As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1998
File No. 811-9008
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 9
THE SERIES PORTFOLIO
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Post Office Box 2508 GT, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (345) 949-6644
Christopher J. Kelley, c/o Funds Distributor, Inc.
60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to: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.
<PAGE>
21
I:\dsfndlgl\tspn1a\tspamen6.txt
PART A (THE EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO)
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 Series Portfolio (the "Portfolio Trust") is an open-end management
investment company which was organized as a trust under the laws of the State of
New York on June 24, 1994. Beneficial interests of the Portfolio Trust are
divided into series, one of which, The European Equity Portfolio (the
"Portfolio") is described herein. The Portfolio is diversified for purposes of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). 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 (the "1933 Act"). Investments in the Portfolio may
only be made by other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts,
common or commingled trust funds or similar organizations or entities that are
"accredited investors" within the meaning of Regulation D under the 1933 Act.
This Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the
solicitation of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning of the 1933
Act.
The Portfolio is advised by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
("Morgan" or the "Advisor").
Investments in the Portfolio are not deposits or obligations of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, Morgan or any other bank. Interests in the Portfolio
are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
Federal Reserve Board or any other governmental agency. An investment in the
Portfolio is subject to risk, as the net asset value of the Portfolio will
fluctuate with changes in the value of the Portfolio's holdings.
Part B contains more detailed information about the Portfolio,
including information related to (i) the investment policies and restrictions of
the Portfolio, (ii) the Trustees, officers, Advisor and administrators of the
Portfolio, (iii) portfolio transactions, (iv) rights and liabilities of
investors and (v) the audited financial statements of the Portfolio at December
31, 1997.
The investment objective of the Portfolio is described below, together
with the policies employed to attempt to achieve this objective. Additional
information about the investment policies of the Portfolio appears in Part B
under Item 13. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the
Portfolio will be achieved.
The Portfolio's investment objective is to provide high total return
from a portfolio of European company stocks. Total return will consist of
realized and unrealized capital gains and losses plus income. Under certain
market conditions, the Portfolio may not be able to achieve its investment
objective.
The Portfolio is designed for investors who want an actively managed
portfolio of European equity securities that seeks to outperform the Morgan
Stanley Capital International Europe Index which is comprised of more than 600
companies in 14 European countries. The Portfolio does not represent a complete
investment program nor is the Portfolio suitable for all investors.
The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective primarily
through stock selection. In addition, the Portfolio makes active allocations to
certain countries. Morgan makes a determination as to the appropriate allocation
among European countries.
A European company is one that: (i) has its principal securities
trading market in a European country; or (ii) is organized under the laws of a
European country; or (iii) derives 50% or more of its total revenue and/or
profits from either goods produced, sales made or services performed in European
countries; or (iv) has at least 50% of its assets located in European countries.
The Portfolio's investments are primarily denominated in foreign
currencies but it may also invest in securities denominated in the U.S. dollar
or multinational currency units such as the ECU. The Advisor will not routinely
attempt to hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure. However, the Advisor
may from time to time engage in foreign currency exchange transactions if, based
on fundamental research, technical factors, and the judgment of experienced
currency managers, it believes the transactions would be in the Portfolio's best
interest. For further information on foreign currency exchange transactions, see
Risk Factors and Additional Investment Information.
The Advisor intends to manage the Portfolio actively in pursuit of its
investment objective. The Portfolio does not intend to respond to short-term
market fluctuations or to acquire securities for the purpose of short-term
trading; however, it may take advantage of short-term trading opportunities that
are consistent with its objective. To the extent the Portfolio engages in
short-term trading, it may realize short-term capital gains or losses and incur
increased transaction costs. The portfolio turnover rates for the Portfolio for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 were 57% and 65%.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS. In normal circumstances, the Advisor intends to
keep the Portfolio essentially fully invested with at least 65% of the value of
its total assets in equity securities of European companies consisting of common
stocks and other securities with equity characteristics comprised of preferred
stock, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depository receipts or
certificates, limited partnership interests and equity participations. The
Portfolio's primary equity investments are the common stock of companies based
in the developed countries of Europe. Such investments will be made in at least
three European countries. The common stock in which the Portfolio may invest
includes the common stock of any class or series or any similar equity interest,
such as trust or limited partnership interests. These equity investments may or
may not pay dividends and may or may not carry voting rights. In addition to its
equity investments in European companies, the Portfolio may invest up to 5% of
its assets in equity securities of issuers in emerging European markets such as
Eastern European countries and Turkey. See Risk Factors and Additional
Investment Information. The Portfolio invests in securities listed on foreign or
domestic securities exchanges and securities traded in foreign or domestic
over-the-counter (OTC) markets, and may invest in certain restricted or unlisted
securities.
The Portfolio may also invest in money market instruments and bonds
denominated in U.S. dollars and other currencies, purchase securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, enter into repurchase and reverse
repurchase agreements, lend its portfolio securities, purchase certain privately
placed securities and enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. In
addition, the Portfolio may use options on securities and indexes of securities,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts for hedging and risk
management purposes. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options and
futures contracts are derivative instruments. For a discussion of these
investments and investment techniques, see Risk Factors and Additional
Investment Information.
RISK FACTORS AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
FOREIGN INVESTMENT INFORMATION. The Portfolio invests primarily in
foreign securities. Investment in securities of foreign issuers involves
somewhat different investment risks from those affecting securities of U.S.
domestic issuers. There may be limited publicly available information with
respect to foreign issuers, and foreign issuers are not generally subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable
to those applicable to domestic companies. Dividends and interest paid by
foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes which may
decrease the net return on foreign investments as compared to dividends and
interest paid to the Portfolio by domestic companies.
Investors should realize that the value of the Portfolio's investments
in foreign securities may be adversely affected by changes in political or
social conditions, diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation,
nationalization, limitation on the removal of funds or assets, or imposition of
(or change in) exchange control or tax regulations in those foreign countries.
In addition, changes in government administrations or economic or monetary
policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or
depreciation of portfolio securities and could favorably or unfavorably affect
the Portfolio's operations. Furthermore, the economies of individual foreign
nations may differ from the U.S. economy, whether favorably or unfavorably, in
areas such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position; it may
also be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign
issuer. Any foreign investments made by the Portfolio must be made in compliance
with U.S. and foreign currency restrictions and tax laws restricting the amounts
and types of foreign investments.
In addition, while the volume of transactions effected on foreign stock
exchanges has increased in recent years, in most cases it remains appreciably
below that of domestic security exchanges. Accordingly, the Portfolio's foreign
investments may be less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than
comparable investments in securities of U.S. companies. Moreover, the settlement
periods for foreign securities, which are often longer than those for securities
of U.S. issuers, may affect portfolio liquidity. In buying and selling
securities on foreign exchanges, purchasers normally pay fixed commissions that
are generally higher than the negotiated commissions charged in the United
States. In addition, there is generally less government supervision and
regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and issuers located in foreign
countries than in the United States.
Although the Portfolio invests primarily in securities of established
issuers in developed European countries, it may also invest in equity securities
of companies in European emerging market countries. Investments in securities of
issuers in European emerging market countries may involve a high degree of risk
and many may be considered speculative. These investments carry all of the risks
of investing in securities of foreign issuers outlined in this section to a
heightened degree. These heightened risks include (i) greater risks of
expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, and less social,
political and economic stability; (ii) the small current size of the markets for
securities of emerging markets issuers and the currently low or nonexistent
volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility; (iii)
certain national policies which may restrict the Portfolio's investment
opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries
deemed sensitive to relevant national interests; and (iv) the absence of
developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment and private
property.
The Portfolio may invest in securities of foreign issuers directly or
in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary
Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") or other similar
securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S.
financial institution (a "depositary"), that evidence ownership interests in a
security or a pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with
the depositary. ADRs include American Depositary Shares and New York Shares.
EDRs are receipts issued by a European financial institution. GDRs, which are
sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are
securities, typically issued by a non-U.S. financial institution, that evidence
ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities issued by either a
U.S. or foreign issuer. ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and CDRs may be available for
investment through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility
is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and
a depositary, whereas an unsponsored facility may be established by a depositary
without participation by the issuer of the receipt's underlying security.
Holders of an unsponsored depositary receipt generally bear all costs
of the unsponsored facility. The depositary of an unsponsored facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through to the
holders of the receipts voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
Since investments in foreign securities involve foreign currencies, the
value of the Portfolio's its assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control
regulations, including currency blockage. See Foreign Currency Exchange
Transactions.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. Because the Portfolio buys and
sells securities and receives interest and dividends in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar, the Portfolio may enter from time to time into foreign currency
exchange transactions. The Portfolio either enters into these transactions on a
spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency
exchange market, or uses forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies. The cost of the Portfolio's spot currency exchange transactions is
generally the difference between the bid and offer spot rate of the currency
being purchased or sold.
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an obligation by the
Portfolio to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the date of the contract. Forward foreign currency
exchange contracts establish an exchange rate at a future date. These contracts
are derivative instruments, as their value derives from the spot exchange rates
of the currencies underlying the contracts. These contracts are entered into in
the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency exchange contract
generally has no deposit requirement and is traded at a net price without
commission. The Portfolio will not enter into forward contracts for speculative
purposes. Neither spot transactions nor forward foreign currency exchange
contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the Portfolio's securities or
in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the prices of these securities
should decline.
The Portfolio may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions in
an attempt to protect against changes in foreign currency exchange rates between
the trade and settlement dates of specific securities transactions or
anticipated securities transactions. The Portfolio may also enter into forward
contracts to hedge against a change in foreign currency exchange rates that
would cause a decline in the value of existing investments denominated or
principally traded in a foreign currency. To do this, the Portfolio would enter
into a forward contract to sell the foreign currency in which the investment is
denominated or principally traded in exchange for U.S. dollars or in exchange
for another foreign currency. The Portfolio will only enter into forward
contracts to sell a foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency if
the Advisor expects the foreign currency purchased to appreciate against the
U.S. dollar.
Although these transactions are intended to minimize the risk of loss
due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they
limit any potential gain that might be realized should the value of the hedged
currency increase. In addition, forward contracts that convert a foreign
currency into another foreign currency will cause the Portfolio to assume the
risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency purchased against the hedged
currency and the U.S. dollar. The precise matching of the forward contract
amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible
because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as
a consequence of market movements in the value of such securities between the
date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The
projection of currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the
successful execution of a hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The convertible securities in which the
Portfolio may invest include any debt securities or preferred stock which may be
converted into common stock or which carry the right to purchase common stock.
Convertible securities entitle the holder to exchange the securities for a
specified number of shares of common stock, usually of the same company, at
specified prices within a certain period of time.
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS. The Portfolio may invest in common stock
warrants that entitle the holder to buy common stock from the issuer of the
warrant at a specific price (the strike price) for a specific period of time.
The market price of warrants may be substantially lower than the current market
price of the underlying common stock, yet warrants are subject to similar price
fluctuations. As a result, warrants may be more volatile investments than the
underlying common stock.
Warrants generally do not entitle the holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying common stock and do not represent any
rights in the assets of the issuer company. A warrant will expire worthless if
it is not exercised on or prior to the expiration date.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. The Portfolio may purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. Delivery of and payment
for these securities may take as long as a month or more after the date of the
purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market
fluctuation during this period and for fixed income securities no interest
accrues to the Portfolio until settlement. At the time of settlement, a
when-issued security may be valued at less than its purchase price. The
Portfolio maintains with the Custodian a separate account with a segregated
portfolio of securities in an amount at least equal to these commitments. When
entering into a when-issued or delayed delivery transaction, the Portfolio will
rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails
to do so, the Portfolio may be disadvantaged. It is the current policy of the
Portfolio not to enter into when-issued commitments exceeding in the aggregate
15% of the market value of the Portfolio's total assets less liabilities other
than the obligations created by these commitments.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio may engage in repurchase agreement
transactions with brokers, dealers or banks that meet the credit guidelines
established by the Portfolio Trust's Trustees. In a repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio buys a security from a seller that has agreed to repurchase it at a
mutually agreed upon date and price, reflecting the interest rate effective for
the term of the agreement. The term of these agreements is usually from
overnight to one week. A repurchase agreement may be viewed as a fully
collateralized loan of money by the Portfolio to the seller. The Portfolio
always receives securities as collateral with a market value at least equal to
the purchase price plus accrued interest and this value is maintained during the
term of the agreement. If the seller defaults and the collateral value declines,
the Portfolio might incur a loss. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with
respect to the seller, the Portfolio's realization upon the disposition of
collateral may be delayed or limited. Investments in certain repurchase
agreements and certain other investments which may be considered illiquid are
limited. See Illiquid Investments; Privately Placed and other Unregistered
Securities below.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Subject to applicable investment
restrictions, the Portfolio is permitted to lend its securities in an amount up
to 33 1/3% of the value of the Portfolio's net assets. The Portfolio may lend
its securities if such loans are secured continuously by cash or equivalent
collateral or by a letter of credit in favor of the Portfolio at least equal at
all times to 100% of the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued
interest. While such securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Portfolio
any income accruing thereon. Loans will be subject to termination by the
Portfolio in the normal settlement time, generally three business days after
notice, or by the borrower on one day's notice. Borrowed securities must be
returned when the loan is terminated. Any gain or loss in the market price of
the borrowed securities which occurs during the term of the loan inures to the
Portfolio and its respective investors. The Portfolio may pay reasonable
finders' and custodial fees in connection with a loan. In addition, the
Portfolio will consider all facts and circumstances, including the
creditworthiness of the borrowing financial institution, and the Portfolio will
not make any loans in excess of one year.
Loans of portfolio securities may be considered extensions of credit by
the Portfolio. The risks to the Portfolio with respect to borrowers of its
portfolio securities are similar to the risks to the Portfolio with respect to
sellers in repurchase agreement transactions. See Repurchase Agreements above.
The Portfolio will not lend its securities to any officer, Trustee, Director,
employee or other affiliate of the Portfolio, the Advisor or the exclusive
placement agent or any affiliate thereof, 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 the same security 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, a reverse repurchase agreement is
also considered as the borrowing of money by the Portfolio and, therefore, is a
form of leverage. Leverage may cause any gains or losses of the Portfolio to be
magnified. See Investment Restrictions for investment limitations applicable to
reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowings. For more information, see
Item 13 in Part B.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS; PRIVATELY PLACED AND OTHER UNREGISTERED
SECURITIES. The Portfolio may not acquire any illiquid securities if, as a
result thereof, more than 15% of the Portfolio's net assets would be in illiquid
investments. Subject to this non-fundamental policy limitation, the 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 of the Portfolio Trust.
The Trustees will monitor the Advisor's implementation of these guidelines on a
periodic basis.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS.
The Portfolio is permitted to enter into futures and options
transactions described below for hedging and risk management purposes.
The Portfolio may (a) purchase and sell (write) exchange traded and OTC
put and call options on equity securities or indexes of equity securities, (b)
purchase and sell futures contracts on indexes of equity securities, and (c)
purchase and sell (write) put and call options on futures contracts on indexes
of equity securities. Each of these instruments is a derivative instrument, as
its value derives from the underlying asset or index.
The Portfolio may not use futures contracts and options for
speculation. For a more detailed description of these transactions see "Options
and Futures Transactions" in Item 13 in Part B.
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.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, the
Portfolio obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the instrument
underlying the option at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the
Portfolio pays the current market price for the option (known as the option
premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including
specific securities, indexes of securities, indexes of securities prices, and
futures contracts. The Portfolio may terminate its position in a put option it
has purchased by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. The
Portfolio may also close out a put option position by entering into an
offsetting transaction, if a liquid market exists. If the option is allowed to
expire, the Portfolio will lose the entire premium it paid. If the Portfolio
exercises a put option on a security, it will sell the instrument underlying the
option at the strike price. If the Portfolio exercises an option on an index,
settlement is in cash and does not involve the actual sale of securities. If an
option is American style, it may be exercised on any day up to its expiration
date. A European style option may be exercised only on 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.
The Portfolio may purchase put and call options on securities, indexes
of securities and futures contracts, or purchase and sell futures contracts,
only if such options are written by other persons and if (i) the aggregate
premiums paid on all such options which are held at any time do not exceed 20%
of the Portfolio's net assets, and (ii) the aggregate margin deposits required
on all such futures or options thereon held at any time do not exceed 5% of the
Portfolio's total assets. 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. For more detailed information about these
transactions, see Item 13 in Part B.
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 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. 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 delivery date. However, when the Portfolio buys or sells a futures contract
it will be required to deposit "initial margin" with its Custodian in a
segregated account in the name of its futures broker, known as a futures
commission merchant (FCM). Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a
small percentage of the contract's value. If the value of either party's
position declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation
margin" payments equal to the change in value on a daily basis. The party that
has a gain may be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. The
Portfolio may be obligated to make payments of variation margin at a time when
it is disadvantageous to do so. Furthermore, it may not always be possible for
the Portfolio to close out its futures positions. Until it closes out a futures
position, the Portfolio will be obligated to continue to pay variation margin.
Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing on margin for
purposes of the Portfolio's investment restrictions. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the Portfolio, the Portfolio
may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the
Portfolio.
The Portfolio will segregate liquid assets in connection with its use
of options and futures contracts to the extent required by the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Securities held in a segregated account
cannot be sold while the futures contract or option is outstanding, unless they
are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, there is a possibility
that segregation of a large percentage of the Portfolio's assets could impede
portfolio management or the Portfolio's ability to meet redemption requests or
other current obligations.
For further information about the Portfolio's use of futures and
options and a more detailed discussion of associated risks, see Item 13 in Part
B.
FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS. The Portfolio is permitted to invest in money
market instruments and bonds although it intends to stay invested in equity
securities to the extent practical in light of its objective. The Portfolio may
invest in fixed income instruments of foreign or domestic issuers denominated in
U.S. dollars and other currencies. Under normal circumstances the Portfolio will
purchase money market instruments to invest temporary cash balances or to
maintain liquidity to meet redemptions. However, the Portfolio may also invest
in money market instruments and bonds without limitation as a temporary
defensive measure taken in the Advisor's judgment during, or in anticipation of,
adverse market conditions. For more detailed information about these
investments, see Item 13 in Part B.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
As a diversified investment company, 75% of the assets of the Portfolio
are subject to the following fundamental limitations: (a) the Portfolio may not
invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer,
except U.S. Government securities, and (b) the Portfolio may not own more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
The investment 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
security holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Portfolio as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Portfolio may not purchase securities or other obligations of
issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry if its
investments in such industry would exceed 25% of the value of the Portfolio's
total assets, except this limitation shall not apply to investments in U.S.
Government securities. In addition, the Portfolio may not 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 one
third of the Portfolio's total assets less liabilities (other than borrowings);
and the Portfolio may not issue senior securities except as permitted by the
1940 Act or any rule, order or interpretation thereunder. See Risk Factors and
Additional Investment Information-Loans of Portfolio Securities and 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 TRUST
The Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the affairs of
the Portfolio Trust. The Portfolio Trust has retained the services of Morgan as
investment adviser and administrative services agent. The Portfolio Trust has
retained the services of Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") as co-administrator
(the "Co-Administrator").
The Portfolio Trust 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.
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 approximately $250 billion. Morgan provides investment
advice and portfolio management services to the Portfolio. Subject to the
supervision of the Portfolio Trust'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 equity portfolios, this process utilizes
fundamental research, systematic stock selection, disciplined portfolio
construction and, in the case of foreign equities, country exposure and currency
management. Morgan has managed portfolios of equity securities of international,
including European, companies on behalf of its clients since 1974. The portfolio
managers making investments in European equity securities work in conjunction
with Morgan's European equity analysts, as well as capital market, credit and
economic research analysts, traders and administrative officers. The European
equity analysts, located in London, each cover a different industry, monitoring
a universe of approximately 325 companies in Europe.
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
business experience for the past five years is indicated parenthetically): Paul
A. Quinsee, Managing Director (since March, 1995, employed by Morgan since prior
to 1993) and Nigel F. Emmett, Vice President (since February 1998, employed by
Morgan since since August, 1997 and by Brown Brothers Harriman and Co. as an
assistant portfolio manager and at Gartmore Investment Management as a portfolio
manager prior to August, 1997).
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by
Morgan under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Portfolio Trust, the
Portfolio has agreed to pay Morgan a fee, which is computed daily and may be
paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Portfolio's average daily net
assets.
Under a separate agreement, Morgan also provides administrative and
related services to the Portfolio Trust. See Administrative Services Agent
below.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement with the
Portfolio Trust, FDI serves as the Co-Administrator for the Portfolio. FDI,
directly or through a sub-administrator, (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
Trust 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 Trust and certain other registered
investment companies subject to similar agreements with FDI.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. Pursuant to the Administrative Services
Agreement with the Portfolio Trust, 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, the other portfolios in which series of the Trust or the J.P. Morgan
Funds invest and J.P. Morgan Series Trust in accordance with the following
annual schedule: 0.09% on the first $7 billion of their aggregate average daily
net assets and 0.04% of such aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7
billion, less the complex-wide fees payable to FDI.
PLACEMENT AGENT. FDI, a registered broker-dealer, also serves as
exclusive placement agent for the Portfolio. FDI is a wholly owned indirect
subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group, Inc. FDI's principal business address
is 60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"),225
Franklin Street, Boston Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Portfolio's custodian
and fund accounting and transfer agent. State Street keeps the books of account
for the Portfolio at a location outside the United States.
EXPENSES. In addition to the fees payable to the service providers
identified above, the Portfolio is responsible for usual and customary expenses
associated with its operations. Such expenses include organization expenses,
legal fees, accounting and audit expenses, insurance costs, the compensation and
expenses of the Trustees, registration fees under federal and foreign securities
laws, extraordinary expenses, custodian fees and brokerage expenses.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 the Portfolio's total
expenses were 0.84% and 0.88%, respectively of its average net assets.
ITEM 6. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
The Portfolio is a series of the Portfolio Trust, which 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 one or more series.
Currently, there are five active subtrusts (series) of the Portfolio Trust.
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.
The Declaration of Trust provides that investors in the Portfolio (other
investment companies, insurance company separate accounts and common and
commingled trust funds) are each 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 February 28, 1998, J.P. Morgan Institutional European Equity Fund
and J.P. Morgan European Equity Fund (series of the J.P. Morgan Institutional
Funds and the J.P. Morgan Funds), respectively, owned 57% and 43%, respectively,
of the outstanding beneficial interests in the Portfolio. So long as the Funds
control the Portfolio, the Funds may take action without the approval of any
other holder of beneficial interests in the Portfolio.
Each investor in the Portfolio is entitled to a vote in proportion to
the amount of its investment in the Portfolio. Investors in the Portfolio will
vote as a separate class, except as to voting of Trustees, as otherwise required
by the 1940 Act, or if determined by the Trustees to be a matter which affects
all series. As to any matter which only affects a specific series, only
investors in that series are entitled to vote. Investments in the Portfolio have
no preemptive or conversion rights and are fully paid and nonassessable, except
as set forth below. The Portfolio is not required and has no current intention
of holding annual meetings of investors, but the Portfolio will hold special
meetings of investors when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or
desirable to submit matters for an investor vote. Changes in fundamental
policies will be submitted to investors for approval. Investors have under
certain circumstances (e.g., upon application and submission of certain
specified documents to the Trustees by a specified percentage of the outstanding
interests in the Portfolio) the right to communicate with other investors in
connection with requesting a meeting of investors for the purpose of removing
one or more Trustees. Investors also have the right to remove one or more
Trustees without a meeting by a declaration in writing by a specified percentage
of the outstanding interests in the Portfolio. Upon liquidation of the
Portfolio, investors would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.
The net asset value of the Portfolio is determined each business day
other than the holidays listed in Part B ("Portfolio Business Day"). This
determination is made once each Portfolio Business Day at the close of trading
on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 P.M.)(the "Valuation Time").
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. Income includes
dividends and interest, including discount earned (including both original issue
and market discount) on discount paper accrued ratably to the date of maturity
and any net realized and unrealized 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 December 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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and regulations promulgated thereunder.
It is intended that the Portfolio's assets, income and distributions
will be managed in such a way that an investor in the Portfolio will be able to
satisfy the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code") assuming that the investor invested all of its assets in
the Portfolio.
Investor inquiries may be directed to FDI, in care of State Street Cayman
Trust Company, Ltd. at Elizabethan Square, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand
Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I. (345) 949-6644).
ITEM 7. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES
Beneficial interests in the Portfolio are issued solely in private
placement transactions that do not involve any "public offering" within the
meaning of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act. Investments in the Portfolio may only
be made by other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts,
common or commingled trust funds, or similar organizations or entities which are
"accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501 under the 1933 Act. This
Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning of the 1933 Act.
An investment in the Portfolio may be made without a sales load. All
investments are made at net asset value next determined after an order is
received in "good order" by the Portfolio Trust. The net asset value of the
Portfolio is determined at the Valuation Time 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) if stock, have a value
which is readily ascertainable as evidenced by a listing on a stock exchange,
OTC market or by readily available market quotations from a dealer in such
securities. The Portfolio reserves the right to accept or reject at its own
option any and all securities offered in payment for beneficial interests.
The Portfolio and FDI reserve the right to cease accepting investments
at any time or to reject any investment order.
Each investor in the Portfolio may add to or reduce its investment in
the Portfolio on each Portfolio Business Day. At the Valuation Time on each such
day, the value of each investor's beneficial interest in the Portfolio will be
determined by multiplying the net asset value of the Portfolio by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents that investor's share of
the aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Any additions or
reductions, which are to be effected at the Valuation Time on such day, will
then be effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate beneficial
interests in the Portfolio will then be recomputed as the percentage equal to
the fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor's
investment in the Portfolio at the Valuation Time on such day plus or minus, as
the case may be, the amount of net additions to or reductions in the investor's
investment in the Portfolio effected 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.
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 Trust. The proceeds of a
reduction will be paid by the Portfolio Trust 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 Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, reserves the right
under certain circumstances, such as accommodating requests for substantial
withdrawals or liquidations, to pay distributions in kind to investors (i.e., to
distribute portfolio securities as opposed to cash). If securities are
distributed, an investor could incur brokerage, tax or other charges in
converting the securities to cash. In addition, distribution in kind may result
in a less diversified portfolio of investments or adversely affect the liquidity
of the Portfolio or the investor's portfolio, as the case may be.
ITEM 9. PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Not applicable.
<PAGE>
PART A (THE JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO)
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 Series Portfolio (the "Portfolio Trust") is an open-end management
investment company which was organized as a trust under the laws of the State of
New York on June 24, 1994. Beneficial interests of the Portfolio Trust are
divided into series, one of which, The Japan Equity Portfolio (the "Portfolio")
is described herein. The Portfolio is non-diversified for purposes of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). 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 (the "1933 Act"). Investments in the Portfolio may only
be made by other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts,
common or commingled trust funds or similar organizations or entities that are
"accredited investors" within the meaning of Regulation D under the 1933 Act.
This Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the
solicitation of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning of the 1933
Act.
The Portfolio is advised by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
("Morgan" or the "Advisor").
Investments in the Portfolio are not deposits or obligations of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, Morgan or any other bank. Interests in the Portfolio
are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
Federal Reserve Board or any other governmental agency. An investment in the
Portfolio is subject to risk, as the net asset value of the Portfolio will
fluctuate with changes in the value of the Portfolio's holdings.
Part B contains more detailed information about the Portfolio,
including information related to (i) the investment policies and restrictions of
the Portfolio, (ii) the Trustees, officers, Advisor and administrators of the
Portfolio, (iii) portfolio transactions, (iv) rights and liabilities of
investors and (v) the audited financial statements of the Portfolio at December
31, 1997.
The investment objective of the Portfolio is described below, together
with the policies employed to attempt to achieve this objective. Additional
information about the investment policies of the Portfolio appears in Part B
under Item 13. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the
Portfolio will be achieved.
The Portfolio's investment objective is to provide high total return
from a portfolio of Japanese company stocks. Total return will consist of
realized and unrealized capital gains and losses plus income. Under certain
market conditions, the Portfolio may not be able to achieve its investment
objective.
The Portfolio is designed for investors who want an actively managed
portfolio of Japanese equity securities that seeks to outperform the Tokyo Stock
Price Index (TOPIX), a composite market-capitalization weighted index of all
common stocks listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The
Portfolio does not represent a complete investment program nor is the Portfolio
suitable for all investors.
A Japanese company is one that: (i) has its principal securities
trading market in Japan; or (ii) is organized under the laws of Japan; or (iii)
derives 50% or more of its total revenues and/or profits from either goods
produced, sales made or services performed in Japan; or (iv) has at least 50% of
its assets located in Japan.
The Advisor seeks to enhance the Portfolio's total return relative to
that of the TOPIX through fundamental research, stock selection and the
exploitation of underlying market inefficiencies. Based on internal fundamental
research, the Advisor uses a dividend discount model to establish the relative
rankings of individual Japanese companies within industrial sectors. The Advisor
then buys and sells securities within each industrial sector based on this
process. In addition to stocks, the Advisor actively uses convertible securities
and warrants to seek to enhance overall portfolio performance.
In addition, the Advisor uses a disciplined portfolio construction
process to seek to reduce the Portfolio's volatility relative to the TOPIX.
Morgan attempts to keep the industrial sector weightings, the average market
capitalization and other broad characteristics of the Portfolio comparable to
those of the TOPIX.
The Advisor intends to manage the Portfolio actively in pursuit of its
investment objective. The Portfolio does not intend to respond to short-term
market fluctuations or to acquire securities for the purpose of short-term
trading; however, it may take advantage of short-term trading opportunities that
are consistent with its objective. To the extent the Portfolio engages in
short-term trading, it may realize short-term capital gains or losses and incur
increased transaction costs. The portfolio turnover rate for the Portfolio for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 were 86% and 93%,
respectively.
The Portfolio's equity investments will be primarily denominated in
yen, but the Portfolio may also invest in securities denominated in other
foreign currencies, the U.S. dollar or multinational currency units such as the
ECU. The Advisor will not routinely attempt to hedge the Portfolio's foreign
currency exposure. However, the Advisor may from time to time engage in foreign
currency exchange transactions if, based on fundamental research, technical
factors, and the judgment of experienced currency managers, it believes the
transactions would be in the Portfolio's best interest. For further information
on foreign currency exchange transactions, see Risk Factors and Additional
Investment Information.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS. In normal circumstances, the Advisor intends to
keep the Portfolio essentially fully invested with at least 65% of the
Portfolio's total assets invested in equity securities of Japanese companies
consisting of common stocks and other securities with equity characteristics
comprised of preferred stock, warrants, rights, convertible securities,
depository receipts, trust or limited partnership interests and equity
participations. The Portfolio's primary equity investments are the common stock
of established Japanese companies. The common stock in which the Portfolio may
invest includes the common stock of any class or series or any similar equity
interest, such as trust or limited partnership interests. These equity
investments may or may not pay dividends and may or may not carry voting rights.
The Portfolio invests in securities listed on foreign or domestic securities
exchanges and securities traded in foreign or domestic over-the-counter (OTC)
markets, and may invest in certain restricted or unlisted securities.
NON-DIVERSIFICATION. The Portfolio is registered as a non-diversified
investment company which means that the Portfolio 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, may 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.
The Portfolio may also invest in money market instruments denominated
in U.S. dollars and other currencies, purchase securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis, enter into repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements,
lend its portfolio securities, purchase certain privately placed securities and
enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. In addition, the
Portfolio may use options on securities and indexes of securities, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts for hedging and risk management
purposes. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options and futures
contracts are derivative instruments. For a discussion of these investments and
investment techniques, see Risk Factors and Additional Investment Information.
RISK FACTORS AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
INVESTING IN JAPAN. Investing in Japanese securities may involve the risks
associated with investing in foreign securities generally. See Other Foreign
Investment Information. In addition, because the Portfolio invests primarily in
Japan, it will be subject to the general economic and political conditions in
Japan.
Despite recent increases, prices for exchange-listed and OTC stocks of
Japanese companies are currently depressed in comparison to their historical
peaks in 1989 and 1990. Nevertheless, Japanese stocks continue to trade at high
price earnings ratios relative to stocks of U.S. companies. In addition,
differences in accounting methods make it difficult to compare the earnings of
Japanese companies with those of U.S. companies. Because most of the Portfolio's
investments are denominated in yen, changes in currency exchange rates will
affect the U.S. dollar value of the Portfolio's assets. The Japanese economy has
experienced a substantial reduction in its rate of growth. Economic growth and
the prices of Japanese stocks could be adversely affected by a reversal of
Japan's historical success in exporting its products and maintaining low
inflation and interest rates. Recent political instability and any resulting
delay in implementing regulatory reforms could also have a negative effect on
Japanese stock prices. For additional information, see Appendix C--Investing in
Japan and Asian Growth Markets--Japan and its Securities Markets in Part B.
OTHER FOREIGN INVESTMENT INFORMATION. The Portfolio invests primarily
in foreign securities. Investment in securities of foreign issuers involves
somewhat different investment risks from those affecting securities of U.S.
domestic issuers. There may be limited publicly available information with
respect to foreign issuers, and foreign issuers are not generally subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable
to those applicable to domestic companies. Interest paid by foreign issuers may
be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes which may decrease the net
return on foreign investments as compared to interest paid to the Portfolio by
domestic companies.
Investors should realize that the value of the Portfolio's investments
in foreign securities may be adversely affected by changes in political or
social conditions, diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation,
nationalization, limitation on the removal of funds or assets, or imposition of
(or change in) exchange control or tax regulations in those foreign countries.
In addition, changes in government administrations or economic or monetary
policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or
depreciation of portfolio securities and could favorably or unfavorably affect
the Portfolio's operations. Furthermore, the economies of individual foreign
nations may differ from the U.S. economy, whether favorably or unfavorably, in
areas such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position; it may
also be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign
issuer. Any foreign investments made by the Portfolio must be made in compliance
with U.S. and foreign currency restrictions and tax laws restricting the amounts
and types of foreign investments.
The Portfolio may invest in securities of foreign issuers directly or
in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary
Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") or other similar
securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S.
financial institution (a "depositary"), that evidence ownership interests in a
security or a pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with
the depositary. ADRs include American Depositary Shares and New York Shares.
EDRs are receipts issued by a European financial institution. GDRs, which are
sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are
securities, typically issued by a non-U.S. financial institution, that evidence
ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities issued by either a
U.S. or foreign issuer. ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and CDRs may be available for
investment through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility
is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and
a depositary, whereas an unsponsored facility may be established by a depositary
without participation by the issuer of the receipt's underlying security.
Holders of an unsponsored depositary receipt generally bear all costs
of the unsponsored facility. The depositary of an unsponsored facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through to the
holders of the receipts voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
Since investments in foreign securities involve foreign currencies, the
value of the Portfolio's assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control
regulations, including currency blockage. See Foreign Currency Exchange
Transactions.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. Because the Portfolio buys and
sells securities and receives interest and dividends in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar-principally yen-the Portfolio may enter from time to time into
foreign currency exchange transactions. The Portfolio either enters into these
transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign currency exchange market or uses forward contracts to purchase or sell
foreign currencies. The cost of the Portfolio's spot currency exchange
transactions is generally the difference between the bid and offer spot rate of
the currency being purchased or sold.
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an obligation by the
Portfolio to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the date of the contract. Forward foreign currency
exchange contracts establish an exchange rate at a future date. These contracts
are derivative instruments, as their value derives from the spot exchange rates
of the currencies underlying the contracts. These contracts are entered into in
the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency exchange contract
generally has no deposit requirement, and is traded at a net price without
commission. Neither spot transactions nor forward foreign currency exchange
contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the Portfolio's securities or
in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the prices of these securities
should decline.
The Portfolio may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions in
an attempt to protect against changes in foreign currency exchange rates between
the trade and settlement dates of specific securities transactions or
anticipated securities transactions. The Portfolio may also enter into forward
contracts to hedge against a change in foreign currency exchange rates that
would cause a decline in the value of existing investments denominated or
principally traded in a foreign currency. To do this, the Portfolio would enter
into a forward contract to sell the foreign currency in which the investment is
denominated or principally traded in exchange for U.S. dollars or in exchange
for another foreign currency. The Portfolio will only enter into forward
contracts to sell a foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency if
the Advisor expects the foreign currency purchased to appreciate against the
U.S. dollar.
Although these transactions are intended to minimize the risk of loss
due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they
limit any potential gain that might be realized should the value of the hedged
currency increase. In addition, forward contracts that convert a foreign
currency into another foreign currency will cause the Portfolio to assume the
risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency purchased against the hedged
currency and the U.S. dollar. The precise matching of the forward contract
amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible
because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as
a consequence of market movements in the value of such securities between the
date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The
projection of currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the
successful execution of a hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The convertible securities in which the
Portfolio may invest include any debt securities or preferred stock which may be
converted into common stock or which carry the right to purchase common stock.
Convertible securities entitle the holder to exchange the securities for a
specified number of shares of common stock, usually of the same company, at
specified prices within a certain period of time.
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS. The Portfolio may invest in common stock
warrants that entitle the holder to buy common stock from the issuer of the
warrant at a specific price (the strike price) for a specific period of time.
The market price of warrants may be substantially lower than the current market
price of the underlying common stock, yet warrants are subject to similar price
fluctuations. As a result, warrants may be more volatile investments than the
underlying common stock.
Warrants generally do not entitle the holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying common stock and do not represent any
rights in the assets of the issuer company. A warrant will expire worthless if
it is not exercised on or prior to the expiration date.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. The Portfolio may purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. Delivery of and payment
for these securities may take as long as a month or more after the date of the
purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market
fluctuation during this period and for fixed income securities no interest
accrues to the Portfolio until settlement. At the time of settlement, a
when-issued security may be valued at less than its purchase price. The
Portfolio maintains with the Custodian a separate account with a segregated
portfolio of securities in an amount at least equal to these commitments. When
entering into a when-issued or delayed delivery transaction, the Portfolio will
rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails
to do so, the Portfolio may be disadvantaged. It is the current policy of the
Portfolio not to enter into when-issued commitments exceeding in the aggregate
15% of the market value of the Portfolio's total assets less liabilities other
than the obligations created by these commitments.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio may engage in repurchase agreement
transactions with brokers, dealers or banks that meet the credit guidelines
established by the Portfolio Trust's Trustees. In a repurchase agreement, the
Portfolio buys a security from a seller that has agreed to repurchase it at a
mutually agreed upon date and price, reflecting the interest rate effective for
the term of the agreement. The term of these agreements is usually from
overnight to one week. A repurchase agreement may be viewed as a fully
collateralized loan of money by the Portfolio to the seller. The Portfolio
always receives securities as collateral with a market value at least equal to
the purchase price plus accrued interest and this value is maintained during the
term of the agreement. If the seller defaults and the collateral value declines,
the Portfolio might incur a loss. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with
respect to the seller, the Portfolio's realization upon the disposition of
collateral may be delayed or limited. Investments in certain repurchase
agreements and certain other investments which may be considered illiquid are
limited. See Illiquid Investments; Privately Placed and other Unregistered
Securities below.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Subject to applicable investment
restrictions, the Portfolio is permitted to lend its securities in an amount up
to 33 1/3% of the value of the Portfolio's net assets. The Portfolio may lend
its securities if such loans are secured continuously by cash or equivalent
collateral or by a letter of credit in favor of the Portfolio at least equal at
all times to 100% of the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued
interest. While such securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Portfolio
any income accruing thereon. Loans will be subject to termination by the
Portfolio in the normal settlement time, generally three business days after
notice, or by the borrower on one day's notice. Borrowed securities must be
returned when the loan is terminated. Any gain or loss in the market price of
the borrowed securities which occurs during the term of the loan inures to the
Portfolio and its respective investors. The Portfolio may pay reasonable
finders' and custodial fees in connection with a loan. In addition, the
Portfolio will consider all facts and circumstances, including the
creditworthiness of the borrowing financial institution, and the Portfolio will
not make any loans in excess of one year.
Loans of portfolio securities may be considered extensions of credit by
the Portfolio. The risks to the Portfolio with respect to borrowers of its
portfolio securities are similar to the risks to the Portfolio with respect to
the sellers in repurchase agreement transactions. See Repurchase Agreements
above. The Portfolio will not lend its securities to any officer, Trustee,
Director, employee or other affiliate of the Portfolio, the Advisor or the
exclusive placement agent or any affiliate thereof, 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 the same security 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, a reverse repurchase agreement is
also considered as the borrowing of money by the Portfolio and, therefore, is a
form of leverage. Leverage may cause any gains or losses of the Portfolio to be
magnified. See Investment Restrictions for investment limitations applicable to
reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowings. For more information, see
Item 13 in Part B.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS; PRIVATELY PLACED AND OTHER UNREGISTERED
SECURITIES. The Portfolio may not acquire any illiquid securities if, as a
result thereof, more than 15% of the Portfolio's net assets would be in illiquid
investments. Subject to this non-fundamental policy limitation, the 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 of the Portfolio Trust.
The Trustees will monitor the Advisor's implementation of these guidelines on a
periodic basis.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS.
The Portfolio is permitted to enter into futures and options
transactions described below for hedging and risk management purposes.
The Portfolio may (a) purchase and sell (write) exchange traded and OTC
put and call options on equity securities or indexes of equity securities, (b)
purchase and sell futures contracts on indexes of equity securities, and (c)
purchase and sell (write) put and call options on futures contracts on indexes
of equity securities. Each of these instruments is a derivative instrument as
its value derives from the underlying asset or index.
The Portfolio may not use futures contracts and options for
speculation. For a more detailed description of these transactions see "Options
and Futures Transactions" in Item 13 in Part B.
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.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. By purchasing a put option, the
Portfolio obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the instrument
underlying the option at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the
Portfolio pays the current market price for the option (known as the option
premium). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including
specific securities, indexes of securities, indexes of securities prices, and
futures contracts. The Portfolio may terminate its position in a put option it
has purchased by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. The
Portfolio may also close out a put option position by entering into an
offsetting transaction, if a liquid market exists. If the option is allowed to
expire, the Portfolio will lose the entire premium it paid. If the Portfolio
exercises a put option on a security, it will sell the instrument underlying the
option at the strike price. If the Portfolio exercises an option on an index,
settlement is in cash and does not involve the actual sale of securities. If an
option is American style, it may be exercised on any day up to its expiration
date. A European style option may be exercised only on 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.
The Portfolio may purchase put and call options on securities, indexes
of securities and futures contracts, or purchase and sell futures contracts,
only if such options are written by other persons and if (i) the aggregate
premiums paid on all such options which are held at any time do not exceed 20%
of the Portfolio's net assets, and (ii) the aggregate margin deposits required
on all such futures or options thereon held at any time do not exceed 5% of the
Portfolio's total assets. 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. For more detailed information about these
transactions, see Item 13 in Part B.
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 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. 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 delivery date. However, when the Portfolio buys or sells a futures contract
it will be required to deposit "initial margin" with its Custodian in a
segregated account in the name of its futures broker, known as a futures
commission merchant (FCM). Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a
small percentage of the contract's value. If the value of either party's
position declines, that party will be required to make additional "variation
margin" payments equal to the change in value on a daily basis. The party that
has a gain may be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. The
Portfolio may be obligated to make payments of variation margin at a time when
it is disadvantageous to do so. Furthermore, it may not always be possible for
the Portfolio to close out its futures positions. Until it closes out a futures
position, the Portfolio will be obligated to continue to pay variation margin.
Initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing on margin for
purposes of the Portfolio's investment restrictions. In the event of the
bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the Portfolio, the Portfolio
may be entitled to return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount
received by the FCM's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the
Portfolio.
The Portfolio will segregate liquid assets in connection with its use
of options and futures contracts to the extent required by the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Securities held in a segregated account
cannot be sold while the futures contract or option is outstanding, unless they
are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, there is a possibility
that segregation of a large percentage of the Portfolio's assets could impede
portfolio management or the Portfolio's ability to meet redemption requests or
other current obligations.
For further information about the Portfolio's use of futures and
options and a more detailed discussion of associated risks, see Item 13 in Part
B.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. The Portfolio is permitted to invest in money
market instruments although it intends to stay invested in equity securities to
the extent practical in light of its objective. The Portfolio may invest in
money market instruments of foreign or domestic issuers denominated in U.S.
dollars and other currencies. Under normal circumstances the Portfolio will
purchase these securities to invest temporary cash balances or to maintain
liquidity to meet redemptions. However, the Portfolio may also invest in money
market instruments without limitation as a temporary defensive measure taken in
the Advisor's judgment during, or in anticipation of, adverse market conditions.
For more detailed information about these money market investments, see Item 13
in Part B.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.
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
security holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Portfolio as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Portfolio may not purchase securities or other obligations of
issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry if its
investments in such industry would exceed 25% of the value of the Portfolio's
total assets, except this limitation shall not apply to investments in U.S.
Government securities. In addition, the Portfolio may not 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 one
third of the Portfolio's total assets less liabilities (other than borrowings);
and the Portfolio may not issue senior securities except as permitted by the
1940 Act or any rule, order or interpretation thereunder. See Risk Factors and
Additional Investment Information-Loans of Portfolio Securities and 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 TRUST
The Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the affairs of
the Portfolio Trust. The Portfolio Trust has retained the services of Morgan as
investment adviser and administrative services agent. The Portfolio Trust has
retained the services of Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") as co-administrator
(the "Co-Administrator").
The Portfolio Trust 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.
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 approximately $250 billion. Morgan provides investment
advice and portfolio management services to the Portfolio. Subject to the
supervision of the Portfolio Trust'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 equity portfolios, this process utilizes
fundamental research, systematic stock selection and disciplined portfolio
construction. The Advisor has invested in equity securities of Japanese
companies on behalf of its clients for over a decade and has had a research team
in Tokyo since 1972. The portfolio managers making investments in Japanese
equity securities work in conjunction with Morgan's Japanese equity analysts, as
well as capital market, credit and economic research analysts, traders and
administrative officers. The Japanese equity analysts, located in Tokyo, each
cover a different industry, monitoring a universe of over 300 Japanese
companies.
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
business experience for the past five years is indicated parenthetically):
Masato Degawa, Vice President (since August, 1995, employed by Morgan since
September, 1993 as a portfolio manager of Japanese equity investments and by
Morgan Stanley prior to September, 1993 as a senior analyst covering Japanese
utilities and special situations) and Yukiko Sugimoto, Vice President (since
March, 1995, employed by Morgan since prior to 1992 as a portfolio manager of
Japanese equity investments).
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by
Morgan under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Portfolio Trust, the
Portfolio has agreed to pay Morgan a fee, which is computed daily and may be
paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Portfolio's average daily net
assets.
Under a separate agreement, Morgan also provides administrative and
related services to the Portfolio Trust. See Administrative Services Agent
below.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement with the
Portfolio Trust, FDI serves as the Co-Administrator for the Portfolio. FDI,
directly or through a sub-administrator, (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
Trust 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 Trust and certain other registered
investment companies subject to similar agreements with FDI.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. Pursuant to an Administrative Services
Agreement with the Portfolio Trust, Morgan provides certain administrative and
related services to the Portfolio, including services related to tax compliance,
preparation of financial statements, calculation of performance data, oversight
of service providers and certain regulatory and Board of Trustees matters.
Under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Portfolio has agreed
to pay Morgan fees equal to its allocable share of an annual complex-wide
charge. This charge is calculated daily based on the net assets of the Portfolio
the other portfolios in which series of the Trust or the J.P. Morgan Funds
invest and J.P. Morgan Series Trust in accordance with the following annual
schedule: 0.09% on the first $7 billion of their aggregate average daily net
assets and 0.04% of such aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7
billion, less the complex-wide fees payable to FDI.
PLACEMENT AGENT. FDI, a registered broker-dealer, also serves as
exclusive placement agent for the Portfolio. FDI is a wholly owned indirect
subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group, Inc. FDI's principal business address
is 60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Portfolio's
custodian and fund accounting and transfer agent. State Street keeps the books
of account for the Portfolio at a location outside of the United States.
EXPENSES. In addition to the fees payable to the service providers
identified above, the Portfolio is responsible for usual and customary expenses
associated with its operations. Such expenses include organization expenses,
legal fees, accounting and audit expenses, insurance costs, the compensation and
expenses of the Trustees, registration fees under federal and foreign securities
laws, extraordinary expenses, custodian fees and brokerage expenses.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 the Portfolio's total
expenses were .81% and .83%, respectively of its average net assets.
ITEM 6. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
The Portfolio is a series of the Portfolio Trust, which 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 one or more series.
Currently, there are five active subtrusts (series) of the Portfolio Trust.
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.
The Declaration of Trust provides that investors in the Portfolio (e.g., other
investment companies, insurance company separate accounts and common and
commingled trust funds) are each 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 February 28, 1998 J.P. Morgan Institutional Japan Equity Fund and
J.P. Morgan Japan Equity Fund (series of the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and
the J.P. Morgan Funds), respectively, owned 65% and 35%, respectively, of the
outstanding beneficial interests in the Portfolio. So long as the Funds control
the Portfolio, the Funds may take action without the approval of any other
holder of beneficial interests in the Portfolio.
Each investor in the Portfolio is entitled to a vote in proportion to
the amount of its investment in the Portfolio. Investors in the Portfolio will
vote as a separate class, except as to voting of Trustees, as otherwise required
by the 1940 Act, or if determined by the Trustees to be a matter which affects
all series. As to any matter which only affects a specific series, only
investors in that series are entitled to vote. Investments in the Portfolio have
no preemptive or conversion rights and are fully paid and nonassessable, except
as set forth below. The Portfolio is not required and has no current intention
of holding annual meetings of investors, but the Portfolio will hold special
meetings of investors when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or
desirable to submit matters for an investor vote. Changes in fundamental
policies will be submitted to investors for approval. Investors have under
certain circumstances (e.g., upon application and submission of certain
specified documents to the Trustees by a specified percentage of the outstanding
interests in the Portfolio) the right to communicate with other investors in
connection with requesting a meeting of investors for the purpose of removing
one or more Trustees. Investors also have the right to remove one or more
Trustees without a meeting by a declaration in writing by a specified percentage
of the outstanding interests in the Portfolio. Upon liquidation of the
Portfolio, investors would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.
The net asset value of the Portfolio is determined each business day
other than the holidays listed in Part B ("Portfolio Business Day"). This
determination is made once each Portfolio Business Day 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. Income includes
dividends and interest, including discount earned (including both original issue
and market discount) on discount paper accrued ratably to the date of maturity
and any net realized and unrealized 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 December 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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") and regulations promulgated thereunder.
It is intended that the Portfolio's assets, income and distributions
will be managed in such a way that an investor in the Portfolio will be able to
satisfy the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code, assuming that the investor
invested all of its assets in the Portfolio.
Investor inquiries may be directed to FDI, in care of State Street
Cayman Trust Company, Ltd., at Elizabethan Square, Shedden Road, George Town,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I. (345) 949-6644).
ITEM 7. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES
Beneficial interests in the Portfolio are issued solely in private
placement transactions that do not involve any "public offering" within the
meaning of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act. Investments in the Portfolio may only
be made by other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts,
common or commingled trust funds, or similar organizations or entities which are
"accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501 under the 1933 Act. This
Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning of the 1933 Act.
An investment in the Portfolio may be made without a sales load. All
investments are made at net asset value next determined after an order is
received in "good order" by the Portfolio. The net asset value of the Portfolio
is determined at the Valuation Time 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) if stock, have a value
which is readily ascertainable as evidenced by a listing on a stock exchange,
OTC market or by readily available market quotations from a dealer in such
securities. The Portfolio reserves the right to accept or reject at its own
option any and all securities offered in payment for beneficial interests.
The Portfolio and FDI reserve the right to cease accepting investments
at any time or to reject any investment order.
Each investor in the Portfolio may add to or reduce its investment in
the Portfolio on each Portfolio Business Day. At the Valuation Time on each such
day, the value of each investor's beneficial interest in the Portfolio will be
determined by multiplying the net asset value of the Portfolio by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents that investor's share of
the aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Any additions or
reductions, which are to be effected at the Valuation Time on such day, will
then be effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate beneficial
interests in the Portfolio will then be recomputed as the percentage equal to
the fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor's
investment in the Portfolio at the Valuation Time on such day plus or minus, as
the case may be, the amount of net additions to or reductions in the investor's
investment in the Portfolio effected 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.
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 Trust. The proceeds of a
reduction will be paid by the Portfolio Trust 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 Trust, on behalf of 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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37
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PART A (THE INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO)
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 Series Portfolio (the "Portfolio Trust") is an open-end management
investment company which was organized as a trust under the laws of the State of
New York on June 24, 1994. Beneficial interests of the Portfolio Trust are
divided into series, one of which, The International Opportunities Portfolio
(the "Portfolio") is described herein. The Portfolio is diversified for purposes
of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). 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 (the "1933 Act"). Investments in the Portfolio may
only be made by other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts,
common or commingled trust funds or similar organizations or entities that are
"accredited investors" within the meaning of Regulation D under the 1933 Act.
This Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the
solicitation of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning of the 1933
Act.
The Portfolio is advised by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
("Morgan" or the "Advisor").
Investments in the Portfolio are not deposits or obligations of, or
guaranteed or endorsed by, Morgan or any other bank. Interests in the Portfolio
are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
Federal Reserve Board or any other governmental agency. An investment in the
Portfolio is subject to risk, as the net asset value of the Portfolio will
fluctuate with changes in the value of the Portfolio's holdings.
Part B contains more detailed information about the Portfolio,
including information related to (i) the investment policies and restrictions of
the Portfolio, (ii) the Trustees, officers, Advisor and administrators of the
Portfolio, (iii) portfolio transactions, (iv) rights and liabilities of
investors. (v) the audited financial statements of the Portfolio at November 30,
1997.
The Portfolio's investment objective is to provide high total return
from a portfolio of stocks of foreign companies in developed and, to a lesser
extent, emerging markets. Total return will consist of realized and unrealized
capital gains and losses plus income. The Portfolio invests primarily in common
stocks and other equity securities of non-U.S. companies in developed markets,
and, to a lesser extent, companies in emerging markets.
The Portfolio is designed for long-term investors who want to invest in
an actively managed portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of
non-U.S. companies in developed and, to a lesser extent, emerging markets.
Investments in issuers in developing or emerging markets may be considered
speculative and involve risks not associated with investments in securities of
U.S. issuers. An investment in the Portfolio, therefore, may be more volatile
than an investment in a portfolio investing only in more developed world
markets.
The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective through country
allocation, stock selection and currency management. The Advisor uses a
disciplined portfolio construction process to seek to enhance returns and reduce
volatility in the market value of the Portfolio. To allocate the Portfolio
within developed and developing markets, the Advisor uses fundamental research,
quantitative valuation techniques, and experienced judgment, to identify those
countries whose equity prices appear most attractive relative to future earnings
prospects. Based on this analysis, the Advisor allocates the Portfolio's assets
among countries emphasizing those countries with the highest expected returns
consistent with overall portfolio liquidity. Under normal circumstances, the
Advisor expects that approximately 80% of the value of the Portfolio's equity
investments will be in companies in developed markets and 20% in companies in
emerging markets. The Advisor may vary this allocation in a manner consistent
with the Portfolio's investment objective and current market conditions.
Using a variety of quantitative valuation techniques and based on
analysts' industry expertise, issuers in each country are ranked within
industrial sectors according to their relative value. Based on this valuation,
the Advisor selects the issuers which appear the most attractive for the
Portfolio. The Portfolio will be diversified across industrial sectors in each
country.
The Advisor considers "emerging markets" to be any country which is
generally considered to be an emerging or developing country by the World Bank,
the International Finance Corporation, the United Nations or its authorities.
The Portfolio will focus its emerging market investments in those countries
which it believes have strongly developing economies and in which the markets
are becoming more sophisticated. An issuer in an emerging market is one that:
(i) has its principal securities trading market in an emerging market country;
(ii) is organized under the laws of an emerging market; (iii) derives 50% or
more of its total revenue from either goods produced, sales made or services
performed in emerging markets; or (iv) has at least 50% of its assets located in
emerging markets. See Additional Investment Practices and Risks.
The Portfolio's investments are primarily quoted in foreign currencies
but it may also invest in securities quoted in the U.S. dollar or multinational
currency units such as the ECU. Through the use of forward foreign currency
exchange contracts, the Advisor actively manages the Portfolio's currency
exposure in developed countries. For further information on foreign currency
exchange transactions, see Additional Investment Practices and Risks.
The Advisor intends to manage the Portfolio actively in pursuit of its
investment objective. The Portfolio does not expect to trade in securities for
short-term profits; however, when circumstances warrant, securities may be sold
without regard to the length of time held. To the extent the Portfolio engages
in short-term trading, it may incur increased transaction costs. The portfolio
turnover rates for the Portfolio for the period from February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) to November 30, 1997 was 72%.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS. In normal circumstances, substantially all and at
least 65% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets are invested in equity
securities of foreign issuers. Equity securities include common stocks,
preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depository receipts,
trust certificates, limited partnership interests and equity participations. The
Portfolio's assets are invested in securities of issuers located in at least
three foreign countries. The Portfolio's equity investments may not pay
dividends or carry voting rights. The Portfolio's primary equity investments are
common stocks of established companies based in developed countries outside the
United States. However, the Portfolio will also invest in equity securities of
issuers located in developing countries or "emerging markets." The Portfolio
invests in securities listed on foreign or domestic securities exchanges and
securities traded in foreign or domestic over-the-counter markets, and may
invest in certain restricted or unlisted securities.
The Portfolio may also invest in money market instruments denominated
in U.S. dollars and other currencies, purchase securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis, enter into repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements,
loan its portfolio securities, purchase certain privately placed securities and
enter into certain hedging transactions that may involve options on securities
and securities indexes, futures contracts and options on futures contracts. For
a discussion of these investments and investment techniques, see Additional
Investment Practices and Risks.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISKS
INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investing in the securities of foreign
issuers involves risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of domestic issuers. Investments in foreign
issuers may be affected by changes in currency rates, changes in foreign or U.S.
laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and in exchange control
regulations (e.g., currency blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the
currency (i.e., weakening of the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a
portfolio security is quoted or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would
reduce the value of the portfolio security. Commissions on transactions in
foreign securities may be higher than those for similar transactions on domestic
stock markets. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different
in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have on occasion
been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making
it difficult to conduct such transactions.
Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to
U.S. issuers. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
issuer than about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less government
regulation of foreign markets, companies and securities dealers than in the
United States. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume
than U.S. securities markets and securities of many foreign issuers are less
liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility
of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of
withholding taxes on dividend or interest payments, limitations on the removal
of funds or other assets, political or social instability or diplomatic
developments which could affect investments in those countries.
INVESTING IN EMERGING MARKETS. Although the Portfolio invests primarily
in securities of established issuers based in developed foreign countries, it
will also invest in securities of issuers in emerging markets countries,
including issuers in Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America and Africa.
Investments in securities of issuers in emerging markets countries may involve a
high degree of risk and many may be considered speculative. These investments
carry all of the risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers to a
heightened degree. These heightened risks include (i) greater risks of
expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, and less social,
political and economic stability; (ii) limitations on daily price changes and
the small current size of the markets for securities of emerging markets issuers
and the currently low or nonexistent volume of trading, resulting in lack of
liquidity and in price volatility; (iii) certain national policies which may
restrict the Portfolio's investment opportunities including limitations on
aggregate holdings by foreign investors and restrictions on investing in issuers
or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests; and (iv) the
absence of developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment
and private property.
The Portfolio may invest in securities of foreign issuers directly or
in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary
Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") or other similar
securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S.
financial institution (a "depositary"), that evidence ownership interests in a
security or a pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with
the depositary. ADRs include American Depositary Shares and New York Shares.
EDRs are receipts issued by a European financial institution. GDRs, which are
sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are
securities, typically issued by a non-U.S. financial institution, that evidence
ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities issued by either a
U.S. or foreign issuer. ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and CDRs may be available for
investment through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility
is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and
a depositary, whereas an unsponsored facility may be established by a depositary
without participation by the issuer of the receipt's underlying security.
Holders of an unsponsored depositary receipt generally bear all costs
of the unsponsored facility. The depositary of an unsponsored facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through to the
holders of the receipts voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
Since investments in foreign securities involve foreign currencies, the
value of the Portfolio's its assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control
regulations, including currency blockage. See Foreign Currency Exchange
Transactions.
CURRENCY RISKS. The U.S. dollar value of foreign securities in a
foreign currency will vary with changes in currency exchange rates, which can be
volatile. Accordingly, changes in the value of these currencies against the U.S.
dollar will result in corresponding changes in the U.S. dollar value of the
Portfolio's assets quoted in those currencies. Exchange rates are generally
affected by the forces of supply and demand in the international currency
markets, the relative merits of investing in different countries and the
intervention or failure to intervene of U.S. or foreign governments and central
banks. Some countries in emerging markets also may have managed currencies,
which are not free floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, emerging
markets are subject to the risk of restrictions upon the free conversion of
their currencies into other currencies. Any devaluations relative to the U.S.
dollar in the currencies in which the Portfolio's securities are quoted would
have a detrimental impact on the Portfolio's net asset value.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. The Portfolio either enters
into currency transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the prevailing
currency exchange rate or uses forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies at a future date. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an
obligation by the Portfolio to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future
date at a predetermined price. These contracts are derivative instruments, as
their value derives from the spot exchange rates of the currencies underlying
the contract. These contracts are entered into in the interbank market directly
between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
Neither spot transactions nor forward foreign currency exchange contracts
eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the Portfolio's securities or in foreign
exchange rates, or prevent loss if the prices of these securities should
decline.
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an obligation by the
Portfolio to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be
any fixed number of days from the date of the contract. Forward foreign currency
exchange contracts establish an exchange rate at a future date. These contracts
are derivative instruments, as their value derives from the spot exchange rates
of the currencies underlying the contracts. These contracts are entered into in
the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial
banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency exchange contract
generally has no deposit requirement, and is traded at a net price without
commission. Neither spot transactions nor forward foreign currency exchange
contracts eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the Portfolio's securities or
in foreign exchange rates, or prevent loss if the prices of these securities
should decline.
The Portfolio may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions in
an attempt to protect against changes in foreign currency exchange rates between
the trade and settlement dates of specific securities transactions or
anticipated securities transactions. The Portfolio may also enter into forward
contracts to (i) hedge against a change in foreign currency exchange rates that
would cause a decline in the value of existing investments quoted in a foreign
currency or (ii) manage its currency exposure to selected countries. To do this,
the Portfolio would enter into a forward contract to sell the foreign currency
in which the investment is quoted in exchange for U.S. dollars or in exchange
for another foreign currency.
Although these transactions are intended to minimize the risk of loss
due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they
limit any potential gain that might be realized should the value of the hedged
currency increase. In addition, forward contracts that convert a foreign
currency into another foreign currency will cause the Portfolio to assume the
risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency purchased against the hedged
currency and the U.S. dollar. The precise matching of the forward contract
amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible
because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as
a consequence of market movements in the value of such securities between the
date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The
projection of currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the
successful execution of a hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
WARRANTS AND CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Warrants acquired by the Portfolio
entitle it to buy common stock from the issuer at a specified price and time.
Warrants are subject to the same market risks as stocks, but may be more
volatile in price. The Portfolio's investment in warrants will not entitle it to
receive dividends or exercise voting rights and will become worthless if the
warrants cannot be profitably exercised before their expiration dates.
Convertible debt securities and preferred stock entitle the Portfolio to acquire
the issuer's stock by exchange or purchase for a predetermined rate. Convertible
securities are subject both to the credit and interest rate risks associated
with fixed income securities and to the stock market risk associated with equity
securities.
INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Portfolio is permitted
to invest up to 10% of its total assets in shares of investment companies and up
to 5% of its total assets in any one investment company as long as that
investment does not represent more than 3% of the total voting stock of the
acquired investment company. Investments in the securities of other investment
companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and other expenses. Certain
emerging markets are closed to investment by foreigners. The Portfolio may be
able to invest in issuers in certain emerging markets primarily through
specifically authorized investment funds.
RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest up to 15%
of its net assets in illiquid securities, including certain restricted and
private placement securities. 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 eligible for resale 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.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. The Portfolio is permitted to invest in money
market instruments although it intends to stay invested in equity securities to
the extent practical in light of its objective. Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio will purchase money market instruments to invest temporary cash
balances or to maintain liquidity to meet redemptions. However, the Portfolio
may also invest in money market instruments without limitation as a temporary
defensive measure taken in the Advisor's judgement during, or in anticipation
of, adverse market conditions. These money market instruments include
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies
or instrumentalities, any foreign government or any of its political
subdivisions, commercial paper, bank obligations, repurchase agreements and
other debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. If a repurchase agreement
counterparty defaults on its obligations, the Portfolio may, under some
circumstances, be limited or delayed in disposing of the repurchase agreement
collateral to recover its investment.
WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT TRANSACTIONS. The Portfolio may
purchase when-issued securities and enter into other forward commitments to
purchase or sell securities. The value of securities purchased on a when-issued
or forward commitment basis may decline between the purchase date and the
settlement date.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS.
The Portfolio is permitted to enter into futures and options
transactions described below for hedging and risk management purposes, although
not for speculation.
The Portfolio may purchase and sell (write) exchange traded and
over-the-counter put and call options on securities and securities indexes,
purchase and sell futures contracts on securities and securities indexes and
purchase and sell (write) put and call options on futures contracts on
securities and securities indexes. Some options and futures strategies,
including selling futures contracts, buying puts and writing calls, tend to
hedge the Portfolio's investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies,
including buying futures contracts, writing puts and buying calls, tend to
increase market exposure. Options and futures contracts may be combined with
each other in order to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the
Portfolio's overall strategy in a manner consistent with the Portfolio's
objective and policies.
All of the Portfolio's transactions in derivative contracts involve a
risk of loss or depreciation due to unanticipated adverse changes in securities
prices. The Portfolio may incur liabilities to a counterparty in connection with
transactions in futures contracts and the writing of options that exceeds the
Portfolio's initial investment. The Portfolio may also lose the entire premium
paid for purchased options that expire before they can be profitably exercised
by the Portfolio. In addition, the Portfolio incurs transaction costs in opening
and closing positions in derivative contracts.
Derivative contracts may sometimes increase or leverage the Portfolio's
exposure to a particular market risk thereby increasing the price volatility of
the Portfolio. The Portfolio is required to offset the leverage inherent in
derivative contracts by maintaining a segregated account consisting of cash or
liquid securities, by holding offsetting portfolio securities or contracts or by
covering written options.
The Portfolio's success in using derivative contracts to hedge
portfolio assets depends on the degree of price correlation between the
derivative contract and the hedged asset. Imperfect correlation may be caused by
several factors, including temporary price disparities among the trading markets
for the derivative contract, the assets underlying the derivative contract and
the Portfolio's assets.
During periods of extreme market volatility, a commodity or options
exchange may suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative contract,
which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. The
Portfolio's ability to terminate over-the-counter derivative contracts may
depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly
traded derivative contracts, the only source of price quotations may be the
selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, derivative securities and
over-the-counter derivative contracts involve a risk that the issuer or
counterparty will fail to perform its contractual obligations.
The Portfolio will not engage in a transaction in futures or options on
futures for risk management purposes if, immediately thereafter, the sum of
initial margin deposits and premiums required to establish risk management
positions in futures contracts and options on futures would exceed 5% of the
Portfolio's net assets.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES LOANS. The Portfolio may lend portfolio securities
with a value up to one-third of its net assets. Each loan must be fully
collateralized by cash or other eligible assets. The Portfolio may pay
reasonable fees in connection with securities loans. The Advisor will evaluate
the creditworthiness of prospective institutional borrowers and monitor the
adequacy of the collateral to reduce the risk of default by borrowers.
BORROWING AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio may (1)
borrow money from banks solely for temporary or emergency (but not for leverage)
purposes and (2) enter into reverse repurchase agreements for any purpose. The
aggregate amount of such borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements may not
exceed one-third of the Portfolio's total assets less liabilities (other than
borrowings). For the purposes of the 1940 Act, reverse repurchase agreements are
considered a form of borrowing by the Portfolio and, therefore, a form of
leverage.
Leverage may cause any gains or losses of the Portfolio to be magnified.
SHORT-TERM TRADING. The Portfolio may sell a portfolio security without
regard to the length of time such security has been held if, in the Advisor's
view, the security meets the criteria for disposal. The annual portfolio
turnover rate of the Portfolio is generally not expected to exceed 100%. A high
portfolio turnover rate involves higher costs to the Portfolio in the form of
dealer spreads and brokerage commissions. This policy is subject to certain
requirements so that certain investors can qualify as regulated investment
companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS. Except as otherwise stated
herein, the Portfolio's investment objective, policies and restrictions are not
fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. The Portfolio is
diversified and therefore may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets (1)
invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer,
other than U.S. Government securities, or (2) acquire more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. The Portfolio will not
concentrate (invest 25% or more of its total assets) in the securities of
issuers in any one industry, including any one foreign government.
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 TRUST
The Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the affairs of
the Portfolio Trust. The Portfolio Trust has retained the services of Morgan as
investment adviser and administrative services agent. The Portfolio Trust has
retained the services of Funds Distributor, Inc. ("FDI") as co-administrator
(the "Co-Administrator").
The Portfolio Trust 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.
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 approximately $250 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 equity portfolios, the process utilizes
research, systematic stock selection, disciplined portfolio construction and, in
the case of foreign equities, country exposure and currency management. Morgan
has managed portfolios of international equity securities on behalf of its
clients since 1974. The portfolio managers making investments in international
equity securities work in conjunction with Morgan's international equity
analysts, as well as capital market, credit and economic research analysts,
traders and administrative officers. The international equity analysts, located
in London, Tokyo, Singapore and Melbourne, each cover a different industry,
monitoring a universe of nearly 1,200 non-U.S. companies.
The following persons have been primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management and implementation of Morgan's investment process for the
Portfolio Paul A. Quinsee, managing director (since inception, employed by
Morgan since prior to 1993), Andrew C. Cormie, Vice President (since March,
1998, employed by Morgan since prior to 1993) and Nigel F. Emmett, Vice
President (since joining Morgan in August, 1997, previously an assistant
portfolio manager, Brown Brothers Harriman and Co.)
As compensation for the services rendered and related expenses borne by
Morgan under its 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 0.60% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement with the
Portfolio Trust, Funds Distributor, Inc. ("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 Trust; (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 Trust and certain other registered
investment companies subject to similar agreements with FDI.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. Pursuant to an Administrative Services
Agreement with the Portfolio Trust, 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 net assets of the Portfolio
the other portfolios in which series of the Trust or the J.P. Morgan Funds
invest and J.P. Morgan Series Trust in accordance with the following annual
schedule: 0.09% on the first $7 billion of their aggregate average daily net
assets and 0.04% of their average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion, less
the complex-wide fees payable to FDI.
PLACEMENT AGENT. FDI, a registered broker-dealer, also serves as the
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.
FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT. Pursuant to an Amended and Restated Portfolio
Fund Services Agreement with the Portfolio Trust, Pierpont Group, Inc.
("Pierpont Group"), 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017, assists the
Trustees in exercising their overall supervisory responsibilities for the
affairs of the Portfolio Trust. Pierpont Group provides these services for a fee
approximating its reasonable cost. See Item 14 in Part B.
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), 40
King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 3Y8, serves as the 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. These include, among other things, organization
expenses, legal fees, audit and accounting expenses, insurance costs, the
compensation and expenses of the Trustees, interest, taxes and extraordinary
expenses (such as for litigation), registration fees under foreign securities
laws and brokerage commissions.
For the period from February 26, 1997 (commencement of operations) to
November 30, 1997, the Portfolio's total expenses were 0.89% of its average net
assets.
ITEM 6. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
The Portfolio is a series of the Portfolio Trust, which 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 one or more series.
Currently, there are five active subtrusts (series) of the Portfolio Trust.
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.
The Declaration of Trust provides that investors in the Portfolio (other
investment companies, insurance company separate accounts and common and
commingled trust funds) are each 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 February 28, 1998, J.P. Morgan Institutional International
Opportunities Fund and J.P. Morgan International Opportunities Fund, (series of
the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and the J.P. Morgan Funds), respectively,
owned 83% and 17%, respectively, of the outstanding beneficial interests in the
Portfolio. So long as the Funds control the Portfolio, they may take action
without the approval of any other holder of beneficial interests in the
Portfolio.
Each investor in the Portfolio is entitled to a vote in proportion to
the amount of its investment in the Portfolio. Investors in the Portfolio will
vote as a separate class, except as to voting of Trustees, as otherwise required
by the 1940 Act, or if determined by the Trustees to be a matter which affects
all series. As to any matter which only affects a specific series, only
investors in that series are entitled to vote. Investments in the Portfolio have
no preemptive or conversion rights and are fully paid and nonassessable, except
as set forth below. The Portfolio is not required and has no current intention
of holding annual meetings of investors, but the Portfolio will hold special
meetings of investors when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or
desirable to submit matters for an investor vote. Changes in fundamental
policies will be submitted to investors for approval. Investors have under
certain circumstances (e.g., upon application and submission of certain
specified documents to the Trustees by a specified percentage of the outstanding
interests in the Portfolio) the right to communicate with other investors in
connection with requesting a meeting of investors for the purpose of removing
one or more Trustees. Investors also have the right to remove one or more
Trustees without a meeting by a declaration in writing by a specified percentage
of the outstanding interests in the Portfolio. Upon liquidation of the
Portfolio, investors would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.
The net asset value of the Portfolio is determined each business day
other than the holidays listed in Part B ("Portfolio Business Day"). This
determination is made once each Portfolio Business at the close of trading on
the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m.)(the "Valuation Time"). See Item
19 in Part B.
The "net income" of the Portfolio will consist of (i) all income
accrued, less the amortization of any premium, on the assets of the Portfolio,
less (ii) all actual and accrued expenses of the Portfolio determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Income includes
dividends and interest, including discount earned (including both original issue
and market discount) on discount paper accrued ratably to the date of maturity
and any net realized and unrealized 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 November 30.
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, in care of State Street Cayman
Trust Company, Ltd. at Elizabethan Square, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand
Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I. (345) 949-6644).
ITEM 7. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES
Beneficial interests in the Portfolio are issued solely in private
placement transactions that do not involve any "public offering" within the
meaning of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act. Investments in the Portfolio may only
be made by other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts,
common or commingled trust funds, or similar organizations or entities which are
"accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501 under the 1933 Act. This
Registration Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, any "security" within the meaning of the 1933 Act.
An investment in the Portfolio may be made without a sales load. All
investments are made at net asset value next determined after an order is
received in "good order" by the Portfolio Trust. The net asset value of the
Portfolio is determined at the Valuation Time 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) if stock, have a value
which is readily ascertainable as evidenced by a listing on a stock exchange,
OTC market or by readily available market quotations from a dealer in such
securities. The Portfolio reserves the right to accept or reject at its own
option any and all securities offered in payment for beneficial interests.
The Portfolio and FDI reserve the right to cease accepting investments
at any time or to reject any investment order.
Each investor in the Portfolio may add to or reduce its investment in
the Portfolio on each Portfolio Business Day. At the Valuation Time on each such
day, the value of each investor's beneficial interest in the Portfolio will be
determined by multiplying the net asset value of the Portfolio by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents that investor's share of
the aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Any additions or
reductions, which are to be effected at the Valuation Time on such day, will
then be effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate beneficial
interests in the Portfolio will then be recomputed as the percentage equal to
the fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor's
investment in the Portfolio at the Valuation Time on such day plus or minus, as
the case may be, the amount of net additions to or reductions in the investor's
investment in the Portfolio effected 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.
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 Trust. The proceeds of a
reduction will be paid by the Portfolio Trust 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 Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, reserves the right
under certain circumstances, such as accommodating requests for substantial
withdrawals or liquidations, to pay distributions in kind to investors (i.e., to
distribute portfolio securities as opposed to cash). If securities are
distributed, an investor could incur brokerage, tax or other charges in
converting the securities to cash. In addition, distribution in kind may result
in a less diversified portfolio of investments or adversely affect the liquidity
of the Portfolio or the investor's portfolio, as the case may be.
ITEM 9. PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Not applicable.
<PAGE>
PART B
ITEM 10. COVER PAGE.
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE
General Information and History . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Investment Objective and Policies . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Management of the Portfolio Trust . . . . . . . . . . B-
Control Persons and Principal Holder
of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
Investment Advisory and Other Services . . . . . . . B-24
Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices . . . . . . B-25
Capital Stock and Other Securities . . . . . . . . . B-29
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-31
Tax Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-33
Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-34
Calculations of Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . B-36
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-36
Description of Security Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix A
Investing in Japan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix B
ITEM 12. GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY.
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.
References in this Part B to "Part A" are to the Parts A relating to
The European Equity Portfolio, The Japan Equity Portfolio and The International
Opportunities Portfolio, respectively (each a "Portfolio"; collectively the
"Portfolios"). Unless the context otherwise requires, terms defined in Part A
have the same meaning in this Part B as in Part A.
Part A contains additional information about the investment objectives
and policies and management techniques of the Portfolios. This Part B should
only be read in conjunction with Part A of the registration statement.
The following supplements the information contained in Part A
concerning the investment objectives, policies and techniques of the Portfolios.
THE EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO (the "European Equity Portfolio") is
designed for investors who want an actively managed portfolio of European Equity
Securities that seeks to outperform the Morgan Stanley Capital International
Europe Index which is comprised of more than 600 companies in 14 European
countries. The European Equity Portfolio's investment objective is to provide
high total return from a portfolio of European company stocks.
The European Equity Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective
by investing primarily in the equity securities of European companies. Equity
securities consist of common stocks and other securities with equity
characteristics such as preferred stocks, depository receipts, warrants, rights,
convertible securities, trust or limited partnership interests and equity
participations (collectively, "Equity Securities". Under normal circumstances,
the European Equity Portfolio expects to invest at least 65% of its total assets
in such securities. The European Equity Portfolio does not intend to invest in
U.S. securities (other than money market instruments), except temporarily, when
extraordinary circumstances prevailing at the same time in a significant number
of European countries render investments in such countries inadvisable.
INVESTMENT PROCESS
Country allocation: The Portfolio's country weightings primarily result
from its stock selection decisions and may differ significantly from the MSCI
Europe Index. In addition, the fund makes active allocations to certain
countries. Morgan makes a determination as to the appropriate allocation among
European countries.
Stock selection: Morgan's more than 20 European equity analysts, each
an industry and country specialist, forecast normalized earnings and dividend
payouts for roughly 600 companies, taking a long-term perspective rather than
the short time frame common to consensus estimates. The analysts' forecasts are
converted into comparable expected returns by a dividend discount model, and
then companies are ranked from most to least attractive by industry and country.
A diversified portfolio is constructed using disciplined buy and sell rules. The
portfolio manager's objective is to concentrate the Portfolio's holdings in the
stocks deemed most undervalued, and to keep sector weightings close to those of
the benchmark. Once a stock falls into the bottom third of the rankings --
because its price has risen or its fundamentals have deteriorated -- it
generally becomes candidate for sale.
THE JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO (the "Japan Equity Portfolio") is designed
for investors who want an actively managed portfolio of Japanese Equity
Securities that seeks to outperform the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX), a
composite market-capitalization weighted-index of all common stocks listed on
the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Japan Equity Portfolio's
investment objective is to provide high total return from a portfolio of
Japanese company stocks. For additional information, see "Appendix B - Investing
in Japan."
The Japan Equity Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing primarily in the Equity Securities of Japanese companies. Under normal
circumstances, the Japan Equity Portfolio expects to invest at least 65% of its
total assets in such securities. The Japan Equity Portfolio does not intend to
invest in U.S. securities (other than money market instruments), except
temporarily, when extraordinary circumstances prevailing in Japan render
investments there inadvisable.
INVESTMENT PROCESS
Stock selection: Morgan's 16 Japanese equity analysts, in Tokyo, each
an industry specialist, forecast normalized earnings and dividend payouts for
more than 300 companies, taking a long-term perspective rather than the short
time frame common to consensus estimates. The analysts' forecasts are converted
into comparable expected returns by a dividend discount model, and then
companies are ranked from most to least attractive by industry and country. A
diversified portfolio is constructed using disciplined buy and sell rules.
Warrant/convertible strategy: Once a company has been identified as a
buy candidate, the portfolio manager analyzes the yields on the company's
available equity vehicles -- stocks, warrants and convertibles -- to determine
which appears the most attractive means of purchase. In an effort to enhance
potential returns, the Portfolio also trades among these vehicles -- a strategy
that seeks to capitalize on the inefficiencies that pervade the Japanese equity
market. If the Portfolio invests in a warrant, it will set aside cash in an
amount approximately equal to the difference in the price of the warrant and the
market value of the underlying common stock. The cash is invested in money
market instruments.
Disciplined portfolio construction: The Portfolio is constructed using
disciplined buy and sell rules. The portfolio manager's objective is to
concentrate purchases in the top 20% of the rankings; the specific companies
selected reflect the portfolio manager's judgment concerning the liquidity of an
issue, the soundness of the underlying forecasts, and the magnitude of the risks
versus the rewards. Once a stock falls into the third quintile -- because its
price has risen or its fundamentals have deteriorated it generally becomes a
sale candidate. The portfolio manager strives to hold sector weightings close to
those of the benchmark in an effort to contain risk.
THE INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO (the "International
Opportunities Portfolio") is designed for long-term investors who want to invest
in an actively managed portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of
non-U.S. companies, including companies located in emerging markets. The
International Opportunities Portfolio's investment objective is to provide high
total return from a portfolio of stocks of foreign companies in developed and,
to a lesser extent, companies in emerging markets.
The Portfolio invests primarily in common stocks and other equity
securities of non-U.S. issuers in developed and developing countries. Under
normal circumstances, the Portfolio expects to invest at least 65% of its total
assets in such securities. The Portfolio does not intend to invest in U.S.
securities (other than money market instruments), except temporarily, when
extraordinary circumstances prevailing at the same time in a significant number
of foreign countries render investments in such countries inadvisable.
INVESTMENT PROCESS
Country allocation (developed countries): Morgan's country allocation
decision for securities issued in developed countries begins with a forecast of
equity risk premiums, which provide a valuation signal by measuring the relative
attractiveness of stocks versus bonds. Using a proprietary approach, Morgan
calculates this risk premium for each of the developed countries in the
Portfolio's universe, determines the extent of its deviation -- if any -- from
its historical norm, and then ranks countries according to the size of those
deviations. Countries with high (low) rankings are emphasized (deemphasized) to
reflect the above-average (below-average) attractiveness of their stock markets.
In determining these weightings, Morgan analyzes a variety of qualitative
factors as well -- including the liquidity, earnings momentum and interest rate
climate of the market at hand. These qualitative assessments can change the
magnitude but not the direction of the country allocations called for by the
risk premium forecast.
Country allocation (emerging countries): Morgan's country allocation
decision for emerging markets securities begins with a forecast of the expected
return of each emerging market in the Portfolio's universe. These expected
returns are calculated using a proprietary valuation method that is forward
looking in nature rather than based on historical data. Morgan then evaluates
these expected returns from two different perspectives: first, it identifies
those countries that have high real expected returns relative to their own
history and other nations in their universe. Second, it identifies those
countries that it expects will provide high returns relative to their currency
risk. Countries that rank highly on one or both of these scores are
overweighted, while those that rank poorly are underweighted.
Stock selection: Morgan's more than 90 international equity analysts
and 12 emerging market equity analysts, each an industry and country specialist,
forecast normalized earnings, dividend payouts and cash flows for roughly 1200
non-U.S. companies -- taking a long-term perspective rather than the short time
frame common to consensus estimates. These forecasts are converted into
comparable expected returns by a dividend discount model, and then companies are
ranked from most to least attractive by industry and country. A diversified
portfolio is constructed using disciplined buy and sell rules. The portfolio
manager's objective is to concentrate the Portfolio's holdings in the stocks
deemed most undervalued. Stocks generally become a candidate for sale when they
fall into the bottom half of Morgan's rankings. Where available, warrants and
convertibles may be purchased instead of common stock if they are deemed a more
attractive means of investing in an undervalued company.
Currency management: Morgan actively manages the currency exposure of
the Portfolio's investments in developed countries, in conjunction with country
and stock allocation, with the goal of protecting and possibly enhancing the
Portfolio's return. Morgan's currency decisions are supported by a proprietary
tactical mode which forecasts currency movements based on an analysis of four
fundamental factors -- trade balance trends, purchasing power parity, real
short-term interest differentials and real bond yields -- plus a technical
factor designed to improve the timing of transactions. Combining the output of
this model with a subjective assessment of economic, political and market
factors, Morgan's currency specialists recommend currency strategies that are
implemented in conjunction with the Portfolio's investment strategy.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
As discussed in Part A, each 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 Portfolios appears below. Also see "Quality and Diversification
Requirements."
U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES. Each of the Portfolios may invest in direct
obligations of the U.S. Treasury, including Treasury bills, notes and bonds, all
of which are backed as to principal and interest payments by the full faith and
credit of the United States.
ADDITIONAL U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. Each of the Portfolios may invest in
obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities. These obligations may or may not be backed by the "full faith
and credit" of the United States. Securities which are backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States include obligations of the Government National
Mortgage Association, the Farmers Home Administration, and the Export-Import
Bank. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States, each 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 each
Portfolio may invest that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States include, but are not limited to, (i) obligations of the Tennessee
Valley Authority, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal; Home
Loan Bank and the U.S. Postal Service, each of which has the right to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations; (ii) securities issued by the
Federal National Mortgage Association, which are supported by the discretionary
authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; and (iii)
obligations of the Federal Farm Credit System and the Student Loan Marketing
Association, each of whose obligations may be satisfied only by the individual
credits of each issuing agency.
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. Each of the Portfolios, subject to its
applicable investment policies, may also invest in short-term obligations of
foreign sovereign governments or of their agencies, instrumentalities,
authorities or political subdivisions. These securities may be denominated in
the U.S. dollar or in another currency. See Foreign Investments.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. Each of the Portfolios, unless otherwise noted in the
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 assets and are organized under the laws
of the United States or any state, (ii) foreign branches of these banks or of
foreign banks (Euros) and (iii) U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankees). The
Portfolio will not invest in obligations for which the Advisor, or any of its
affiliated persons, is the ultimate obligor or accepting bank. The Portfolio may
also invest in obligations of international banking institutions designated or
supported by national governments to promote economic reconstruction,
development or trade between nations (e.g., the European Investment Bank, the
Inter-American Development Bank, or the World Bank).
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Each of the Portfolios 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 the Advisor acting as agent, for
no additional fee, in its capacity as 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 Federal
Reserve commercial paper composite rate, the rate on master demand obligations
is subject to change. Repayment of a master demand obligation to participating
accounts depends on the ability of the borrower to pay the accrued interest and
principal of the obligation on demand which is continuously monitored by the
Advisor. Since master demand obligations typically are not rated by credit
rating agencies, a Portfolio may invest in such unrated obligations only if at
the time of an investment the obligation is determined by the Advisor to have a
credit quality which satisfies the Portfolio's quality restrictions. See Quality
and Diversification Requirements. Although there is no secondary market for
master demand obligations, such obligations are considered by the Portfolios to
be liquid because they are payable upon demand. The Portfolios do not have any
specific percentage limitation on investments in master demand obligations.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each of the Portfolios may enter into repurchase
agreements with brokers, dealers or banks that meet the credit guidelines
approved by the Portfolio Trust's Trustees. In a repurchase agreement, a
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 a 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
Portfolios 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. Each Portfolio always will 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 of
the Portfolios Custodian. If the seller defaults, the Portfolios might incur a
loss if the value of the collateral securing the repurchase agreement declines
and might incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the collateral.
In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller
of the security, realization upon disposal of the collateral by the Portfolios
may be delayed or limited. See "Investment Restrictions".
Each of the Portfolios 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 herein.
CORPORATE BONDS AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES
As discussed in Part A, the European Equity Portfolio may invest in
bonds and other debt securities of domestic and foreign 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."
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Asset-backed securities directly or indirectly
represent a participation interest in, or are secured by and payable from, a
stream of payments generated by particular assets such as motor vehicle or
credit card receivables or other asset-backed securities collateralized by such
assets. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain
amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a
financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. The
asset-backed securities in which a Portfolio may invest are subject to the
Portfolio's overall credit requirements. However, asset-backed securities, in
general, are subject to certain risks. Most of these risks are related to
limited interests in applicable collateral. For example, credit card debt
receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the
protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which
give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts on credit card debt
thereby reducing the balance due. Additionally, if the letter of credit is
exhausted, holders of asset-backed securities may also experience delays in
payments or losses if the full amounts due on underlying sales contracts are not
realized. Because asset-backed securities are relatively new, the market
experience in these securities is limited and the market's ability to sustain
liquidity through all phases of the market cycle has not been tested.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
As discussed in Part A, the Portfolios invest primarily in Equity
Securities. The Equity Securities in which the Portfolios invest include those
listed on any domestic or foreign securities exchange or traded in the
over-the-counter (OTC) market as well as certain restricted or unlisted
securities. A discussion of the various types of equity investments which may be
purchased by these Portfolios appears in Part A and below. See Quality and
Diversification Requirements.
EQUITY SECURITIES. The Equity Securities in which the Portfolios may invest
may or may not pay dividends and may or may not carry voting rights. Common
stock occupies the most junior position in a company's capital structure.
The convertible securities in which the Portfolios may invest include
any debt securities or preferred stock which may be converted into common stock
or which carry the right to purchase common stock. Convertible securities
entitle the holder to exchange the securities for a specified number of shares
of common stock, usually of the same company, at specified prices within a
certain period of time.
The terms of any convertible security determine its ranking in a
company's capital structure. In the case of subordinated convertible debentures,
the holders' claims on assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of
other creditors, and are senior to the claims of preferred and common
shareholders. In the case of convertible preferred stock, the holders' claims on
assets and earnings are subordinated to the claims of all creditors and are
senior to the claims of common shareholders.
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS
The Portfolios may invest in common stock warrants that entitle the
holder to buy common stock from the issuer of the warrant at a specific price
(the strike price) for a specific period of time. The market price of warrants
may be substantially lower than the current market price of the underlying
common stock, yet warrants are subject to similar price fluctuations. As a
result, warrants may be more volatile investments than the underlying common
stock.
Warrants generally do not entitle the holder to dividends or voting
rights with respect to the underlying common stock and do not represent any
rights in the assets of the issuer company. A warrant will expire worthless if
it is not exercised on or prior to the expiration date.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
Each of the Portfolios may invest in securities of foreign issuers
directly or in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European
Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") or other
similar securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are securities, typically issued by
a U.S. financial institution (a "depositary"), that evidence ownership interests
in a security or a pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited
with the depositary. ADRs include American Depositary Shares and New York
Shares. EDRs are receipts issued by a European financial institution. GDRs,
which are sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are
securities, typically issued by a non-U.S. financial institution, that evidence
ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities issued by either a
U.S. or foreign issuer. ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and CDRs may be available for
investment through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility
is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and
a depositary, whereas an unsponsored facility may be established by a depositary
without participation by the issuer of the receipt's underlying security.
Holders of an unsponsored depositary receipt generally bear all costs
of the unsponsored facility. The depositary of an unsponsored facility
frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications
received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through to the
holders of the receipts voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
Since investments in foreign securities may involve foreign currencies,
the value of a Portfolio's assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control
regulations, including currency blockage. Each of the Portfolios may enter into
forward commitments for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies in connection
with the settlement of foreign securities transactions or to manage the
Portfolio's currency exposure related to foreign investments as described in the
relevant Part A. The Portfolios will not enter into such commitments for
speculative purposes.
The International Opportunities and European Equity Portfolios may also
invest in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Political and
economic structures in many of such countries may be undergoing significant
evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social,
political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries.
Certain of such countries may have in the past failed to recognize private
property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of
private companies. As a result, the risks described above, including the risks
of nationalization or expropriation of assets, may be heightened. In addition,
unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of a
Portfolio's investments in those countries and the availability to such
Portfolio of additional investments in those countries. The small size and
inexperience of the securities markets in certain of such countries and the
limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make a
Portfolio's investments in such countries illiquid and more volatile than
investments in more developed countries, and such Portfolio may be required to
establish special custodial or other arrangements before making certain
investments in those countries. There may be little financial or accounting
information available with respect to issuers located in certain of such
countries, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the value or prospects
of an investment in such issuers.
For a description of the risks associated with investing in foreign
securities, see Risk Factors and Additional Investment Information in Part A.
INVESTING IN JAPAN. Investing in Japanese securities may involve the
risks associated with investing in foreign securities generally. In addition,
because the Portfolio invests in equities of Japanese issuers it will be subject
to the general economic and political conditions in Japan.
In recent months, Japanese Growth forecasts have gone from
trends/slightly above trend growth, to stagnation. Current forecasts of the
Japanese economy zero growth this year followed by 1.75% in 1999. Growth last
year was around 1 percent, down from around 4% in 1996.
Banking sector problems in Japan lead to a further tightening of credit
conditions. The fiscal tightening in 1997 appears to have had a magnified impact
on the economy. The latest move to cut taxes is positive, but will not be
sufficient to significantly affect the course of the economy, particularly given
the temporary nature of the tax cut.
Share prices of companies listed on Japanese stock exchanges and on the
Japanese OTC market reached historical peaks (which were later referred to as
the "bubble") as well as historically high trading volumes in 1989 and 1990.
Since then, stock prices in both markets decreased significantly. There can be
no assurance that additional market corrections will not occur.
The common stocks of many Japanese companies continue to trade at high
price earnings ratios in comparison with those in the United States, even after
the market declined. Differences in accounting methods make it difficult to
compare the earnings of Japanese companies with those of companies in other
countries, especially the United States.
Since the Portfolio invests in securities denominated in yen, changes in
exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the yen affect the U.S. dollar value
of its respective assets. Although the Japanese economy has grown substantially
over the past four decades, recently the rate of growth had slowed
substantially. See "Foreign Currency Exchange Transactions."
Japan's success in exporting its products has generated a sizable trade
surplus. Such trade surplus has caused tensions at times between Japan and some
of its trading partners. In particular, Japan's trade relations with the United
States have recently been the subject of discussion and negotiation between the
two nations. The United States has imposed certain measures designed to address
trade issues in specific industries. These measures and similar measures in the
future may adversely affect the performance of the Portfolio.
Japan has a parliamentary form of government. In 1993 a coalition government was
formed which, for the first time since 1955, did not include the Liberal
Democratic Party. Since mid-1993, there have been several changes in leadership
in Japan. What, if any, effect the current political situation will have on
prospective regulatory reforms of the economy in Japan cannot be predicted.
Recent and future developments in Japan and neighboring Asian countries may lead
to changes in policy that might adversely affect the Portfolio.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. Each of the Portfolios 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 a Portfolio until settlement takes place. At the time a 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, each 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, each
Portfolio will meet its obligations from maturities or sales of the securities
held in the segregated account and/or from cash flow. If a 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 each
Portfolio (except the International Opportunities 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 each of the Portfolios to the extent permitted under 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 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, a 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. Each of the Portfolios have applied for
exemptive relief from the SEC to permit the Portfolios to invest in affiliated
investment companies. If the requested relief is granted, the Portfolios would
then be permitted to invest in affiliated funds, subject to certain conditions
specified in the applicable order.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each of the Portfolios may enter into
reverse repurchase agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Portfolio
sells a security and agrees to repurchase the same security at a mutually agreed
upon date and price. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a reverse repurchase
agreement is also considered as the borrowing of money by the Portfolio and,
therefore, a form of leverage. The Portfolios will invest the proceeds of
borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements. In addition, a 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. A Portfolio will not invest the proceeds of a reverse
repurchase agreement for a period which exceeds the duration of the reverse
repurchase agreement. A Portfolio may not enter into reverse repurchase
agreements exceeding in the aggregate one-third of the market value of its total
assets, less liabilities other than the obligations created by reverse
repurchase agreements. Each 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 Portfolios' limitation on
reverse repurchase agreements and on bank borrowings.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each of the Portfolios 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
Portfolios in the normal settlement time, generally three business days after
notice, or by the borrower on one day's notice. Borrowed securities must be
returned when the loan is terminated. Any gain or loss in the market price of
the borrowed securities which occurs during the term of the loan inures to a
Portfolio and its respective investors. The Portfolios may pay reasonable
finders' and custodial fees in connection with a loan. In addition, a Portfolio
will consider all facts and circumstances including the creditworthiness of the
borrowing financial institution, and no Portfolio will make any loans in excess
of one year. The Portfolios will not lend their securities to any officer,
Trustee, Director, employee or other affiliate of the Portfolios, the Advisor or
the exclusive placement agent unless otherwise permitted by applicable law.
PRIVATELY PLACED AND CERTAIN UNREGISTERED SECURITIES. A Portfolio may
not acquire any illiquid holdings if, as a result thereof, more than 15% of the
Portfolio's net assets would be in illiquid investments. Subject to this
non-fundamental policy limitation, the Portfolios 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 a Portfolio. The price a Portfolio pays for illiquid holdings or
receives upon resale may be lower than the price paid or received for similar
holdings with a more liquid market. Accordingly the valuation of these holdings
will reflect any limitations on their liquidity.
The Portfolios 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.
As to illiquid investments, a 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 1933 Act, before it may be sold, a 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 holding under an effective registration
statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop,
a Portfolio might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided
to sell.
QUALITY AND DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Each of the Portfolios, except the Japan Equity Portfolio, intends to
meet the diversification requirements of the 1940 Act. To meet these
requirements, 75% of the assets of each of these Portfolios is subject to the
following fundamental limitations: (1) the Portfolio may not invest more than 5%
of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer, except obligations of
the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and (2) the Portfolio
may not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one
issuer. As for the other 25% of the Portfolio's assets not subject to the
limitation described above, there is no limitation on investment of these assets
under the 1940 Act, so that all of such assets may be invested in securities of
any one issuer, subject to the limitation of any applicable state securities
laws. Investments not subject to the limitations described above could involve
an increased risk to a Portfolio should an issuer, or a state or its related
entities, be unable to make interest or principal payments or should the market
value of such securities decline.
Although the Japan Equity Portfolio is not limited by the
diversification requirements of the 1940 Act, the Portfolio 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
Tax Status. To meet these requirements, the Portfolio must diversify its
holdings so that, with respect to 50% of the Portfolio's assets, no more than 5%
of its assets are invested in the securities of any one issuer other than the
U.S. Government at the close of each quarter of the Portfolio's taxable year.
The Portfolio may, with respect to the remaining 50% of its assets, invest up to
25% of its assets in the securities of any one issuer (except this limitation
does not apply to U.S. Government securities).
The Portfolios may invest in convertible debt securities for which
there are no specific quality requirements. In addition, at the time the
Portfolio invests in any commercial paper, bank obligation or repurchase
agreement, the issuer must have outstanding debt rated A or higher by Moody's 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. At the time the Portfolio invests
in any other short-term debt securities, they must be rated A or higher by
Moody's or Standard & Poor's, or if unrated, 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 OVER-THE-COUNTER OPTIONS. All options purchased or
sold by the Portfolios 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 Portfolio's Board of Trustees. While exchange-traded
options are obligations of the Options Clearing Corporation, in the case of OTC
options, a Portfolio relies on the dealer from which it purchased the option to
perform if the option is exercised. Thus, when a 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 Trust has arrangements with certain
qualified dealers who agree that a Portfolio may repurchase any option it writes
for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula, a 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. The Portfolios may
purchase or sell futures contracts and purchase and sell (write) put and call
options, including put and call options on futures contracts. In addition, the
Portfolios may sell (write) uncovered put and call options on futures. Futures
contracts obligate the buyer to take and the seller to make delivery at a future
date of a specified quantity of a financial instrument or an amount of cash
based on the value of a securities index. Currently, futures contracts are
available on various types of fixed income securities, including but not limited
to U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, Eurodollar certificates of deposit and
on 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 a 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 Portfolios 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, a 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 a
Portfolio's current or anticipated investments exactly. A 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
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. A 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 a 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 a
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 a Portfolio to continue to hold a position until
delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, the
Portfolio's access to other assets held to cover its options or futures
positions could also be impaired. (See Exchange Traded and Over-the-Counter
Options above for a discussion of the liquidity of options not traded on an
exchange.)
POSITION LIMITS. Futures exchanges can limit the number of futures and
options on futures contracts that can be held or controlled by an entity. If an
adequate exemption cannot be obtained, a 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
Portfolios intend to comply with Section 4.5 of the regulations under the
Commodity Exchange Act, which limits the extent to which a Portfolio can commit
assets to initial margin deposits and option premiums. In addition, the
Portfolios will comply with guidelines established by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (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 a Portfolio's assets could impede portfolio management or the
Portfolio's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Portfolios for the Funds may employ non-hedging risk management
techniques. Examples of risk management strategies include synthetically
altering a portfolio's exposure to the equity markets of particular countries by
purchasing futures contracts on the stock indices of those countries to increase
exposure to their equity markets. Such non-hedging risk management techniques
are not speculative, but because they involve leverage include, as do all
leveraged transactions, the possibility of losses as well as gains that are
greater than if these techniques involved the purchase and sale of the
securities themselves rather than their synthetic derivatives.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Set forth below are the portfolio turnover rates for each of the
indicated Portfolios. 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 or
losses. 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.
EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO -- For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: 36%. For the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996: 57%. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997: 65%
JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO -- For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: 60%. For the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996: 86%. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997: 93%
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO - For the period February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) to November 30, 1997: 72%
The estimated annual portfolio turnover rate for the International
Opportunities Portfolios generally should not exceed 100%.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment restrictions below have been adopted by the Portfolio
Trust with respect to each 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 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 European Equity
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. With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase any security if, as a
result, (a) more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets
would be invested in securities or other obligations of any one issuer;
or (b) the Portfolio would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of that issuer. This limitation shall not apply to
Government securities (as defined in the 1940 Act);
4. Make loans to other persons, except through the purchase of debt
obligations, loans of portfolio securities and participation in
repurchase agreements;
5. 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 on physical commodities) and may enter into forward
foreign currency contracts;
6. 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;
7. 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; or
8. Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act or any
rule, order or interpretation thereunder.
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 Japan Equity
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 on physical commodities) and may enter into forward
foreign currency 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; or
7. Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act or any
rule, order or interpretation thereunder.
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 International
Opportunities Portfolios may not:
1. Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% its total assets would
be invested in securities of issuers in any single industry. This limitation
shall not apply to securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest
by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
2. Issue senior securities. For purposes of this restriction, borrowing money in
accordance with paragraph 3 below, making loans in accordance with paragraph 7
below, the issuance of beneficial interests in multiple classes or series, the
purchase or sale of options, futures contracts, forward commitments, swaps and
transactions in repurchase agreements are not deemed to be senior securities.
3. Borrow money, except in amounts not to exceed one third of the Portfolio's
total assets (including the amount borrowed) (i) from banks for temporary or
short-term purposes or for the clearance of transactions, (ii) in connection
with redemptions or to finance failed settlements of portfolio trades without
immediately liquidating portfolio securities or other assets, (iii) in order to
fulfill commitments or plans to purchase additional securities pending the
anticipated sale of other portfolio securities or assets and (iv) pursuant to
reverse repurchase agreements entered into by the Portfolio.
4. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except to the extent that, in
connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Portfolio may be
deemed to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.
5. Purchase or sell real estate except that the Portfolio may (i) acquire or
lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of issuers that
invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest in securities that are
secured by real estate or interests therein, (iv) purchase and sell
mortgage-related securities and (v) hold and sell real estate acquired by the
Portfolio as a result of the ownership of securities.
6. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except the Portfolio may
purchase and sell financial futures contracts, options on financial futures
contracts and warrants and may enter into swap and forward commitment
transactions.
7. Make loans, except that the Portfolio (1) may lend portfolio securities with
a value not exceeding one-third of the Portfolio's net assets, (2) enter into
repurchase agreements, and (3) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt
securities (including privately issued debt securities), bank loan participation
interests, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or
other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance
of the securities.
8. With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an issuer
(other than the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities
or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government securities), if:
a. such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Portfolio's total assets
to be invested in the securities of such issuer; or
b. such purchase would cause the Portfolio to hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
(Although permitted to do so by Restriction No. 3 above, the Portfolio has
no current intention to engage in borrowing for financial leverage.)
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS - ALL PORTFOLIOS. The investment
restriction described below is not a fundamental policy of each Portfolio and
may be changed by the Trustees of the Portfolio Trust. This non-fundamental
investment policy requires that each Portfolio may not:
(i) 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.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS - EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO.
The investment restrictions described below are not fundamental policies of
these Portfolios and may be changed by the Trustees of the Portfolio Trust.
These non-fundamental investment policies require that each of these Portfolios
may not:
(i) 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;
(ii) Purchase any security if, as a result, the Portfolio would then
have more than 5% of its total assets invested in securities of companies
(including predecessors) that have been in continuous operation for fewer than
three years;
(iii) Invest in warrants (other than warrants acquired by the Portfolio
as part of a unit or attached to securities at the time of purchase) if, as a
result, the investments (valued at the lower of cost or market) would exceed 5%
of the value of the Portfolio's net assets or if, as a result, more than 2% of
the Portfolio's net assets would be invested in warrants not listed on a
recognized U.S. or foreign stock exchange, to the extent permitted by applicable
state securities laws;
(iv) 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;
(v) Purchase securities on margin, but the Portfolio may obtain such
short term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions;
(vi) Purchase or retain securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge
of the Portfolio, any of the Portfolio's officers or Trustees or any officer of
the Advisor individually owns more than 1/2 of 1% of the issuer's outstanding
securities and such persons owning more than 1/2 of 1% of such securities
together beneficially own more than 5% of such securities, all taken at market;
or
(vii) Invest in real estate limited partnerships or purchase interests
in oil, gas or mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS - JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO. The
investment restrictions described below are not fundamental policies of the
Japan Equity Portfolio and may be changed by the Trustees of the Portfolio
Trust. These non-fundamental investment policies require that the Portfolio may
not:
(i) 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;
(ii) Purchase any security if, as a result, the Portfolio would then
have more than 5% of its total assets invested in securities of companies
(including predecessors) that have been in continuous operation for fewer than
three years;
(iii) 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;
(iv) Purchase securities on margin, but the Portfolio may obtain such
short term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions;
(v) Purchase or retain securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge of
the Portfolio, any of the Portfolio's officers or Trustees or any officer of the
Advisor individually owns more than 1/2 of 1% of the issuer's outstanding
securities and such persons owning more than 1/2 of 1% of such securities
together beneficially own more than 5% of such securities, all taken at market;
or
(vi) Invest in real estate limited partnerships or purchase interests
in oil, gas or mineral exploration or development programs or leases.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS - INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
PORTFOLIOS. The investment restrictions described below are not fundamental
policies of the Portfolios and may be changed by their respective Trustees.
These non-fundamental investment policies require that each Portfolio may not:
(i) 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;
(ii) Sell any security short, except to the extent permitted by the
1940 Act. Transactions in futures contracts and options shall not constitute
selling securities short;
(iii) Purchase securities on margin, but the Portfolio may obtain such
short term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions;
ALL PORTFOLIOS. 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.
For purposes of fundamental investment restrictions regarding industry
concentration, Morgan may classify issuers by industry in accordance with
classifications set forth in the Directory of Companies Filing Annual Reports
With The Securities and Exchange Commission or other sources. In the absence of
such classification or if Morgan determines in good faith based on its own
information that the economic characteristics affecting a particular issuer make
it more appropriately considered to be engaged in a different industry, Morgan
may classify an issuer accordingly. For instance, personal credit finance
companies and business credit finance companies are deemed to be separate
industries and wholly owned finance companies are considered to be in the
industry of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing
the activities of their parents.
ITEM 14. MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIO TRUST.
The Trustees of the Portfolios, their addresses and principal
occupations during the past five years and dates of birth are set forth below.
TRUSTEES
FREDERICK S. ADDY --Trustee; Retired; Prior to April 1994, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, Amoco Corporation. His address is 5300
Arbutus Cove, Austin, TX 78746, and his date of birth is January 1, 1932.
WILLIAM G. BURNS --Trustee; Retired, Former Vice Chairman and Chief
Financial Officer, NYNEX. His address is 2200 Alaqua Drive, Longwood, FL 32779,
and his date of birth is November 2, 1932.
ARTHUR C. ESCHENLAUER - -Trustee; Retired; Former Senior Vice President,
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. His address is 14 Alta Vista Drive,
RD #2, Princeton, NJ 08540, and his date of birth is May 23, 1934.
MATTHEW HEALEY* --Trustee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;
Chairman, Pierpont Group, Inc., since prior to 1993. His address is Pine Tree
Club Estates, 10286 Saint Andrews Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33436, and his date of
birth is August 23, 1937.
MICHAEL P. MALLARDI - -Trustee; Retired; Prior to April 1996, Senior Vice
President, Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and President, Broadcast Group. His address
is 10 Charnwood Drive, Suffern, NY 10910, and his date of birth is March 17,
1934.
------------------------- (*) Mr. Healey is an "interested person" of the
Portfolio and the Advisor as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
Each Trustee is currently paid an annual fee of $75,000 for serving as
Trustee of the Master Portfolios (as defined below), the J.P. Morgan Funds, the
J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and J.P. Morgan Series Trust and is reimbursed
for expenses incurred in connection with service as a Trustee. The Trustees may
hold various other directorships unrelated to the Portfolio.
The compensation paid to each Trustee for the calendar year ended
December 31, 1997 is set forth below.
TOTAL TRUSTEE COMPANSATION
ACCRUED BY THE MASTER
PORTFOLIOS (*),J.P. MORGAN
FUNDS, J.P. MORGAN
AGGREGATE TRUSTEE INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
COMPENSATION AND J.P. MORGAN SERIES
PAID BY THE PORTFOLIO TRUST DURING 1997(**)
NAME OF TRUSTEE TRUST DURING 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick S. Addy, Trustee
$2,810 $ 72,500
- ----- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
William G. Burns, Trustee $2,810 $ 72,500
- ----- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
Arthur C. Eschenlauer, Trustee $2,810 $ 72,500
- ----- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
Matthew Healey, Trustee(***), $2,810 $ 72,500
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
- ----- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
Michael P. Mallardi, Trustee $2,810 $ 72,500
- ----- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
(*) Includes the Portfolios and 19 other portfolios (collectively, the
"Master Portfolios") for which Morgan acts as investment advisor.
(**) No investment company within the fund complex has a pension or
retirement plan. Currently there are 18 investment companies (15 investment
companies comprising the Master Portfolios, the J.P. Morgan Funds, J.P. Morgan
Institutional Funds, and J.P. Morgan Series Trust) in the fund complex.
(***) During 1997, Pierpont Group. paid Mr. Healey, in his role as Chairman
of Pierpont Group, compensation in the amount of $147,500, contributed $22,100
to a defined contribution plan on his behalf and paid $20,500 in insurance
premiums for his benefit.
The Trustees or the Portfolios in addition to reviewing actions of the
Portfolios' various service providers, decide upon matters of general policy.
The Portfolios have entered into a Portfolio Fund Services Agreement with
Pierpont Group to assist the Trustees in exercising their overall supervisory
responsibilities over the affairs of the Portfolio. Pierpont Group was organized
in July 1989 to provide services for the J.P. Morgan Funds (formerly, "The
Pierpont Family of Funds" currently an investor in the Portfolio. The Portfolio
has agreed to pay Pierpont Group a fee in an amount representing its reasonable
costs in performing these services. These costs are periodically reviewed by the
Trustees. The aggregate fees paid to Pierpont Group by the Portfolio for the
fiscal years are set forth below:
EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $19,953. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996: $25,144. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997:
$21,837.
JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $21,727. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996: $21,646. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997:
$11,246.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO-- For the period February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) through November 30, 1997: $5,110.
The Portfolio Trust has no employees; its executive officers (listed
below), other than the Chief Executive Officer and the officers who are
employees of the Advisor, are provided and compensated by Funds Distributor,
Inc. ("FDI"), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Boston Institutional Group.
The Portfolio officers conduct and supervise the business operations of the
Portfolio.
The officers of the Portfolio, their principal occupations during the
past five years and their dates of birth are set forth below. The business
address of each of the officers unless otherwise noted is 60 State Street, Suite
1300, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
MATTHEW HEALEY; Chief Executive Officer; Chairman, Pierpont Group,
since prior to 1993. His address is Pine Tree Club Estates, 10286 Saint Andrews
Road, Boynton Beach, 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 and
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.
JACQUELINE HENNING; Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. Managing
Director, State Street Cayman Trust Company, Ltd. since October 1994. Prior to
October 1994, Mrs. Henning was head of mutual funds at Morgan Grenfell in Cayman
and for five years was Managing Director of Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company
(Cayman) Limited from September 1988 to September 1993. Address: P.O. Box 2508
GT, Elizabethan Square, 2nd Floor, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand Cayman,
Cayman Islands. Her date of birth is March 24, 1942.
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. (together "RCM"), Waterhouse Investors Cash Management Fund,
Inc. ("Waterhouse") 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 Services 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, Waterhouse and Harris or their
respective affiliates. From June 1994 to January 1996, Ms. Jacoppo-Wood was a
Manager, SEC Registration, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. From 1988 to May 1994,
Ms. Jacoppo-Wood was a senior paralegal at The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.
("TBCA"). Her date of birth is December 29, 1966.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY; Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Associate General Counsel of FDI and Premier Mutual and an officer
of Waterhouse 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.
LENORE J. MCCABE; Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. Assistant
Vice President, State Street Bank and Trust Company since November 1994.
Assigned as Operations Manager, State Street Cayman Trust Company, Ltd. since
February 1995. Prior to November, 1994, employed by Boston Financial Data
Services, Inc. as Control Group Manager. Address: P.O. Box 2508 GT, Elizabethan
Square, 2nd Floor, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Her
date of birth is May 31, 1961.
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, Waterhouse 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.
MARY JO PACE; Assistant Treasurer. Vice President, Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York. Ms. Pace serves in the Funds Administration group as a
Supervisor for the Budgeting and Expense Division. Prior to September 1995, Ms.
Pace served as a Funds Administrator for Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York. Her address is 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260.
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.
CHRISTINE ROTUNDO; Assistant Treasurer. Vice President, Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York. Ms. Rotundo serves in the Funds Administration group
and is responsible for U.S. mutual fund tax matters. Prior to September 1995,
Ms. Rotundo served as a Senior Tax Manager in the Investment Company Services
Group of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Her address is 60 Wall Street, New York, New
York 10260.
JOSEPH F. TOWER III; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Executive Vice
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer
and Director of FDI. Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Premier Mutual and an
officer of Waterhouse 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 Portfolios' 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 willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in
their offices, or unless with respect to any other matter it is finally
adjudicated that they did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that
their actions were in the best interests of the Portfolio. In the case of
settlement, such indemnification will not be provided unless it has been
determined by a court or other body approving the settlement or other
disposition, or by a reasonable determination, based upon a review of readily
available facts, by vote of a majority of disinterested Trustees or in a written
opinion of independent counsel, that such officers or Trustees have not engaged
in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
their duties.
ITEM 15. CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
As of February 28, 1998, J.P. Morgan Institutional European Equity Fund
and J.P. Morgan European Equity Fund (series of the J.P. Morgan Institutional
Funds and the J.P. Morgan Funds), respectively, owned 57% and 43%, respectively,
of the outstanding beneficial interests in the Portfolio. So long as the Funds
control the Portfolio, the Funds may take action without the approval of any
other holder of beneficial interests in the Portfolio.
As of February 28, 1998 J.P. Morgan Institutional Japan Equity Fund and
J.P. Morgan Japan Equity Fund (series of the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and
the J.P. Morgan Funds), respectively, owned 65% and 35%, respectively, of the
outstanding beneficial interests in the Portfolio. So long as the Funds control
the Portfolio, the Funds may take action without the approval of any other
holder of beneficial interests in the Portfolio.
As of February 28, 1998, J.P. Morgan Institutional International
Opportunities Fund and J.P. Morgan International Opportunities Fund, (series of
the J.P. Morgan Institutional Funds and the J.P. Morgan Funds), respectively,
owned 83% and 17%, respectively, of the outstanding beneficial interests in the
Portfolio. So long as the Funds control the Portfolio, they may take action
without the approval of any other holder of beneficial interests in the
Portfolio.
Each of the Funds has informed the Portfolio Trust that whenever it is
requested to vote on matters pertaining to its corresponding Portfolio (other
than a vote by the Portfolio to continue the operation of the Portfolio upon the
withdrawal of another investor in the Portfolio), it will hold a meeting of its
shareholders and will cast its vote as instructed by those shareholders.
The officers and Trustees of the Portfolio Trust own none of the
outstanding beneficial interests in any Portfolio.
ITEM 16. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR. The investment advisor to the Portfolios is Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, a wholly owned subsidiary of 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
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 approximately $250 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 was founded in 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 in its investment management divisions located in New York,
London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Melbourne and Singapore to cover countries, industries
and countries on site. In addition, the investment management divisions employ
approximately 300 capital market researchers, portfolio managers and traders.
The investment advisory services the Advisor provides to the Portfolios
are not exclusive under the terms of the Investment 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 Portfolios. Such accounts are supervised by
officers and employees of the Advisor who may also be acting in similar
capacities for the Portfolios. See Item 17.
Sector weightings are generally similar to a Portfolio's benchmark with
the emphasis on security selection as the method to achieve investment
performance superior to the benchmark. The benchmarks for the Portfolios are
currently: The European Equity Portfolio--the MSCI Europe Index; The Japan
Equity Portfolio--the TOPIX; and The International Opportunities Portfolio--MSCI
All Country World ex-U.S. Index.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., also a wholly-owned subsidiary of
J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated, 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.
The Portfolios are managed by officers of the Advisor who, in acting
for their customers, including the Portfolios, 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 Trust on behalf of each Portfolio has agreed
to pay the Advisor a fee, which is computed daily and may be paid monthly, equal
to the annual rate of the Portfolio's average daily net assets shown below.
European Equity Portfolio: 0.65%
Japan Equity Portfolio: 0.65%
International Opportunities Portfolio: 0.60%
The table below sets forth for each of the indicated Portfolios listed
the advisory fees to the Advisor for the fiscal periods indicated.
EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $1,675,355. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996: $3,735,998. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997:
$3,879,040.
JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $1,777,126. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996: $3,053,033. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997:
$2,031,363.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITES PORTFOLIO-- For the period February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) through November 30, 1997: $904,113.
The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that it will continue in
effect with respect to each Portfolio 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 the Portfolio
Trust's 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 with respect to each Portfolio at any time without
penalty by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Portfolio Trust or by a
vote of the holders of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding securities on
60 days' written notice to Morgan and by Morgan on 90 days' written notice to
the Portfolio.
The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws generally prohibit
banks such as the Advisor from engaging in the business of underwriting or
distributing securities, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System has issued an interpretation to the effect that under these laws a bank
holding company registered under the federal Bank Holding Company Act or certain
subsidiaries thereof may not sponsor, organize or control a registered open-end
investment company continuously engaged in the issuance of its shares, such as
the Portfolio Trust. The interpretation does not prohibit a holding company or a
subsidiary thereof from acting as investment advisor and custodian to such an
investment company. The Advisor believes that it may perform the services for
the Portfolios contemplated by the Investment Advisory Agreement without
violation of the Glass-Steagall Act or other applicable banking laws or
regulations. State laws on this issue may differ from the interpretation of
relevant federal law, and banks and financial institutions may be required to
register as dealers pursuant to state securities laws. However, it is possible
that future changes in either federal or state statutes and regulations
concerning the permissible activities of banks or trust companies, as well as
further judicial or administrative decisions and interpretations of present and
future statutes and regulations, might prevent the Advisor from continuing to
perform such services for the Portfolios.
If the Advisor were prohibited from acting as investment advisor to any
Portfolio, it is expected that the Trustees of the Portfolio Trust would
recommend to investors that they approve the Portfolio Trust's entering into a
new investment advisory agreement with another qualified investment advisor
selected by the Trustees.
Under a separate agreement, Morgan also provides administrative and
related services to the Portfolio Trust (See Administrative Services Agent) in
Part A above.
CO-ADMINISTRATOR. Under the Portfolio Trust's Co-Administration
Agreement dated August 1, 1996, FDI serves as the Portfolio Trust'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 Trust 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 Trust, may subcontract for the
performance of its obligations, provided, however, that unless the Portfolio
Trust 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 Portfolios
have 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 Portfolios is based on the ratio of its net assets to the
aggregate net assets of the J.P. Morgan Funds, the J.P. Morgan Institutional
Funds, the Master Portfolios, J.P. Morgan Series Trust and J.P.
Morgan Series Trust II.
The following administrative fees were paid by each of the indicated
Portfolios to FDI for the fiscal periods indicated. See Expenses and below for
applicable expense limitations.
EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period August 1, 1996 through December
31, 1996: $7,060. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997: $14,117.
JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period August 1, 1996 through December 31,
1996: $4,885. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997: $7,389.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO-- For the period February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) through November 30, 1997: $3,446.
The following administrative fees were paid by each of the indicated
Portfolios to Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. ("SBDS") (which provided
placement agent and administrative services to the Portfolios prior to August 1,
1996):
EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $15,623. For the period January 1, 1996
through July 31, 1996: $38,675.
JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $17,418. For the period January 1, 1996
through July 31, 1996: $35,898.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENT. The Portfolio Trust 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 each Portfolio.
Under the Services Agreement, effective August 1, 1996, the Portfolio
Trust has agreed to pay Morgan fees equal to its allocable share of an annual
complex-wide charge. This charge is calculated daily based on the aggregate net
assets of the Master Portfolios and J.P. Morgan Series Trust in accordance with
the following annual schedule: 0.09% on the first $7 billion of their aggregate
average daily net assets and 0.04% of their average daily net assets in excess
of $7 billion, less the complex-wide fees payable to FDI. The portion of this
charge payable by each Portfolio is determined by the proportionate share that
its net assets bear to the total net assets of the J.P. Morgan Funds, the J.P.
Morgan Institutional Funds, the Master Portfolios, the other investors in the
Master Portfolios for which Morgan provides similar services and J.P. Morgan
Series Trust.
Under administrative services agreements in effect with Morgan from
December 29, 1995 through July 31, 1996, each Portfolio paid Morgan a fee equal
to its proportionate share of an annual complex-wide charge. This charge was
calculated daily based on the aggregate net assets of the Master Portfolios in
accordance with the following schedule: 0.06% of the first $7 billion of the
Master Portfolios' aggregate average daily net assets, and 0.03% of the Master
Portfolios' aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $7 billion. Prior to
December 29, 1995, the Portfolio Trust 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. Fee arrangements for
administrative services prior to August 1, 1996 did not pertain to the
International Opportunities Portfolio. Below are set forth for each of the
indicated Portfolios the fees paid to Morgan, as services agent.
EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $128,335. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996: $161,993. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997:
$184,239.
JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO--For the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1995: $147,974. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996: $130,108. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997:
$96,448.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO-- For the period February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) through November 30, 1997: $46,055.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT. State Street Bank and Trust Company
("State Street"), 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as
the Portfolio Trust's custodian and accounting and transfer agent. Pursuant to
the Custodian Contract, State Street is responsible for maintaining the books of
account and records of portfolio transactions and holding portfolio securities
and cash. In the case of foreign assets held outside the United States, the
Custodian employs various subcustodians who were approved by the Trustees in
accordance with the regulations of the SEC. The Custodian maintains portfolio
transaction records, calculates book and tax allocations for the Portfolio Trust
and computes the value of the interest of each investor. The Portfolios are
responsible for the fees of State Street as the custodian for the Portfolios.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. The independent accountants of the Portfolio
Trust are Price Waterhouse, LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
10036. Price Waterhouse LLP conducts an annual audit of the financial statements
of each of the Portfolios, assists in the preparation and/or review of each
Portfolio's federal and state income tax returns and consults with the Portfolio
Trust 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 Trust is responsible for usual and customary
expenses associated with its operations. Such expenses include organization
expenses, legal fees, accounting and audit expenses, insurance costs, the
compensation and expenses of the Trustees, registration fees under federal and
foreign securities laws, and extraordinary expenses, applicable to the Portfolio
Trust. Such expenses also include brokerage expenses. Under fee arrangements
prior to September 1, 1995, that included higher fees for financial and fund
accounting services, Morgan as service agent was responsible for reimbursements
to the Portfolio Trust for SBDS's fees as Administrator and the usual and
customary expenses described above (excluding organization and extraordinary
expenses, custodian fees and brokerage expenses).
ITEM 17. BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES.
The Advisor places orders for the Portfolios for all purchases and
sales of portfolio securities, enters into repurchase agreements, may enter into
reverse repurchase agreements and execute loans of portfolio securities on
behalf of the Portfolios. 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 Portfolios, the
Advisor intends to seek best execution on a competitive basis for both purchases
and sales of Securities.
In selecting a broker, the Advisor considers a number of factors
including: the price per unit of the security; the broker's reliability for
prompt, accurate confirmations and on-time delivery of securities; the firm's
financial condition; as well as the commissions charged. A broker may be paid a
brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged
for effecting the same transaction if, after considering the foregoing factors,
the Advisor decides that the broker chosen will provide the best execution. The
Advisor monitors the reasonableness of the brokerage commissions paid in light
of the execution received. The Trustees of the Portfolio Trust review regularly
the reasonableness of commissions and other transaction costs incurred by the
Portfolios 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 a Portfolio. The Advisor believes that the value of research services
received is not determinable and does not significantly reduce its expenses. The
Portfolios do not reduce their 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 execution of
orders, the Advisor may allocate a portion of a Portfolio's brokerage
transactions to affiliates of the Advisor. In order for affiliates of the
Advisor to effect any portfolio transactions for a Portfolio, the commissions,
fees or other remuneration received by such affiliates must be reasonable and
fair compared to the commissions, fees, or other remuneration paid to other
brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities
being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of
time. Furthermore, the Trustees of the Portfolio Trust, 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 Trust'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 Portfolios 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 a Portfolio as well as other customers,
including other 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 a 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 a Portfolio. In some instances,
this procedure might adversely affect a Portfolio.
If a 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 a
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 a 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.
The portfolio turnover rate for The European Equity Portfolio for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 was 57% and 65%, respectively. The
portfolio turnover rate for The International Opportunities Portfolio for the
period February 26, 1997 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 1997
was 72%. The portfolio turnover rate for The Japan Equity Portfolio for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 was 86% and 93%, respectively.
Each of the indicated Portfolios paid the following brokerage
commissions for the indicated fiscal periods:
EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO (December): 1995: $143,417; 1996: $1,189,817;
1997: $1,562,672
JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO (December): 1995: $0; 1996: $1,245,419; 1997: $401,184
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO: For the period February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) through November 30, 1997: $1,027,285.
ITEM 18. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES.
Each Portfolio is a subtrust (or series) of the Portfolio Trust, which
is organized as a trust under the laws of the State of New York. Under the
Portfolio Trust's Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue
beneficial interests in one or more series (each a "Series"), including the
Portfolios. Investors in a Series will be held personally liable for the
obligations and liabilities of that Series (and of no other Series), subject,
however, to indemnification by the Portfolio Trust in the event that there is
imposed upon an investor a greater portion of the liabilities and obligations of
the Series than its proportionate beneficial interest in the Series. The
Declaration of Trust also provides that the Portfolio Trust shall maintain
appropriate insurance (for example, a fidelity bond and errors and omissions
insurance) for the protection of the Portfolio Trust, its investors, Trustees,
officers, employees and agents, and 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 Trust itself was unable to meet its
obligations.
Investors in a Series are entitled to participate pro rata in
distributions of taxable income, loss, gain and credit of their respective
Series only. Upon liquidation or dissolution of a Series, investors are entitled
to share pro rata in that Series' (and no other Series) net assets available for
distribution to its investors. The Portfolio Trust reserves the right to create
and issue additional Series of beneficial interests, in which case the
beneficial interests in each new Series would participate equally in the
earnings, dividends and assets of that particular Series only (and no other
Series). Any property of the Portfolio Trust is allocated and belongs to a
specific Series to the exclusion of all other Series. All consideration received
by the Portfolio Trust for the issuance and sale of beneficial interests in a
particular Series, together with all assets in which such consideration is
invested or reinvested, all income, earnings and proceeds thereof, and any funds
or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds, is held by the
Trustees in a separate subtrust (a Series) for the benefit of investors in that
Series and irrevocably belongs to that Series for all purposes. Neither a Series
nor investors in that Series possess any right to or interest in the assets
belonging to any other Series.
Investments in a Series have no preference, preemptive, conversion or
similar rights and are fully paid and nonassessable, except as set forth below.
Investments in a Series may not be transferred. Certificates representing an
investor's beneficial interest in a Series are issued only upon the written
request of an investor.
Each investor is entitled to a vote in proportion to the amount of its
investment in each Series. Investors in a Series do not have cumulative voting
rights, and investors holding more than 50% of the aggregate beneficial
interests in all outstanding Series may elect all of the Trustees if they choose
to do so and in such event other investors would not be able to elect any
Trustees. Investors in each Series will vote as a separate class except as to
voting of Trustees, as otherwise required by the 1940 Act, or if determined by
the Trustees to be a matter which affects all Series. As to any matter which
does not affect the interest of a particular Series, only investors in the one
or more affected Series are entitled to vote. The Portfolio Trust is not
required and has no current intention of holding annual meetings of investors,
but the Portfolio Trust will hold special meetings of investors when in the
judgment of the Portfolio Trust's Trustees it is necessary or desirable to
submit matters for an investor vote. The Portfolio Trust's Declaration of Trust
may be amended without the vote of investors, except that investors have the
right to approve by affirmative majority vote any amendment which would affect
their voting rights, alter the procedures to amend the Declaration of Trust of
the Portfolio Trust, or as required by law or by the Portfolio Trust's
registration statement, or as submitted to them by the Trustees. Any amendment
submitted to investors which the Trustees determine would affect the investors
of any Series shall be authorized by vote of the investors of such Series and no
vote will be required of investors in a Series not affected.
The Portfolio Trust or any Series (including any 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
Series), 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 in the Series) will be
sufficient. The Portfolio Trust or any Series (including any 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 Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that obligations of
the Portfolio Trust are not binding upon the Trustees individually but only upon
the property of the Portfolio Trust 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 wilful 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 each Portfolio are issued solely in private
placement transactions that do not involve any "public offering" within the
meaning of Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act.
The value of investments listed on a domestic securities exchange, is
based on the last sale prices on such exchange. In the absence of recorded
sales, investments are valued at the average of readily available closing bid
and asked prices on such exchange. Securities listed on a foreign exchange are
valued at the last quoted sale prices on such exchange. Unlisted securities are
valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices in the OTC market. The
value of each security for which readily available market quotations exist is
based on a decision as to the broadest and most representative market for such
security. For purposes of calculating net asset value, all assets and
liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into
U.S.
dollars at the prevailing currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
Securities or other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available (including certain restricted and illiquid securities) are valued at
fair value in accordance with procedures established by and under the general
supervision and responsibility of the Trustees. Such procedures include the use
of independent pricing services which use prices based upon yields or prices of
securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to
values from dealers; and general market conditions. Short-term investments which
mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if their original
maturity was 60 days or less, or by amortizing their value on the 61st day prior
to maturity, if their original maturity when acquired by the Portfolio was more
than 60 days, unless this is determined not to represent fair value by the
Trustees.
Trading in securities on most foreign exchanges and OTC markets is
normally completed before the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 4:00pm) and may also take place on days on which the New York Stock
Exchange is closed. If events materially affecting the value of securities occur
between the time when the exchange on which they are traded closes and the time
when a Portfolio's net asset value is calculated, such securities will be valued
at fair value in accordance with procedures established by and under the general
supervision of the Trustees.
If the Portfolio determines that it would be detrimental to the best
interest of the remaining investors in the Portfolio to make payment wholly or
partly in cash, payment of the redemption price may be made in whole or in part
by a distribution in kind of securities from the Portfolio, in lieu of cash, in
conformity with the applicable rule of the SEC. If interests are redeemed in
kind, the redeeming investor might incur transaction costs in converting the
assets into cash. The Portfolio is in the process of seeking exemptive relief
from the SEC with respect to redemptions in kind. If the requested relief is
granted, the Portfolio would then be permitted to pay redemptions to investors
owning 5% or more of the outstanding beneficial interests in the Portfolio in
securities, rather than in cash, to the extent permitted by the SEC and
applicable law. The method of valuing portfolio securities is described above
and such valuation will be made as of the same time the redemption price is
determined. The Portfolio has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the
1940 Act pursuant to which the Portfolio is obligated to redeem interests solely
in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the
Portfolio during any 90 day period for any one investor. The Portfolio will not
redeem in kind except in circumstances in which an investor is permitted to
redeem in kind.
The net asset value of the Portfolio will not be computed on a day on
which no orders to purchase or withdraw beneficial interests in the Portfolio
has been received or on the days the following legal holidays are observed: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On days
when U.S. trading markets close early in observance of these holidays, the
Portfolio would expect to close for purchases and withdrawals at the same time.
The Portfolio may also close for purchases and withdrawals at such other times
as may be determined by the Trustees to the extent permitted by applicable law.
The days on which net asset value is determined are the Portfolio's business
days.
ITEM 20. TAX STATUS.
The Portfolio Trust is organized as a New York trust. The Portfolio
Trust should not be subject to any income or franchise tax in the State of New
York. Each Portfolio should be taxed as a partnership for Federal income tax
purposes and should not be subject to Federal income tax. However, each investor
in a Portfolio will be required to include in its own tax return its share (as
determined in accordance with the governing instruments of the Portfolio) of the
Portfolio's ordinary income, capital gains and losses, deductions and other
items of income in determining its income tax liability. The determination of
such share will be made in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Although, as described above, each Portfolio will not be subject to
federal income tax, it will file appropriate income tax returns.
It is intended that a 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. To ensure that investors will be able to satisfy the
requirements of subchapter M, a Portfolio must satisfy certain gross income and
diversification requirements.
Gains or losses on sales of portfolio securities will be treated as
long-term capital gains or losses if the securities have been held by it for
more than one year except in certain cases where if applicable, a put is
acquired or a call option is written thereon. Long-term capital gain of
individual investors will be subject to a reduced rate of tax if the portfolio
securities have been held by the Portfolio for more than one year at the time of
sale and will be subject to a further reduced rate of tax if the portfolio
securities have been held by the Portfolio for more than eighteen months at the
time of sale. Other gains or losses on the sale of securities will be short-term
capital gains or losses. Gains and losses on the sale, lapse or other
termination of options on securities will be treated as gains and losses from
the sale of securities. If an option written by a Portfolio lapses or is
terminated through a closing transaction, such as the repurchase by the
Portfolio of the option from its holder, that 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 a Portfolio pursuant to the exercise
of a put option written by it, the Portfolio will subtract the premium received
from its cost basis in the securities purchased.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to disposition of foreign
currency or to foreign currency contracts, or to fluctuations in exchange rates
between the time a Portfolio accrues income or receivables or expenses or other
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time that Portfolio
actually collects such income or pays such liabilities, are generally treated as
ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses on the disposition
of debt securities held by a Portfolio, if any, denominated in foreign currency,
to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the
acquisition and disposition dates are also treated as ordinary income or loss.
Forward currency contracts, options and futures contracts entered into
by a 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 that
Portfolio on forward currency contracts, options and futures contracts or on the
underlying securities.
Certain options, futures and foreign currency contracts held by a
Portfolio at the end of each taxable 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. However, gain or loss recognized on foreign currency contracts will
be treated as ordinary income or loss.
The Portfolio Trust may invest in equity securities of foreign issuers.
If the Portfolio Trust purchases shares in certain foreign investment funds
(referred to as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") under the Code),
investors who are U.S. persons generally would be subject to special rules on
any "excess distribution" from such foreign investment fund or gain from the
disposition of such shares. Under these special rules, (i) the gain or excess
distribution would be allocated ratably over the investor's holding period for
such shares, (ii) the amount allocated to the taxable year in which the gain or
excess distribution was realized would be taxable as ordinary income, (iii) the
amount allocated to each prior year, with certain exceptions, would be subject
to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year and (iv) the interest
charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax would be imposed in respect
of the tax attributable to each such year. Alternatively, an investor may, if
certain conditions are met, include in its income each year a pro rata portion
of the foreign investment fund's income, whether or not distributed to the
Portfolio Trust.
For taxable years of the Portfolio beginning after 1997, the Portfolio
will be permitted to "mark to market" any marketable stock held by the Portfolio
in a PFIC. If the Portfolio made such an election, the investor in the Portfolio
would include in income each year an amount equal to its share of the excess, if
any, of the fair market value of the PFIC stock as of the close of the taxable
year over the adjusted basis of such stock. The investor would be allowed a
deduction for its share of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the PFIC
stock over its fair market value as of the close of the taxable year, but only
to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to the stock included
by the investor for prior taxable years.
FOREIGN INVESTORS. It is intended that the Portfolio Trust will conduct
its affairs such that its income and gains will not be effectively connected
with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business. Provided the Portfolio Trust
conducts its affairs in such a manner, allocations of U.S. source dividend
income to an investor who, as to the United States, is a foreign trust, foreign
corporation or other foreign investor will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at
the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate), and allocations of portfolio interest
(as defined in the Code) or short term or net long term capital gains to such
investors generally will not be subject to U.S. tax.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. A 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. A Portfolio may be subject to foreign withholding taxes
with respect to income received from sources within foreign countries. Investors
are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the reporting of
such foreign taxes on the investors' income tax returns.
OTHER TAXATION. The investment by an investor in a Portfolio does not
cause the investor to be liable for any income or franchise tax in the State of
New York arising solely from such investment. Investors are advised to consult
their own tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them
of an investment in a Portfolio.
ITEM 21. UNDERWRITERS.
The placement agent for the Portfolio Trust 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
Trust.
ITEM 22. CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE DATA.
Not applicable.
ITEM 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
The Portfolio Trust's following annual reports filed with the SEC
pursuant to Section 30(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 30b2-1 thereunder are
incorporated herein by reference.
The European Equity Portfolio: December 31, 1997, filed March 3, 1998
(Accession Number 0001047469-98-008429)
The Japan Equity Portfolio: December 31, 1997, filed March 3, 1998
(Accession Number 0001047469-98-000028)
The International Opportunities Portfolio: November 30, 1997, filed January
26, 1997 (Accession Number 0001047469-98-002292)
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITY RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
AAA - Debt rated AAA have the highest ratings assigned by Standard
& Poor's to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and
repay principal is extremely strong.
AA - Debt rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest
and repay principal and differ from the highest rated issues
only in a small degree.
A - Debt rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to
the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity
to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally
exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than for debt in higher rated
categories.
BB - Debt rated BB are regarded as having less near-term
vulnerability to default than other speculative issues.
However, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and
principal payments.
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
Appendix A-1
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and
are generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments
are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin
and principal is secure. While the various protective elements
are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of
such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what
are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower
than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be
as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other
elements present which make the long term risks appear
somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade
obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest
are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor
poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security
appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack
outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be
very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded during both
good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
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.
Appendix A-2
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.
Appendix A-1
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
INVESTING IN JAPAN
Investing in Japanese securities may involve the risks associated with
investing in foreign securities generally. In addition, because the Portfolio
invests in equities of Japanese issuers it will be subject to the general
economic and political conditions in Japan.
In recent months, Japanese Growth forecasts have gone from
trends/slightly above trend growth, to stagnation. Current forecasts of the
Japanese economy predict zero growth this year followed by 1.75% in 1999.
Growth last year was around 1 percent, down from around 4% in 1996.
Banking sector problems in Japan lead to a further tightening of credit
conditions. The fiscal tightening in 1997 appears to have had a magnified impact
on the economy. The latest move to cut taxes is positive, but will not be
sufficient to significantly affect the course of the economy, particularly given
the temporary nature of the tax cut.
Share prices of companies listed on Japanese stock exchanges and on the
Japanese OTC market reached historical peaks (which were later referred to as
the "bubble") as well as historically high trading volumes in 1989 and 1990.
Since then, stock prices in both markets decreased significantly. There can be
no assurance that additional market corrections will not occur.
The common stocks of many Japanese companies continue to trade at high
price earnings ratios in comparison with those in the United States, even after
the market declined. Differences in accounting methods make it difficult to
compare the earnings of Japanese companies with those of companies in other
countries, especially the United States.
Since the Portfolio invests in securities denominated in yen, changes in
exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the yen affect the U.S. dollar value
of its respective assets. Although the Japanese economy has grown substantially
over the past four decades, recently the rate of growth had slowed
substantially. See "Foreign Currency Exchange Transactions."
Japan's success in exporting its products has generated a sizable trade
surplus. Such trade surplus has caused tensions at times between Japan and some
of its trading partners. In particular, Japan's trade relations with the United
States have recently been the subject of discussion and negotiation between the
two nations. The United States has imposed certain measures designed to address
trade issues in specific industries. These measures and similar measures in the
future may adversely affect the performance of the Portfolio.
Japan has a parliamentary form of government. In 1993 a coalition
government was formed which, for the first time since 1955, did not include the
Liberal Democratic Party. Since mid-1993, there have been several changes in
leadership in Japan. What, if any, effect the current political situation will
have on prospective regulatory reforms of the economy in Japan cannot be
predicted. Recent and future developments in Japan and neighboring Asian
countries may lead to changes in policy that might adversely affect the
Portfolio.
APPENDIX B-1
<PAGE>
PART C
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE EUROPEAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO
Schedule of Investments at December 31, 1997 Statement of Assets and
Liabilities at December 31, 1997 Statement of Operations for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997 Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 Supplementary Data Notes
to Financial Statements at December 31, 1997
THE JAPAN EQUITY PORTFOLIO
Schedule of Investments at December 31, 1997 Statement of Assets and
Liabilities at December 31, 1997 Statement of Operations for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1997 Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 Supplementary Data Notes
to Financial Statements at December 31, 1997
THE INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO
Schedule of Investments for the period from February 26, 1997
(commencement of operations) to November 30, 1997 Statement of Assets
and Liabilities for the period from February 26, 1997 (commencement of
operations) to November 30, 1997 Statement of Operations for the period
from February 26, 1997 (commencement of operations) to November 30,
1997 Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the period from February
26, 1997 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 1997
Supplementary Data Notes to Financial Statements at November 30, 1997
(B) EXHIBITS
1 Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.1
1(a) Amendment No. 1 to Declaration of Trust.3
1(b) Amendment No. 2 to Declaration of Trust.3
2 Restated By-Laws of the Registrant.3
5 Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York ("Morgan Guaranty").1
5(a) Amended Schedule A to Investment Advisory Agreement.3
8 Custodian Contract between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company ("State Street").3
C-1
9(a) Co-Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Funds
Distributor, Inc. dated August 1, 1996 ("Co-Administration Agreement").2
9(a)1 Amended Exhibit I to Co-Administration Agreement.3
9(b) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and State
Street.3
9(c) Restated Administrative Services Agreement between the Registrant and
Morgan dated August 1, 1996 ("Administrative Services Agreement").2
9(c)1 Amended Exhibit I to Administrative Services Agreement.3
9(d) Amended and Restated Portfolio Fund Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Pierpont Group, Inc. dated July 11, 1996.2
13 Investment representation letters of initial investors.3
17.1 Financial Data Schedule for The International Opportunities Portfolio.
(filed herewith)
17.2 Financial Data Schedule for The European Equity Portfolio. (filed
herewith)
17.3 Financial Data Schedule for The Japan Equity Portfolio. (filed
herewith)
- ----------------------
1 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's
Registration Statement as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") on May 1, 1996 (Accession No.
0000943185-96-000061).
2 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 3 to Registrant's
Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on October 9, 1996
(Accession No. 0000912057-96-022359).
3 Incorporated herein by reference from Amendment No. 4 to Registrant's
Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on December 27, 1996
(Accession No. 0001016964-96-000062).
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
Title of Class: Beneficial Interests
As of January 31, 1998, the number of record holders were as follows:
The European Equity Portfolio 2
The Japan Equity Portfolio 2
The International Opportunities Portfolio 4
C-2
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is hereby made to Article V of the Registrant's Declaration
of Trust, filed as an exhibit herewith.
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 is the name, address, and principal business of each director of
Morgan who is engaged in another business, profession, vocation or employment of
a substantial nature.
Paul A. Allaire: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Xerox Corporation
(office imaging systems). His address is Xerox Corporation, P.O. Box 1600, 800
Long Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06904.
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.
Lawrence A. Bossidy: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allied Signal
Inc. (advanced technology and manufacturing company). His address is Allied
Signal Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Morristown, N.J. 07962-2245.
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.
Ellen V. Futter: President, American Museum of Natural History
(not-for-profit organization). Her address is American Museum of Natural
History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024.
Hanna H. Gray: President Emeritus and Harry Pratt Judson Distinguished
Service Professor of History, 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 of the Board, Corning Incorporated
(glass products). His address is R.D.#2 Spencer Hill Road, Corning, NY 14830.
C-3
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 ans Company (chemicals and energy company). His address is E.I. Du Pont
de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19898.
Lee R. Raymond: Chairman of the Board 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 02109 or 40 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 3Y8
(records relating to its functions as custodian and fund accounting and transfer
agent).
Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street, Suite 1300, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109 or c/o State Street Cayman Trust Company, Ltd., Elizabethan
Square, Shedden Road, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI (records
relating to its functions as co-administrator and exclusive placement agent).
Pierpont Group, Inc., 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(records relating to its assisting the Trustees in carrying out their duties in
supervising the Registrant's affairs).
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES. Not applicable.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS. Not applicable.
C-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, 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
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I., on the 31st day of March,
1998.
THE SERIES PORTFOLIO
By: /s/ LENORE J. MCCABE
-------------------------------------------
Lenore J. McCabe
Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer
C-5
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
EX 27.1 Financial Data Schedule for The European Equity Portfolio
EX 27.2 Financial Data Schedule for The Japan Equity Portfolio
EX 27.3 Financial Data Schedule for The International Opportunities
Portfolio
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
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<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the annual report
dated 12/31/97 for The European Equity Portfolio and is qualified in its
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<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 13850
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 15694
<RECEIVABLES> 1657
<ASSETS-OTHER> 51
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 17402
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<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2410
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<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the annual report
dated 12/31/97 for The Japan Equity Equity Portfolio and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such annual report.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
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<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 216081
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 161065
<RECEIVABLES> 8113
<ASSETS-OTHER> 2125
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 171303
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 325
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<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 426
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 751
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<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 2175
<INTEREST-INCOME> 958
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<EXPENSES-NET> 2584
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 549
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (96176)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 4789
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (90838)
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<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
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<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (209793)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 2031
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 2584
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 312517
<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> .83
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
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<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from the annual report
dated 11/30/97 for the International Opportunities Portfolio and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such annual report,
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1997
<PERIOD-END> NOV-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 273375
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 262968
<RECEIVABLES> 3838
<ASSETS-OTHER> 19849
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 286655
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 11526
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1155
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 12681
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
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<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> 273974
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 2572
<INTEREST-INCOME> 662
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 1339
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1895
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (4271)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (9567)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (11943)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 273974
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 904
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 1381
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 198557
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 0
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.89
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
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