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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 June 30, 2003 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__________
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
June 30, 2003
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of
June 30, 2003 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2002............. 2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Quarters
Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (Unaudited) ................... 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Six
Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (Unaudited)............. 4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners? Capital for
the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (Unaudited)..... 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months
Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (Unaudited).................... 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)....7-12
Item 2. Management?s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......13-21
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk.........................................22-35
Item 4. Controls and Procedures................................35
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings......................................36
Item 5. Other Information......................................36
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................36-38
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
June 30, December 31,
2003 2002
$ $
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Equity in futures interests trading accounts:
Cash 2,110,676 2,146,079
Net unrealized loss on open contracts (MSIL) (15,695) (1,383)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on open contracts (MS & Co.) (21,171) 4,443
Total net unrealized gain (loss) on open contracts (36,866) 3,060
Net option premiums ? 332,375
Total Trading Equity 2,073,810 2,481,514
Investment in zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities 31,126,791 32,138,219
Unrealized gain on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities 187,647 914,023
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) 1,807 2,243
Total Assets 33,390,055 35,535,999
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS? CAPITAL
Liabilities
Redemptions payable 1,304,694 813,900
Accrued administrative expenses 135,260 133,842
Accrued brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 110,224 114,961
Accrued management fees 27,556 28,740
Total Liabilities 1,577,734 1,091,443
Minority Interest 38,348 59,422
Partners? Capital
Limited Partners (15,017.728 and 16,228.515 Units, respectively) 31,258,080 33,867,872
General Partner (247.857 Units) 515,893 517,262
Total Partners? Capital 31,773,973 34,385,134
Total Liabilities and Partners? Capital 33,390,055 35,535,999
Total Partners? Capital 31,773,973 34,385,134
Less: Excess of market value over amortized
cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities 187,647 914,023
NET ASSETS PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 31,586,326 33,471,111
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT 2,069.12 2,031.46
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 June 30,
2003 2002
$ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized 642,278 (887,634)
Net change in unrealized 5,986 1,237,058
Total Trading Results 648,264 349,424
Interest income 444,190 467,094
Change in value of Yield Pool (361,585) 183,060
Total 730,869 999,578
EXPENSES
Brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 329,075 349,906
Management fees 82,269 87,477
Administrative expenses 40,000 16,000
Transaction fees and costs 6,218 14,848
Total 457,562 468,231
INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST 273,307 531,347
Less: Minority interest 11,594 (6,583)
NET INCOME 261,713 537,930
NET INCOME ALLOCATION
Limited Partners 257,511 530,945
General Partner 4,202 6,985
NET INCOME 261,713 537,930
Less: Change in excess of market value over
amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities (361,585) 183,060
NET INCOME ALLOCATED TO PARTNERS
FOR TAX AND NET ASSET VALUATION 623,298 354,870
Net Income Allocation for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners 613,178 349,790
General Partner 10,120 5,080
Net Income Per Unit for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners 39.21 20.09
General Partner 39.21 20.09
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 Six Months Ended June 30,
2003 2002
$ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized 647,066 (585,376)
Net change in unrealized (39,926) 707,777
Total Trading Results 607,140 122,401
Interest income 891,149 934,284
Change in value of Yield Pool (726,376) (250,891)
Total 771,913 805,794
EXPENSES
Brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 665,691 706,952
Management fees 166,423 176,738
Administrative expenses 79,000 40,000
Transaction fees and costs 10,525 28,366
Total 921,639 952,056
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST (149,726) (146,262)
Less: Minority interest (21,074) (42,360)
NET LOSS (128,652) (103,902)
NET LOSS ALLOCATION
Limited Partners (127,283) (97,557)
General Partner (1,369) (6,345)
NET LOSS (128,652) (103,902)
Less: Change in excess of market value over
amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities (726,376) (250,891)
NET INCOME ALLOCATED TO PARTNERS
FOR TAX AND NET ASSET VALUATION 597,724 146,989
Net Income Allocation for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners 588,003 145,061
General Partner 9,721 1,928
Net Income Per Unit for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners 37.66 8.53
General Partner 37.66 8.53
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 Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
(Unaudited)
Units of
Partnership Limited General
Interest Partners Partner Total
$ $ $
Partners? Capital,
December 31, 2001 17,989.656 36,673,490 638,822 37,312,312
Net Loss ? (97,557) (6,345) (103,902)
Redemptions (673.694) (1,216,543) (119,000) (1,335,543)
Partners? Capital,
June 30, 2002 17,315.962 35,359,390 513,477 35,872,867
Partners? Capital,
December 31, 2002 16,476.372 33,867,872 517,262 34,385,134
Net Loss ? (127,283) (1,369) (128,652)
Redemptions (1,210.787) (2,482,509) ? (2,482,509)
Partners? Capital,
June 30, 2003 15,265.585 31,258,080 515,893 31,773,973
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 Six Months Ended June 30,
2003 2002
$ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss (128,652) (103,902)
Noncash item included in net loss:
Net change in unrealized 39,926 (707,777)
Change in value of Yield Pool 726,376 250,891
Decrease in operating assets:
Net option premiums 332,375 459,275
Investment in zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities 1,011,428 145,317
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) 436 2,287
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accrued administrative expenses 1,418 (47,816)
Accrued brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) (4,737) (3,261)
Accrued management fees (1,184) (815)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities 1,977,386 (5,801)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in redemptions payable 490,794 256,557
Decrease in minority interest (21,074) (42,361)
Redemptions of Units (2,482,509) (1,335,543)
Net cash used for financing activities (2,012,789) (1,121,347)
Net decrease in cash (35,403) (1,127,148)
Balance at beginning of period 2,146,079 3,272,814
Balance at end of period 2,110,676 2,145,666
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2003
(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, 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
1. Organization
At inception, February 1, 1996, the Partnership invested approxi-
ately 80% of its assets in zero-coupon United States Treasury
Securities (the ?Yield Pool?) and the remaining assets were and
have been used in the speculative trading of futures contracts,
options on futures contracts, and forward contracts on physical
commodities and other commodity interests.
The investment in the Yield Pool was made in order to ensure a
guaranteed net asset value per limited partnership interest
(?Unit(s)?) of $1,961 as of the end of the ?Guarantee Period?,
occurring on August 31, 2003. The Yield Pool will be liquidated
on August 15, 2003 and the proceeds from its liquidation will be
used in the trading of futures interests described above.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
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?).
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 is valued at cost plus accreted interest with the
accumulated unrealized gain on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury
Securities separately disclosed. The year-to-date change in the
Yield Pool?s market value is reflected in the consolidated
statements of operations. The consolidated statements of
financial condition and the consolidated statements of operations
have been reconciled to reflect net assets, net asset value per
Unit and net income (loss) in accordance with the terms of the
Limited Partnership Agreement. For the quarter ended June 30,
2003, $439,010 of interest income has been accreted on the Yield
Pool. At June 30, 2003, the cost of the Yield Pool was
$20,517,159 and the accreted interest receivable thereon was
$10,609,632. The market value of the Yield Pool on June 30, 2003
was $31,314,438.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
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.
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.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
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:
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:
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Open Contracts Longest Maturities
Off- Off-
Exchange- Exchange- Exchange- Exchange-
Date Traded Traded Total Traded Traded
$ $ $
Jun. 30, 2003 (30,857) (6,009) (36,866) Dec. 2003 Sep. 2003
Dec. 31, 2002 197 2,863 3,060 Mar. 2003 Mar. 2003
The Partnership has credit risk associated with counterparty non-
performance. The credit risk associated with the instruments in
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. Each of Morgan Stanley DW, MS & Co.,
and MSIL, 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
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
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 $2,079,819 and
$2,146,276 at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
With respect to the Partnership?s off-exchange-traded forward
currency contracts, there are no daily settlements of variations
in value nor is there any requirement that an amount equal to the
net unrealized gains (losses) on open forward contracts be
segregated. 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 of 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. 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. The Partnership?s assets held by the
commodity brokers may be used as margin solely for the
Partnership?s trading. 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.
The Partnership has never had illiquidity affect a material
portion of its assets. Furthermore, there are no material trends,
demands, commitments, events or uncertainties known 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 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 has no off-balance sheet arrangements, nor
contractual obligations or commercial commitments to make future
payments that would affect the Partnership?s liquidity or capital
resources. The contracts traded by the Partnership are accounted
for on a trade-date basis and marked to market on a daily basis.
The value of futures contracts is the settlement price on the
exchange on which that futures contract is traded on a particular
day and 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.
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 and six
month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, 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.
The Partnership?s results of operations set forth in the financial
statements on pages 2 through 12 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. 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 and Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
For the quarter ended June 30, 2003, the Partnership recorded
total trading revenues, including interest income and change in
value of the Yield Pool, of $730,869 and posted an
increase in net asset value per Unit. The most significant gains
of approximately 1.1% were recorded in the global stock index
markets from long positions in S&P 500 Index futures during
April, May, and June as equity prices rallied in response to
positive earnings announcements, the conclusion of the war in
Iraq, and the prospect of lower interest rates. Additional gains
of approximately 0.9% were provided in the global interest rate
markets from long positions in U.S. and European interest rate
futures during May and early June as prices trended higher amid
speculation of an interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve
and lingering doubts concerning a global economic recovery. A
portion of the Partnership?s overall gains for the quarter was
offset by losses of approximately 0.1% in the metals markets from
long positions in nickel futures as prices declined amid easing
supply concerns. Total expenses for the three months ended June
30, 2003 were $457,562, resulting in income before minority
interest of $273,307. The minority interest in such income was
$11,594, resulting in net income of $261,713 for the Partnership.
After increasing net income for the change in excess of market
value over amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury
Securities, the net asset value of a Unit increased from
$2,029.91 at March 31, 2003 to $2,069.12 at June 30, 2003.
For the six months ended June 30, 2003, the Partnership recorded
total trading revenues, including interest income and change in
value of the Yield Pool, of $771,913 and posted an increase in
net asset value per Unit. The most significant gains of
approximately 1.4% were recorded in the global interest rate
markets, during February, May, and early June from long positions
in U.S. and European interest rate futures as prices trended
higher amid anticipation of lower interest rates in the U.S.,
lingering doubts concerning a global economic recovery, and
investor preference for fixed income investments. Additional
gains of approximately 0.3% in the energy markets were recorded
primarily during February from long positions in crude oil
futures as prices trended higher amid the increasing likelihood
of military action against Iraq. Additional gains were recorded
from long positions in natural gas futures as prices jumped
sharply higher amid fears that extremely cold weather in the U.S.
northeast and midwest could further deplete already diminished
supplies. In the currency markets, gains of approximately 0.2%
were provided by long positions in the Australian dollar versus
the Japanese yen as the yen?s value declined amid SARS-related
fears primarily during April. Long positions in the euro versus
the U.S. dollar during January and May provided gains amid
uncertainty regarding the Bush Administration?s economic policy,
the war in Iraq, and investor preference for non-U.S. dollar
denominated assets. A portion of the Partnership?s overall gains
for the first half of the year was offset by losses of
approximately 0.1% in the agricultural markets from short corn
futures positions during January as the price of corn moved
higher, elevated by strong prices in wheat futures. In April,
long positions in corn futures experienced losses as prices
reversed lower amid news of increased supply. Total
expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2003 were $921,639,
resulting in a loss before minority interest of $149,726. The
minority interest in such loss was $21,074, resulting in a net
loss of $128,652 for the Partnership. After reducing the net loss
for the change in excess of market value over amortized cost of
zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities, the net asset value of a
Unit increased from $2,031.46 at December 31, 2002 to $2,069.12
at June 30, 2003.
For the Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2002
For the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Partnership recorded
total trading revenues, including interest income and change in
value of the Yield Pool, of $999,578 and posted an increase in
net asset value per Unit. The most significant gains of
approximately 2.1% were recorded in the global interest rate
futures markets from long positions in U.S. interest rate futures
as prices trended higher following continued weakness in equity
markets, geopolitical concerns and uncertainty surrounding a
global economic recovery. Additional gains of approximately 1.5%
were recorded in the currency markets primarily during May and
June from previously established long positions in the euro and
Swiss franc, relative to the U.S. dollar as the value of these
currencies strengthened against the dollar amid falling equity
prices, concerns regarding corporate accounting integrity and
weak economic data. A portion of the Partnership's overall gains
was offset by losses of approximately 2.1% recorded in the
global stock index futures market primarily from long positions
in U.S. stock index futures as equity prices declined throughout
the quarter. Total expenses for the three months ended June 30,
2002 were $468,231, resulting in income before minority interest
of $531,347. The minority interest in such income was $6,583,
resulting in net income of $537,930 for the Partnership. After
reducing net income for the change in excess market value over
amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities, the net
asset value of a Unit increased from $1,971.91 at March 31, 2002
to $1,992.00 at June 30, 2002.
For the six months ended June 30, 2002, the Partnership recorded
total trading revenues, including interest income and change in
value of the Yield Pool, of $805,794 and posted an increase in
net asset value per Unit. The most significant gains of
approximately 1.8% were recorded in global interest rate futures
markets primarily during June from long positions in U.S.
interest rate futures as prices trended higher following weakness
in equity markets, geopolitical concerns and uncertainty
surrounding a global economic recovery. Additional gains of
approximately 0.9% were recorded in the currency markets
primarily during May and June from previously established long
positions in the euro and Swiss franc relative to the U.S. dollar
as the value of these currencies strengthened against the dollar
amid falling equity prices, concerns regarding corporate
accounting integrity and weak economic data. A portion of
the Partnership's overall gains for the first six months was
offset by losses of approximately 2.1% in global stock index
futures, primarily from long positions in the S&P 500 Index
futures as prices declined throughout a majority of the year.
Total expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2002 were
$952,056, resulting in a loss before minority interest of
$146,262. The minority interest in such loss was $42,360,
resulting in a net loss of $103,902 for the Partnership. After
reducing the net loss for the change in excess of market value
over amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities, the
net asset value of a Unit increased from $1,983.47 at December
31, 2001 to $1,992.00 at June 30, 2002.
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 central, not incidental, to the
Partnership?s main business activities.
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. Fluctuations in market risk based
upon these factors result in frequent changes in the fair value
of the Partnership?s open positions, and consequently, in its
earnings and cash flow.
The Partnership?s total market risk is influenced by a wide
variety of factors, including the diversification among the
Partnership?s open positions, the volatility present within the
markets, and the liquidity of the markets. At different times,
each of these factors may act to increase or decrease the
market risk associated with the Partnership.
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
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, whether realized or unrealized, and its
cash flow. Profits and losses on open positions of exchange-
traded futures, forwards, and options are settled daily
through variation margin.
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 VaR model used by the Partnership includes many
variables that could change the market value of the Partnership?s
trading portfolio. The Partnership estimates VaR using a model
based upon historical simulation with a confidence level of 99%.
Historical simulation involves constructing a distribution of
hypothetical daily changes in the value of a trading portfolio.
The VaR model takes into account linear exposures to price and
interest rate risk. Market risks that are incorporated in the VaR
model include 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 historical observation period of the Partnership?s
VaR is approximately four years. 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. In other words, one-
day VaR for a portfolio is a number such that losses in this
portfolio are estimated to exceed the VaR only one day in 100. VaR
typically does not represent the worst case outcome.
VaR is calculated using historical simulation. 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-traded instruments and are also not based on exchange
and/or dealer-based margin requirements.
VaR models, including the Partnership?s, are continuously 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 June 30, 2003 and 2002. At June
30, 2003 and 2002, the Partnership?s total capitalization was
approximately $32 million and $36 million, respectively.
Primary Market June 30, 2003 June 30, 2002
Risk Category Value at Risk Value at Risk
Equity (0.20)% (0.82)%
Interest Rate (0.18) (0.60)
Currency (0.05) (0.28)
Commodity (0.03) (0.15)
Aggregate Value at Risk (0.23)% (0.99)%
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 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 assets
classes.
The table above represents the VaR of the Partnership?s open
positions at June 30, 2003 and 2002 only and is not necessarily
representative of either the historic or future risk of an
investment in the Partnership. Because the Partnership?s only
business 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. Any changes in open positions could positively
or negatively materially impact market risk as measured by VaR.
The table below supplements the quarter-end VaR by presenting the
Partnership?s high, low and average VaR, as a percentage of total
net assets for the four quarterly reporting periods from July 1,
2002 through June 30, 2003.
Primary Market Risk Category High Low Average
Equity (0.39)% (0.19)% (0.27)%
Interest Rate (0.18) (0.13) (0.15)
Currency (0.09) (0.03) (0.07)
Commodity (0.05) (0.02) (0.04)
Aggregate Value at Risk (0.41)% (0.20)% (0.29)%
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 above present the results of the Partnership?s VaR
for each of the Partnership?s market risk exposures and on an
aggregate basis at June 30, 2003 and 2002, and for the end of the
four quarterly reporting periods from July 1, 2002 through June
30, 2003. Since VaR is based on historical data, VaR should not
be viewed as predictive of 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.
At June 30, 2003, the Partnership?s cash balance at Morgan Stanley
DW was approximately 6% of its total net asset value. A decline
in short-term interest rates will result in a decline in the
Partnership?s cash management income. This cash flow risk is not
considered to be material.
The Partnership also has non-trading risk on the zero-coupon U.S.
Treasury Securities it holds to support the guaranteed net asset
value per Unit at the Guaranteed Redemption Date of August 31,
2003. The fair value of these securities is subject to interest
rate risk.
For non-trading securities, the Partnership measures its market
risk using sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis
estimates the potential change in fair value based on a
hypothetical 10% change in interest rates. Based on the current
valuation of the Partnership?s zero-coupon U.S. Treasury
Securities, such a change in interest rates will cause an
approximately 1.19% decline in their fair value. Such a
change will not have a material effect on the net asset value per
Unit.
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 June 30, 2003, 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 June
30, 2003 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 June 30, 2003, the Partnership?s primary exposures
were to the S&P 500 (U.S.) and Nikkei (Japan) stock indices. The
Partnership is exposed to the risk of adverse price trends or
static markets in the U.S. and Japanese stock indices. Static
markets would not cause major market changes but would make it
difficult for the Partnership to avoid being ?whipsawed? into
numerous small losses.
Interest Rate. The second largest market exposure at June 30,
2003 was to the global interest rate complex. Exposure was
primarily spread across the U.S. and European 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
primary interest rate exposure is generally to interest rate
fluctuations in the U.S. and the other G-7 countries. Demeter
anticipates that the G-7 countries interest rates will remain the
interest rate exposure 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 Partnership?s currency exposure at June 30, 2003
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 June 30, 2003, the
Partnership?s major exposures were to the euro, Japanese yen,
Australian dollar and Canadian dollar cross-rates, as well as
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 June 30, 2003, the Partnership?s energy exposure
was shared primarily by futures contracts in crude oil and
natural gas. Price movements in these markets result from
political developments in the Middle East, 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 prices resulting
from weather patterns and supply and demand factors, and
will likely continue in this choppy pattern.
Soft Commodities and Agriculturals. At June 30, 2003, the
Partnership had exposure to the markets that comprise these
sectors. Most of the exposure was to the cotton market.
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 were the only non-trading risk exposures of the
Partnership at June 30, 2003:
Foreign Currency Balances. The Partnership?s primary foreign
currency balances at June 30, 2003 were in South African
rands, euros and Japanese yen. 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.
Zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities
It is the Partnership?s intention to hold the zero-coupon
U.S. Treasury Securities until their August 15, 2003
maturity date, except as needed to fund quarterly
redemptions. Consequently, the period to period interest
rate risk these securities are subject to is not considered
material.
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
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 and zero-coupon U.S. Treasury
Securities. Cash and zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities are the
only Partnership investments 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
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 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 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Changes in Management. The following changes have been made to
the Board of Directors and Officers of Demeter:
Mr. Robert E. Murray resigned the position of Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Demeter.
Mr. Jeffrey A. Rothman, President and Director of Demeter, was
named Chairman of the Board of Directors of Demeter.
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 13(a)-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 13(a)-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)
August 14, 2003 By: /s/Jeffrey D. Hahn
Jeffrey D. Hahn
Director and 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)
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
? 12 ?