the
laws of Delaware. Through offices in New York City and abroad, J.P. Morgan,
through the Advisor and other subsidiaries, offers a wide range of services to
governmental, institutional, corporate and individual customers and acts as
investment adviser to individual and institutional clients with combined assets
under management of $208 billion. Morgan provides investment advice and
portfolio management services to the Portfolio. Subject to the supervision of
the Portfolio's Trustees, Morgan, as Advisor, makes the Portfolio's day-to-day
investment decisions, arranges for the execution of portfolio transactions and
generally manages the Portfolio's investments. See Item 16 in Part B.
The Advisor uses a sophisticated, disciplined, collaborative process
for managing all asset classes. For fixed income portfolios, this process
focuses on the systematic analysis of real interest rates, sector
diversification and quantitative and credit analysis. Morgan has managed
portfolios of domestic fixed
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income securities on behalf of its clients for over 50 years. The Portfolio
managers making investments in domestic fixed income securities work in
conjunction with fixed income, credit, capital market and economic research
analysts, as well as traders and administrative officers.
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 are indicated parenthetically):
Elizabeth A. Augustin, Vice President (since April, 1994; employed by Morgan
since prior to 1992) and Gregory J. Harris, Vice President (since January, 1996,
employed by Morgan since prior to 1992).
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by
Morgan under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Portfolio, the Portfolio
has agreed to pay Morgan a fee which is computed daily and may be paid monthly
at the annual rate of 0.30% 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 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.
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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 securities laws,
extraordinary expenses and brokerage expenses.
Morgan has agreed that it will reimburse the Portfolio through at least
July 31, 1998 to the extent necessary to maintain the Portfolio's total
operating expenses at the annual rate of 0.50% of the Portfolio's average daily
net assets. This limit does not cover extraordinary expenses during the period.
There is no assurance that Morgan will continue this waiver beyond the specified
period. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Portfolio's total expenses
were 0.44% of its average net assets.
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 April 30, 1997, The JPM Institutional New York Total Return Bond
Fund and The JPM Pierpont New York Total Return Bond Fund (series of The JPM
Institutional Funds and The JPM Pierpont Funds, respectively) (the "Funds")
owned 61.89% and 38.11%, 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 holders of beneficial interest 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
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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 as of 4:15 p.m. New York
time (the "Valuation Time").
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 March 31.
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 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 at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 or by calling FDI at
(617) 557-0700.
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.
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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 Net Asset Value 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 Morgan,
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) 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.
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 to 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 as of 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.
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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.
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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-15
Control Persons and Principal Holders
of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
Investment Advisory and Other Services . . . . . . . B-20
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices . . . . . . B-25
Capital Stock and Other Securities . . . . . . . . . B-26
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-27
Tax Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-28
Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-30
Calculations of Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . B-30
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-30
ITEM 12. GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY.
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.
The investment objective of The New York Total Return Bond Portfolio
(the "Portfolio") is to provide a high after tax total return consistent with
moderate risk of capital. Total return will consist of income plus capital gains
and losses.
The Portfolio attempts to achieve its investment objective by investing
primarily in municipal securities issued by New York State and its political
subdivisions and by agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of New York and
its political subdivisions. These securities earn income exempt from federal and
New York State and local income taxes but, in certain circumstances, may be
subject to alternative minimum tax. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in
municipal securities issued by states other than New York, by territories and
possessions of the United States and by the District of Columbia and their
political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities. These securities earn
income exempt from federal income taxes but, in certain circumstances, may be
subject to alternative minimum tax. The Portfolio is advised by Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York ("Morgan" or the "Advisor"). In order to seek to
enhance the Portfolio's after tax return, the Portfolio may also invest in
securities which earn income subject to New York and/or federal income taxes.
These securities include U.S. government securities, corporate securities and
municipal securities issued on a taxable basis.
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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. See "Quality and Diversification
Requirements" below.
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.
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 National Mortgage
Association, and the U.S. Postal Service, each of which has the right to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations, and 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.
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
of equivalent size (Euros) and (iii) U.S. branches of foreign banks of
equivalent size (Yankees). The Portfolio may not invest in obligations of
foreign branches of foreign banks. The Portfolio will not invest in obligations
for which the Advisor, or any of its affiliated persons, is the ultimate obligor
or accepting 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,
in its capacity as
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investment advisor to the Portfolios and as fiduciary for other clients for whom
it exercises investment discretion. The monies loaned to the borrower come from
accounts managed by the Advisor or its affiliates, pursuant to arrangements with
such accounts. Interest and principal payments are credited to such accounts.
The Advisor, acting as a fiduciary on behalf of its clients, has the right to
increase or decrease the amount provided to the borrower under an obligation.
The borrower has the right to pay without penalty all or any part of the
principal amount then outstanding on an obligation together with interest to the
date of payment. Since these obligations typically provide that the interest
rate is tied to the 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 the Portfolios' Advisor. Since master demand obligations typically
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"
below. 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 Portfolio's custodian (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 the collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.
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The Portfolio may make investments in other debt securities with
remaining effective maturities of not more than thirteen months, including
without limitation corporate and foreign bonds, asset-backed securities and
other obligations described in Part A or this Part B. The Portfolio may not
invest in foreign bonds or asset-backed securities.
CORPORATE BONDS AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES
As discussed in Part A, the Portfolio may invest in bonds and other
debt securities of domestic issuers to the extent consistent with its investment
objective 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."
TAX EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS
As discussed in Part A, the Portfolio may 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" below.
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 taxor from other specific revenue sources. They are not generally
payable from the general taxing power of a municipality.
MUNICIPAL NOTES. Municipal notes are subdivided into three categories of
short-term obligations: municipal notes, municipal commercial paper and
municipal demand obligations.
Municipal notes are short-term obligations with a maturity at the time
of issuance ranging from six months to five years. The principal types of
municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue
anticipation notes, grant anticipation notes and project notes. Notes sold in
anticipation of collection of taxes, a bond sale, or receipt of other revenues
are usually general obligations of the issuing municipality or agency.
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Municipal commercial paper typically consists of very short-term
unsecured negotiable promissory notes that are sold to meet seasonal working
capital or interim construction financing needs of a municipality or agency.
While these obligations are intended to be paid from general revenues or
refinanced with long-term debt, they frequently are backed by letters of credit,
lending agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility
agreements offered by banks or 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.
PUTS. The Portfolio may purchase without limit municipal bonds or notes
together with the right to resell the bonds or notes to the seller at an agreed
price or yield within a specified period prior to the maturity date of the bonds
or notes. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a "put." The aggregate
price for bonds or notes with puts may be higher than the price for bonds or
notes without puts. Consistent with the Portfolio's investment objective and
subject to the supervision of the Trustees, the purpose of this practice is to
permit the Portfolio to be fully invested in tax exempt securities while
preserving the necessary liquidity to purchase securities on a when-issued
basis, to meet unusually large redemptions, and to purchase at a later date
securities other than those subject to the put. The principal risk of puts is
that the writer of the put may default on its obligation to repurchase. The
Advisor will monitor each writer's ability to meet its obligations under puts.
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Puts may be exercised prior to the expiration date in order to fund
obligations to purchase other securities or to meet redemption requests. These
obligations may arise during periods in which proceeds from sales of interests
in the Portfolio and from recent sales of portfolio securities are insufficient
to meet obligations or when the funds available are otherwise allocated for
investment. In addition, puts may be exercised prior to the expiration date in
order to take advantage of alternative investment opportunities or in the event
the Advisor revises its evaluation of the creditworthiness of the issuer of the
underlying security. In determining whether to exercise puts prior to their
expiration date and in selecting which puts to exercise, the Advisor considers
the amount of cash available to the Portfolio, the expiration dates of the
available puts, any future commitments for securities purchases, alternative
investment opportunities, the desirability of retaining the underlying
securities in the Portfolio and the yield, quality and maturity dates of the
underlying securities.
The Portfolio values any municipal bonds and notes subject to puts with
remaining maturities of less than 60 days by the amortized cost method. If the
Portfolio were to invest in municipal bonds and notes with maturities of 60 days
or more that are subject to puts separate from the underlying securities, the
puts and the underlying securities would be valued at fair value as determined
in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees. The Board of
Trustees would, in connection with the determination of the value of a put,
consider, among other factors, the creditworthiness of the writer of the put,
the duration of the put, the dates on which or the periods during which the put
may be exercised and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Prior to investing in such securities, the
Portfolio, if deemed necessary based upon the advice of counsel, will apply to
the SEC for an exemptive order, which may not be granted, relating to the
valuation of such securities.
Since the value of the put is partly dependent on the ability of the
put writer to meet its obligation to repurchase, the Portfolio's policy is to
enter into put transactions only with municipal securities dealers who are
approved by the Portfolio's Advisor. Each dealer will be approved on its own
merits, and it is the Portfolio's general policy to enter into put transactions
only with those dealers which are determined to present minimal credit risks. In
connection with such determination, the Trustees will review regularly the
Advisor's list of approved dealers, taking into consideration, among other
things, the ratings, if available, of their equity and debt securities, their
reputation in the municipal securities markets, their net worth, their
efficiency in consummating transactions and any collateral arrangements, such as
letters of credit, securing the puts written by them. Commercial bank dealers
normally will be members of the Federal Reserve System, and other dealers will
be members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or members of
a national securities exchange. Other put writers will have outstanding debt
rated Aa or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or AA or
better by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") or will be of
comparable quality in the Advisor's opinion or such put writers' obligations
will be collateralized and of comparable quality in the Advisor's opinion. The
Trustees have directed the Advisor not to enter into put transactions with any
dealer which in the judgment of the Advisor becomes more than a minimal credit
risk. In the event that a
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dealer should default on its obligation to repurchase an underlying security,
the Portfolio is unable to predict whether all or any portion of any loss
sustained could subsequently be recovered from such dealer.
The Portfolio has been advised by counsel that it will be considered
the owner of the securities subject to the puts so that the interest on the
securities is tax exempt income to the Portfolio. Such advice of counsel is
based on certain assumptions concerning the terms of the puts and the attendant
circumstances.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
To the extent that the Portfolio invests in municipal bonds and notes
backed by credit support arrangements with foreign financial institutions, the
risks associated with investing in foreign securities may be relevant to the
Portfolio.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
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 Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). These limits 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 assets
will be invested in the aggregate in securities of investment companies as a
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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. It may also be viewed as the borrowing of money by the Portfolio
and, therefore, is 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 may not enter into reverse repurchase
agreements exceeding in the aggregate one-third of the market valueof its total
assets, less liabilities other than the obligations created by reverse
repurchase agreements. 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. See "Investment Restrictions" for the Portfolio's limitation on
reverse repurchase agreements and on bank borrowings.
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 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 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 exclusive
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.
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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.
SYNTHETIC VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS. The Portfolio may invest in
certain synthetic variable rate instruments as described in Part A. In the case
of some types of instruments credit enhancement is not provided, and if certain
events, which may include (a) default in the payment of principal or interest on
the underlying bond, (b) downgrading of the bond below investment grade or (c) a
loss of the bond's tax exempt status, occur, then (i) the put will terminate,
and (ii) the risk to the Portfolio will be that of holding a long-term bond.
QUALITY AND DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Portfolio is registered as a non-diversified investment company and
is not limited by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that may be
invested in the obligations of a single issuer. Thus, the Portfolio may invest a
greater proportion of its assets in the securities of a smaller number of
issuers and, as a result, will be subject to greater risk with respect to its
portfolio securities. The Portfolio, however, will comply with the
diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), to allow investors in the Portfolio to qualify as
regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Code.
For purposes of diversification under the Code and concentration under
the 1940 Act, identification of the issuer of municipal bonds or notes depends
on the terms and conditions of the obligation. If the assets and revenues of an
agency, authority, instrumentality or other political subdivision are separate
from those of the government creating the subdivision and the obligation is
backed only by the assets and revenues of the subdivision, such subdivision is
regarded as the sole issuer. Similarly, in the case of an industrial development
revenue bond or pollution control revenue bond, if the bond is backed only by
the assets and revenues of the nongovernmental user, the nongovernmental user is
regarded as the sole issuer. If in either case the creating government or
another entity guarantees an obligation, the guaranty is regarded as a separate
security and treated as an issue of such guarantor. Since securities issued or
guaranteed by states or municipalities are not voting securities, there is no
limitation on the percentage of a single issuer's securities which the Portfolio
may own so long as it does not invest more than 5% of its total assets that are
subject to the diversification limitation in the securities of such issuer,
except obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Consequently,
the Portfolio may invest in a greater percentage of the outstanding securities
of a single issuer than would an investment company which invests in voting
securities. See "Investment Restrictions" below.
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The Portfolio invests principally in a diversified portfolio of
"investment grade" tax exempt securities. An investment grade bond is rated, on
the date of investment within the four highest ratings of Moody's, currently
Aaa, Aa, A and Baa, or of Standard & Poor's, currently AAA, AA, A and BBB, while
high grade debt is rated, on the date of the investment within the two highest
of such ratings. Investment grade municipal notes are rated, on the date of
investment, MIG-1 or MIG-2 by Standard & Poor's or SP-1 and SP-2 by Moody's.
Investment grade municipal commercial paper is rated, on the date of investment,
Prime 1 or Prime 2 by Moody's and A-1 or A-2 by Standard & Poor's. The Portfolio
may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities which are "below
investment grade". Such securities must be rated, on the date of investment, Ba
by Moody's or BB by Standard & Poor's. The Portfolio may invest in debt
securities which are not rated or other debt securities to which these ratings
are not applicable, if in the opinion of the Advisor, such securities are of
comparable quality to the rated securities discussed above. In addition, at the
time the Portfolio invests in any taxable commercial paper, bank obligation or
repurchase agreement, the issuer must have outstanding debt rated A or higher by
Moody's or Standard & Poor's, the issuer's parent corporation, if any, must have
outstanding commercial paper rated Prime-1 by Moody's or A-1 by Standard &
Poor's, or if no such ratings are available, the investment must be of
comparable quality in the Advisor's opinion.
In determining suitability of investment in a particular unrated
security, the Advisor takes into consideration asset and debt service coverage,
the purpose of the financing, history of the issuer, existence of other rated
securities of the issuer, and other relevant conditions, such as comparability
to other issuers.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
EXCHANGE TRADED AND OTC OPTIONS. All options purchased or sold by the
Portfolio will be traded on a securities exchange or will be 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 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
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contracts and purchase put and call options and sell (write) covered 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.
COMBINED POSITIONS. The Portfolio may purchase and write options in
combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward
contracts, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall
position. For example, the Portfolio may purchase a put option and write a call
option on the same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined
position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures
contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option
at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to
reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price
increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they
result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close
out.
CORRELATION OF PRICE CHANGES. Because there are a limited number of
types of exchange-traded options and futures contracts, it is likely that the
standardized options and futures contracts available will not match 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
Portfolio's investments well. Options and futures contracts prices are affected
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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 OTC 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.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
The Portfolio may employ non-hedging risk management techniques.
Examples of such strategies include synthetically altering the duration of its
portfolio or the mix of securities in its portfolio. For example, if the Advisor
wishes to extend maturities in a fixed income 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 wished 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.
SPECIAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE PORTFOLIO. The Portfolio intends to
invest a high proportion of its assets in municipal obligations of the State of
New York and its political subdivisions, municipalities, agencies,
instrumentalities and public authorities. Payment of interest and preservation
of principal is dependent upon the continuing ability of New York issuers and/or
obligators of state, municipal and public authority debt obligations to meet
their obligations thereunder.
The fiscal stability of New York State is related, at least in part, to
the fiscal stability of its localities and authorities. Various State agencies,
authorities and localities have issued large amounts of bonds and notes either
guaranteed or supported by the State through lease-purchase arrangements, other
contractual arrangements or moral obligation provisions. While debt service is
normally paid out of revenues generated by projects of such State agencies,
authorities and localities, the State has had to provide special assistance in
the past, in some cases of a recurring nature, to enable such agencies,
authorities and localities to meet their financial obligations and, in some
cases, to prevent or cure defaults. To the extent State agencies and local
governments require State assistance to meet their financial obligations, the
ability of the State to meet its own obligations as they become due or to obtain
additional financing could be adversely affected.
On July 10, 1995, Standard & Poor's downgraded its rating on New York
city's outstanding general obligation bonds to BBB+ from A-, citing the city's
chronic structural budget problems and weak economic outlook. Moody's currently
rates New York City general obligation bonds Baa-l. Factors contributing to
these ratings include the city's reliance on one-time revenue measures to close
annual budget gaps, a dependence on unrealized labor savings, overly optimistic
estimates of revenues and of state and federal aid, and the city's continued
high debt levels.
For further information concerning New York municipal obligations, see
Appendix B. The summary set forth above and below is included for the purpose of
providing a general description of New York State and New York City credit and
financial conditions. This summary is based on information from an official
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statement of New York general obligation municipal obligations and does not
purport to be complete.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The portfolio turnover rates for the period April
11, 1994 (commencement of operations) through March 31, 1995 and the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1996 were 63% and 41%, 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 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.
Unless Sections 8(b)(1) and 13(a) of the 1940 Act or any SEC or SEC
staff interpretations thereof, are amended or modified, the Portfolio may not:
1. Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having
their principal business activities in the same industry. This limitation
shall not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
its agencies or instrumentalities;
2. Borrow money, except that the Portfolio may (i) borrow money from banks for
temporary or emergency purposes (not for leveraging purposes) and (ii)
enter into reverse repurchase agreements for any purpose; provided that (i)
and (ii) in total do not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Portfolio's
total assets (including the amount borrowed) less liabilities (other than
borrowings). If at any time any borrowings come to exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Portfolio's total assets, the Portfolio will reduce its
borrowings within three business days to the extent necessary to comply
with the 33 1/3% limitation;
3. Make loans to other persons, except through the purchase of debt
obligations, loans of portfolio securities, and participation in repurchase
agreements;
4. Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts thereon, unless acquired
as a result of the ownership of securities or instruments, but the
Portfolio may purchase or sell futures contracts or options (including
options on futures contracts, but excluding options or futures contracts
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on physical commodities) and may enter into foreign currency forward
contracts;
5. Purchase or sell real estate, but the Portfolio may purchase or sell
securities that are secured by real estate or issued by companies
(including real estate investment trusts) that invest or deal in real
estate;
6. Underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent the Portfolio,
in disposing of portfolio securities, may be deemed an underwriter within
the meaning of the 1933 Act; and
7. Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act or any
rule, order or interpretation thereunder.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. The investment restrictions
described below are not fundamental policies of the Portfolio and may be changed
by the Trustees. These non-fundamental investment policies require that the
Portfolio may not:
1. Acquire securities of other investment companies, except as permitted by
the 1940 Act or any rule, order or interpretation thereunder, or in
connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization, acquisition of
assets or an offer of exchange;
2. 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 that are
illiquid;
3. Sell any security short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold or unless
it covers such short sales as required by the current rules or positions of
the SEC or its staff. Transactions in futures contracts and options shall
not constitute selling securities short;
4. Purchase securities on margin, but the Portfolio may obtain such short term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions;
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
and 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.
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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Frederick S. Addy - Trustee; Retired; Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer since prior to April 1994, Amoco Corporation. His
address is 5300 Arbutus Cove, Austin, TX 78746, and his date of birth is January
1, 1932.
William G. Burns - Trustee; Retired; Former Vice Chairman and Chief
Financial Officer, NYNEX. His address is 2200 Alaqua Drive, Longwood, FL 32779,
and his date of birth is November 2, 1932.
Arthur C. Eschenlauer - Trustee; Retired; Former Senior Vice President,
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. His address is 14 Alta Vista Drive,
RD #2, Princeton, NJ 08540, and his date of birth is May 23, 1934.
Matthew Healey* - Trustee; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Chairman,
Pierpont Group, Inc. ("Pierpont Group ") since prior to 1992. His address is
Pine Tree Country Club Estates, 10286 St. Andrews Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33436,
and his date of birth is August 23, 1937.
Michael P. Mallardi - Trustee; Retired; Senior Vice President, Capital
Cities/ABC, Inc. and President, Broadcast Group since prior to April 1996. His
address is 10 Charnwood Drive, Suffern, NY 10901, and his date of birth is March
17, 1934.
- ----------------------
* Mr. Healey is an "interested person" of the Portfolio as that term is
defined in the 1940 Act.
Each Trustee is currently paid an annual fee of $75,000 (adjusted as of
May 1, 1997) for serving as Trustee of the Master Portfolios (as defined below),
The JPM Pierpont Funds, The JPM Institutional Funds and JPM 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 Trust.
Trustee compensation expenses accrued by the Portfolio for the calendar
year ended December 31, 1996 is set forth below.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
ACCRUED BY THE MASTER
AGGREGATE TRUSTEE PORTFOLIOS(*), THE JPM
COMPENSATION ACCRUED BY THE INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS AND THE JPM
NAME OF TRUSTEE PORTFOLIO DURING 1996 PIERPONT FUNDS DURING 1996(***)
<S> <C> <C>
Frederick S. Addy, $359.79 $65,000
Trustee
William G. Burns, $359.79 $65,000
Trustee
Arthur C. Eschenlauer, $359.79 $65,000
Trustee
Matthew Healey, $359.79 $65,000
Trustee(**), Chairman
and Chief Executive
Officer
Michael P. Mallardi, $359.79 $65,000
Trustee
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------
(*) Includes the Portfolio and 21 other portfolios (collectively, the
"Master Portfolios") for which Morgan acts as investment adviser.
(**) During 1996, Pierpont Group paid Mr. Healey, in his role as Chairman of
Pierpont Group, compensation in the amount of $140,000, contributed
$21,000 to a defined contribution plan on his behalf and paid $21,500
in insurance premiums for his benefit.
(***) No investment company within the fund complex has a pension or
retirement plan. Currently there are 18 investment companies (15
investment companies comprising the Master Portfolios, The JPM Pierpont
Funds, The JPM Institutional Funds and JPM Series Trust) in the fund
complex.
The Trustees of the Portfolio are the same as the Trustees of each of
the other Master Portfolios, The JPM Pierpont Funds and The JPM Institutional
Funds and JPM Series Trust. 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
JPM Pierpont Funds and The JPM 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. On
January 15, 1994 the Portfolio 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 Pierpont Family of Funds, and
the Trustees are the equal and 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 to the Portfolio and other
registered investment companies subject to similar agreements with Pierpont
Group. These costs are periodically reviewed by the Trustees. The aggregate
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fees paid to Pierpont Group by the Portfolio for the period April 11, 1994
(commencement of operations) through March 31, 1995 and the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1996 were $4,140 and $5,530, respectively. The Portfolio has no
employees; its executive officers (listed below), other than the Chief Executive
Officer, are provided and compensated by Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI"), a
wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group, Inc. The
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 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 1992. His address is Pine Tree Club Estates, 10286 Saint Andrews
Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33436. His date of birth is August 23, 1937.
MARIE E. CONNOLLY; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. President,
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Director of FDI, Premier
Mutual Fund Services, Inc., an affiliate of FDI ("Premier Mutual") and an
officer of certain investment companies advised or administered by the Dreyfus
Corporation ("Dreyfus") or its affiliates. From December 1991 to July 1994, she
was President and Chief Compliance Officer of FDI. Her date of birth is August
1, 1957.
DOUGLAS C. CONROY; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Assistant Vice
President and Manager of Treasury Services and Administration of FDI and an
officer of certain investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or
its affiliates. Prior to April 1997, Mr. Conroy was Supervisor of Treasury
Services and Administration of FDI. From April 1993 to January 1995, Mr. Conroy
was a Senior Fund Accountant for Investors Bank & Trust Company. Prior to March
1993, Mr. Conroy was employed as a fund accountant at The Boston Company, Inc.
His date of birth is March 31, 1969.
RICHARD W. INGRAM; President and Treasurer. Executive Vice President
and Director of Client Services and Treasury Administration of FDI, Senior Vice
President of Premier Mutual and an officer of RCM Capital Funds, Inc., RCM
Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or Harris Trust and
Savings Bank ("Harris") or their respective affiliates. Prior to April 1997, Mr.
Ingram was Senior Vice President and Director of Client Service and Treasury
Administration of FDI. From March 1994 to November 1995, Mr. Ingram was Vice
President and Division Manager of First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. From
1989 to 1994, Mr. Ingram was Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Tax
Director - Mutual Funds of The Boston Company, Inc. His date of birth is
September 15, 1955.
KAREN JACOPPO-WOOD; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of FDI and an officer of RCM Capital Funds, Inc. and RCM Equity Funds,
Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and Harris or their
respective affiliates. From June 1994 to January 1996, Ms. Jacoppo-Wood was a
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Manager, SEC Registration, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. From 1988 to May
1994, Ms. Jacoppo-Wood was a senior paralegal at The Boston Company Advisors,
Inc. ("TBCA"). Her date of birth is December 29, 1966.
ELIZABETH A. KEELEY; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice President
and Senior Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual and an officer of RCM Capital
Funds, Inc., RCM Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund,
Inc. and certain investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or
Harris or their respective affiliates. Prior to August 1996, Ms. Keeley was
Assistant Vice President and Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual. Prior to
September 1995, Ms. Keeley was enrolled at Fordham University School of Law and
received her JD in May 1995. Prior to September 1992, Ms. Keeley was an
assistant at the National Association for Public Interest Law. Address: 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Her date of birth is September 14, 1969.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Associate General Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual and an officer
of Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain investment
companies advised or administered by Harris or its affiliates. From April 1994
to July 1996, Mr. Kelley was Assistant Counsel at Forum Financial Group. From
1992 to 1994, Mr. Kelley was employed by Putnam Investments in legal and
compliance capacities. Prior to September 1992, Mr. Kelley was enrolled at
Boston College Law School and received his JD in May 1992. His date of birth is
December 24, 1964.
MARY A. NELSON; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President and
Manager of Treasury Services and Administration of FDI and Premier Mutual, an
officer of RCM Capital Funds, Inc., RCM Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors
Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain investment companies advised or
administered by Dreyfus or Harris or their respective affiliates. From 1989 to
1994, Ms. Nelson was an Assistant Vice President and Client Manager for The
Boston Company, Inc. Her date of birth is April 22, 1964.
JOHN E. PELLETIER; Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President,
General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk of FDI and Premier Mutual and an officer of
RCM Capital Funds, Inc., RCM Equity Funds, Inc., Waterhouse Investors Cash
Management Fund, Inc. and certain investment companies advised or administered
by Dreyfus or Harris or their respective affiliates. From February 1992 to April
1994, Mr. Pelletier served as Counsel for TBCA. From August 1990 to February
1992, Mr. Pelletier was employed as an Associate at Ropes & Gray. His date of
birth is June 24, 1964.
MICHAEL S. PETRUCELLI; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Senior Vice
President and Director of Strategic Client Initiatives for FDI since December
1996. From December 1989 through November 1996, Mr. Petrucelli was employed with
GE Investments where he held various financial, business development and
compliance positions. He also served as Treasurer of the GE Funds and as
Director of GE Investment Services. Address: 200 Park Avenue, New York, New
York, 10166. His date of birth is May 18, 1961.
JOSEPH F. TOWER III; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Executive
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative
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Officer and Director Of FDI. Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Premier Mutual
and an officer of Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund, Inc. and certain
investment companies advised or administered by Dreyfus or its affiliates. Prior
to April 1997, Mr. Tower was Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of FDI. From July
1988 to November 1993, Mr. Tower was Financial Manager of The Boston Company,
Inc. His date of birth is June 13, 1962.
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 the Portfolio, unless, as to liability to the Portfolio or its
investors, it is finally adjudicated that they engaged in wilful 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 wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
their duties.
ITEM 15. CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
As of April 30, 1997, The JPM Institutional New York Total Return Bond
Fund and The JPM Pierpont New York Total Return Bond Fund (series of The JPM
Institutional Funds and The JPM Pierpont Funds, respectively) (the "Funds")
owned 61.89% and 38.11%, 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 holders of beneficial interest 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 a
Fund 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.
ITEM 16. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR. The investment advisor to the Portfolio is Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, a wholly owned subsidiary of J.P. Morgan &
Co. Incorporated ("J.P. Morgan"), a bank holding company organized under the
laws of the State of Delaware. The Advisor, whose principal offices are at 60
Wall Street, New York, New York 10260, is a New York trust company which
conducts a general banking and trust business. The Advisor is subject to
regulation by the New York State Banking Department and is a member bank of the
Federal Reserve System. Through offices in New York City and abroad, The Advisor
offers a wide
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range of services, primarily to governmental, institutional, corporate and high
net worth individual customers in the United States and throughout the world.
J.P. Morgan, through 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 $208 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.
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, Melbourne and Singapore to cover companies, industries and
countries on site. In addition, the investment management divisions employ
approximately 300 capital market researchers, portfolio managers and traders.
The Advisor's fixed income investment process is based on analysis of real
rates, sector diversification and quantitative and credit analysis.
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.
Sector weightings are generally similar to a benchmark with the
emphasis on security selection as the method to achieve investment performance
superior to the benchmark. The benchmark for the Portfolio is Lehman Brothers
1-16 Year Municipal Bond Index.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., also a wholly owned subsidiary
of J.P. Morgan, is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940, as amended, which 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 the Advisor serves as trustee. J.P. Morgan
Investment Management Inc. advises the Advisor on investment of the commingled
pension trust funds.
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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 & Co. Incorporated or any personnel
of other divisions of the Advisor or with any of its affiliated persons, with
the exception of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
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 0.30% of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets. For the period April 11, 1994
(commencement of operations) through March 31, 1995 and the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1996 the Portfolio paid Morgan $120,281 and $246,966, 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 Trustees who are not parties to the 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 of the Portfolio or by a
vote of the holders of a majority of the Portfolio's voting securities on 60
days' written notice to the Advisor and by the Advisor on 90 days' written
notice to the Portfolio.
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws generally prohibit
banks such as Morgan 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. Morgan 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 Morgan Guaranty from continuing to perform such services for the
Portfolio.
If Morgan 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.
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Morgan also receives compensation from the Portfolio in its capacity as
Services Agent to the Portfolio.
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, 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 JPM Pierpont Funds, The JPM Institutional Funds, the
Master Portfolios, JPM Series Trust and JPM Series Trust II.
The following administrative fees were paid by the Portfolio to
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. (which provided placement agent and
administrative servies to the Portfolio prior to August 1, 1996): For the period
April 11, 1994 (commencement of operation) through March 31, 1995: $2,563. For
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996: $6,648.
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 JPM 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 JPM Pierpont Funds, The
JPM Institutional Funds, the Master Portfolios, the other investors in the
Master Portfolios for which Morgan provides similar services and JPM 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
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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 period April 11, 1994 (commencement of operation) through March
31, 1995, the Portfolio was reimbursed $11,830 by Morgan for expenses in excess
of its fees paid under the Services Agreement. For the fiscal year ended March
31, 1996, the Portfolio paid Morgan $7,691 in administrative services fees.
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
addition, the Custodian has entered into subcustodian agreements with Bankers
Trust Company for the purpose of holding TENR Notes and with Bank of New York
and Chemical Bank, N.A. for the purpose of holding certain variable rate demand
notes. 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. State
Street is responsible for maintaining account records detailing the ownership of
interests in the Portfolio.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. The independent accountants of the Portfolio
are Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036.
Price Waterhouse LLP conducts an annual audit of the financial statements of 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.
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, 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 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).
Morgan has agreed to reimburse the Portfolio through July 31, 1998 to
the extent necessary to maintain the daily total operating expenses of the
Portfolio at no more than the annualized rate of 0.50% of the daily net assets
of the Portfolio.
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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
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.
In connection with portfolio transactions for the Portfolio, the
Advisor intends to seek best price end execution on a competitive basis for both
purchases and sales of securities.
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 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
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
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B-25
<PAGE>
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 portfolio 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
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.
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B-26
<PAGE>
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
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.
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B-27
<PAGE>
Portfolio securities with a maturity of 60 days or more, including
securities that are listed on an exchange or traded over-the-counter, are valued
using prices supplied daily by an independent pricing service or services that
(i) are based on the last sale price on a national securities exchange, or in
the absence of recorded sales, at the readily available closing bid price on
such exchange or at the quoted bid price in the OTC market, if such exchange or
market constitutes the broadest and most representative market for the security
and (ii) in other cases, take into account various factors affecting market
value, including yields and prices of comparable securities, indication as to
value from dealers and general market conditions. If such prices are not
supplied by the Portfolio's independent pricing service, such securities are
priced in accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees. All portfolio
securities with a remaining maturity of less than 60 days are valued by the
amortized cost method. Because of the large number of municipal bond issues
outstanding and the varying maturity dates, coupons and risk factors applicable
to each issuer's books, no readily available market quotations exist for most
municipal securities.
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 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 the days
the following legal holidays are observed: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and
Christmas Day. On days when U.S. trading markets close early in observance of
these holidays, the 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 or the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 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 Code, and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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B-28
<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.
The Portfolio intends to qualify to allocate tax exempt interest to its
investors by having, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least
50% of the value of its total assets consist of tax exempt securities. Tax
exempt interest is that part of income earned by the Portfolio which consists of
interest received by the Portfolio on tax exempt securities. In view of the
Portfolio's investment policies, it is expected that a substantial portion of
all income will be tax exempt income, although the Portfolio may from time to
time realize net short-term capital gains and may invest limited amounts in
taxable securities under certain circumstances.
Gains or losses on sales of portfolio securities will be treated as
long-term capital gains or losses if the securities have been held for more than
one year except in certain cases where, if applicable, a put is acquired or a
call option is written thereon.
Other gains or losses on the sale of securities will be short-term
capital gains or losses. Gains and losses on the sale, lapse or other
termination of options on securities will be treated as gains and losses from
the sale of securities. If an option written by 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.
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. Straddles may also result in the loss of the holding
period of underlying securities for purposes of the 30% of gross income test
described above, and therefore, the Portfolio's ability to enter into forward
currency contracts, options and futures contracts may be limited.
Certain options, futures and foreign currency contracts held by a
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.
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B-29
<PAGE>
FOREIGN INVESTORS. 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 United States withholding tax at
the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate). Allocations of Portfolio interest or
short term or net long term capital gains to foreign investors will not be
subject to United States 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 advisers 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 March 31, 1996 annual and September 30, 1996 semiannual
reports filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 30(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule
30b2-1 thereunder are incorporated herein by reference (Accession Numbers
0000912057-96-011623 and 0000922326-95-000024, filed June 5, 1996 and December
3, 1996, respectively).
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B-30
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITY RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
AAA - Debt rated AAA has the highest ratings assigned by Standard & Poor's
to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong.
AA - Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in a small
degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt
in higher rated categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than for debt in
higher rated categories.
BB - Debt rated BB is regarded as having less near-term vulnerability to
default than other speculative issues. However, it faces 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.
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Appendix A-1
<PAGE>
COMMERCIAL PAPER, INCLUDING TAX EXEMPT
A - Issues assigned this highest rating are regarded as having the
greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are
further refined with the designations 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety.
A-1 - This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong.
SHORT-TERM TAX-EXEMPT NOTES
SP-1 - The short-term tax-exempt note rating of SP-1 is the highest rating
assigned by Standard & Poor's and has a very strong or strong capacity to
pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming
safety characteristics are given a "plus" (+) designation.
SP-2 - The short-term tax-exempt note rating of SP-2 has a satisfactory capacity
to pay principal and interest.
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
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Appendix A-2
<PAGE>
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.
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.
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Appendix A-3
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING NEW YORK MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
The following information is a summary of special factors affecting
investments in New York municipal obligations. It does not purport to be a
complete description and is based on information from the supplement (dated
March 20, 1996) to the Annual Information Statement of the State of New York
dated June 23, 1995 and other sources of information.
GENERAL
New York (the "State") is among the most populous states in the nation
and has a relatively high level of personal wealth. The State's economy is
diverse with a comparatively large share of the nation's finance, insurance,
transportation, communications and services employment, and a very small share
of the nation's farming and mining activity. The State's location, air transport
facilities and natural harbors have made it an important link in international
commerce. Travel and tourism constitute an important part of the economy. The
State has a declining proportion of its workforce engaged in manufacturing and
an increasing proportion engaged in service industries. This transition reflects
a national trend.
The State has historically been one of the wealthiest states in the
nation. The State economy has grown more slowly than that of the nation as a
whole, resulting in the gradual erosion of its relative economic affluence.
Statewide, urban centers have experienced significant changes involving
migration of the more affluent to the suburbs and an influx of generally less
affluent residents. Regionally, the older northeast cities have suffered because
of the relative success that the South and the West have had in attracting
people and business. New York City (the "City") has also had to face greater
competition as other major cities have developed financial and business
capabilities which make them less dependent on the specialized services
traditionally available almost exclusively in the City.
Although industry and commerce are broadly spread across the State,
particular activities are concentrated in the following areas: Westchester
County -- headquarters for several major corporations; Buffalo -- diverse
manufacturing base; Rochester -- manufacture of photographic and optical
equipment; Syracuse and Utica-Rome area -- production of machinery and
transportation equipment; Albany-Troy-Schenectady -- government and education
center and production of electrical products; Binghampton -- original site of
the International Business Machines Corporation and continued concentration of
employment in computer and other high technology manufacturing; and New York
City -- headquarters for the nation's securities business and for a major
portion of the nation's major commercial banks, diversified financial
institutions and life insurance companies. In addition, the City houses the home
offices of major radio and television broadcasting networks, many national
magazines and a substantial portion of the nation's book publishers. The City
also retains leadership in the design and manufacture of men's and women's
apparel and is traditionally a tourist destination.
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Appendix B-1
<PAGE>
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
The economic and financial condition of the State may be affected by
various financial, social, economic and political factors. Those factors can be
very complex, may vary from fiscal year to fiscal year, and are frequently the
result of actions taken not only by the State and its agencies and
instrumentalities, but also by entities, such as the federal government, that
are not under the control of the State. The state financial plan is based upon
forecasts of national and State economic activity. Economic forecasts have at
times failed to predict precisely the timing and magnitude of changes in the
national and the State economies. Many uncertainties exist in forecasts of both
the national and State economies, including consumer attitudes toward spending,
the extent of corporate and governmental restructuring, federal financial and
monetary policies, the availability of credit, the level of interest rates, and
the condition of the world economy. All these could have an adverse effect on
the State. There can be no assurance that the State's economy will not
experience financial results in the current fiscal year that are worse than
predicted, with corresponding material and adverse effects on the State's
projections of receipts and disbursements.
The national economy achieved the desired "soft landing" in 1995, as
growth slowed from 6.2 percent in 1994 to a rate sufficiently slow to inhibit
the build-up of inflationary pressures. This was achieved without any material
pause in the economic expansion, although recession worries flared in the late
spring and early summer. Growth in the national economy is expected to moderate
during 1996, with the nation's gross domestic product projected to expand by 4.6
percent in 1996 versus 5.0 percent in 1995. Declining short-term interest rates,
slowing employment growth and continued moderate inflation also characterize the
projected path for the nation's economy in the year ahead.
The annual growth rates of most economic indicators for the State
improved from 1994 to 1995, as the pace of private sector employment expansion
and personal income and wage growth all accelerated. Government employment fell
as workforce reductions were implemented at federal, state and local levels.
Similar to the nation, some moderation of growth is expected in the year ahead.
Private sector employment is expected to continue to rise, although somewhat
more slowly than in 1995, while public employment should continue to fall,
reflecting government budget cutbacks. Anticipated continued restraint in wage
settlements, a lower rate of employment growth and falling interest rates are
expected to slow personal income growth significantly.
The State has for many years had a very high State and local tax burden
relative to other states. The State and its localities have used these taxes to
develop and maintain their transportation networks, public schools and colleges,
public health systems, other social services and recreational facilities.
Despite these benefits, the burden of State and local taxation, in combination
with the many other causes of regional economic dislocation, may have
contributed to the decisions of some businesses and individuals to relocate
outside, or not locate within, the State.
To stimulate the State's economic growth, the State has developed
programs, including the provision of direct financial assistance, designed to
assist
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Appendix B-2
<PAGE>
businesses to expand existing operations located within the State and to attract
new businesses to the State. Local industrial development agencies raised an
aggregate of approximately $7.8 billion in separate tax-exempt bond issues
through December 31, 1993. There are currently over 100 county, city, town and
village agencies. In addition, the New York State Urban Development Corporation
is empowered to issue, subject to certain State constitutional restrictions and
to approval by the Public Authorities Control Board, bonds and notes on behalf
of private corporations for economic development projects. The State has also
taken advantage of changes in federal bank regulations to establish a free
international banking zone in the City.
In addition, the State has provided various tax incentives to encourage
business relocation and expansion. These programs include direct tax abatements
from local property taxes for new facilities (subject to locality approval) and
investment tax credits that are applied against the State corporation franchise
tax. Furthermore, legislation passed in 1986 authorizes the creation of up to 40
"economic development zones" in economically distressed regions of the State.
Businesses in these zones are provided a variety of tax and other incentives to
create jobs and make investments in the zones.
The executive budget contains comparatively few tax initiatives.
However, the Governor has set aside $50 million to finance a program of
additional tax cuts designed to spur private sector job creation in the State.
The Governor intends to work jointly with the business community and the
legislature to determine the elements of the program. For financial plan
purposes, the $50 million is shown as a charge against the personal income tax,
implemented through a deposit to the refund reserve. Additional tax reductions
were called for by the Governor in his annual message to the legislature of
January 3, 1996, but no specific implementation plans have been announced.
STATE FINANCIAL PLAN
The State Constitution requires the Governor to submit to the
legislature a balanced executive budget which contains a complete plan of
expenditures (the "State Financial Plan") for the ensuing fiscal year and all
moneys and revenues estimated to be available therefor, accompanied by bills
containing all proposed appropriations or reappropriations and any new or
modified revenue measures to be enacted in connection with the executive budget.
A final budget must be approved before the statutory deadline of April 1. The
State Financial Plan is updated quarterly pursuant to law.
The State's fiscal year, which commenced on April 1, 1996, and ends on
March 31, 1997, is referred to herein as the State's 1996-97 fiscal year. The
State revised the cash-basis 1995-96 State Financial Plan on December 15, 1995,
in conjunction with the release of the executive budget for the 1996-97 fiscal
year.
The 1995-96 General Fund Financial Plan continues to be balanced, with
reductions in projected receipts offset by an equivalent reduction in projected
disbursements. Modest changes were made to the mid-year update, reflecting two
more months of actual results, deficiency requests by State agencies (the
largest of which is for school aid resulting from revisions to data submitted by
school
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Appendix B-3
<PAGE>
districts), and administrative efficiencies achieved by State agencies. Total
General Fund receipts are expected to be approximately $73 million lower than
estimated at the time of the mid-year update. Tax receipts are now projected to
be $29.57 billion, $8 million less than in the earlier plan. Miscellaneous
receipts and transfers from other funds are estimated at $3.15 billion, $65
million lower than in the mid-year update. The largest single change in these
estimates is attributable to the lag in achieving $50 million in proceeds from
sales of State assets, which are unlikely to be completed prior to the end of
the fiscal year.
Projected General Fund disbursements are reduced by a total of $73
million, with changes made in most major categories of the 1995-96 State
Financial Plan. The reduction in overall spending masks the impact of deficiency
requests totaling more than $140 million, primarily for school aid and tuition
assistance to college students. Offsetting reductions in spending are
attributable to the continued maintenance of strict controls on spending through
the fiscal year by State agencies, yielding savings of $50 million. Reductions
of $49 million in support for capital projects reflect a stringent review of all
capital spending. Reductions of $30 million in debt service costs reflect
savings from refundings undertaken in the current fiscal year, as well as
savings from lower interest rates in the financial market. Finally, the 1995-96
Financial Plan reflects reestimates based on actual results through November,
the largest of which is a reduction of $70 million in projected costs for income
maintenance. This reduction is consistent with declining caseload projections.
The balance in the General Fund at the close of the 1995-96 fiscal year
is expected to be $172 million, entirely attributable to monies in the Tax
Stabilization Reserve Fund following the required $15 million payment into that
Fund. A $40 million deposit to the Contingency Reserve Fund included as part of
the enacted 1995-96 budget will not be made, and the minor balance of $1 million
currently in the Fund will be transferred to the General Fund. These Contingency
Reserve Fund monies are expected to support payments from the General Fund for
litigation related to the State's Medicaid program, and for federal
disallowances.
Changes in federal aid programs currently pending in Congress are not
expected to have a material impact on the State's 1995-96 Financial Plan,
although prolonged interruptions in the receipt of federal grants could create
adverse developments, the scope of which cannot be estimated at this time. The
major remaining uncertainties in the 1995-96 State Financial Plan continue to be
those related to the economy and tax collections, which could produce either
favorable or unfavorable variances during the balance of the year.
The Governor presented his 1996-97 executive budget to the legislature
on December 15, 1995, one month before the legal deadline. The executive budget
also contains financial projections for the State's 1997-98 and 1998-99 fiscal
years and an updated Capital Plan. As provided by the State Constitution, the
Governor submitted amendments to his 1996-97 executive budget within 30 days
following submission. Those amendments are reflected in the discussion of the
1996-97 executive budget contained herein. There can be no assurance that the
legislature will enact the executive budget as proposed by the Governor into
law, or that the
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-4
<PAGE>
State's adopted budget projections will not differ materially and adversely from
the projections.
The 1996-97 Financial Plan projects balance on a cash basis in the
General Fund. It reflects a continuing strategy of substantially reduced State
spending, including program restructuring, reductions in social welfare
spending, and efficiency and productivity initiatives. Total General Fund
receipts and transfers from other funds are projected to be $31.32 billion, a
decrease of $1.4 billion from total receipts projected in the current fiscal
year. Total General Fund disbursements and transfers to other funds are
projected to be $31.22 billion, a decrease of $l.5 billion from spending totals
projected for the current fiscal year. After adjustments and transfers for
comparability between the 1995-96 and 1996-97 State Financial Plans, the
executive budget proposes an absolute year-to-year decline in General Fund
spending of 5.8 percent. Spending from all funding sources (including federal
aid) is proposed to increase by 0.4 percent from the prior fiscal year after
adjustments and transfers for comparability.
The executive budget proposes $3.9 billion in actions to balance the
1996-97 Financial Plan. Before reflecting any actions proposed by the Governor
to restrain spending, General Fund disbursements for 1996-97 were projected at
$35 billion, an increase of $2.3 billion or 7 percent from 1995-96. This
increase would have resulted from growth in Medicaid, inflationary increases in
school aid, higher fixed costs such as pensions and debt service, collective
bargaining agreements, inflation, and the loss of non-recurring resources that
offset spending in 1995-96. Receipts would have been expected to fall by $l.6
billion. This reduction would have been attributable to modest growth in the
State's economy and underlying tax base, the loss of non-recurring revenues
available in 1995-96 and implementation of previously enacted tax reduction
programs.
The executive budget proposes to close this gap primarily through a
series of spending reductions and cost containment measures. The executive
budget projects (i) over $1.8 billion in savings from cost containment and other
actions in social welfare programs, including Medicaid, welfare and various
health and mental health programs; (ii) $1.3 billion in savings from a reduced
State General Fund share of Medicaid made available from anticipated changes in
the federal Medicaid program, including an increase in the federal share of
Medicaid; (iii) over $450 million in savings from reforms and cost avoidance in
educational services (including school aid and higher education), while
providing fiscal relief from certain State mandates that increase local
spending; and (iv) $350 million in savings from efficiencies and reductions in
other State programs. The assumption regarding an increased share of federal
Medicaid funding has received bipartisan congressional support and would benefit
the State and 31 other states.
The 1996-97 Financial Plan projects receipts of $31.32 billion and
spending of $31.22 billion, allowing for a deposit of $85 million to the
Contingency Reserve Fund and a required repayment of $15 million to the Tax
Stabilization Reserve Fund. Detailed explanations of the 1996-97 Financial Plan
follow a discussion of the economic outlook.
The Governor has submitted several amendments to the executive budget.
These amendments have a nominal impact on the State's Financial Plan for 1996-97
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-5
<PAGE>
and the subsequent years. The net impact of the amendments leaves unchanged the
total estimated amount of General Fund spending in 1996-97, which continues to
be projected at $31.22 billion. All funds spending in 1996-97 is increased by
$68 million, primarily reflecting adjustments to projections of federal funds,
and now totals $63.87 billion.
The budget amendments advanced by the Governor involving largely
technical revisions, with General Fund spending increases fully offset by
spending decreases. Reductions in estimated 1996-97 disbursements are
recommended primarily for welfare (associated with updated projections showing a
declining caseload) and debt service (reflecting lower interest rates and recent
bond sales). Disbursement increases are projected for snow and ice control, the
AIDS Institute, Health Department utilization review programs and other items.
Estimated disbursements for other funds are increased to accommodate updated
projections of federal funding in certain categorical grant programs and reduced
for welfare as noted for the General Fund.
GOVERNMENT FUNDS
The four governmental fund types that comprise the State Financial Plan
are the General Fund, the Special Revenue Funds, the Capital Projects Funds, and
the Debt Service Funds.
GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS
The 1996-97 Financial Plan projects General Fund receipts (including
transfers from other funds) of $31.32 billion, a decrease of $1.40 billion from
the 1995-96 projected level. Measured against 1995-96 levels that have been
adjusted for purposes of comparability, the decline is $1.83 billion or 5.5
percent. These 1995-96 comparability adjustments include adding back personal
income tax collections that were not recognized in 1995-96 as a result of Local
Government Assistance Corporation ("LGAC")-related transactions in that year,
and the addition of special revenue funds moved in the executive budget to the
General Fund. The estimate of taxes for 1996-97 reflects overall growth in the
yield of the tax structures (when adjusted for tax law and administrative
changes) of slightly less than 3.5 percent, reflecting a slower growing economy
and continued moderate inflation. The effects of this growth are offset by the
impact of previously enacted tax reductions. The value of these tax reductions
is currently estimated to be approximately $500 million in 1994-95, nearly $1.5
billion in 1995-96 and over $3.7 billion in 1996-97.
Personal income tax collections for 1996-97 are now expected to be
$16.05 billion, a decline of nearly $827 million from the projected 1995-96
level. These estimates reflect growth in "constant law" liability of about 4.5
percent in 1996, down from an estimated 6.5 percent growth in 1995. This
increase is more than offset by personal income tax reductions already in law,
which are estimated to produce taxpayer savings in 1996-97 of almost $2.5
billion, or $1.8 billion more than in the current year.
User tax and fee receipts are projected at $6.7 billion in 1996-97, up
$48 million from 1995-96 projected levels. Total collections in this category
are dominated by the State sales and use tax, which accounts for 75 percent of
total
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-6
<PAGE>
receipts in the category. The moderate economic expansion experienced this year
and anticipated for next year produces estimated growth in the yield of the
sales and use tax of 3.2 percent in 1995-96 and 3.3 percent in 1996-97.
Total business taxes are now projected at $4.55 billion in 1996-97.
While "constant-law" liability growth is anticipated to continue in 1996-97, the
effect of additional tax reductions taking effect in 1996 will lead to a
year-to-year decline between 1996-96 and 1996-97 of $441 million. These business
tax reductions, which are estimated to depress receipts by over $600 million in
the current year, will grow to nearly $l.0 billion in 1996-97.
Other tax receipts are now projected at $1.01 billion, down $51 million
from the 1995-96 projected level. The decline in receipts in this category
reflects the effects of tax reductions enacted in the last two years as well as
the earmarking of a portion of the real estate transfer tax to the Environmental
Protection Fund. Tax cuts in this category, largely in the real property gains
tax and the estate tax, are estimated at $32 million in 1994-95, $67 million in
1995-96 and $115 million in 1996-97.
Miscellaneous receipts, which include license revenues, fee and fine
income, investment income and abandoned property proceeds, as well as the
proceeds of the largest share of the State's medical provider assessment and
various one-time transactions, are now estimated to total $1.41 billion in
1996-97. This represents a decline of $119 million from 1995-96 projected
levels. Transfers from other funds consist primarily of sales tax revenues in
excess of debt service requirements used to support debt service payments to
LGAC. Projected amounts in this category for 1996-97 total $1.61 billion, a
decline of $8 million from 1995-96 levels.
DISBURSEMENTS
The 1996-97 Financial Plan projects General Fund disbursements of
$31.22 billion. Projected spending decreases $1.48 billion, or 4.5 percent, from
the estimated current year. After adjustments to 1995-96 levels for purposes of
comparability, the decline is $l.91 billion or 5.8 percent. These comparability
adjustments are composed of two major actions. The first eliminates the impact
of LGAC financings, which depressed General Fund spending in 1995-96 by $271
million. The second adjustment adds $159 million in projected 1995-96 spending
currently budgeted in Special Revenue Funds, but recommended as part of the
General Fund in the 1996-97 budget.
Support for local governments is projected to decrease $1.7 billion,
primarily reflecting decreased support for social programs. General Fund support
for Medicaid is projected to be $1.65 billion lower than 1995-96, as a result of
both new cost containment proposals and the anticipated use of $1.3 billion in
federal Medicaid revenues that would become available assuming enactment of
proposed federal changes in this program. This proposed offset to the State
share of Medicaid would require the implementation of a federal block grant for
Medicaid and an increase in the federal share of Medicaid from 50 percent to 60
percent. Welfare costs also decline ($164 million), reflecting projected
caseload declines, time limits on benefits, reductions in benefits, and
continuation of workfare and anti-fraud initiatives begun in 1995-96. General
Fund support for
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-7
<PAGE>
education programs would increase by $188 million. However, this increase
results from changes in the school aid payment schedule, and the payment in
1995-96 of a portion of school aid from LGAC bond proceeds. School aid is
expected to increase $26 million on a school year basis. Support for both State
University (SUNY) and City University (CUNY) would decline, and the State's
tuition assistance program would be reduced to achieve savings.
Support for State agency operations would decline to $6.0 billion in
1996-97 including transfers to support SUNY operations. Annual decreases for
agencies range widely from as low as 0.3 percent to as high as 25 percent. This
decline reflects the reductions to the State's workforce. The executive budget
recommends reductions of approximately 7,400 positions, undertaken primarily
through attrition and other actions. Assuming these reductions are implemented,
the State's workforce will have declined by more than 20,000 positions between
January 1995 and the end of the 1996-97 fiscal year.
General State charges are projected to total $2.32 billion in 1996-97,
an increase of $252 million from 1995-96 projected levels. Pension costs are
expected to increase by $177 million in 1996-97, primarily as a result of the
return of the New York State and Local Retirement System from the projected unit
credit actuarial method to the aggregate cost actuarial method. Health insurance
costs are projected to increase 6 percent for calendar years 1996 and 1997.
Workers' compensation costs are projected to grow by 4.5 percent.
General Fund debt service includes short-term obligations of the
State's commercial paper program and debt service on its long-term bonds, which
are reflected as transfers to the General Debt Service Fund. Projected
short-term debt service costs are expected to be $12 million for 1996-97.
Transfers in support of debt service are projected to grow by 5.5 percent to
$1.62 billion in 1996-97, as the State continues to use bonds to support its
capital projects. However, the rate of increase in debt service has slowed
considerably from the pace of the previous decade. In 1996-97, bonds are
expected to support 44 percent of the State's capital project disbursements,
compared to 48 percent in 1995-96. The $172 million transfer to the Capital
Projects Fund in 1996-97 has been reduced by $154 million from projected levels
for 1995-96, reflecting project eliminations and the deposit of funds released
as a result of a refunding of certain Housing Finance Agency bonds supported by
State appropriations. General Fund support for the operations of SUNY is
proposed for transfer into a single unified fund for all SUNY operations.
NON-RECURRING RESOURCES
The Division of the Budget estimates that the 1996-97 Financial Plan
includes approximately $123 million in non-recurring resources, comprising 0.4
percent of the General Fund budget--a decrease of almost 86 percent from last
year's level. These include $47 million in various Medicaid actions, $40 million
from a refunding of Housing Finance Agency bonds, $19 million in recoupment of
payments to providers in health and mental health, and $17 million in revenue
transfers. These non-recurring savings are almost entirely offset by
non-recurring costs within the 1996-97 budget. In addition, the recommendations
included in the executive budget are expected to provide fully annualized
savings in 1997-98 which more than offset the non-recurring resources used in
1996-97.
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-8
<PAGE>
GENERAL FUND CLOSING FUND BALANCE
The 1996-97 closing fund balance in the General Fund is projected to be
$272 million. The required deposit to the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund adds
$15 million to the 1995-96 balance of $172 million in that fund, bringing the
total to $187 million at the close of 1996-97. The retraining General Fund
balance reflects the deposit of $85 million to the Contingency Reserve Fund, to
provide resources to finance potential costs associated with litigation against
the State. This deposit is expected to be made pursuant to legislation submitted
with the executive budget which will require the State share of certain
non-recurring federal recoveries to be deposited to the Contingency Reserve
Fund.
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
For 1996-97, the Financial Plan projects disbursements of $28.93
billion from Special Revenue Funds. This includes $7.65 billion from Special
Revenue Funds containing State revenues, and $21.28 billion from funds
containing federal grants, primarily for social welfare programs.
The 1996-97 Executive Budget recommends that all of the SUNY's revenues
be consolidated in a single fund, permitting SUNY more flexibility and control
in the use of its revenues. As a result of this proposal, General Fund support
would be transferred to this fund, rather than spent directly from the General
Fund. SUNY's spending from this fund is projected to total $2.55 billion in
1996-97. The Mass Transportation Operating Assistance Fund and the Dedicated
Mass Transportation Trust Fund, which receive taxes earmarked for mass
transportation programs throughout the State, are projected to have total
disbursements of $1.23 billion in 1996-97. Disbursements also include $1.63
billion in lottery proceeds which, after payment of administrative expenses,
permit the distribution of $1.43 billion for education purposes. One hundred
million dollars of lottery proceeds will be reserved in a separate account for a
local school tax reduction program to be agreed upon by the Governor and the
legislature for disbursement in State fiscal year 1997-98. Disbursements of $650
million in 1996-97 from the Disproportionate Share Medicaid Assistance Fund
constitutes most of the remaining estimated State Special Revenue Funds
disbursements. Federal special revenue fund projections for 1996-97 were
developed in the midst of considerable uncertainty as to the ultimate
composition of the federal budget, including uncertainties regarding major
federal entitlement reforms. Disbursements are estimated at $21.27 billion in
1996-97, an increase of $2.02 billion, or 10.5 percent from 1995-96. The
projections included in the 1996-97 State Financial Plan assume that the federal
Medicaid program will be reformed generally along the lines of the congressional
MediGrant program. This would include an increase from 50 percent to 60 percent
in the federal share of New York's Medicaid expenses. A repeal of the federal
Boren amendment regarding provider rates is also anticipated. As a result of
these changes, the executive budget projects the receipt of $13.1 billion in
total federal Medicaid reimbursements in 1996-97, an increase of approximately
$915 million from the 1995-96 level.
The second largest projected increase in federal reimbursement is for
the State's welfare program. The State is projected to receive $2.5 billion, up
$421 million from 1995-96 levels, primarily because of increased funding
anticipated
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-9
<PAGE>
from the proposed federal welfare block grant. All other federal spending is
projected at $5.7 billion for 1996-97, an increase of $626 million.
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDS
Disbursements from the Capital Projects funds in 1996-97 are estimated
at $3.76 billion. This estimate is $332 million less than the 1995-96
projections. The spending reductions are the result of program restructuring,
achieved in 1995-96 and continued in the 1996-97 Financial Plan. The spending
plan includes:
$2.5 billion in disbursements for the second year of the five-year
$12.6 billion state and local highway and bridge program;
Environmental Protection Fund spending of $106.5 million;
Correctional services spending of $153 million; and
SUNY and CUNY capital spending of $196 million and $87 million,
respectively.
The share of capital projects to be financed by "pay-as-you-go"
resources is projected to hold steady in 1996-97 at approximately 27 percent.
State-supported bond issuances finance 44 percent of capital projects, with
federal grants financing the remaining 29 percent.
DEBT SERVICE FUNDS
Disbursements from Debt Service Funds are estimated at $2.64 billion in
1996-97, an increase of $206 million or 9 percent from 1995-96. Of this
increase, $85 million is attributable to transportation bonding for the state
and local highway and bridge programs which are financed by the Dedicated
Highway and Bridge Trust Fund, $35 million is for corrections including new debt
service on prisons recently purchased from New York City, and $27 million is for
the mental hygiene programs financed through the Mental Health Services Fund.
Debt service for LGAC bonds increases only slightly after years of significant
increases, as the new-money bond issuance portion of the LGAC program was
completed in state fiscal year 1995-96. Increased debt service costs primarily
reflect prior capital commitments financed by bonds issued by the state and its
public authorities, the reduced use of capitalized interest, and the use of
shorter term bonds, such as the 10 year average maturity for the Dedicated
Highway and Bridge Trust Fund bonds.
CASH FLOW
In State fiscal year 1996-97, the General Fund cash flow will not
depend on either short-term spring borrowing or the issuance of LGAC bonds. The
new-money bond issuance portion of the LGAC program was completed in 1995-96,
and provisions prohibiting the state from returning to a reliance upon cash flow
manipulation to balance its budget will remain in bond covenants until the LGAC
bonds are retired.
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-10
<PAGE>
The 1996-97 cash flow projects substantial closing balances in each
quarter of the fiscal year, with excesses in receipts over disbursements for the
first three quarters until the last quarter of the fiscal year when local
assistance payments (primarily for school aid) drive a deficiency. The closing
fund balance is projected at $272 million. The cash flow projections assume
continuation of legislation enacted in 1995-96 that permits the state to use
balances in the Lottery Fund for cash flow purposes. These temporary transfers
are returned during the second quarter of the fiscal year so that all lottery
monies and advances of additional aid can be paid to school districts in
September.
OUTYEAR PROJECTIONS OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
The 1996-97 executive budget includes actions that would have an impact
on receipts and disbursements in future fiscal years. The Governor has proposed
closing the 1996-97 budget gap primarily through expenditure reductions and
without increases in taxes or deferrals of scheduled tax reductions. After
accounting for proposed changes to the executive budget submitted during the
30-day amendment period, the net impact of these actions is expected to produce
a potential imbalance in the 1997-98 fiscal year of $l.44 billion and in the
1998-99 fiscal year of $2.46 billion, assuming implementation of the 1996-97
Executive Budget recommendations. For 1997-98, receipts are estimated at $30.62
billion and disbursements at $32.05 billion. For 1998-99, receipts are estimated
at $31.85 billion and disbursements at $34.32 billion.
The outyear receipts estimates assume implementation of current law tax
reductions and the impact of the recommendations affecting receipts proposed in
the executive budget, including new tax relief. Tax reductions proposed by the
Governor in his annual message to the legislature of January 3, 1996 are not
included in these estimates. Already enacted tax reductions, which are estimated
to total more than $3.7 billion in 1996-97, rise to approximately $5.6 billion
in 1997-98 and approximately $6.0 billion in the following year. Tax reductions
recommended in the executive budget have a fully annualized cost of $75 million.
The economic scenario assumes steady, moderate growth in the national economy
through the period. Underlying "constant law" growth in receipts approximates 4
percent in 1997-98 and 4.5 percent in 1998-99. No extraordinary one-time
receipts are anticipated at this time. In addition, the projections assume a
continuation of federal tax law in effect as of year end 1995.
Outyear projections of spending, absent the impact of recommendations
in the executive budget and future executive and legislative action, would grow
by 3.0 and 3.5 percent in 1997-98 and 1998-99, respectively. Spending growth is
fueled mainly by Medicaid costs. The outyear value of the recommendations
contained in the executive budget grow steadily over the next two years,
moderating the outyear growth. Projected disbursements for 1997-98 grow by only
2.7 percent, with restrained growth in all categories of the State Financial
Plan. However, in 1998-99, the increased diversion of lottery proceeds to fund
school tax relief combines with an extra payroll and Medicaid cycle to drive
growth in disbursements of just over 7 percent.
Reduced bond issuances in 1996-97 will help hold down future debt
service growth. State-supported debt is projected to grow at 3.7 percent average
annual
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-11
<PAGE>
rate over the next five years. Outstanding debt as a percentage of personal
income is projected to decline to under 6 percent over this same period.
PRIOR FISCAL YEARS
New York State's financial operations have improved during recent
fiscal years. During the period 1989-90 through 1991-92, the State incurred
General Fund operating deficits that were closed with receipts from the issuance
of tax and revenue anticipation notes ("TRANs"). First, the national recession,
and then the lingering economic slowdown in the New York and regional economy,
resulted in repeated shortfalls in receipts and three budget deficits. Through
fiscal year 1995, the State recorded balanced budgets on a cash basis, with
substantial fund balances in each year as described below.
1994-95 FISCAL YEAR
New York State ended its 1994-95 fiscal year with the General Fund in
balance. The closing fund balance of $158 million reflects $157 million in the
Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund and $1 million in the Contingency Reserve Fund
("CRF"). The CRF was established in State Fiscal year 1993-94, funded partly
with surplus moneys, to assist the State in financing the 1994-95 fiscal year
costs of extraordinary litigation known or anticipated at that time; the opening
fund balance in State fiscal year 1994-95 was $265 million. The $241 million
change in the fund balance reflects the use of $264 million in the CRF as
planned, as well as the required deposit of $23 million to the Tax Stabilization
Reserve Fund. In addition, $278 million was on deposit in the tax refund reserve
account, $250 million of which was deposited at the end of the State's 1994-95
fiscal year to continue the process of restructuring the State's cash flow as
part of the LGAC program.
Compared to the State Financial Plan for 1994-95 as formulated on June
16, 1994, reported receipts fell short of original projections by $1.163
billion, primarily in the categories of personal income and business taxes. Of
this amount, the personal income tax accounts for $800 million, reflecting weak
estimated tax collections and lower withholding due to reduced wage and salary
growth, more severe reductions in brokerage industry bonuses than projected
earlier, and deferral of capital gains realizations in anticipation of potential
federal tax changes. Business taxes fell short by $373 million, primarily
reflecting lower payments from banks as substantial overpayments of 1993
liability depressed net collections in the 1994-95 fiscal year. These shortfalls
were offset by better performance in the remaining taxes, particularly the user
taxes and fees, which exceeded projections by $210 million. Of this amount $227
million was attributable to certain restatements for accounting treatment
purposes pertaining to the CRF and LGAC; these restatements had no impact on
balance in the General Fund.
Disbursements were also reduced from original projections by $848
million. After adjusting for the net impact of restatements relating to the CRF
and LGAC which raised disbursements by $38 million, the variance is $886
million. Well over two-thirds of this variance is in the category of grants to
local governments, primarily reflecting the conservative nature of the original
estimates of projected costs for social services and other programs. Lower
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-12
<PAGE>
education costs are attributable to the availability of $110 million in
additional lottery proceeds and the use of LGAC bond proceeds.
The spending reductions also reflect $188 million in actions initiated
in January 1995 by the Governor to reduce spending to avert a potential gap in
the 1994-95 State Financial Plan. These actions included savings from a hiring
freeze, halting the development of certain services, and the suspension of
non-essential capital projects. These actions, together with $71 million in
other measures comprised the Governor's $259 million gap-closing plan, submitted
to the legislature in connection with the 1995-96 Executive Budget.
1993-94 FISCAL YEAR
The State ended its 1993-94 fiscal year with a balance of $1.140
billion in the tax refund reserve account, $265 million in the CRF and $134
million in its Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund. These fund balances were
primarily the result of an improving national economy, State employment growth,
tax collections that exceeded earlier projections and disbursements that were
below expectations. Deposits to the personal income tax refund reserve have the
effect of reducing reported personal income tax receipts in the fiscal year when
made and withdrawals from such reserve increase receipts in the fiscal year when
made. The balance in the tax refund reserve account was used to pay taxpayer
refunds.
Of the $1.140 billion deposited in the tax refund reserve account,
$1.026 billion was available for budgetary planning purposes in the 1994-95
fiscal year. The remaining $114 million was redeposited in the tax refund
reserve account at the end of the State's 1994-95 fiscal year to continue the
process of restructuring the State's cash flow as part of the LGAC program. The
balance in the CRF was reserved to meet the cost of litigation facing the State
in its 1994-95 fiscal year.
Before the deposit of $1.140 billion in the tax refund reserve account,
General Fund receipts in 1993-94 exceeded those originally projected when the
State Financial Plan for that year was formulated on April 16, 1993 by $1.002
billion. Greater-than-expected receipts in the personal income tax, the bank
tax, the corporation franchise tax and the estate tax accounted for most of this
variance, and more than offset weaker-than-projected collections from the sales
and use tax and miscellaneous receipts. Collections from individual taxes were
affected by various factors including changes in federal business laws,
sustained profitability of banks, strong performance of securities firms, and
higher-than-expected consumption of tobacco products following price cuts.
The higher receipts resulted, in part, because the New York economy
performed better than forecasted. Employment growth started in the first quarter
of the State's 1993-94 fiscal year, and, although this lagged behind the
national economic recovery, the growth in New York began earlier than
forecasted. The New York economy exhibited signs of strength in the service
sector, in construction, and in trade. Long Island and the Mid-Hudson Valley
continued to lag behind the rest of the State in economic growth. The State
Division of the Budget believes that approximately 100,000 jobs were added
during the 1993-94 fiscal year.
i:\dsfndlgl\nytrb\port\amend4.wpf
Appendix B-13
<PAGE>
Disbursements and transfers from the General Fund were $303 million
below the level projected in April 1993, an amount that would have been $423
million had the State not accelerated the payment of Medicaid billings, which in
the April 1993 State Financial Plan were planned to be deferred into the 1994-95
fiscal year. Compared to the estimates included in the State Financial Plan
formulated in April 1993, lower disbursements resulted from lower spending for
Medicaid, capital projects, and debt service (due to refundings) and $114
million used to restructure the State's cash flow as part of the LGAC program.
Disbursements were higher than expected for general support for public schools,
the State share of income maintenance, overtime for prison guards, and highway
snow and ice removal. The State also made the first of six required payments to
the State of Delaware related to the settlement of Delaware's litigation against
the State regarding the disposition of abandoned property receipts.
During the 1993-94 fiscal year, the State also established and funded
the CRF as a way to assist the State in financing the cost of litigation
affecting the State. The CRF was initially funded with a transfer of $100
million attributable to the positive margin recorded in the 1992-93 fiscal year.
In addition, the State augmented this initial deposit with $132 million in debt
service savings attributable to the refinancing of State and public authority
bonds during 1993-94. A year-end transfer of $36 million was also made to the
CRF, which, after a disbursement for authorized fund purposes, brought the CRF
balance at the end of 1993-94 to $265 million. This amount was $165 million
higher than the amount originally targeted for this reserve fund.
1992-93 FISCAL YEAR
The State ended its 1992-93 fiscal year with a balance of $671 million
in the tax refund reserve account and $67 million in the Tax Stabilization
Reserve Fund.
The State's 1992-93 fiscal year was characterized by performance that
was better than projected for the national and regional economies. National
gross domestic product, State personal income, and State employment and
unemployment performed better than originally projected in April 1992. This
favorable economic performance, particularly at year end, combined with a
tax-induced acceleration of income into 1992, was the primary cause of the
General Fund surplus. Personal income tax collections were more than $700
million higher than originally projected (before reflecting the tax refund
reserve account transaction), primarily in the withholding and estimated payment
components of the tax.
There were large, but mainly offsetting, variances in other categories
of receipts. Significantly higher-than-projected business tax collections and
the receipt of unbudgeted payments from the Medical Malpractice Insurance
Association ("MMIA") and the New York Racing Association approximately offset
the loss of an anticipated $200 million federal reimbursement, the loss of
certain budgeted hospital differential revenue as a result of unfavorable court
decisions, and shortfalls in certain miscellaneous revenues.
Disbursements and transfers to other funds were $45 million above
projections in April 1992, although this includes a $150 million payment to
health insurers (financed with a receipt from the MMIA made pursuant to
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Appendix B-14
<PAGE>
legislation passed in January 1993). All other disbursements were $105 million
lower than projected. This reduction primarily reflected lower costs in
virtually all categories of spending, including Medicaid, local health programs,
agency operations, fringe benefits, capital projects and debt service as
partially offset by higher-than-anticipated costs for education programs.
CERTAIN LITIGATION
The legal proceedings noted below involve State finances, State
programs and miscellaneous tort, real property and contract claims in which the
State is a defendant and the monetary damages sought are substantial. These
proceedings could affect adversely the financial condition of the State in the
1995-96 fiscal year or thereafter. The State will describe newly initiated
proceedings.
Among the more significant of these cases are those that involve: (i)
the validity of agreements and treaties by which various Indian tribes
transferred to New York title to certain land in New York; (ii) certain aspects
of New York's Medicaid rates and regulations, including reimbursements to
providers of mandatory and optional Medicaid services, and the eligibility for
and nature of home care services; (iii) challenges to provisions of Section
2807-C of the Public Health Law, which impose a 13% surcharge on inpatient
hospital bills paid by commercial insurers and employee welfare benefit plans
and portions of Chapter 55 of the laws of 1992, which require hospitals to
impose and remit to the State an 11% surcharge on hospital bills paid by
commercial insurers and which require health maintenance organizations to remit
to the State a surcharge of up to 9%; (iv) two cases challenge provisions of
Section 2807-c of the Public Health Law, which impose a 13 percent surcharge on
inpatient hospital bills paid by commercial insurers and employee welfare
benefit plans, and portions of Chapter 55 of the Laws of 1992 which require
hospitals to impose and remit to the State an 11 percent surcharge on hospital
bills paid by commercial insurers and which require health maintenance
organizations to remit to the State a surcharge of up to 9 percent--in The
Travelers Insurance Company v. Cuomo, et al., commenced June 2, 1992, and The
Health Insurance Association of America, et al. v. Chassin, a al., commenced
July 20, 1992, both in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York and consolidated, plaintiffs allege that the surcharges are
preempted by federal law (by decision dated April 26, 1995, the United States
Supreme Court upheld the surcharges as not preempted by federal law); (v)
challenges to the practice of reimbursing certain Office of Mental Health
patient care expenses from the client's Social Security benefits; and (vi)
alleged responsibility of New York officials to assist in remedying racial
segregation in the City of Yonkers. In addition, aspects of petroleum business
taxes are the subject of administrative claims and litigation.
THE CITY OF NEW YORK
The fiscal health of the State of New York is closely related to the
fiscal health of its localities, particularly the City, which has required and
continues to require significant financial assistance from New York. The City's
independently audited operating results for each of its 1981 through 1993 fiscal
years showed a General Fund surplus reported in accordance with GAAP. In
addition, the City's financial statements for the 1995 fiscal year received an
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Appendix B-15
<PAGE>
unqualified opinion from the City's independent auditors, the eleventh
consecutive year the City received such an opinion.
As required by the Office of the State Deputy Comptroller for the City
of New York (the "OSDC"), the 1997-1998 Financial Plan reflects a program of
proposed actions by the City to close the gaps between projected revenues and
expenditures of $1.4 billion, $2.2 billion and 2.9 billion for the 1998, 1999
and 2000 fiscal years, respectively. These actions, a substantial number of
which are not specified in detail, include additional agency spending
reductions, reduction in entitlements, government procurement initiatives,
revenue initiatives and the availability of the general reserve.
The OSDC and the State Financial Control Board continue their
respective budgetary oversight activities.
In response to the City's fiscal crisis in 1975, the State took action
to assist the City in returning to fiscal stability. Among those actions, the
State established the Municipal Assistance Corporation for the City of New York
(the "MAC") to provide financing assistance to the City; the New York State
Financial Control Board (the "Control Board") to oversee the City's financial
affairs; the Office of the State Deputy Comptroller for the City of New York to
assist the Control Board in exercising its powers and responsibilities; and a
"Control Period" from 1975 to 1986 during which the City was subject to certain
statutorily-prescribed fiscal-monitoring arrangements. Although the Control
Board terminated the Control Period in 1986 when certain statutory conditions
were met, thus suspending certain Control Board powers, the Control Board, MAC
and OSDC continue to exercise various fiscal-monitoring functions over the City,
and upon the occurrence or "substantial likelihood and imminence" of the
occurrence of certain events, including, but not limited to a City operating
budget deficit of more than $100 million, the Control Board is required by law
to reimpose a Control Period. Currently, the City and its Covered Organizations
(I.E., those which receive or may receive monies from the City directly,
indirectly or contingently) operate under a four-year financial plan which the
City prepares annually and periodically updates.
The staffs of the OSDC and the Control Board issue periodic reports on
the City's financial plans, as modified, analyzing forecasts of revenues and
expenditures, cash flow, and debt service requirements, as well as compliance
with the financial plan, as modified, by the City and its Covered Organizations.
OSDC staff reports issued during the mid-1980's noted that the City's budgets
benefitted from a rapid rise in the City's economy, which boosted the City's
collection of property, business and income taxes. These resources were used to
increase the City's work force and the scope of discretionary and mandated City
services. Subsequent OSDC staff reports examined the 1987 stock market crash and
the 1989-92 recession, which affected the New York City region more severely
than the nation, and attributed an erosion of City revenues and increasing
strain on City expenditures to that recession. According to a recent OSDC staff
report, the City's economy is now slowly recovering, but the scope of that
recovery is uncertain and unlikely, in the foreseeable future, to match the
expansion of the mid-1980's. Also, staff reports of OSDC and the Control Board
have indicated that the City's recent balanced budgets have been accomplished,
in part, through the use of non-recurring resources, tax increases and
additional State assistance;
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Appendix B-16
<PAGE>
that the City has not yet brought its long-term expenditures in line with
recurring revenues; and that the City is therefore likely to continue to face
future projected budget gaps requiring the City to increase revenues and/or
reduce expenditures. According to the most recent staff reports of OSDC and the
Control Board, during the four-year period covered by the current financial
plan, the City is relying on obtaining substantial resources from initiatives
needing approval and cooperation of its municipal labor unions, Covered
Organizations, and City Council, as well as the State and federal governments,
among others.
The City requires significant amounts of financing for seasonal and
capital purposes. The City's capital financing program projects long-term
financing requirements of approximately $16.1 billion for the City's fiscal
years 1997 through 2000. The major capital requirements include expenditures for
the City's water supply and sewage disposal systems, roads, bridges, mass
transit, schools, hospitals and housing.
OTHER LOCALITIES
In addition to the City, certain localities, including the City of
Yonkers, could have financial problems leading to requests for additional State
assistance during the State's 1995-96 fiscal year and thereafter. Municipalities
and school districts have engaged in substantial short-term and long-term
borrowings.
From time to time, federal expenditure reductions could reduce, or in
some cases, eliminate, federal funding of some local programs, and, accordingly,
might impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on affected
localities. If the State, the City or any of the public authorities were to
suffer serious financial difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to
the public credit markets, the marketability of notes and bonds issued by
localities within the State could be adversely affected. Localities also face
anticipated and potential problems resulting from certain pending litigation,
judicial decisions and long-range economic trends. Long-range potential problems
of declining urban population, increasing expenditures and other economic trends
could adversely affect localities and require increasing State assistance in the
future.
AUTHORITIES
The fiscal stability of the State is related, in part, to the fiscal
stability of its public authorities. Public authorities are not subject to the
constitutional restrictions on the incurrence of debt which apply to the State
itself and may issue bonds and notes within the amounts, and as otherwise
restricted by, their legislative authorization. As of September 30, 1994, there
were 18 public authorities that had aggregate outstanding debt of $70.3 billion.
Some authorities also receive moneys from State appropriations to pay for the
operating costs of certain of their programs.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (the "MTA"), which receives the bulk
of the appropriated moneys from the State, oversees the operation of the City's
bus and subway system by its affiliates, the New York City Transit Authority and
Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (collectively, the
"TA"). The MTA has depended and will continue to depend upon federal, state and
local
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Appendix B-17
<PAGE>
government support to operate the transit system because fare revenues are
insufficient.
Over the past several years, the State has enacted several taxes
(including a surcharge on the profits of banks, insurance corporations and
general business corporations doing business in the 12-county region served by
the MTA and a special one-quarter of one percent regional sales and use tax)
that provide additional revenues for mass transit purposes, including assistance
to the MTA. In addition, a one-quarter of one percent regional mortgages
recording tax paid on certain mortgages creates an additional source of
recurring revenues for the MTA. Further, in 1993, the State dedicated a portion
of the State petroleum business tax to assist the MTA. For the 1995-96 State
fiscal year, total State assistance to the MTA is estimated at approximately
$1.1 billion.
In 1993, State legislation authorized the funding of a five-year $9.56
billion MTA capital plan for the five-year period, 1992 through 1996 (the
"1992-96 Capital Program"). The MTA has received approval of the 1992-96 Capital
Program based on this legislation from the 1992-96 Capital Program Review Board,
as State law requires. This is the third five-year plan since the legislature
authorized procedures for the adoption, approval and amendment of a five-year
plan in 1981 for a capital program designed to upgrade the performance of the
MTA's transportation systems and to supplement, replace and rehabilitate
facilities and equipment. The MTA, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority,
and the TA are collectively authorized to issue an aggregate of $3.1 billion of
bonds (net of certain statutory exclusions) to finance a portion of the 1992-96
Capital Program. The 1992-96 Capital Program is expected to be financed in
significant part through dedication of State petroleum business taxes referred
to above.
There can be no assurance that all the necessary governmental actions
for the Capital Program will be taken, that funding sources currently identified
will not be decreased or eliminated, or that the 1992-96 Capital Program, or
parts thereof, will not be delayed or reduced. Furthermore, the power of the MTA
to issue certain bonds expected to be supported by the appropriation of State
petroleum business taxes is currently the subject of a court challenge. If the
Capital Program is delayed or reduced, ridership and fare revenues may decline,
which could, among other things, impair the MTA's ability to meet its operating
expenses without additional State assistance.
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Appendix B-18
<PAGE>
PART C
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements included in Part B, Item 23 of this Registration
Statement are as follows:
Schedule of Investments as March 31, 1996 Statement of Assets and
Liabilities at March 31, 1996 Statement of Operations for the period
ended March 31, 1996 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Supplementary
Data Notes to Financial Statements at March 31, 1996
The unaudited financial statements included in Item 23 are as follows:
Schedule of Investments at September 30, 1996 Statement of Assets and
Liabilities at September 30, 1996 Statement of Operations for the
period ended September 30, 1996 Statement of Changes in Net Assets for
the six months ended September 30, 1996 Supplementary Data Notes to
Financial Statements at September 30, 1996
(B) EXHIBITS
1 Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.1
2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant.4
5 Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan").1
8 Custodian Contract between the Registrant and State Street Bank and
Trust Company ("State Street").2
9(a) Co-Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Funds
Distributor, Inc.3
9(b) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and State
9(c) Restated Administrative Services Agreement between the Registrant and
Morgan.3
9(d) Fund Services Agreement, as amended, between the Registrant and
Pierpont Group, Inc.3
13 Investment representation letters of initial investors.2
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<PAGE>
27 Financial Data Schedule.4
- -------------------
1 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")on July 31,
1995.
2 Incorporated herein by reference from Registrant's Registration
Statement as filed with the SEC on April 1, 1994.
3 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 3 to Registrant's
Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on August 1, 1996.
(Accession No.0000935490-96-000077).
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 April 30, 1997)
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is hereby made to Article V of the Registrant's Declaration
of Trust, filed as an Exhibit hereto.
The Trustees and officers of the Registrant and the personnel of the
Registrant's co-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 ADVISER.
Morgan is a New York trust company which is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated. Morgan conducts a general banking and trust
business.
To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors, except those
set forth below, or executive officers of Morgan is or has been during the past
two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or
employment of a substantial nature, except that certain officers and directors
of Morgan also hold various positions with, and engage in business for, J.P.
Morgan & Co. Incorporated, which owns all the outstanding stock of Morgan. Set
forth below are the names, addresses, and principal business of each director of
Morgan who is engaged in another business, profession, vocation or employment of
a substantial nature.
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Riley P. Bechtel: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bechtel Group, Inc.
architectural design and construction). His address is Bechtel Group, Inc., P.O.
Box 193965, San Francisco, CA 94119-3965.
Martin Feldstein: President and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau
of Economic Research, Inc. (national research institution). His address is
National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc., 1050 Massachusetts Avenue,
Cambridge, MA 02138-5398.
Hanna H. Gray: President Emeritus, The University of Chicago (academic
institution). Her address is The University of Chicago, Department of History,
1126 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
James R. Houghton: Retired Chairman, Corning Incorporated (glass
products). His address is R.D.#2 Spencer Hill Road, Corning, NY 14830.
James L. Ketelsen: Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tenneco
Inc. (oil, pipe-lines, and manufacturing). His address is 10 South Briar Hollow
7, Houston, TX 77027.
John A. Krol: President and Chief Executive Officer, E.I. Du Pont de
Nemours & Company (chemicals and energy company). His address is E.I. Du Pont de
Nemours & Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19898.
Lee R. Raymond: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Exxon Corporation
(oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products). His address is Exxon
Corporation, 5959 Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX 75039-2298.
Richard D. Simmons: Retired; Former President, The Washington Post Company
and International Herald Tribune (newspapers). His address is P.O. Box 242,
Sperryville, VA 22740.
Douglas C. Yearley: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Phelps
Dodge Corporation (chemicals). His address is Phelps Dodge Corporation, 2600 N.
Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004-3014.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
Not applicable.
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:
Morgan Trust Guaranty Company of New York, 60 Wall Street, New York,
New York 10260-0060 or 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036 (records
relating to its functions as investment adviser and administrative services
agent).
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110 or 40 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 3Y8
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(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.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form N-1A
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 12th day of May, 1997.
THE NEW YORK TOTAL RETURN BOND PORTFOLIO
By: /s/ Richard W. Ingram
--------------------------------
Richard W. Ingram
President and Treasurer
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------
EX-99.B2 Amended and Restated By-Laws
EX-27 Financial Data Schedule
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JPM345A
AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS
OF
EACH MASTER TRUST LISTED ON SCHEDULE I
AND
EACH FEEDER TRUST LISTED ON SCHEDULE II
AND
EACH STAND ALONE TRUST LISTED ON SCHEDULE III
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Each Trust listed on Schedule I is referred to in these By-Laws as a
"Master Trust". Each Trust listed on Schedule II is referred to in these By-Laws
as a "Feeder Trust". Each Trust listed on Schedule III is referred to in these
By-Laws as a "Stand Alone Trust".
In the case of each Trust, unless otherwise specified, capitalized
terms have the respective meanings given them in the Declaration of Trust of
such Trust dated as of the date set forth in Schedule I, II or III, as amended
from time to time. In the case of each Feeder Trust and each Stand Alone Trust,
the term "Holder" has the meaning given the term "Shareholder" in the respective
Declarations of Trust.
ARTICLE II
OFFICES
Section 1. Principal Office. In the case of each Master Trust, the
principal office of the Trust shall be in such place as the Trustees may
determine from time to time, provided that the principal office shall be outside
the United States of America if the Trustees determine that the Trust is
intended to be operated so that it is not engaged in United States trade or
business for United States federal income tax purposes. In the case of each
Feeder Trust and each Stand Alone Trust, until changed by the Trustees, the
principal office of the Trust in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be in
the City of Boston, County of Suffolk.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Trust may have offices in such other
places without as well as within the state of its organization and the United
States of America as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE III
HOLDERS
Section 1. Meetings of Holders. Meetings of Holders may be called at
any time by a majority of the Trustees and shall be called by any Trustee upon
written request of Holders holding, in the aggregate, not less than 10% of the
Interests in the case of each Master Trust or 10% of the voting securities
entitled to vote thereat in the case of each Feeder Trust and each Stand Alone
Trust, such request specifying the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is
to be called.
Any such meeting shall be held within or without the state of
organization of the Trust and within, or, if applicable, in the case of a Master
Trust only without, the United States of America on such day
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and at such time as
the Trustees shall designate. Holders of one third of the Interests in the case
of each Master Trust or one third of the voting securities entitled to vote
thereat in the case of each Feeder Trust and each Stand Alone Trust, present in
person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any
business, except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act, other applicable
law, the Declaration or these By-Laws. If a quorum is present at a meeting, an
affirmative vote of the Holders present in person or by proxy, holding more than
50% of the total Interests in the case of each Master Trust, or 50% of the
voting securities entitled to vote thereat in the case of each Feeder Trust and
each Stand Alone Trust, present, either in person or by proxy, at such meeting
constitutes the action of the Holders, unless a greater number of affirmative
votes is required by the 1940 Act, other applicable law, the Declaration or
these By-Laws.
All or any one or more Holders may participate in a meeting of Holders
by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means
of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and
participation in a meeting by means of such communications equipment shall
constitute presence in person at such meeting.
In the case of The Series Portfolio or any Feeder Trust or any Stand
Alone Trust, whenever a matter is required to be voted by Holders of the Trust
in the aggregate under Section 9.1 and Section 9.2 of the Declaration of The
Series Portfolio or Section 6.8 and Section 6.9 and Section 6.9(g) of the
Declaration of the Feeder Trust and the Stand Alone Trust, the Trust may either
hold a meeting of Holders of all series, as defined in Section 1.2 of the
Declaration of The Series Portfolio or Section 6.9 of the Declaration of the
Feeder Trust and the Stand Alone Trust, to vote on such matter, or hold separate
meetings of Holders of each of the individual series to vote on such matter,
provided that (i) such separate meetings shall be held within one year of each
other, (ii) a quorum consisting of the Holders of one third of the voting
securities of the individual series entitled to vote shall be present at each
such separate meeting except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act, other
applicable law, the Declaration or these By-Laws and (iii) a quorum consisting
of the Holders of one third of all voting securities of the Trust entitled to
vote, except as may otherwise be required by the 1940 Act, other applicable law,
the Declaration or these By-Laws, shall be present in the aggregate at such
separate meetings, and the votes of Holders at all such separate meetings shall
be aggregated in order to determine if sufficient votes have been cast for such
matter to be voted.
Section 2. Notice of Meetings. Notice of each meeting of Holders,
stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, shall be given by the
Trustees by mail to each Holder, at its registered address, mailed at least 10
days and not more than 60 days before the meeting. Notice of any meeting may be
waived in writing by any Holder either before or after such meeting. The
attendance of a Holder at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such
meeting except in the situation in which a Holder attends a meeting for the
express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground
that the meeting was not lawfully called or convened. At any meeting, any
business properly before the meeting may be considered whether or not stated in
the notice of the meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned
without further notice.
In the case of The Series Portfolio and each Feeder Trust and each
Stand Alone Trust, where separate meetings are held for Holders of each of the
individual series to vote on a matter required to be voted on by
2
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<PAGE>
Holders of the
Trust in the aggregate, as provided in Article III, Section 1 above, notice of
each such separate meeting shall be provided in the manner described above in
this Section 2.
Section 3. Record Date for Meetings. For the purpose of determining the
Holders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting, the Trustees
may from time to time fix a date, not more than 90 days prior to the date of any
meeting of Holders as a record date for the determination of the Persons to be
treated as Holders for such purpose.
In the case of The Series Portfolio and each Feeder Trust and each
Stand Alone Trust, where separate meetings are held for Holders of each of the
individual series to vote on a matter required to be voted on by Holders of the
Trust in the aggregate, as provided in Article III, Section 1 above, the record
date of each such separate meeting shall be determined in the manner described
above in this Section 3.
Section 4. Voting, Proxies, Inspectors of Election. At any meeting of
Holders, any Holder entitled to vote thereat may vote by proxy, provided that no
proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file
with the Secretary, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the
Secretary may direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote is
to be taken. A proxy may be revoked by a Holder at any time before it has been
exercised by placing on file with the Secretary, or with such other officer or
agent of the Trust as the Secretary may direct, a later dated proxy or written
revocation. Pursuant to a resolution of a majority of the Trustees, proxies may
be solicited in the name of the Trust or of one or more Trustees or of one or
more officers of the Trust. No proxy shall be valid after one year from the date
of its execution, unless a longer period is expressly stated in the proxy.
In the case of each Master Trust, only Holders on the record date shall
be entitled to vote and each such Holder shall be entitled to a vote
proportionate to its Interest. In the case of each Feeder Trust, (i) only
Holders on the record date shall be entitled to vote, and (ii) each whole Share
shall be entitled to vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and
each fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote,
except that Shares held in the treasury of the Trust shall not be voted. In the
case of each Stand Alone Trust, unless the Trustees determine that each Share
will entitle Holders to one vote per Share, on any matter submitted to a vote of
Holders of Shares of any series or class thereof, if any, each dollar of net
asset value (number of Shares owned times net asset value per Share of such
series or class, as applicable) shall be entitled to one vote on any matter on
which such shares are entitled to vote and each fractional dollar amount shall
be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote, except that Shares held in the
treasury of the Trust shall not be voted. In the case of each Feeder Trust and
each Stand Alone Trust, (i) Shares shall be voted by individual series or
classes thereof, if any, on any matter submitted to a vote of the Holders of the
Trust except as provided in Section 6.9(g) of the Declaration, and (ii) at any
meeting of Holders of the Trust or of any series or class thereof, if any, a
Shareholder Servicing Agent may vote any Shares as to which such Shareholder
Servicing Agent is the agent of record.
The Chairman of the meeting may, and upon the request of the Holders of
10% of the Interests or Shares, as the case may be, entitled to vote at such
election shall, appoint one or three inspectors of election who shall first
subscribe an oath or affirmation to execute faithfully the duties of inspectors
at such election with strict impartiality and according to the best of their
ability, and shall after
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<PAGE>
the election certify the result of the vote taken. No
candidate for Trustee shall be appointed such inspector. If there are three
inspectors of election, the decision, act or certification of a majority is
effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all.
At every meeting of the Holders, all proxies shall be required and
taken in charge of and all ballots shall be required and canvassed by the
Secretary of the meeting, who shall decide all questions touching the
qualification of voters, the validity of the proxies, the acceptance or
rejection of votes and any other questions related to the conduct of the vote
with fairness to all Holders, unless inspectors of election shall have been
appointed, in which event the inspectors of election shall decide all such
questions. On request of the Chairman of the meeting, or of any Holder or his
proxy, the Secretary shall make a report in writing of any question determined
and shall execute a certificate of facts found, unless inspectors of election
shall have been appointed, in which event the inspectors of election shall do
so.
When an Interest is held or Shares are held jointly by several Persons,
any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such
Interest or Shares, but if more than one of them is present at such meeting in
person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree
as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such
Interest or Shares. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a
Holder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and
the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger.
Section 5. Holder Action by Written Consent. In the case of each Master
Trust, any action which may be taken by Holders may be taken without a meeting
if Holders of all Interests entitled to vote consent to the action in writing
and the written consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Holders.
In the case of each Feeder Trust and each Stand Alone Trust, any action which
may be taken by Holders may be taken without a meeting if Holders holding a
majority of Shares entitled to vote on the matter (or such larger proportion
thereof as shall be required by law, the Declaration or these By-Laws for
approval of such matter) consent to the action in writing and the written
consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Holders.
Such consents shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a
meeting of Holders. Each such written consent shall be executed by or on behalf
of the Holder delivering such consent and shall bear the date of such execution.
No such written consent shall be effective to take the action referred to
therein unless, within one year of the earliest dated consent, written consents
executed by a sufficient number of Holders to take such action are filed with
the records of the meetings of Holders.
Section 6. Conduct of Meetings. The meetings of the Holders shall be
presided over by the Chairman, or if he is not present, by a Chairman to be
elected at the meeting. The Secretary of the Trust, if present, shall act as
secretary of such meetings, or if he is not present, an Assistant Secretary
shall so act; if neither the Secretary nor any Assistant Secretary is present,
then the meeting shall elect its secretary
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
TRUSTEES
Section 1. Place of Meeting, etc. The Trustees may hold their meetings,
have one or more offices, and keep the books of the Trust, inside or outside the
state of organization of the Trust or the United States of America, at any
office of the Trust or at any other place as they may from time to time
determine, or in the case of meetings, as they may from time to time determine
or as shall be specified or fixed in the respective notices or waivers of notice
thereof.
Section 2. Meetings. Meetings of the Trustees shall be held from time
to time upon the call of the Chairman or any two Trustees. The President, the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary may call meetings only upon the written
direction of the Chairman or two Trustees. The Trustees shall hold an annual
meeting for the election of officers and transaction of other business which may
come before such meeting. Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without
call or notice at a time and place fixed by resolution of the Trustees. Notice
of any other meeting shall be mailed or otherwise given not less than 24 hours
before the meeting but may be waived in writing by any Trustee either before or
after such meeting. Notice shall be given of any proposed action to be taken by
written consent. Notice of a meeting or proposed action to be taken by written
consent may be given by telegram (which term shall include a cablegram), by
telecopier or delivered personally (which term shall include by telephone), as
well as by mail. The attendance of a Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a
waiver of notice of such meeting except in the situation in which a Trustee
attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any
business on the ground that the meeting was not lawfully called or convened.
Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the
Trustees need be stated in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.
Section 3. Quorum. A quorum for all meetings of the Trustees shall be a
majority of the Trustees. Unless provided otherwise in the Declaration, the 1940
Act or other applicable law, any action of the Trustees may be taken at a
meeting by vote of a majority of the Trustees present (a quorum being present).
In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the Trustees present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present. Notice of an
adjourned meeting need not be given.
With respect to actions of the Trustees, Trustees who are Interested
Persons of the Trust or otherwise interested in any action to be taken may be
counted for quorum purposes and shall be entitled to vote to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act.
Section 4. Committees. The Trustees, by the majority vote of all the
Trustees then in office, may appoint from the Trustees committees which shall in
each case consist of such number of Trustees (not less than two) and shall have
and may exercise such powers as the Trustees may determine in the resolution
appointing them. Unless provided otherwise in the Declaration or by the
Trustees, a majority of all the members of any such committee may determine its
actions and fix the time and place of its meetings. With respect to actions of
any committee, Trustees who are Interested Persons of the Trust or otherwise
interested in any action to be taken may be counted for quorum purposes and
shall be entitled to vote to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Trustees
shall have power at any time to change the members and powers of any such
committee, to fill vacancies and to discharge any such committee. Each committee
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<PAGE>
shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and cause them to be filed with the
minutes of the proceedings of the Trustees.
Section 5. Telephone Meetings. All or any one or more Trustees may
participate in a meeting of the Trustees or any committee thereof by means of a
conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all
individuals participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participating
in a meeting by means of such communications equipment shall constitute presence
in person at such meeting. Any conference telephone meeting shall be deemed to
have been held at a place designated by the Trustees at the meeting.
Section 6. Action without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the Trustees or any committee thereof may be taken
without a meeting, if a written consent to such action is signed either by all
the Trustees or all members of such committee then in office or by an 80%
majority of the Trustees or an 80% majority of members of such committee,
provided that no action by 80% majority consent shall be effective unless and
until (i) each Trustee or committee member signing such consent shall have been
advised in writing of the following information: the identity of any Trustee or
committee member not signing such consent and the reasons for his not signing;
and (ii) after receiving such information signing Trustees or committee members
who represent an 80% majority then in office indicate in writing that the
consent shall become effective by 80% majority, rather than unanimous, consent.
All such effective written consents shall be filed with the minutes of the
proceedings of the Trustees and treated as a vote for all purposes.
Section 7. Compensation. The Trustees shall be entitled to receive
such compensation from the Trust for their services as may from time to time
be voted by the Trustees.
Section 8. Chairman. The Trustees may, by a majority vote of all the
Trustees, elect from their own number a Chairman, to serve until his successor
shall have been duly elected and qualified; the Chairman may serve on committees
of the Trustees. The Chairman shall not be an officer of the Trust solely by
virtue of his serving as Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of
the Trustees at which he is present, shall serve as the liaison between the
Trustees and the officers of the Trust and between the Trustees and their staff
and shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the Trustees.
Section 9. Trustees' Staff; Counsel for the Trust and Trustees, etc.
The Trustees may employ or contract with one or more Persons to serve as their
staff and to provide such services related thereto as may be determined from
time to time. The Trustees may employ attorneys as counsel for the Trust and/or
the Trustees and may engage such other experts or consultants as may be
determined from time to time.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. General Provisions. The Trustees may elect or appoint such
officers or agents as the business of the Trust may require, including without
limitation a Chief Executive Officer, a President, one or more Vice Presidents,
a Treasurer, a Secretary, one or more Assistant Treasurers and one or more
Assistant Secretaries. The Trustees may delegate to any officer or committee the
power to appoint any subordinate officers or agents.
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<PAGE>
Section 2. Term of Office and Qualifications. Except as otherwise
provided by law, the Declaration or these ByLaws, each of the principal
executive officer described in Section 4 below, the Treasurer and the Secretary
shall hold office until a successor shall have been duly elected and qualified,
and any other officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees. Any
two or more offices may be held by the same Person, provided that at least two
different individuals shall serve as officers. Any officer may be, but does not
need be, a Trustee.
Section 3. Removal. The Trustees may remove any officer with or without
cause by a vote of a majority of the Trustees. Any subordinate officer or agent
appointed by any officer or committee may be removed with or without cause by
such appointing officer or committee.
Section 4. Powers and Duties of the Chief Executive Officer; President.
The Chief Executive Officer, if any, shall be the principal executive officer of
the Trust. Subject to the control of the Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer
shall (i) at all times exercise general supervision and direction over the
affairs of the Trust, (ii) have the power to grant, issue, execute or sign such
documents as may be deemed advisable or necessary in the ordinary course of the
Trust's business and (iii) have such other powers and duties as from time to
time may be assigned by the Trustees.
If there is no Chief Executive Officer, the President shall be the
principal executive officer of the Trust and shall have the powers and duties
set forth above in this Section 4. If there is a Chief Executive Officer and a
President, the President shall have such powers and duties as from time to time
may be assigned by the Trustees or the Chief Executive Officer.
Section 5. Powers and Duties of Vice Presidents. In the absence or
disability of the President, any Vice President designated by the Trustees or
the President shall perform all the duties, and may exercise any of the powers,
of the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees or the Chief Executive
Officer.
Section 6. Powers and Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be
the principal financial and accounting officer of the Trust. The Treasurer shall
deliver all funds of the Trust which may come into his hands to the Trust's
custodian. The Treasurer shall render a statement of condition of the finances
of the Trust to the Trustees as often as they shall require the same and shall
in general perform all the duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 7. Powers and Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall keep
the minutes of all meetings of the Holders in proper books provided for that
purpose; shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Trustees; shall have
custody of the seal of the Trust, if any; and shall have charge of the Holder
lists and records unless the same are in the charge of the Transfer Agent. The
Secretary shall attend to the giving and serving of notices by the Trust in
accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws and as required by law; and
subject to these By-Laws, shall in general perform all the duties incident to
the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 8. Powers and Duties of Assistant Treasurers. In the absence or
disability of the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer designated by the Trustees
shall perform all the duties, and may exercise
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<PAGE>
any of the powers, of the Treasurer. Each Assistant Treasurer shall perform such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 9. Powers and Duties of Assistant Secretaries. In the absence
or disability of the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary designated by the
Trustees shall perform all of the duties, and may exercise any of the powers, of
the Secretary. Each Assistant Secretary shall perform such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 10. Compensation of Officers. Subject to any applicable law or
provision of the Declaration, any compensation of any officer may be fixed from
time to time by the Trustees. No officer shall be prevented from receiving any
such compensation as such officer by reason of the fact that he is also a
Trustee. If no such compensation is fixed for any officer, such officer shall
not be entitled to receive any compensation from the Trust.
Section 11. Bond and Surety. As provided in the Declaration, any
officer may be required by the Trustees to be bonded for the faithful
performance of his duties in the amount and with such sureties as the Trustees
may determine.
ARTICLE VI
SEAL
The Trustees may adopt a seal which shall be in such form and shall
have such inscription thereon as the Trustees may from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE VII
FISCAL YEAR
The Trust may have different fiscal years for its separate and distinct
series, if applicable. The fiscal year(s) of the Trust shall be determined by
the Trustees, provided that the Trustees (or the Treasurer subject to
ratification by the Trustees) may from time to time change any fiscal year.
ARTICLE VIII
CUSTODIAN
Section 1. Appointment and Duties. The Trustees shall at all times
employ one or more banks or trust companies having a capital, surplus and
undivided profits of at least $50,000,000 as custodian with authority as the
Trust's agent, but subject to such restrictions, limitations and other
requirements, if any, as may be contained in the Declaration, these By-Laws and
the 1940 Act:
(i) to hold the securities owned by the Trust and deliver the same upon
written order; (ii) to receive and receipt for any monies due to the
Trust and deposit the same in its own banking department or elsewhere
as the Trustees may direct; (iii) to disburse such funds upon orders or
vouchers; (iv) if authorized by the Trustees, to keep the books and
accounts of the Trust and furnish clerical and accounting services; and
(v) if authorized by the Trustees, to compute the net income of
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<PAGE>
the
Trust and the net asset value of the Trust or, in the case of each
Feeder Trust and each Stand Alone Trust, Shares; all upon such basis of
compensation as may be agreed upon between the Trustees and the
custodian.
The Trustees may also authorize the custodian to employ one or more
sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the
custodian and upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the
custodian and such sub-custodian and approved by the Trustees. Subject to the
approval of the Trustees, the custodian may enter into arrangements with
securities depositories. All such custodial, sub-custodial and depository
arrangements shall be subject to, and comply with, the provisions of the 1940
Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 2. Successor Custodian. The Trust shall upon the resignation
or inability to serve of its custodian or upon change of the custodian:
(i) in case of such resignation or inability to serve, use its best
efforts to obtain a successor custodian; (ii) require that the cash and
securities owned by the Trust be delivered directly to the successor
custodian; and (iii) in the event that no successor custodian can be
found, submit to the Holders before permitting delivery of the cash and
securities owned by the Trust otherwise than to a successor custodian,
the question whether the Trust shall be liquidated or shall function
without a custodian.
ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICATION
In the case of each Master Trust, insofar as the conditional advancing
of indemnification monies under Section 5.4 of the Declaration for actions based
upon the 1940 Act may be concerned, such payments will be made only on the
following conditions:
(i) the advances must be limited to amounts used, or to be used, for
the preparation or presentation of a defense to the action, including
costs connected with the preparation of a settlement; (ii) advances may
be made only upon receipt of a written promise by, or on behalf of, the
recipient to repay the amount of the advance which exceeds the amount
to which it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to receive
from the Trust by reason of indemnification; and (iii) (a) such promise
must be secured by a surety bond, other suitable insurance or an
equivalent form of security which assures that any repayment may be
obtained by the Trust without delay or litigation, which bond,
insurance or other form of security must be provided by the recipient
of the advance, or (b) a majority of a quorum of the Trust's
disinterested, nonparty Trustees, or an independent legal counsel in a
written opinion, shall determine, based upon a review of readily
available facts, that the recipient of the advance ultimately will be
found entitled to indemnification.
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ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONAL TRUSTS, ETC.
The Trustees shall have the power to alter, amend or repeal
these By-Laws or adopt new By-Laws at any time to the extent such power is not
reserved to the Holders by the 1940 Act, other applicable law or the
Declaration. Action by the Trustees with respect to these By-Laws shall be taken
by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees. The Trustees shall in no
event adopt By-Laws which are in conflict with the Declaration.
One or more additional trusts may be added to Schedule I or Schedule II
by resolution of the trustees of such trust(s), provided that the trustees of
such trust(s) are identical to the Trustees of the Master Trusts, the Feeder
Trusts and the Stand Alone Trusts immediately prior to such addition.
In the case of each Master Trust, the Declaration refers to the
Trustees as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and no Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be held to any personal liability,
nor shall resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any
obligation or claim or otherwise in connection with the affairs of the Trust. In
the case of each Feeder Trust and each Stand Alone Trust, the Declaration refers
to the Trustees not individually, but as Trustees under the Declaration, and no
Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be subject to any
personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than the Trust or its
Holders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save
only that arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or
reckless disregard for his duty to such Person; and all such Persons shall look
solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in
connection with the affairs of the Trust.
JPM345A
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<PAGE>
SCHEDULE I
MASTER TRUSTS
State of Date of Date
Organiza- Declara- By-Laws
Trust tion tion Adopted
The Treasury Money Market New York 11/4/92 10/10/96
Portfolio
The Money Market Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The Tax Exempt Money Market New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
Portfolio
The Short Term Bond Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The U.S. Fixed Income Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The Tax Exempt Bond Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The Selected U.S. Equity Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The U.S. Small Company Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The Non-U.S. Equity Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The Diversified Portfolio New York 1/29/93 10/10/96
The Non-U.S. Fixed Income New York 6/13/93 10/10/96
Portfolio
The Emerging Markets Equity New York 6/13/93 10/10/96
Portfolio
The New York Total Return Bond New York 6/13/93 10/10/96
Portfolio
The Series Portfolio New York 6/14/94 10/10/96
The Global Strategic Income
Portfolio New York 1/9/97 2/13/97
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<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
FEEDER TRUSTS
State of Date of Date
Organization Declara- By-Laws
Trust tion Adopted
The JPM Pierpont Funds Massachusetts 11/4/92 10/10/96
The JPM Institutional
Funds Massachusetts 11/4/92 10/10/96
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<PAGE>
SCHEDULE III
STAND ALONE TRUSTS
State of Date of Date
Organization Declara- By-Laws
Trust tion Adopted
JPM Series Trust Massachusetts 8/15/96 10/10/96
13
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the report on Form
N-SAR dated September 30, 1996 for The New York Total Return Bond Portfolio and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such report.
</LEGEND>
<CIK>0000921224
<NAME> THE NEW YORK TOTAL RETURN BOND PORTFOLIO
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 129988
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 132056
<RECEIVABLES> 1980
<ASSETS-OTHER> 31
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 134067
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 77
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 77
<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> 133990
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2958
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 253
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2705
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 8
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 167
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 2880
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 39142
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 6701
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 35321
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 171
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 253
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 114308
<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> .44
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
