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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004 or
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to __________________
Commission File No. 0-13299
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 13-3190919
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Demeter Management Corporation
330 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 905-2700
825 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10022
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed
since last report)
Indicate by check-mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No___________
Indicate by check-mark whether the registrant is an accelerated
filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes No X
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
September 30, 2004
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2004
(Unaudited) and December 31, 2003..........................2
Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)..............3
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)..4
Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)................... 5
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)...............6-11
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......12-23
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk.........................................24-37
Item 4. Controls and Procedures................................37
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 5. Other Information......................................38
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................38-40
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
September 30, December 31,
2004 2003
$ $
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Equity in futures interests trading accounts:
Cash 24,543,537 25,869,355
Net unrealized gain on open contracts (MS&Co.) 814,135 1,572,599
Net unrealized gain on open contracts (MSIL) 121,300 889,391
Total net unrealized gain on open contracts 935,435 2,461,990
Total Trading Equity 25,478,972 28,331,345
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) 28,015 16,293
Due from Morgan Stanley DW 2,240 -
Total Assets 25,509,227 28,347,638
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Liabilities
Redemptions payable 251,409 119,105
Accrued administrative expenses 133,621 149,518
Accrued management fees 74,012 82,245
Total Liabilities 459,042 350,868
Partners' Capital
Limited Partners (6,635.567 and
7,059.053 Units, respectively) 24,669,061 27,596,004
General Partner (102.516 Units) 381,124 400,766
Total Partners' Capital 25,050,185 27,996,770
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital 25,509,227 28,347,638
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT 3,717.70 3,909.31
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months For the Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2004 2003 2004 2003
$ $ $ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized (2,557,576) (2,210,053) 1,696,531 2,999,982
Net change in unrealized 1,746,944 (122,007) (1,526,555) (2,329,155)
(810,632) (2,332,060) 169,976 670,827
Proceeds from Litigation Settlement 27,998 - 27,998 -
Total Trading Results (782,634) (2,332,060) 197,974 670,827
Interest income (Morgan Stanley DW) 77,732 51,573 197,498 184,198
Total (704,902) (2,280,487) 395,472 855,025
EXPENSES
Brokerage commissions
(Morgan Stanley DW) 257,294 329,127 779,997 992,311
Management fees 223,777 236,581 742,808 762,467
Common administrative expenses 24,000 15,566 65,000 65,011
Transaction fees and costs 19,369 16,286 42,531 56,899
Total 524,440 597,560 1,630,336 1,876,688
NET LOSS (1,229,342) (2,878,047) (1,234,864) (1,021,663)
NET LOSS ALLOCATION
Limited Partners (1,211,126) (2,837,920) (1,215,222) (1,013,659)
General Partner (18,216) (40,127) (19,642) (8,004)
NET LOSS PER UNIT
Limited Partners (177.69) (391.42) (191.61) (154.11)
General Partner (177.69) (391.42) (191.61) (154.11)
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
(Unaudited)
Units of
Partnership Limited General
Interest Partners Partner Total
$ $ $
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2002 7,750.175 27,329,760 510,464 27,840,224
Net Loss - (1,013,659) (8,004) (1,021,663)
Redemptions (497.471) (1,733,022) (150,000) (1,883,022)
Partners' Capital,
September 30, 2003 7,252.704 24,583,079 352,460 24,935,539
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2003 7,161.569 27,596,004 400,766 27,996,770
Net Loss - (1,215,222) (19,642) (1,234,864)
Redemptions (423.486) (1,711,721) - (1,711,721)
Partners' Capital,
September 30, 2004 6,738.083 24,669,061 381,124 25,050,185
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2004 2003
$ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss (1,234,864) (1,021,663)
Noncash item included in net loss:
Net change in unrealized 1,526,555 2,329,155
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) (11,722) 4,760
Due from Morgan Stanley DW (2,240) 243,105
Decrease in operating liabilities:
Accrued administrative expenses (15,897) (285)
Accrued management fees (8,233) (8,108)
Net cash provided by operating activities 253,599 1,546,964
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in redemptions payable 132,304 133,165
Redemptions of Units (1,711,721) (1,883,022)
Net cash used for financing activities (1,579,417) (1,749,857)
Net decrease in cash (1,325,818) (202,893)
Balance at beginning of period 25,869,355 26,372,589
Balance at end of period 24,543,537 26,169,696
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these financial statements.
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2004
(Unaudited)
The unaudited financial statements contained herein include, in
the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the results of operations and financial condition
of Dean Witter Cornerstone Fund III (the "Partnership"). The
financial statements and condensed notes herein should be read in
conjunction with the Partnership's December 31, 2003 Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
1. Organization
Dean Witter Cornerstone Fund III is a New York limited partnership
organized to engage in the speculative trading of futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, and forward contracts on
foreign currencies and other commodity interests. The Partnership
is one of the Dean Witter Cornerstone Funds, comprised of the
Partnership, Dean Witter Cornerstone Fund II, and Dean Witter
Cornerstone Fund IV.
The Partnership's general partner is Demeter Management
Corporation ("Demeter"). The non-clearing commodity broker is
Morgan Stanley DW Inc. ("Morgan Stanley DW"). The clearing
commodity brokers are Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated ("MS &
Co.") and Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited ("MSIL").
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Demeter, Morgan Stanley DW, MS & Co., and MSIL are wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley. The trading managers to the
Partnership are Graham Capital Management, L.P. and Sunrise
Capital Management, Inc. (individually, a "Trading Manager", or
collectively, the "Trading Managers").
On February 27, 2002, the Partnership received notification of a
preliminary entitlement to payment from the Sumitomo Copper
Litigation Settlement Administrator, and the Partnership has
received settlement award payments in the amount of $2,842,492 as
of August 30, 2002 and $27,998 as of July 30, 2004. Any amounts
received are accounted for in the period received, for the benefit
of the limited partners at the date of receipt.
2. Related Party Transactions
The Partnership's cash is on deposit with Morgan Stanley DW, MS &
Co., and MSIL in futures, forwards, and options trading accounts
to meet margin requirements as needed. Monthly, Morgan Stanley DW
pays the Partnership interest income equal to 80% of its average
daily Net Assets for the month at a rate equal to the average
yield on 13-week U.S. Treasury bills. The Partnership pays
brokerage commissions to Morgan Stanley DW.
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. Financial Instruments
The Partnership trades futures contracts, options on futures
contracts, and forward contracts on foreign currencies and other
commodity interests. Futures and forwards represent contracts for
delayed delivery of an instrument at a specified date and price.
Risk arises from changes in the value of these contracts and the
potential inability of counterparties to perform under the terms
of the contracts. There are numerous factors which may
significantly influence the market value of these contracts,
including interest rate volatility.
The market value of exchange-traded contracts is based on the
settlement price quoted by the exchange on the day with respect
to which market value is being determined. If an exchange-traded
contract could not have been liquidated on such day due to the
operation of daily limits or other rules of the exchange, the
settlement price shall be the settlement price on the first
subsequent day on which the contract could be liquidated. The
market value of off-exchange-traded contracts is based on the
fair market value quoted by the counterparty.
The Partnership's contracts are accounted for on a trade-date
basis and marked to market on a daily basis. The Partnership
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
accounts for its derivative investments in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"). SFAS No. 133 defines a derivative
as a financial instrument or other contract that has all three of
the following characteristics:
1) One or more underlying notional amounts or payment
provisions;
2) Requires no initial net investment or a smaller initial net
investment than would be required relative to changes in
market factors;
3) Terms require or permit net settlement.
Generally, derivatives include futures, forward, swaps or options
contracts, and other financial instruments with similar
characteristics such as caps, floors, and collars.
The net unrealized gains (losses) on open contracts, reported as a
component of "Equity in futures interests trading accounts" on the
Statements of Financial Condition, and their longest contract
maturities were as follows:
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Open Contracts Longest Maturities
Off- Off-
Exchange- Exchange- Exchange- Exchange-
Date Traded Traded Total Traded Traded
$ $ $
Sep. 30, 2004 1,022,308 (86,873) 935,435 Mar. 2006 Dec. 2004
Dec. 31, 2003 2,061,496 400,494 2,461,990 Jun. 2005 Mar. 2004
The Partnership has credit risk associated with counterparty non-
performance. The credit risk associated with the instruments in
which the Partnership trades is limited to the amounts reflected
in the Partnership's Statements of Financial Condition.
The Partnership also has credit risk because Morgan Stanley DW, MS
& Co., and MSIL act as the futures commission merchants or the
counterparties, with respect to most of the Partnership's assets.
Exchange-traded futures, forward, and futures-styled options
contracts are marked to market on a daily basis, with variations
in value settled on a daily basis. Morgan Stanley DW, MS & Co.,
and MSIL, each as a futures commission merchant for the
Partnership's exchange-traded futures, forward, and futures-styled
options contracts, are required, pursuant to regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), to segregate from
their own assets, and for the sole benefit of their commodity
customers, all funds held by them with respect to exchange-traded
futures, forward, and futures-styled options contracts, including
DEAN WITTER CORNERSTONE FUND III
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
an amount equal to the net unrealized gains (losses) on all open
futures, forward, and futures-styled options contracts, which
funds, in the aggregate, totaled $25,565,845 and $27,930,851 at
September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. With
respect to the Partnership's off-exchange-traded forward currency
contracts, there are no daily exchange-required settlements of
variation in value nor is there any requirement that an amount
equal to the net unrealized gains (losses) on open forward
contracts be segregated. However, the Partnership is required to
meet margin requirements equal to the net unrealized loss on open
contracts in the Partnership accounts with the counterparty, which
is accomplished by daily maintenance of the cash balance in a
custody account held at Morgan Stanley DW for the benefit of MS &
Co. With respect to those off-exchange-traded forward currency
contracts, the Partnership is at risk to the ability of MS & Co.,
the sole counterparty on all such contracts, to perform. The
Partnership has a netting agreement with MS & Co. This agreement,
which seeks to reduce both the Partnership's and MS & Co.'s
exposure on off-exchange-traded forward currency contracts, should
materially decrease the Partnership's credit risk in the event of
MS & Co.'s bankruptcy or insolvency.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Liquidity. The Partnership deposits its assets with Morgan
Stanley DW as non-clearing broker and MS & Co. and MSIL as
clearing brokers in separate futures, forwards, and options
trading accounts established for each Trading Manager, which
assets are used as margin to engage in trading and may be used as
margin solely for the Partnership's trading. The assets are held
in either non-interest bearing bank accounts or in securities and
instruments permitted by the CFTC for investment of customer
segregated or secured funds. Since the Partnership's sole purpose
is to trade in futures, forwards, and options, it is expected that
the Partnership will continue to own such liquid assets for margin
purposes.
The Partnership's investment in futures, forwards, and options
may, from time to time, be illiquid. Most U.S. futures exchanges
limit fluctuations in prices during a single day by regulations
referred to as "daily price fluctuations limits" or "daily
limits". Trades may not be executed at prices beyond the daily
limit. If the price for a particular futures or options contract
has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit,
positions in that futures or options contract can neither be taken
nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or
within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved the daily
limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading.
These market conditions could prevent the Partnership from
promptly liquidating its futures or options contracts and result
in restrictions on redemptions.
There is no limitation on daily price moves in trading forward
contracts on foreign currencies. The markets for some world
currencies have low trading volume and are illiquid, which may
prevent the Partnership from trading in potentially profitable
markets or prevent the Partnership from promptly liquidating
unfavorable positions in such markets, subjecting it to
substantial losses. Either of these market conditions could
result in restrictions on redemptions. For the periods covered by
this report, illiquidity has not materially affected the
Partnership's assets.
There are no known material trends, demands, commitments, events
or uncertainties at the present time that are reasonably likely to
result in the Partnership's liquidity increasing or decreasing in
any material way.
Capital Resources. The Partnership does not have, nor expects to
have, any capital assets. Redemptions of units of limited
partnership interest ("Unit(s)") in the future will affect the
amount of funds available for investment in futures, forwards, and
options in subsequent periods. It is not possible to estimate the
amount, and therefore the impact, of future redemptions of Units.
There are no known material trends, favorable or
unfavorable, that would affect, nor any expected material changes
to, the Partnership's capital resource arrangements at the
present time.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations. The
Partnership does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, nor
does it have contractual obligations or commercial commitments to
make future payments that would affect its liquidity or capital
resources.
Results of Operations
General. The Partnership's results depend on the Trading Managers
and the ability of each Trading Manager's trading program(s) to
take advantage of price movements in the futures, forwards, and
options markets. The following presents a summary of the
Partnership's operations for the three and nine month periods
ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and a general discussion of its
trading activities during each period. It is important to note,
however, that the Trading Managers trade in various markets at
different times and that prior activity in a particular market
does not mean that such market will be actively traded by the
Trading Managers or will be profitable in the future.
Consequently, the results of operations of the Partnership are
difficult to discuss other than in the context of the Trading
Managers' trading activities on behalf of the Partnership during
the period in question. Past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
The Partnership's results of operations set forth in the financial
statements on pages 2 through 11 of this report were prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America, which require the use of certain
accounting policies that affect the amounts reported in these
financial statements, including the following: The contracts the
Partnership trades are accounted for on a trade-date basis and
marked to market on a daily basis. The difference between their
cost and market value is recorded on the Statements of Operations
as "Net change in unrealized trading profit (loss)" for open
(unrealized) contracts, and recorded as "Realized trading profit
(loss)" when open positions are closed. The sum of these amounts,
along with the "Proceeds from Litigation Settlement", constitutes
the Partnership's trading results. The market value of a futures
contract is the settlement price on the exchange on which that
futures contract is traded on a particular day. The value of
foreign currency forward contracts is based on the spot rate as of
the close of business, New York City time, on a given day.
Interest income revenue, as well as management fees, incentive
fees, and brokerage commissions expenses of the Partnership are
recorded on an accrual basis.
Demeter believes that, based on the nature of the
operations of the Partnership, no assumptions relating to the
application of critical accounting policies other than those
presently used could reasonably affect reported amounts.
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
The Partnership recorded losses net of interest income totaling
$704,902 and expenses totaling $524,440, resulting in a net loss
of $1,229,342 for the three months ended September 30, 2004.
The Partnership's net asset value per Unit decreased from
$3,895.39 at June 30, 2004 to $3,717.70 at September 30, 2004.
The most significant trading losses of approximately 4.6% were
recorded in the currency markets, primarily during July and
August. Long positions in major European currencies, such as the
euro and Swiss franc, versus the U.S. dollar generated losses as
the dollar strengthened amid upbeat market sentiment during July.
During August, losses resulted from short positions in the
Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar as the U.S. dollar's value
retreated against the yen towards the latter half of the month,
pressured by concerns for the rate of U.S. economic growth and
soft economic data. Additional losses were recorded from
positions in the euro relative to the U.S. dollar as the euro
experienced short-term volatility due to conflicting economic
data and surging energy prices throughout a majority of the
month. In the global stock index markets, losses of
approximately 2.3% were recorded primarily during July and
August. During July, long positions in European, U.S., and
Japanese stock index futures generated losses as prices reversed
lower early in the month due to the release of disappointing U.S.
employment data, surging energy prices, and new warnings
concerning potential terrorist attacks. During August, short
positions in European and U.S. equity index futures experienced
losses as prices reversed higher during the second half of the
month due to falling energy prices and better-than-expected U.S.
economic data. A portion of the Partnership's overall losses for
the quarter was offset by gains of approximately 2.3% recorded in
the energy markets primarily during September from long positions
in crude oil and its related products as prices surged higher due
to supply concerns and very strong demand. Partnership gains of
approximately 0.6% were recorded in the agricultural markets,
primarily during July and September from short futures positions
in corn as prices trended lower due to ideal weather conditions
in the U.S midwest growing region, reports of increased
inventories by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and weak
export demand. Smaller gains of approximately 0.1% were
experienced primarily during August in the global interest rate
sector. Long positions in European interest rate futures
benefited as global bond prices trended higher boosted by a surge
in oil prices early in the month, a drop in global equity prices,
and a mixed economic picture generated by reports on retail
sales, jobless claims, and the U.S. trade deficit.
The Partnership recorded revenues including interest
income totaling $395,472 and expenses totaling $1,630,336,
resulting in a net loss of $1,234,864 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2004. The Partnership's net asset value per Unit
decreased from $3,909.31 at December 31, 2003 to $3,717.70 at
September 30, 2004.
The most significant trading losses of approximately 7.7% were
incurred in the currency markets, primarily during the third
quarter, from short positions in the Japanese yen versus the U.S.
dollar as the U.S. dollar's value decreased in response to
concerns for the rate of U.S. economic growth and soft economic
data. Long positions in major European currencies, such as the
euro and Swiss franc, versus the U.S. dollar also produced losses
as the dollar strengthened during the third quarter amid upbeat
market sentiment. Losses were also experienced during the second
quarter from long positions in the Japanese yen versus the U.S.
dollar as the dollar surged during April following the release of
stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data. The yen also weakened due
to Japanese government currency market intervention. Short
positions in the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar incurred
losses during May as the dollar's value declined in response to
fears of potential terrorist attacks, expanding energy prices,
and the release of weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data.
Additional losses of approximately 3.5% resulted in the global
interest rate markets primarily during the second quarter from
losses resulting from long U.S. interest rate futures
positions during April as prices tumbled following the release of
stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data. Short positions during
May and June suffered further losses as prices moved higher amid
conjecture that the U.S. Federal Reserve would possibly hold off
raising interest rates should U.S. economic growth stall.
Additional losses of 2.0% were experienced in the global stock
index markets, primarily during the third quarter. During July,
long positions in European, U.S., and Japanese stock index
futures generated losses as prices reversed lower early in the
month due to the release of disappointing U.S. employment data,
surging energy prices, and new warnings concerning potential
terrorist attacks. During August, short positions in European
and U.S. equity index futures experienced losses as prices
reversed higher during the second half of the month due to
falling energy prices and better-than-expected U.S. economic
data. A portion of the Partnership's losses during the first
nine months of the year was offset by gains of approximately 5.7%
recorded in the energy markets from long futures positions in
crude oil and its related products as prices trended higher
throughout much of the year in response to low market supply,
falling inventory levels, and fears of terrorist attacks. In the
metals markets, gains of approximately 3.3% were achieved
primarily during the first quarter from long futures positions in
base metals, such as copper, as lower supply and heightened
demand from Asia caused prices to increase. During March, long
futures positions in silver benefited as prices
consistently moved higher amid central bank demand triggered by
lower currency values. Further Partnership gains of
approximately 2.5% in the agricultural markets resulted from long
futures positions in corn, soybeans, and soybean-related
products. Growing U.S. exports and heightened demand from Asia
pushed prices higher.
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
The Partnership recorded losses net of interest income totaling
$2,280,487 and expenses totaling $597,560, resulting in a net
loss of $2,878,047 for the three months ended September 30, 2003.
The Partnership's net asset value per Unit decreased from
$3,829.52 at June 30, 2003 to $3,438.10 at September 30, 2003.
The most significant trading losses of approximately 5.7% were
recorded in the global interest rate markets throughout the
quarter from positions in U.S. and European interest rate futures
as prices first declined during July amid a rally in global equity
prices and then reversed higher during August and September as
renewed fears for an unsustainable economic recovery resurfaced.
In the energy markets, losses of approximately 2.3% were incurred
primarily during September by positions in crude oil futures as
prices first trailed lower and then unexpectedly reversed higher
after OPEC announced that it would move to reduce output by
limiting production in an effort to stem declining oil prices.
Additional losses of approximately 2.3% in the currency
markets resulted from short positions in the Swiss franc and euro
versus the U.S. dollar during September as the dollar's value
moved lower after the release of several weak U.S. economic
reports prompted fears that a U.S. economic recovery was
unsustainable. Smaller losses of approximately 0.8% were recorded
in the metals markets, primarily during September from long
futures positions in aluminum, as prices declined because
investors feared a drop in demand following the release of
disappointing U.S. economic data. A portion of the Partnership's
overall losses was offset by gains of approximately 0.6% recorded
in the agricultural markets, primarily during September, from long
futures positions in soybean meal and soybeans as prices were
lifted higher by robust U.S. export sales data and smaller crop
assessments by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additional
gains of approximately 0.5% were recorded in the global stock
index markets during July from long positions in Japanese stock
index futures as prices were buoyed by a rise in investor
sentiment regarding the Japanese economy.
The Partnership recorded revenues including interest income
totaling $855,025 and expenses totaling $1,876,688, resulting in a
net loss of $1,021,663 for the nine months ended September 30,
2003. The Partnership's net asset value per Unit decreased from
$3,592.21 at December 31, 2002 to $3,438.10 at September 30, 2003.
The most significant trading losses of approximately 3.1%
were incurred by the metals markets from long futures positions in
aluminum and copper as prices fell during March, June, and August
amid muted industrial demand, easing supply concerns, and heavy
technically-based selling. Additional losses of approximately
1.0% were experienced in global stock index futures markets,
primarily during April, from short positions in European and U.S
stock index futures as global equity prices rallied in response to
positive earnings announcements and the conclusion of the war in
Iraq. Further losses were experienced in September from long
positions in European and U.S. stock index futures as global
equity prices retreated amid a broad-based sell-off prompted by a
steady stream of negative economic data that raised concerns about
the strength of the global economy. Losses of approximately 0.7%
were experienced in the agricultural markets during May and August
from short positions in corn futures as prices moved higher amid
concerns of weather related crop damage in the U.S. midwest. A
portion of the Partnership's overall losses for the first nine
months of the year was offset by gains of approximately 2.2%
recorded in the currency markets from long positions in the euro
versus the U.S. dollar as the value of the euro strengthened to an
all-time high during May amid uncertainty regarding the Bush
Administration's economic policy, renewed fears of potential
terrorist attacks against American interests, and investor
preference for non-U.S. dollar assets. During January and April,
gains were also experienced from long positions in the euro versus
the U.S. dollar as the U.S. dollar's value weakened amid
renewed fears of a military conflict with Iraq, increased tensions
with North Korea, and weak U.S. economic data. Elsewhere in the
currency markets, gains were recorded from long positions in the
Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, and South African rand versus
the U.S. dollar as the value of these currencies increased amid
rising gold prices early in the year, as well as interest rate
differentials between the respective countries and the U.S.
Additional gains of approximately 1.7% in the energy markets were
experienced from long positions in natural gas futures as prices
trended higher during January and February due to prolonged frigid
temperatures in the northeastern and midwestern U.S.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK
Introduction
The Partnership is a commodity pool engaged primarily in the
speculative trading of futures, forwards, and options. The
market-sensitive instruments held by the Partnership are acquired
for speculative trading purposes only and, as a result, all or
substantially all of the Partnership's assets are at risk of
trading loss. Unlike an operating company, the risk of market-
sensitive instruments is inherent to the primary business activity
of the Partnership.
The futures, forwards, and options traded by the Partnership
involve varying degrees of related market risk. Market risk is
often dependent upon changes in the level or volatility of
interest rates, exchange rates, and prices of financial
instruments and commodities, factors that result in frequent
changes in the fair value of the Partnership's open positions,
and consequently in its earnings, whether realized or unrealized,
and cash flow. Gains and losses on open positions of exchange-
traded futures, forwards, and options are settled daily through
variation margin. Gains and losses on off-exchange-traded
forward currency contracts are settled upon termination of the
contract, however, the Partnership is required to meet margin
requirements equal to the net unrealized loss on open contracts
in the Partnership accounts with the counterparty, which is
accomplished by daily maintenance of the cash balance in a
custody account held at Morgan Stanley DW for the benefit of MS &
Co.
The Partnership's total market risk may increase or decrease as
it is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including, but not
limited to, the diversification among the Partnership's open
positions, the volatility present within the markets, and the
liquidity of the markets.
The face value of the market sector instruments held by the
Partnership is typically many times the applicable margin
requirements. Margin requirements generally range between 2% and
15% of contract face value. Additionally, the use of leverage
causes the face value of the market sector instruments held by
the Partnership to typically be many times the total
capitalization of the Partnership.
The Partnership's past performance is no guarantee of its future
results. Any attempt to numerically quantify the Partnership's
market risk is limited by the uncertainty of its speculative
trading. The Partnership's speculative trading and use of
leverage may cause future losses and volatility (i.e., "risk of
ruin") that far exceed the Partnership's experience to date under
the "Partnership's Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors"
section and significantly exceed the Value at Risk ("VaR")
tables disclosed.
Limited partners will not be liable for losses exceeding the
current net asset value of their investment.
Quantifying the Partnership's Trading Value at Risk
The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Partnership's
market risk exposures contain "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the safe harbor from civil liability provided for
such statements by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). All
quantitative disclosures in this section are deemed to be forward-
looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor, except for
statements of historical fact.
The Partnership accounts for open positions on the basis of mark
to market accounting principles. Any loss in the market value of
the Partnership's open positions is directly reflected in the
Partnership's earnings and cash flow.
The Partnership's risk exposure in the market sectors traded by
the Trading Managers is estimated below in terms of VaR. The
Partnership estimates VaR using a model based upon historical
simulation (with a confidence level of 99%) which involves
constructing a distribution of hypothetical daily changes in the
value of a trading portfolio. The VaR model takes into account
linear exposures to risk including equity and commodity prices,
interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and correlation among
these variables. The hypothetical changes in portfolio value are
based on daily percentage changes observed in key market indices
or other market factors ("market risk factors") to which the
portfolio is sensitive. The one-day 99% confidence level of the
Partnership's VaR corresponds to the negative change in portfolio
value that, based on observed market risk factors, would have
been exceeded once in 100 trading days, or one day in 100. VaR
typically does not represent the worst case outcome. Demeter
uses approximately four years of daily market data (1,000
observations) and revalues its portfolio (using delta-gamma
approximations) for each of the historical market moves that
occurred over this time period. This generates a probability
distribution of daily "simulated profit and loss" outcomes. The
VaR is the appropriate percentile of this distribution. For
example, the 99% one-day VaR would represent the 10th worst
outcome from Demeter's simulated profit and loss series.
The Partnership's VaR computations are based on the risk
representation of the underlying benchmark for each instrument or
contract and do not distinguish between exchange and non-exchange
dealer-based instruments. They are also not based on exchange
and/or dealer-based maintenance margin requirements.
VaR models, including the Partnership's, are continually evolving
as trading portfolios become more diverse and modeling techniques
and systems capabilities improve. Please note that the VaR model
is used to numerically quantify market risk for historic
reporting purposes only and is not utilized by either Demeter or
the Trading Managers in their daily risk management activities.
Please further note that VaR as described above may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.
The Partnership's Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors
The following table indicates the VaR associated with the
Partnership's open positions as a percentage of total net assets
by primary market risk category at September 30, 2004 and 2003. At
September 30, 2004 and 2003, the Partnership's total
capitalization was approximately $25 million.
Primary Market September 30, 2004 September 30, 2003
Risk Category Value at Risk Value at Risk
Interest Rate (3.34)% (0.33)%
Currency (0.72) (1.43)
Equity (0.38) (1.48)
Commodity (1.11) (1.59)
Aggregate Value at Risk (3.43)% (2.76)%
The VaR for a market category represents the one-day downside risk
for the aggregate exposures associated with this market category.
The Aggregate Value at Risk listed above represents the VaR
of the Partnership's open positions across all the market
categories, and is less than the sum of the VaRs for all such
market categories due to the diversification benefit across asset
classes.
Because the business of the Partnership is the speculative
trading of futures, forwards, and options, the composition of its
trading portfolio can change significantly over any given time
period, or even within a single trading day, which could
positively or negatively materially impact market risk as
measured by VaR.
The table below supplements the quarter-end VaR set forth above
by presenting the Partnership's high, low, and average VaR, as a
percentage of total net assets for the four quarter-end reporting
periods from October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004.
Primary Market Risk Category High Low Average
Interest Rate (3.34)% (0.36)% (1.65)%
Currency (1.46) (0.24) (0.70)
Equity (2.23) (0.38) (0.96)
Commodity (1.73) (0.49) (1.14)
Aggregate Value at Risk (3.43)% (1.17)% (2.55)%
Limitations on Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market Risk
VaR models permit estimation of a portfolio's aggregate
market risk exposure, incorporating a range of varied market
risks; reflect risk reduction due to portfolio diversification or
hedging activities; and can cover a wide range of portfolio
assets. However, VaR risk measures should be viewed in light of
the methodology's limitations, which include, but may not be
limited to the following:
? past changes in market risk factors will not always result in
accurate predictions of the distributions and correlations of
future market movements;
? changes in portfolio value caused by market movements may
differ from those of the VaR model;
? VaR results reflect past market fluctuations applied to current
trading positions while future risk depends on future
positions;
? VaR using a one-day time horizon does not fully capture the
market risk of positions that cannot be liquidated or hedged
within one day; and
? the historical market risk factor data used for VaR estimation
may provide only limited insight into losses that could be
incurred under certain unusual market movements.
In addition, the VaR tables above, as well as the past performance
of the Partnership, give no indication of the Partnership's
potential "risk of ruin".
The VaR tables provided present the results of the
Partnership's VaR for each of the Partnership's market risk
exposures and on an aggregate basis at September 30, 2004 and
2003, and for the four quarter-end reporting periods from October
1, 2003 through September 30, 2004. VaR is not necessarily
representative of the Partnership's historic risk, nor should it
be used to predict the Partnership's future financial performance
or its ability to manage or monitor risk. There can be no
assurance that the Partnership's actual losses on a particular day
will not exceed the VaR amounts indicated above or that such
losses will not occur more than once in 100 trading days.
Non-Trading Risk
The Partnership has non-trading market risk on its foreign cash
balances. These balances and any market risk they may represent
are immaterial.
The Partnership also maintains a substantial portion
(approximately 95% as of September 30, 2004) of its available
assets in cash at Morgan Stanley DW. A decline in short-term
interest rates would result in a decline in the Partnership's cash
management income. This cash flow risk is not considered to be
material.
Materiality, as used throughout this section, is based on an
assessment of reasonably possible market movements and any
associated potential losses, taking into account the leverage,
optionality and multiplier features of the Partnership's market-
sensitive instruments, in relation to the Partnership's net
assets.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Primary Trading Risk Exposures
The following qualitative disclosures regarding the Partnership's
market risk exposures - except for (A) those disclosures that are
statements of historical fact and (B) the descriptions of how the
Partnership manages its primary market risk exposures - constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act.
The Partnership's primary market risk exposures, as well as the
strategies used and to be used by Demeter and the Trading Managers
for managing such exposures, are subject to numerous
uncertainties, contingencies and risks, any one of which could
cause the actual results of the Partnership's risk controls to
differ materially from the objectives of such strategies.
Government interventions, defaults and expropriations, illiquid
markets, the emergence of dominant fundamental factors, political
upheavals, changes in historical price relationships, an influx of
new market participants, increased regulation, and many other
factors could result in material losses, as well as in material
changes to the risk exposures and the risk management strategies
of the Partnership. Investors must be prepared to lose all or
substantially all of their investment in the Partnership.
The following were the primary trading risk exposures of the
Partnership at September 30, 2004, by market sector. It may be
anticipated, however, that these market exposures will vary
materially over time.
Interest Rate. The primary market exposure of the Partnership at
September 30, 2004 was to the global interest rate sector.
Exposure was primarily spread across the U.S., European, and
Japanese interest rate sectors. Interest rate movements directly
affect the price of the sovereign bond futures positions held by
the Partnership and indirectly affect the value of its stock index
and currency positions. Interest rate movements in one country,
as well as relative interest rate movements between countries,
materially impact the Partnership's profitability. The
Partnership's interest rate exposure is generally to interest rate
fluctuations in the U.S. and the other G-7 countries. The G-7
countries consist of France, the U.S., Britain, Germany, Japan,
Italy, and Canada. However, the Partnership also takes futures
positions in the government debt of smaller countries - e.g.,
Australia. Demeter anticipates that the G-7 countries and
Australian interest rates will remain the primary interest rate
exposures of the Partnership for the foreseeable future. The
speculative futures positions held by the Partnership may range
from short to long-term instruments. Consequently, changes in
short, medium or long-term interest rates may have an effect on
the Partnership.
Currency. The second largest market exposure of the Partnership
at September 30, 2004 was to the currency sector. The
Partnership's currency exposure is to exchange rate fluctuations,
primarily fluctuations which disrupt the historical pricing
relationships between different currencies and currency pairs.
Interest rate changes, as well as political and general economic
conditions influence these fluctuations. The Partnership trades a
number of currencies including cross-rate - i.e., positions
between two currencies other than the U.S. dollar. At September
30, 2004, the Partnership's major exposures were to the euro,
Japanese yen, Australian, and Canadian dollar currency crosses, as
well as to outright U.S. dollar positions. Outright positions
consist of the U.S. dollar vs. other currencies. These other
currencies include major and minor currencies. Demeter does not
anticipate that the risk associated with the Partnership's
currency trades will change significantly in the future.
Equity. At September 30, 2004, the Partnership had exposure to
equity price risk in the G-7 countries. The stock index futures
traded by the Partnership are by law limited to futures on
broadly-based indices. At September 30, 2004, the Partnership's
primary exposures were to the CAC 40 (France), DAX (Germany), and
Nikkei (Japan) stock indices. The Partnership is primarily
exposed to the risk of adverse price trends or static markets in
the U.S., Japanese, and European stock indices. Static markets
would not cause major market changes but would make it difficult
for the Partnership to avoid trendless price movements, resulting
in numerous small losses.
Commodity.
Energy. The Partnership's energy exposure at September 30,
2004 was shared primarily by futures contracts in crude oil
and its related products, and natural gas. Price movements
in these markets result from geopolitical developments,
particularly in the Middle East, as well as weather patterns
and other economic fundamentals. Significant profits and
losses, which have been experienced in the past, are expected
to continue to be experienced in the future. Natural gas has
exhibited volatility in price resulting from weather patterns
and supply and demand factors and will likely continue in
this choppy pattern.
Metals. The Partnership's metals exposure at September 30,
2004 was to fluctuations in the price of base metals, such as
copper and aluminum. Economic forces, supply and demand
inequalities, geopolitical factors, and market expectations
influence price movements in these markets. The Trading
Managers utilize the trading system(s) to take positions when
market opportunities develop, and Demeter anticipates that
the Partnership will continue to do so.
Soft Commodities and Agriculturals. At September 30, 2004,
the Partnership had exposure to the markets that comprise
these sectors. Most of the exposure was to the corn, wheat,
and cotton markets. Supply and demand inequalities, severe
weather disruptions, and market expectations affect price
movements in these markets.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Non-Trading Risk Exposure
The following was the only non-trading risk exposure of the
Partnership at September 30, 2004:
Foreign Currency Balances. The Partnership's primary foreign
currency balances at September 30, 2004 were in euros,
Japanese yen, and Australian dollars. The Partnership
controls the non-trading risk of foreign currency balances by
regularly converting them back into U.S. dollars upon
liquidation of their respective positions.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Means of Managing Risk Exposure
The Partnership and the Trading Managers, separately, attempt to
manage the risk of the Partnership's open positions in essentially
the same manner in all market categories traded. Demeter attempts
to manage market exposure by diversifying the Partnership's assets
among different Trading Managers, each of whose strategies focus
on different market sectors and trading approaches, and by
monitoring the performance of the Trading Managers daily. In
addition, the Trading Managers establish diversification
guidelines, often set in terms of the maximum margin to be
committed to positions in any one market sector or market-
sensitive instrument.
Demeter monitors and controls the risk of the Partnership's non-
trading instrument, cash. Cash is the only Partnership investment
directed by Demeter, rather than the Trading Managers.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly
report, the President and Chief Financial Officer of
Demeter, the general partner of the Partnership, have
evaluated the effectiveness of the Partnership's
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act), and have
judged such controls and procedures to be effective.
(b) There have been no significant changes during the
period covered by this quarterly report in the
Partnership's internal controls or in other factors
that could significantly affect these controls
subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Management. The following changes have been made to the Board
of Directors and Officers of Demeter:
Mr. Kevin Perry, Chief Financial Officer of Demeter, was confirmed
as a principal of Demeter by the National Futures Association on
September 3, 2004.
Mr. William D. Seugling, Director of Demeter, was confirmed as a
principal of Demeter by the National Futures Association on
October 11, 2004.
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) Exhibits
3.01 Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, dated
as of December 7, 1983, as amended as of May 11, 1984, is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of the
Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1984 (File No. 0-13299).
10.01 Management Agreement among the Partnership, Demeter and
Sunrise Capital Management Inc. (formerly Sunrise
Commodities Inc.), dated as of November 15, 1983, is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 of the
Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1984 (File No. 0-13299).
10.02 Management Agreement among the Partnership, Demeter and
Welton Investment Systems Corporation, dated as of July
1, 1996, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of
the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 0-13299).
10.03 Management Agreement among the Partnership, Demeter and
Graham Capital Management, L.P. dated as of January 1,
2003, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of
the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-13299) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 22,
2003.
10.04 Dean Witter Cornerstone Funds Exchange Agreement, dated
as of May 31, 1984, is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.06 of the Partnership's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1984 (File
No. 0-13299).
10.05 Amended and Restated Customer Agreement between the
Partnership and Morgan Stanley DW Inc., dated as of June
22, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01
of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-13299) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November
13, 2001.
10.06 Commodity Futures Customer Agreement between Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and the Partnership, and
acknowledged and agreed to by Morgan Stanley DW Inc.,
dated as of May 1, 2000, is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.02 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-
13299) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on November 13, 2001.
10.07 Customer Agreement between the Partnership and Morgan
Stanley & Co. International Limited, dated as of May 1,
2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.04 of
the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-13299) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13,
2001.
10.08 Foreign Exchange and Options Master Agreement between
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and the Partnership,
dated as of April 30, 2000, is incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.05 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File
No. 0-13299) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.09 Amendment to Management Agreement between the Partnership
and Welton Investment Corporation, dated as of November
30, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of
the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-13299) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 3,
2001.
10.10 Amendment to Management Agreement between the Partnership
and Sunrise Capital Management, Inc., dated as of
November 30, 2000, is incorporated by reference to the
Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-13299) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on January 3, 2001.
10.11 Securities Account Control Agreement among the
Partnership, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, and
Morgan Stanley DW Inc., dated as of May 1, 2000, is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 of the
Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-13299) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2001.
31.01 Certification of President of Demeter Management
Corporation, the general partner of the Partnership,
pursuant to rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
31.02 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Demeter
Management Corporation, the general partner of the
Partnership, pursuant to rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e),
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
32.01 Certification of President of Demeter Management
Corporation, the general partner of the Partnership,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.02 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Demeter
Management Corporation, the general partner of the
Partnership, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
(B) Reports on Form 8-K - None.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dean Witter Cornerstone Fund III
(Registrant)
By: Demeter Management Corporation
(General Partner)
November 15, 2004 By: /s/Kevin Perry
Kevin Perry
Chief Financial Officer
The General Partner which signed the above is the only party
authorized to act for the Registrant. The Registrant has no
principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
controller, or principal accounting officer and has no Board of
Directors.