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 September 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
September 30, 2003
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of
September 30, 2003 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2002..........2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Quarters
Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 (Unaudited) ................3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Nine
Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 (Unaudited)..........4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for
The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 (Unaudited).5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months
Ended September 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........13-22
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk..........................................23-35
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.................................36
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.......................................37
Item 5. Other Information.......................................37
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.....................37-39
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
September 30, December 31,
2003 2002
$ $
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Equity in futures interests trading accounts:
Cash 30,319,954 2,146,079
Net unrealized gain on open contracts (MS & Co.) 477,721 4,443
Net unrealized loss on open contracts (MSIL) (23,800) (1,383)
Total net unrealized gain on open contracts 453,921 3,060
Net option premiums - 332,375
Total Trading Equity 30,773,875 2,481,514
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) 24,018 2,243
Investment in zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities - 32,138,219
Unrealized gain on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities - 914,023
Total Assets 30,797,893 35,535,999
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Liabilities
Redemptions payable 1,344,231 813,900
Accrued administrative expenses 155,254 133,842
Accrued brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 102,142 114,961
Accrued management fees 25,536 28,740
Total Liabilities 1,627,163 1,091,443
Minority Interest 23,933 59,422
Partners' Capital
Limited Partners (14,053.631 and 16,228.515 Units, respectively) 28,641,658 33,867,872
General Partner (247.857 Units) 505,139 517,262
Total Partners' Capital 29,146,797 34,385,134
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital 30,797,893 35,535,999
Total Partners' Capital 29,146,797 34,385,134
Less: Excess of market value over amortized
cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities - 914,023
NET ASSETS PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 29,146,797 33,471,111
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT PER LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 2,038.03 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 September 30,
2003 2002
$ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized (783,932) 983,725
Net change in unrealized 490,787 (1,140,499)
(293,145) (156,774)
Proceeds from Litigation Settlement - 722,195
Total Trading Results (293,145) 565,421
Interest income 251,711 470,130
Change in value of Yield Pool (187,647) (70,287)
Total (229,081) 965,264
EXPENSES
Brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 312,709 346,670
Management fees 78,177 86,667
Administrative expenses 41,000 31,000
Transaction fees and costs 9,509 8,093
Total 441,395 472,430
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST (670,476) 492,834
Less: Minority interest (14,415) 3,667
NET INCOME (LOSS) (656,061) 489,167
NET INCOME (LOSS) ALLOCATION
Limited Partners (645,307) 481,678
General Partner (10,754) 7,489
NET INCOME (LOSS) (656,061) 489,167
Less: Change in excess of market value over
amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities (187,647) (70,287)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ALLOCATED TO PARTNERS
FOR TAX AND NET ASSET VALUATION (468,414) 559,454
Net Income (Loss) Allocation for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners (460,296) 551,238
General Partner (8,118) 8,216
Net Income (Loss) Per Unit for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners (31.09) 32.30
General Partner (31.09) 32.30
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 Nine Months Ended September 30,
2003 2002
$ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized (136,866) 398,349
Net change in unrealized 450,861 (432,722)
313,995 (34,373)
Proceeds from Litigation Settlement - 722,195
Total Trading Results 313,995 687,822
Interest income 1,142,860 1,404,414
Change in value of Yield Pool (914,023) (321,178)
Total 542,832 1,771,058
EXPENSES
Brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) 978,400 1,053,622
Management fees 244,600 263,405
Administrative expenses 120,000 71,000
Transaction fees and costs 20,034 36,459
Total 1,363,034 1,424,486
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST (820,202) 346,572
Less: Minority interest (35,489) (38,693)
NET INCOME (LOSS) (784,713) 385,265
NET INCOME (LOSS) ALLOCATION
Limited Partners (772,590) 384,121
General Partner (12,123) 1,144
NET INCOME (LOSS) (784,713) 385,265
Less: Change in excess of market value over
amortized cost of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities (914,023) (321,178)
NET INCOME ALLOCATED TO PARTNERS
FOR TAX AND NET ASSET VALUATION 129,310 706,443
Net Income Allocation for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners 127,707 696,299
General Partner 1,603 10,144
Net Income Per Unit for Tax and Net Asset
Valuation
Limited Partners 6.57 40.83
General Partner 6.57 40.83
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 Nine Months Ended September 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 Income - 384,121 1,144 385,265
Redemptions (1,112.635) (2,105,090) (119,000) (2,224,090)
Partners' Capital,
September 30, 2002 16,877.021 34,952,521 520,966 35,473,487
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2002 16,476.372 33,867,872 517,262 34,385,134
Net Loss - (772,590) (12,123) (784,713)
Redemptions (2,174.884) (4,453,624) - (4,453,624)
Partners' Capital,
September 30, 2003 14,301.488 28,641,658 505,139 29,146,797
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 Nine Months Ended September 30,
2003 2002
$ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) (784,713) 385,265
Noncash item included in net income (loss):
Net change in unrealized (450,861) 432,722
Change in value of Yield Pool 914,023 321,178
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Net option premiums 332,375 241,425
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) (21,775) 1,068
Investment in zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Securities 32,138,219 407,884
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accrued administrative expenses 21,412 (52,872)
Accrued brokerage fees (Morgan Stanley DW) (12,819) (6,144)
Accrued management fees (3,204) (1,535)
Net cash provided by operating activities 32,132,657 1,728,991
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in redemptions payable 530,331 443,094
Decrease in minority interest (35,489) (38,694)
Redemptions of Units (4,453,624) (2,224,090)
Net cash used for financing activities (3,958,782) (1,819,690)
Net increase (decrease) in cash 28,173,875 (90,699)
Balance at beginning of period 2,146,079 3,272,814
Balance at end of period 30,319,954 3,182,115
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 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
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 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, which
occurred on August 31, 2003. At the end of the Guarantee Period
the net asset value per Unit was $2,058.58, greater than the
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
guaranteed net asset value of at least $1,961.00 per Unit. The
U.S. Treasuries matured and the Yield Pool was liquidated on
August 15, 2003. The proceeds from its liquidation were invested
in and will continue to be used in the trading of Futures
Interests described above without any guarantee with respect to
the net asset value per Unit at any future date.
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 was 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 and quarter-to-
date changes in the Yield Pool's market value are 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
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
value per Unit and net income (loss) in accordance with the terms
of the Limited Partnership Agreement. For the quarter ended
September 30, 2003, $214,478 of interest income was accreted on
the Yield Pool prior to its liquidation.
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.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
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:
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.
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The net unrealized gains 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
on Open Contracts Longest Maturities
Off- Off-
Exchange- Exchange- Exchange- Exchange-
Date Traded Traded Total Traded Traded
$ $ $
Sep. 30, 2003 452,290 1,631 453,921 Dec. 2003 Dec. 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. Morgan Stanley DW, MS & Co., and MSIL,
each as a futures commission merchant for the Partnership's
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
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 on all open futures and futures-styled options contracts,
which funds, in the aggregate, totaled $30,772,244 and $2,146,276
at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, 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 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. 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, and no 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. The contracts the
Partnership trades 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. 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 nine
month periods ended September 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
For the quarter ended September 30, 2003, the Partnership
recorded total trading losses, net of interest income and change
in value of the Yield Pool, of $229,081 and posted a decrease in
net asset value per Unit. The most significant losses of
approximately 0.9% were recorded in the global stock index
markets, primarily during September, from long positions in S&P
500 Index futures amid a sell-off prompted by a steady stream of
economic data that raised concerns about the strength of the
global economy. Additional losses of approximately 0.7% were
recorded in the currency markets from long positions in the euro
versus the Canadian dollar during August as the value of the
Canadian currency strengthened amid rising commodity prices.
During September, smaller losses stemmed from short positions in
the euro versus the Canadian dollar as the value of the Canadian
currency declined in sympathy with the U.S. dollar and
expectations for lower interest rates in Canada. Additional
losses were recorded from short positions in the New Zealand
dollar versus the U.S. dollar during September as the U.S.
dollar's value moved lower on fears that the U.S. economic
recovery was unsustainable and concerns regarding the potential
impact of a statement by the G-7 countries supporting "more
flexible exchange rates." The G-7 countries consist of France,
the U.S., Britain, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada. A portion
of the Partnership's overall losses for the quarter was offset by
gains of approximately 0.9% in the global interest rate futures
markets, primarily during September, from long positions in U.S.
interest rate futures as bond prices moved higher due to
renewed skepticism regarding a global economic recovery and lower
equity prices. Total expenses for the three months ended
September 30, 2003 were $441,395, resulting in a loss before
minority interest of $670,476. The minority interest in such
loss was $14,415, resulting in a net loss of $656,061 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 decreased from
$2,069.12 at June 30, 2003 to $2,038.03 at September 30, 2003.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Partnership
recorded total trading revenues, including interest income and
change in value of the Yield Pool, of $542,832 and posted an
increase in net asset value per Unit. The most significant gains
of approximately 2.2% were recorded in the global interest rate
markets, during February, May, and September from long positions
U.S. interest rate futures as prices continued to trend 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
first nine months was offset by losses of approximately 0.8% in
the global stock index markets, primarily during September, from
long S&P 500 Index futures positions as U.S. equity prices
reversed lower after the release of several weak economic reports
prompted fears for an unsustainable U.S. economic recovery.
Additional losses of approximately 0.5% were recorded in
the currency markets, primarily during September, from short euro
positions versus the Canadian dollar as the value of the euro
reversed higher versus the Canadian currency amid weakness in the
U.S. dollar and the possibility of lower Canadian interest rates.
Elsewhere in the currency markets, losses were recorded from
short positions in the Swiss franc versus the Japanese yen as the
value of the franc reversed higher against the yen in late
September amid the release of bullish Swiss economic data. Total
expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were
$1,363,034, resulting in a loss before minority interest of
$820,202. The minority interest in such loss was $35,489,
resulting in a net loss of $784,713 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 $2,038.03 at September 30, 2003.
For the Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
For the quarter ended September 30, 2002, the Partnership
recorded total trading revenues, including interest income and
change in value of the Yield Pool, of $965,264 and posted an
increase in net asset value per Unit. Trading gains of
approximately 2.6% were recorded in the global interest rate
markets, primarily during July and August, from previously
established long U.S. and European interest rate futures
positions, as investors wrested capital from global stock indices
and sought the "safety" of bonds. Additional gains of
approximately 1.4% were attributed to an increase in the value of
the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities held in the guarantee
portion of the Partnership. These gains were partially offset by
losses of approximately 2.7% recorded in the global stock index
markets primarily from long positions in S&P 500 Index futures,
as U.S. equity prices retreated on continued geopolitical
concerns and further uncertainty surrounding a global economic
recovery. Additional losses of approximately 0.5% were recorded
in the currency markets primarily from long Swiss franc/Japanese
yen cross-rate positions as the value of the Japanese yen
increased versus the Swiss franc. On February 27, 2002, the
Partnership received notification of a preliminary entitlement to
payment from the Sumitomo Copper Litigation Settlement
Administrator. The Partnership received payment of this
settlement award in the amount of $722,195 as of August 30, 2002.
Total expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2002 were
$472,430, resulting in income before minority interest of
$492,834. The minority interest in such income was $3,667,
resulting in net income of $489,167 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 $1,992.00 at June 30,
2002 to $2,024.30 at September 30, 2002.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, the Partnership
recorded total trading revenues, including interest income and
change in value of the Yield Pool, of $1,771,058 and posted an
increase in net asset value per Unit. Trading losses of
approximately 4.8% were recorded in the global stock index
markets primarily from long positions in S&P 500 Index futures,
as U.S. equity prices decreased throughout a majority of the
first nine months of the year on geopolitical concerns and
uncertainty surrounding a global economic recovery. Additional
losses of approximately 0.3% were recorded in the agricultural
markets from both long and short positions in sugar futures as
trendless price activity persisted throughout the period. A
portion of the Partnership's trading losses was offset by gains
of approximately 4.4% in the global interest rate markets during
the period of June through September from long positions in U.S.
and European interest rate futures as the global economic
situation deteriorated further amid falling equity prices,
concerns regarding corporate accounting integrity and weak
economic data. Additional gains of approximately 0.4% 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 increased versus the dollar due to uncertainty
regarding a global economic recovery. Total expenses for the
nine months ended September 30, 2002 were $1,424,486, resulting
in income before minority interest of $346,572. The minority
interest in such income was $38,693, resulting in net income of
$385,265 for the Partnership. After reducing 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 $1,983.47 at December 31, 2001 to $2,024.30 at
September 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, but not limited to, 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 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, 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 for a
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
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 September 30, 2003 and 2002. At
September 30, 2003 and 2002, the Partnership's total
capitalization was approximately $29 million and $35 million,
respectively.
Primary Market September 30, 2003 September 30, 2002
Risk Category Value at Risk Value at Risk
Equity (0.70)% (0.39)%
Interest Rate (0.68) (0.14)
Currency (0.16) (0.09)
Commodity (0.17) (0.04)
Aggregate Value at Risk (0.90)% (0.41)%
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.
The table above represents the VaR of the Partnership's open
positions at September 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 only 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. 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 set forth above
by presenting the Partnership's high, low and average VaR, as a
percentage of total net assets for the four quarter-end reporting
periods from October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003.
Primary Market Risk Category High Low Average
Equity (0.70)% (0.19)% (0.34)%
Interest Rate (0.68) (0.13) (0.28)
Currency (0.16) (0.03) (0.08)
Commodity (0.17) (0.02) (0.07)
Aggregate Value at Risk (0.90)% (0.20)% (0.41)%
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 September 30, 2003 and 2002, and for the
four quarter-end reporting periods from October 1, 2002 through
September 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.
The Partnership also maintains a substantial portion
(approximately 100% as of September 30, 2003) of its available
assets in cash at Morgan Stanley DW. 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.
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 September 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
September 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 stock index futures traded by the Partnership
are by law limited to futures on broadly-based indices. At
September 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 trendless price movements
resulting in numerous small losses.
Interest Rate. The second largest market exposure at September
30, 2003 was to the global interest rate complex. Exposure was
primarily spread across the U.S., European and Japanese interest
rate sectors. Interest rate movements directly affect the price
of the sovereign bond futures positions held by the Partnership
and indirectly affect the value of its stock index and currency
positions. Interest rate movements in one country, as well as
relative interest rate movements between countries, materially
impact the Partnership's profitability. The Partnership's
interest rate exposure is generally to interest rate fluctuations
in the U.S. and the other G-7 countries. 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 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 third largest market exposure at
September 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 September
30, 2003, the Partnership's major exposures were to the euro,
Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Swiss franc and Canadian dollar
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 September 30, 2003, the Partnership's energy
exposure was primarily to futures contracts in crude oil and
natural gas. Price movements in these markets result from
geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East,
as well as weather patterns, and other economic
fundamentals. Significant profits and losses, which have
been experienced in the past, are expected to continue to be
experienced in the future. Natural gas has exhibited
volatility in prices resulting from weather patterns and
supply and demand factors, and will likely continue in this
choppy pattern.
Metals. The Partnership's metals exposure at September 30,
2003 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 September 30, 2003,
the Partnership had exposure to the markets that comprise
these sectors. Most of the exposure was to cotton.
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 September 30, 2003:
Foreign Currency Balances. The Partnership's primary foreign
currency balances at September 30, 2003 were in Japanese
yen, Canadian dollars and South African rand. 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
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 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Management. The following individuals were named to the Board of
Directors of Demeter in the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and were
subsequently confirmed as principals of Demeter by the National
Futures Association:
Mr. Douglas J. Ketterer was confirmed as a principal of Demeter
by the National Futures Association on October 27, 2003.
Mr. Jeffrey S. Swartz was confirmed as a principal of Demeter by
the National Futures Association on October 23, 2003.
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.
A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by the Partnership on October
17, 2003 for the purpose of reporting, under Item 5, the termination
of the Guarantee Period, the liquidation of the Yield Pool and the
limited partners' redemption rights.
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)
November 14, 2003 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
- - 7 -
DEAN WITTER PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
1356: