Back to GetFilings.com
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 March 31, 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 Number 0-18314
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3541588
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Demeter Management Corporation
825 Third Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 310-6444
(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 PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2004
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of
March 31, 2004 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2003..............2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Quarters
Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited) ....................3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for
the Quarters Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited)........4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Quarters
Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited).....................5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).....6-11
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations........12-18
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk..........................................19-31
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.................................31
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.......................................32
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.....................32-33
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
March 31, December 31,
2004 2003
$ $
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Equity in futures interests trading accounts:
Cash 26,289,378 26,475,763
Net unrealized gain on open contracts (MS & Co.) 124,720 633,291
Net unrealized gain on open contracts (MSIL) 36,090 203,735
Total net unrealized gain on open contracts 160,810 837,026
Net option premiums - (11,000)
Total Trading Equity 26,450,188 27,301,789
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) 20,229 20,168
Total Assets 26,470,417 27,321,957
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Liabilities
Redemptions payable 228,743 447,519
Accrued administrative expenses 148,115 211,963
Accrued brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 87,741 90,367
Accrued management fees 21,935 22,592
Total Liabilities 486,534 772,441
Minority Interest 24,711 25,518
Partners' Capital
Limited Partners (12,515.568 and
12,764.514 Units, respectively) 25,643,575 26,207,748
General Partner (154.030 Units) 315,597 316,250
Total Partners' Capital 25,959,172 26,523,998
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital 26,470,417 27,321,957
Total Partners' Capital 25,959,172 26,523,998
NET ASSETS PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 25,959,172 26,523,998
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT PER LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 2,048.93 2,053.17
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
For the Quarters Ended March 31,
2004 2003
$ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized 933,939 4,788
Net change in unrealized (676,216) (45,912)
Total Trading Results 257,723 (41,124)
Interest income 57,139 446,959
Change in value of Yield Pool - (364,791)
Total 314,862 41,044
EXPENSES
Brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 266,156 336,616
Management fees 66,539 84,154
Administrative expenses 21,000 39,000
Transaction fees and costs 14,172 4,307
Total 367,867 464,077
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST (53,005) (423,033)
Less: Minority interest (807) (32,668)
NET LOSS (52,198) (390,365)
NET LOSS ALLOCATION
Limited Partners (51,545) (384,794)
General Partner (653) (5,571)
NET LOSS (52,198) (390,365)
Less: Change in excess of market value over
amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities - (364,791)
NET LOSS ALLOCATED TO PARTNERS
FOR TAX AND NET ASSET VALUATION (52,198) (25,574)
Net Loss Allocation for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners (51,545) (25,175)
General Partner (653) (399)
Net Loss Per Unit for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners (4.24) (1.55)
General Partner (4.24) (1.55)
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
(Unaudited)
Units of
Partnership Limited General
Interest Partners Partner Total
$ $ $
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2002 16,476.372 33,867,872 517,262 34,385,134
Net Loss - (384,794) (5,571) (390,365)
Redemptions (580.231) (1,177,815) - (1,177,815)
Partners' Capital,
March 31, 2003 15,896.141 32,305,263 511,691 32,816,954
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2003 12,918.544 26,207,748 316,250 26,523,998
Net Loss - (51,545) (653) (52,198)
Redemptions (248.946) (512,628) - (512,628)
Partners' Capital,
March 31, 2004 12,669.598 25,643,575 315,597 25,959,172
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Quarters Ended March 31,
2004 2003
$ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss (52,198) (390,365)
Noncash item included in net loss:
Net change in unrealized 676,216 45,912
Change in value of Yield Pool - 364,791
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Net option premiums (11,000) 332,375
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) (61) 509
Investment in zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities - 340,425
Decrease in operating liabilities:
Accrued administrative expenses (63,848) (8,086)
Accrued brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) (2,626) (2,920)
Accrued management fees (657) (730)
Net cash provided by operating activities 545,826 681,911
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in redemptions payable (218,776) 363,915
Decrease in minority interest (807) (32,668)
Redemptions of Units (512,628) (1,177,815)
Net cash used for financing activities (732,211) (846,568)
Net decrease in cash (186,385) (164,657)
Balance at beginning of period 26,475,763 2,146,079
Balance at end of period 26,289,378 1,981,422
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2004
(Unaudited)
The unaudited consolidated 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 Principal Plus Fund L.P. (the
"Partnership"). The consolidated 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
From February 1, 1996 through August 31, 2003 (the "Guarantee
Period"), the Partnership had approximately 80% of its assets
invested in zero-coupon United States Treasury Securities (the
"Yield Pool") and its remaining assets were invested in the
speculative trading of futures contracts, options on futures
contracts, and forward contracts on physical commodities and other
commodity interests (collectively, "futures interests").
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 PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Demeter, Morgan Stanley DW, MS & Co., and MSIL are wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley. The trading advisor to the
Partnership is SSARIS Advisors, LLC (the "Trading Advisor").
2. Revenue Recognition
The Yield Pool was valued at cost plus accreted interest with the
accumulated unrealized gain on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury
Securities separately disclosed. The quarter-to-date change in
the Yield Pool's market value is reflected in the consolidated
statements of operations. The consolidated state-ments of
financial condition and the consolidated statements of operations
have been reconciled to reflect net assets, net asset value per
unit and a net loss in accordance with the terms of the Limited
Partnership Agreement.
3. 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. Morgan Stanley DW pays
interest on these funds based on a prevailing rate on U.S.
Treasury bills. The Partnership pays brokerage fees to Morgan
Stanley DW.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
4. Financial Instruments
The Partnership trades futures contracts, options on futures
contracts, and forward contracts on physical commodities 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 contracts is based on closing prices quoted
by the exchange, bank or clearing firm through which the
contracts are traded.
The Partnership's contracts are accounted for on a trade-date
basis and marked to market on a daily basis. The Partnership
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:
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
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
consolidated statements of financial condition, and their longest
contract maturities were as follows:
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Open Contracts Longest Maturities
Off- Off-
Exchange- Exchange- Exchange- Exchange-
Date Traded Traded Total Traded Traded
$ $ $
Mar. 31, 2004 187,068 (26,258) 160,810 Jun. 2004 Jun. 2004
Dec. 31, 2003 816,989 20,037 837,026 Mar. 2004 Mar. 2004
The Partnership has credit risk associated with counterparty non-
performance. The credit risk associated with the instruments in
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
which the Partnership is involved is limited to the amounts
reflected in the Partnership's consolidated 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 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 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 and futures-styled
options contracts, including an amount equal to the net unrealized
gains (losses) on all open futures and futures-styled options
contracts, which funds, in the aggregate, totaled $26,476,446
and $27,292,752 at March 31, 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 variations in value nor is there any
requirement that an amount equal to the net unrealized gains
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
(losses) on open forward contracts be segregated, however, MS &
Co. and Morgan Stanley DW will make daily settlements of losses as
needed. 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 to 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 the Trading Advisor, 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 will result in, or 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 expect to
have, any capital assets. Redemptions of additional 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. 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 Advisor
and the ability of the Trading Advisor's trading programs to take
advantage of price movements or other profit opportunities in the
futures, forwards, and options markets. The following presents a
summary of the Partnership's operations for the three month
periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, and a general discussion of
its trading activities during each period. It is important to
note, however, that the Trading Advisor trades 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 Advisor 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 Advisor's trading
activities on behalf of the Partnership and how the Partnership
has performed in the past. Past performance is not necessarily
indicative 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
Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Net change in
unrealized profit/loss" for open (unrealized) contracts, and
recorded as "Realized profit/loss" when open positions are closed
out, and the sum of these amounts constitutes the Partnership's
trading revenues. 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
fees 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 Quarter Ended March 31, 2004
The Partnership recorded revenues including interest income and
change in the value of the Yield Pool totaling $314,862, expenses
totaling $367,867, and minority interest of $807, resulting in a
net loss of $52,198 for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. The
Partnership's net asset value per Unit decreased from $2,053.17
at December 31, 2003 to $2,048.93 at March 31, 2004.
The most significant trading losses of approximately 0.8% were
experienced in the currency markets, primarily during March.
Long cross rate positions in the Swiss franc and the Australian
dollar - both versus the Japanese yen - resulted in losses as the
yen's value reversed higher due to speculation that the Bank of
Japan was relaxing its efforts to weaken the yen. During
January, long positions in the Mexican peso versus the U.S.
dollar incurred losses as the peso's value fell under pressure
from declining Mexican interest rates and U.S. dollar weakness
against the euro. Smaller currency losses were experienced from
long positions in the U.S. dollar index as the dollar's value
declined due to reduced Bank of Japan intervention activity. A
portion of the Partnership's overall losses for the quarter was
offset by gains of approximately 0.7% recorded in the global
interest rate markets, primarily during February, from long
positions in European and U.S. interest rate futures. Global
bond prices rallied after government central banks, such as the
European Central Bank and U.S. Federal Reserve, reported no need
to raise interest rates due to a lack of inflation. Additional
gains of approximately 0.7% were recorded in the global
stock index markets during January and February. Long U.S. stock
index futures positions profited in January as U.S. equity prices
moved higher in response to positive company earnings reports and
signs of growing U.S. consumer confidence. Further gains were
experienced during February from long positions as global equity
prices continued to advance amid upbeat corporate profit reports,
merger and acquisition activity and a low-interest rate
environment.
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2003
The Partnership recorded revenues including interest income and
change in the value of the Yield Pool totaling $41,044, expenses
totaling $464,077, and minority interest of $32,668, resulting in
a net loss of $390,365 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. The
Partnership's net asset value per Unit decreased from $2,031.46
at December 31, 2002 to $2,029.91 at March 31, 2003.
The most significant trading losses of approximately 1.0% were
recorded in the global stock index markets from long positions in
S&P 500 Index futures as equity prices declined in January and
February amid continued political and economic uncertainty. A
portion of the Partnership's overall losses was offset by gains
of approximately 0.5% in the global interest rate markets from
long positions in European and U.S. interest rate futures as
prices trended higher during February as investors continued to
seek the safe haven of fixed income investments in
response to continued uncertainty in the global equity markets.
Additional gains of approximately 0.3% were recorded in the
energy markets during January and February from long positions in
natural gas futures as prices increased sharply due to prolonged
frigid temperatures in the northeastern and midwestern U.S.
Elsewhere in the energy markets, long positions in crude oil
futures resulted in gains as prices trended higher during January
and February amid the looming threat of a Coalition-led war
against Iraq and an overall decline in inventories.
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. Profits and losses on open positions of exchange-
traded futures, forwards, and options are settled daily through
variation margin.
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 Partnership's past performance is not necessarily indicative
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 may
cause future losses and volatility (i.e., "risk of ruin") that
far exceed the Partnership's experience to date or any reasonable
expectations based upon historical changes in market value.
Quantifying the Partnership's Trading Value at Risk
The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Partner-
ship'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 Advisor is estimated below in terms of Value
at Risk ("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 Advisor 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 March 31, 2004 and 2003. At
March 31, 2004 and 2003, the Partnership's total capitalization
was approximately $26 million and $33 million, respectively.
Primary Market March 31, 2004 March 31, 2003
Risk Category Value at Risk Value at Risk
Equity (1.13)% (0.19)%
Interest Rate (0.73) (0.13)
Currency (0.26) (0.03)
Commodity (0.20) (0.02)
Aggregate Value at Risk (1.10)% (0.20)%
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
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 April 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004.
Primary Market Risk Category High Low Average
Equity (1.38)% (0.20)% (0.85)%
Interest Rate (0.73) (0.18) (0.50)
Currency (0.38) (0.05) (0.21)
Commodity (0.20) (0.03) (0.12)
Aggregate Value at Risk (1.33)% (0.23)% (0.89)%
Limitations on Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market
Risk
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 value of the Partnership's open positions
thus creates a "risk of ruin" not typically found in other
investments. The relative size of the positions held may cause
the Partnership to incur losses greatly in excess of VaR within a
short period of time, given the effects of the leverage employed
and market volatility. The VaR tables above, as well as the past
performance of the Partnership, give no indication of such "risk
of ruin". In addition, VaR risk measures should be viewed in light
of the methodology's limitations, which include 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 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.
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 March 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the four
quarter-end reporting periods from April 1, 2003 through March 31,
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 not needed for margin. These balances and any market
risk they may represent are immaterial.
The Partnership also maintains a substantial portion
(approximately 98% as of March 31, 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 Advisor
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 March 31, 2004 by market sector. It may be
anticipated, however, that these market exposures will vary
materially over time.
Equity. The primary market exposure of the Partnership at March
31, 2004 was to the global stock index sector. The Partnership's
exposure is primarily to equity price risk in the G-7 countries.
The G-7 countries consist of France, the U.S., Britain, Germany,
Japan, Italy, and Canada. The stock index futures traded by the
Partnership are by law limited to futures on broadly-based
indices. At March 31, 2004, the Partnership's primary exposure
was to the S&P 500 (U.S.) stock indices. The Partnership is
exposed to the risk of adverse price trends or static markets in
the U.S. 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.
Interest Rate. The second largest market exposure at March 31,
2004 was to the global interest rate futures complex. Exposure
was primarily spread across the European, U.S., Japanese, and
Australian 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.
However, the Partnership also takes futures positions in the
government debt of smaller nations - e.g., Australia. Demeter
anticipates that the G-7 countries and Australian interest rates
will remain the primary interest rate exposure of the Partnership
for the foreseeable future. The speculative futures positions
held by the Partnership 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 Partnership's third largest market exposure at
March 31, 2004 was 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 large
number of currencies, including cross-rates - i.e., positions
between two currencies other than the U.S. dollar. At March 31,
2004, the Partnership's major exposures were to the euro,
Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Swiss franc, and Japanese yen
currency cross-rates, 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 profile of
the Partnership's currency sector will change significantly in
the future. The currency trading VaR figure includes foreign
margin amounts converted into U.S. dollars with an incremental
adjustment to reflect the exchange rate risk inherent to the
U.S.-based Partnership in expressing VaR in a functional currency
other than U.S. dollars.
Commodity
Energy. At March 31, 2004, the Partnership's energy
exposure was primarily to futures contracts in crude oil and
its related products. 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.
Metals. The Partnership's metals exposure at March 31, 2004
was to fluctuations in the price of base metals, such as
copper and nickel. Economic forces, supply and demand
inequalities, geopolitical factors and market expectations
influence price movements in these markets. The Trading
Advisor, from time to time, takes positions when market
opportunities develop, and Demeter anticipates that
the Partnership will continue to do so.
Soft Commodities and Agriculturals. At March 31, 2004, the
Partnership had exposure to the markets that comprise these
sectors. All of the exposure was to corn. 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 exposures of the
Partnership at March 31, 2004:
Foreign Currency Balances. The Partnership's primary foreign
currency balances at March 31, 2004 were in 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 Advisor, 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 market sectors and trading approaches, and by
monitoring the performance of the Trading Advisor daily. In
addition, the Trading Advisor establishes 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 instruments cash. Cash is the only Partnership investment
directed by Demeter, rather than the Trading Advisor.
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 the
general partner, Demeter, have evaluated the effective-
ness 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 in the Partner-
ship'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 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) Exhibits
3.01 Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the
Partnership, dated as of August 29, 1995, is incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.01 and Exhibit 3.02 of the
Partnership's Registration Statement (File No. 33-95414)
on Form S-1.
10.01 Amended and Restated Management Agreement among the
Partnership, Demeter and RXR, Inc., dated as of December
29, 1995, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02
of the Partnership's Registration Statement (File No.
33-95414) on Form S-1.
10.02 Amended and Restated Management Agreement between the
Partnership and Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., dated as of
December 29, 1995, is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.01 of the Partnership's Registration Statement
(File No. 33-95414) on Form S-1.
10.03 Amended and Restated Customer Agreement between the
Partnership and Morgan Stanley DW, dated as of June 22,
2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of
the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-18314) filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13,
2001.
10.04 Commodity Futures Customer Agreement between MS & Co. and
the Partnership, and acknowledged and agreed to by Morgan
Stanley DW, dated as of May 1, 2000, is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.02 of the Partnership's Form 8-K
(File No. 0-18314) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.05 Customer Agreement between the Partnership and MS & Co.,
dated as of May 1, 2000, is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.04 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No.
0-18314) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.06 Foreign Exchange and Options Master Agreement between MS
& Co. 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. 0-18314) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.07 Securities Account Control Agreement among the
Partnership, MS & Co. and Morgan Stanley DW dated as of
May 1, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.03 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-18314)
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 Principal Plus Fund L.P.
(Registrant)
By: Demeter Management Corporation
(General Partner)
May 17, 2004 By: /s/Jeffrey D. Hahn
Jeffrey D. Hahn
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.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
1169: