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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 [No Fee Required]
For the year ended December 31, 2001 or
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required]
For the transition period from ________________to___________________
Commission File Number 0-19046
DEAN WITTER PORTFOLIO STRATEGY FUND L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Limited Partnership Agreement)
DELAWARE 13-3589337
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Demeter Management Corporation
c/o Managed Futures Department
825 Third Avenue, 8th Floor,
New York, NY 10022
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (201) 876-4647
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
None None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Units of Limited Partnership Interest
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check-mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No _____
Indicate by check-mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K (section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part
III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K. [X]
State the aggregate market value of the Units of Limited Partnership Interest
held by non-affiliates of the registrant. The aggregate market value shall be
computed by reference to the price at which units were sold as of a specified
date within 60 days prior to the date of filing: $76,854,088 at January 31,
2002.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(See Page 1)
DEAN WITTER PORTFOLIO STRATEGY FUND L.P.
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
DECEMBER 31, 2001
Page No.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Part I .
Item 1. Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Item 2. Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. . . ..5
Part II.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Partnership Units
and Related Security Holder Matters. . . . . . . . . . . ..6
Item 6. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations. . . . . . . . . . 8-19
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-32
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. . . . . . . .32
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . .32
Part III.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. . 33-37
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-38
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . .. . 38
Part IV.
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-40
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference
as follows:
Documents Incorporated Part of Form 10-K
Partnership's Prospectus dated
May 12, 1997 I
Annual Report to Dean Witter
Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Limited Partners for the year
ended December 31, 2001 II, III and IV
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
(a) General Development of Business. Dean Witter Portfolio
Strategy Fund L.P. (formerly, Dean Witter Principal Secured Fund
L.P.) (the "Partnership") is a Delaware limited partnership
organized to engage primarily in the speculative trading of
futures and forward contracts on physical commodities and other
commodity interests. The Partnership commenced operations on
February 1, 1991.
The general partner for the Partnership 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. Inc. ("MS & Co.") and
Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited ("MSIL"). Demeter,
Morgan Stanley DW, MS & Co. and MSIL are wholly-owned subsidiaries
of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. ("MSDW"). John W. Henry &
Company, Inc. (the "Trading Manager") is the trading manager to
the Partnership.
Effective April 2, 2001, Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. changed its
name to Morgan Stanley DW Inc.
The Partnership's net asset value per unit of limited partnership
interest ("Unit(s)") as of December 31, 2001, was $2,498.93,
representing a decrease of 6.0 percent from the net asset value
per Unit of $2,658.72 at December 31, 2000. For a more detailed
description of the Partnership's business see subparagraph (c).
(b) Financial Information about Segments. For financial
information reporting purposes the Partnership is deemed to engage
in one industry segment, the speculative trading of futures and
forwards. The relevant financial information is presented in
Items 6 and 8.
(c) Narrative Description of Business. The Partnership is in the
business of speculative trading of futures and forwards, pursuant
to trading instructions provided by its Trading Manager. For a
detailed description of the different facets of the Partnership's
business, see those portions of the Partnership's prospectus,
dated May 12, 1997 (the "Prospectus"), incorporated by reference
in this Form 10-K, set forth below:
Facets of Business
1. Summary 1. "Summary of the Prospectus"
(Pages 1-12 of the
Prospectus).
2. Futures, Options and 2. "Futures, Options and
Forwards Markets Forwards Markets" (Pages
48-52 of the Prospectus).
3. Partnership's Commodity 3. "Investment Programs,
Trading Arrangements and Use of Proceeds, and
Policies Trading Policies" (Page
66 of the Prospectus)
and "The Trading Advisor"
(Pages 55-74 of the
Prospectus).
4. Management of the 4. "The Management Agreement"
Partnership (Pages 76-77 of the
Prospectus). "The
General Partner" (Pages
45-47 of the Prospectus),
"The Commodity Brokers"
(Page 75 of the
Prospectus) and "The
Limited Partnership
Agreement" (Pages 79-82
of the Prospectus).
5. Taxation of the Partner- 5. "Material Federal Income
ship's Limited Partners Tax Considerations" and
"State and Local Income
Tax Aspects" (Pages 88-96
of the Prospectus).
(d) Financial Information about Geographic Areas.
The Partnership has not engaged in any operations in foreign
countries; however, the Partnership (through the commodity
brokers) enters into forward contract transactions where foreign
banks are the contracting party and trades in futures interests on
foreign exchanges.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The executive and administrative offices are located within the
offices of Morgan Stanley DW. The Morgan Stanley DW offices
utilized by the Partnership are located at 825 Third Avenue, 8th
Floor, New York, NY 10022.
Demeter changed its address from 2 World Trade Center, New York,
NY 10048.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In April 2001, the Appellate Division of New York State dismissed
the class action previously disclosed in the Partnership's Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000. Because plaintiffs did
not exercise their right to appeal any further, this dismissal
constituted a final resolution of the case.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S PARTNERSHIP UNITS AND
RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS
(a) Market Information
There is no established public trading market for the Units in the
Partnership.
(b) Holders
The number of holders of Units at December 31, 2001 was
approximately 4,954.
(c) Distributions
No distributions have been made by the Partnership since it
commenced trading operations on February 1, 1991. Demeter has
sole discretion to decide what distributions, if any, shall be
made to investors in the Partnership. Demeter currently does not
intend to make any distribution of Partnership profits.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (in dollars)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
Total Revenues
(including interest) 3,109,230 15,787,350 4,487,760 24,626,159 21,459,210
Net Income (Loss) (5,224,453) 6,757,737 (8,217,948) 11,471,105 10,733,401
Net Income (Loss)
Per Unit (Limited
& General Partners) (159.79) 238.94 (178.06) 224.48 240.57
Total Assets 80,268,632 97,229,865 111,847,771 133,033,164 135,545,105
Total Limited
Partners' Capital 77,929,319 93,758,471 107,807,427 129,638,096 131,363,711
Net Asset Value Per
Unit 2,498.93 2,658.72 2,419.78 2,597.84 2,373.36
Item 7. 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 and forwards trading accounts
established for the Trading Manager, 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 Commodity Futures Trading Commission 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 and forwards, it
is expected that the Partnership will continue to own such liquid
assets for margin purposes.
The Partnership's investment in futures and forwards 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 contract has increased or decreased
by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that futures
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
contracts and result in restrictions on redemptions.
There is no limitation on daily price moves in trading forward
contracts on foreign currency. 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.
Capital Resources. The Partnership does not have, nor expect to
have, any capital assets. Redemptions of Units in the future will
affect the amount of funds available for investment in futures and
forwards in subsequent periods. It is not possible to estimate
the amount and therefore the impact of future redemptions of
Units.
Results of Operations.
General. The Partnership's results depend on the Trading Manager
and the ability of the Trading Manager's trading programs to take
advantage of price movements or other profit opportunities in the
futures and forwards markets. The following presents a summary of
the Partnership's operations for the three years ended December
31, 2001 and a general discussion of its trading activities during
each period. It is important to note, however, that the Trading
Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager's trading activities on behalf of
the Partnership and how the Partnership has performed in the past.
At December 31, 2001, the Partnership's total capital was
$78,920,107, a decrease of $16,369,784 from the Partnership's
total capital of $95,289,891 at December 31, 2000. For the year
ended December 31, 2001, the Partnership generated a net loss of
$5,224,453 and total redemptions aggregated $11,145,331.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, the Partnership recorded
total trading revenues, including interest income, of $3,109,230
and after expenses, posted a decrease in net asset value per
Unit. The most significant losses of approximately 8.4% were
recorded in the energy markets throughout the first nine months
of the year from trading in crude oil futures and its related
products as a result of volatility in oil prices due to a
continually changing outlook for supply, production, and demand.
Losses of approximately 1.2% were recorded primarily during the
fourth quarter from long positions in silver and gold futures as
prices reversed lower on the heels of sharp gains in the U.S.
stock market. Additional losses of approximately 0.9% were
experienced in the soft commodities from short positions in sugar
futures as prices reversed higher on supply concerns. Smaller
losses of approximately 0.7% were recorded from short positions
in the agricultural markets as prices increased on forecasts for
hotter and drier weather in the U.S. midwest. A portion of the
Partnership's losses was offset by gains of approximately 2.8%
recorded throughout a majority of the third quarter in the global
stock index futures markets from short positions in Nikkei, DAX,
and NASDAQ Index futures as the trend in equity prices continued
sharply lower amid worries regarding global economic uncertainty.
Gains of approximately 1.5% were experienced in the global
interest rate futures markets primarily throughout a majority of
the third quarter from long positions in short-term U.S. interest
rate futures as prices continued trending higher amid continued
concerns for the sluggish U.S. economy, interest rate cuts by the
U.S. Federal Reserve, and as investors sought a safe haven from
declining stock prices. Additional gains of approximately 1.2%
were recorded primarily during the fourth quarter as gains from
short position in the Japanese yen and the South African rand
versus the U.S. dollar more than offset losses attributed to
trading in the euro and the British pound. Total expenses for
the year were $8,333,683, resulting in a net loss of $5,224,453.
The net asset value of a Unit decreased from $2,658.72 at December
31, 2000 to $2,498.93 at December 31, 2001.
At December 31, 2000, the Partnership's total capital was
$95,289,891, a decrease of $13,911,327 from the Partnership's
total capital of $109,201,218 at December 31, 1999. For the year
ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership generated net income of
$6,757,737, and total redemptions aggregated $20,669,064.
For the year ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership recorded
total trading revenues, including interest income, of $15,787,350
and posted an increase in net asset value per Unit. Overall,
three major themes developed during the year; the rise in energy
prices, the decline and revival of the euro, and the bond rally
caused by expectations of the central banks easing in the face of
an economic slowdown. All were interrelated and display how
different trends will feed on each other to create continual or
rotating opportunities across sectors. Energy positions were the
primary driver of performance, with gains of approximately 9.4%
in year to date performance for the Partnership. The price rise
in crude oil futures was due to a shortage of production to meet
the unexpected high demand around the world. The demand side of
the equation was the main driver of price. Futures positions in
global stock indices, currencies and interest rates also fared
well for the year. Positions in interest rate futures benefited
when, from a level of 4.75% in May of 1999, the Federal Reserve
Bank increased the target rate six times, reaching a high of 6.5%
in May of 2000. Given the lagged relationship between changes in
money and real economic activity and inflation, the impact of the
tightening was not fully realized until the fourth quarter. All
this upheaval created profitable opportunities in the fourth
quarter with a stock market sell-off matched by a tremendous bond
rally. Currencies benefited from the strong trend in the euro,
but the deterioration of the yen during the last two months of
2000 from the economic problems in Japan was a key boost to this
sector. Metals and agricultural commodity futures ended the year
unprofitable. Metals primarily suffered from positions in gold
futures and agricultural commodities from cotton futures. Total
expenses for the year were $9,029,613, resulting in net income of
$6,757,737. The net asset value of a Unit increased from
$2,419.78 at December 31, 1999 to $2,658.72 at December 31, 2000.
At December 31, 1999, the Partnership's total capital was
$109,201,218, a decrease of $21,933,234 from the Partnership's
total capital of $131,134,452 at December 31, 1998. For the year
ended December 31, 1999, the Partnership generated a net loss of
$8,217,948, and total redemptions aggregated $13,715,286.
For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Partnership recorded
total trading revenues, including interest income, of $4,487,760
and after expenses, posted a decrease in net asset value per Unit.
The most significant losses, approximately 10.36%, were recorded
from global interest rate futures trading as the volatile and
choppy price movement experienced during the year limited the
ability to capitalize on trends. During the fourth quarter, most
global bond markets dropped on a resurgence of inflation and
interest rate fears initiated by consistently strong U.S. economic
data, evidence of rising inflation in Germany, and increases in
oil prices. Additional losses of approximately 8.64% were
recorded in metals, primarily from trading silver and gold futures
as supply and demand concerns resulted in short-term volatility
later in the year. In the global stock index futures markets, the
reversal and whipsaw conditions that prevailed during the fourth
quarter also resulted in losses of approximately 1.38% for the
Partnership. A portion of the Partnership's overall losses was
offset by gains of approximately 8.29% recorded in the energy
markets primarily from long crude oil futures positions as oil
prices trended higher throughout a majority of the year.
Additional gains of approximately 6.93% were recorded in the
currency markets due primarily to the re-emergence of the upward
momentum in the U.S. dollar relative to the euro and Swiss franc,
as well as the continued strength of the Japanese yen versus other
major currencies during November. Total expenses for the year
were $12,705,708, resulting in a net loss of 8,217,948. The net
asset value of a Unit decreased from $2,597.84 at December 31,
1998 to $2,419.78 at December 31, 1999.
The Partnership's overall performance record represents varied
results of trading in different futures and forwards markets. For
a further description of 2001 trading results, refer to the letter
to the Limited Partners in the accompanying Annual Report to
Limited Partners for the year ended December 31, 2001, which is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 13.01 of this Form 10-K. The
Partnership's gains and losses are allocated among its partners
for income tax purposes.
Credit Risk.
Financial Instruments. The Partnership is a party to financial
instruments with elements of off-balance sheet market and credit
risk. The Partnership may trade futures and forwards in a
portfolio of agricultural commodities, energy products, foreign
currencies, interest rates, precious and base metals, soft
commodities and stock indices. In entering into these contracts,
the Partnership is subject to the market risk that such contracts
may be significantly influenced by market conditions, such as
interest rate volatility, resulting in such contracts being less
valuable. If the markets should move against all of the
positions held by the Partnership at the same time, and if the
Trading Manager were unable to offset positions of the
Partnership, the Partnership could lose all of its assets and
investors would realize a 100% loss.
In addition to the Trading Manager's internal controls, the
Trading Manager must comply with the trading policies of the
Partnership. These trading policies include standards for
liquidity and leverage with which the Partnership must comply.
The Trading Manager and Demeter monitor the Partnership's trading
activities to ensure compliance with the trading policies.
Demeter may require the Trading Manager to modify positions of
the Partnership if Demeter believes they violate the
Partnership's trading policies.
In addition to market risk, in entering into futures and forward
contracts there is a credit risk to the Partnership that the
counterparty on a contract will not be able to meet its
obligations to the Partnership. The ultimate counterparty or
guarantor of the Partnership for futures contracts traded in the
United States and the foreign exchanges on which the Partnership
trades is the clearinghouse associated with such exchange. In
general, a clearinghouse is backed by the membership of the
exchange and will act in the event of non-performance by one of
its members or one of its member's customers, which should
significantly reduce this credit risk. For example, a
clearinghouse may cover a default by drawing upon a defaulting
member's mandatory contributions and/or non-defaulting members'
contributions to a clearinghouse guarantee fund, established
lines or letters of credit with banks, and/or the clearinghouse's
surplus capital and other available assets of the exchange and
clearinghouse, or assessing its members. In cases where the
Partnership trades off-exchange forward contracts with a
counterparty, the sole recourse of the Partnership will be the
forward contract counterparty.
There is no assurance that a clearinghouse or exchange will meet
its obligations to the Partnership, and Demeter and the commodity
brokers will not indemnify the Partnership against a default by
such parties. Further, the law is unclear as to whether a
commodity broker has any obligation to protect its customers from
loss in the event of an exchange or clearinghouse defaulting on
trades effected for the broker's customers. Any such obligation
on the part of a broker appears even less clear where the default
occurs in a non-U.S. jurisdiction.
Demeter deals with these credit risks of the Partnership in
several ways. First, it monitors the Partnership's credit
exposure to each exchange on a daily basis, calculating not only
the amount of margin required for it but also the amount of its
unrealized gains at each exchange, if any. The commodity brokers
inform the Partnership, as with all their customers, of its net
margin requirements for all its existing open positions, but do
not break that net figure down, exchange by exchange. Demeter,
however, has installed a system which permits it to monitor the
Partnership's potential margin liability, exchange by exchange.
As a result, Demeter is able to monitor the Partnership's
potential net credit exposure to each exchange by adding the
unrealized trading gains on that exchange, if any, to the
Partnership's margin liability thereon.
Second, the Partnership's trading policies limit the amount of
its net assets that can be committed at any given time to futures
contracts and require, in addition, a minimum amount of
diversification in the Partnership's trading, usually over
several different products. One of the aims of such trading
policies has been to reduce the credit exposure of the
Partnership to a single exchange and, historically, the
Partnership's exposure to any one exchange has typically amounted
to only a small percentage of its total net assets. On those
relatively few occasions where the Partnership's credit exposure
may climb above that level, Demeter deals with the situation on a
case by case basis, carefully weighing whether the increased
level of credit exposure remains appropriate. Material changes
to the trading policies may be made only with the prior written
approval of the Limited Partners owning more than 50% of Units
then outstanding.
Third, with respect to forward contract trading, the Partnership
trades with only those counterparties which Demeter, together
with Morgan Stanley DW, have determined to be creditworthy. The
Partnership presently deals with MS & Co. as the sole
counterparty on forward contracts.
Inflation has not been a major factor in the Partnership's
operations.
See "Financial Instruments" under Notes to Financial Statements
in the Partnership's Annual Report to Limited Partners for the
year ended December 31, 2001, which is incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 13.01 of in this Form 10-K.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
RISK
Introduction
The Partnership is a commodity pool engaged primarily in the
speculative trading of futures and forwards. 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 and forwards 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 experiences 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 using 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 and forwards are settled daily through variation
margin.
The Partnership's risk exposure in the market sectors traded by
the Trading Manager 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.
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 Manager in its daily risk management
activities.
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 December 31, 2001 and 2000. At
December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Partnership's total
capitalization was approximately $79 million and $95 million,
respectively.
Primary Market December 31, 2001 December 31, 2000
Risk Category Value at Risk Value at Risk
Currency (3.70)% (2.21)%
Interest Rate (1.20) (3.41)
Equity (0.50) (0.70)
Commodity (0.88) (1.04)
Aggregate Value at Risk (4.45)% (4.30)%
Aggregate Value at Risk represents the aggregate VaR of all the
Partnership's open positions and not the sum of the VaR of the
individual market categories listed above. Aggregate VaR will be
lower as it takes into account correlation among different
positions and categories.
The table above represents the VaR of the Partnership's open
positions at December 31, 2001 and 2000 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 and forwards,
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 December 31, 2001 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 January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001.
Primary Market Risk Category High Low Average
Currency (3.70)% (2.49)% (2.98)%
Interest Rate (2.56) (1.20) (1.78)
Equity (0.63) (0.48) (0.56)
Commodity (1.06) (0.77) (0.91)
Aggregate Value at Risk (4.45)% (3.34)% (3.86)%
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
usually 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 December 31, 2001 and 2000 and for the end of
the four quarterly reporting periods during calendar year 2001.
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 December 31, 2001, the Partnership's cash balance at Morgan
Stanley DW was approximately 87% 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.
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 Manager 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 December 31, 2001, by market sector. It may be
anticipated, however, that these market exposures will vary
materially over time.
Currency. The primary market exposure of the Partnership at
December 31, 2001 was to the currency sector. The Partnership's
currency exposure 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 in a large
number of currencies. At December 31, 2001, the Partnership's
major exposures were 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 dollar-based
Partnership in expressing VaR in a functional currency other than
dollars.
Interest Rate. The second largest market exposure at December
31, 2001 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
primary interest rate exposure is generally to interest rate
fluctuations in the United States and the other G-7 countries.
The G-7 countries consist of France, U.S., Britain, Germany,
Japan, Italy and Canada. However, the Partnership also takes
futures positions in the government debt of smaller nations -
e.g. Australia. Demeter anticipates that G-7 and Australia
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.
Equity. The primary equity exposure at December 31, 2001 was 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 December 31, 2001, the Partnership's
primary exposures were to the NASDAQ (U.S.), DAX (Germany) and
Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe) stock indices. The Partnership
is primarily exposed to the risk of adverse price trends or
static markets in the U.S., European and Japanese 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.
Commodity.
Energy. At December 31, 2001, the Partnership's energy
exposure was shared primarily by futures contracts in crude
oil and its related products, and the natural gas markets.
Price movements in these markets result from political
developments in the Middle East, weather patterns and other
economic fundamentals. It is possible that volatility will
remain high. Significant profits and losses, which have
been experienced in the past, are expected to continue to be
experienced in these markets. Natural gas has exhibited
volatility in prices resulting from weather patterns and
supply and demand factors and may continue in this choppy
pattern.
Soft Commodities and Agriculturals. At December 31, 2001,
the Partnership had exposure to the markets that comprise
these sectors. Most of the exposure was to the sugar, corn
and soybean meal markets. Supply and demand inequalities,
severe weather disruption and market expectations affect
price movements in these markets.
Metals. The Partnership's metals exposure at December 31,
2001 was to fluctuations in the price of precious metals,
such as gold and silver, and base metals, such as copper.
Economic forces, supply and demand inequalities,
geopolitical factors and market expectations influence price
movement in these markets. The Trading Manager has, from
time to time, taken positions as market opportunities
develop. Demeter anticipates that the Partnership will
continue to be exposed to the precious and base metals
markets.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Non-Trading Risk Exposure
The following was the only non-trading risk exposure of the
Partnership at December 31, 2001:
Foreign Currency Balances. The Partnership's primary
foreign currency balances at December 31, 2001 were in
Japanese yen, British pounds and Canadian dollars. The
Partnership controls the non-trading risk of these 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 Manager, 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 Manager
daily. In addition, the Trading Manager 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 instrument, cash. Cash is the only Partnership
investment directed by Demeter, rather than the Trading Manager.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Financial Statements are incorporated by reference to the
Partnership's Annual Report, which is filed as Exhibit 13.01
hereto.
Supplementary data specified by Item 302 of Regulation S-K:
Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Net Income/
(Loss) Per
Quarter Revenue Net Unit of Limited
Ended (Net Trading Loss) Income/(Loss) Partnership Interest
2001
March 31 $ 11,037,937 $ 8,360,925 $ 237.35
June 30 (11,258,181) (13,199,432) (384.32)
September 30 5,153,009 3,160,453 96.19
December 31 (1,823,535) (3,546,399) (109.01)
Total $ 3,109,230 $ (5,224,453) $(159.79)
2000
March 31 $ 393,845 $ (2,256,999) $ (53.10)
June 30 (9,199,908) (11,522,962) (276.61)
September 30 (5,677,226) (7,660,386) (195.95)
December 31 30,270,639 28,198,084 764.60
Total $15,787,350 $ 6,757,737 $ 238.94
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
There are no directors or executive officers of the Partnership.
The Partnership is managed by Demeter.
Directors and Officers of the General Partner
The directors and officers of Demeter are as follows:
Robert E. Murray, age 41, is the Executive Director of Morgan
Stanley DW's Managed Futures Department, a leading commodity pool
operator with approximately $1.4 billion in assets across a
variety of U.S. and international public and private managed
futures funds. In this capacity, Mr. Murray is responsible for
overseeing all aspects of Morgan Stanley DW's Managed Futures
Department. Mr. Murray began at Dean Witter in 1984 and has been
closely involved in the growth of managed futures at the firm
over the last 17 years. He is also the Chairman and President of
Morgan Stanley Futures & Currency Management Inc. ("MSFCM")
(formerly known as Dean Witter Futures & Currency Management
Inc.), Morgan Stanley's internal commodity trading advisor, and
is Chairman and President of Demeter Management Corporation, the
entity which acts as a general partner for Morgan Stanley DW's
managed futures funds. Mr. Murray has served as the Vice
Chairman and a Director of the Board of the Managed Futures
Association and is currently a member of the Board of Directors
of the National Futures Association. Mr. Murray received a
Futures Association. Mr. Murray received a Bachelors Degree in
Finance from Geneseo State University in 1983.
Mitchell M. Merin, age 48, is a Director of Demeter. Mr. Merin
is also a Director of MSFCM. Mr. Merin was appointed the Chief
Operating Officer of Individual Asset Management for MSDW in
December 1998 and the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors in February 1998. He has
been an Executive Vice President of Morgan Stanley DW since 1990,
during which time he has been Director of Morgan Stanley DW's
Taxable Fixed Income and Futures divisions, Managing Director in
Corporate Finance and Corporate Treasurer. Mr. Merin received
his Bachelors degree from Trinity College in Connecticut and his
M.B.A. degree in Finance and Accounting from the Kellogg Graduate
School of Management of Northwestern University in 1977.
Joseph G. Siniscalchi, age 56, is a Director of Demeter. Mr.
Siniscalchi joined Morgan Stanley DW in July 1984 as a First Vice
President, Director of General Accounting and served as a Senior
Vice President and Controller for Morgan Stanley DW's Securities
Division through 1997. He is currently Managing Director,
responsible for the Client Support Service Division of Morgan
Stanley DW. From February 1980 to July 1984, Mr. Siniscalchi was
Director of Internal Audit at Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb, Inc.
Edward C. Oelsner, III, age 60, is a Director of Demeter. Mr.
Oelsner is currently an Executive Vice President and head of the
Product Development Group at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors,
an affiliate of Morgan Stanley DW. Mr. Oelsner joined Morgan
Stanley DW in 1981 as a Managing Director in Morgan Stanley DW's
Investment Banking Department specializing in coverage of
regulated industries and, subsequently, served as head of the
Morgan Stanley DW Retail Products Group. Prior to joining Morgan
Stanley DW, Mr. Oelsner held positions at The First Boston
Corporation as a member of the Research and Investment Banking
Departments from 1967 to 1981. Mr. Oelsner received his M.B.A.
in Finance from the Columbia University Graduate School of
Business in 1966 and an A.B. in Politics from Princeton
University in 1964.
Richard A. Beech, age 50, is a Director of Demeter. Mr. Beech
has been associated with the futures industry for over 24 years.
He has been at Morgan Stanley DW since August 1984 where he is
presently an Executive Director and head of Branch Futures. Mr.
Beech began his career at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where
he became the Chief Agricultural Economist doing market analysis,
marketing and compliance. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley DW,
Mr. Beech also had worked at two investment banking firms in
operations, research, managed futures and sales management.
Raymond A. Harris, age 45, is currently Managing Director in
Asset Management Services. He previously served as CAO of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Asset Management. From July 1982 to July
1994, Mr. Harris served in financial, administrative and other
assignments at Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. and Dean Witter,
Discover & Co. From August 1994 to January 1999, he worked in
Discover Financial Services and the firm's Credit Service
business units. Mr. Harris has been with Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. and its affiliates since July 1982. He has a B.A.
degree from Boston College and an M.B.A. in finance from the
University of Chicago.
Anthony J. DeLuca, age 39, became a Director of Demeter on
September 14, 2000. Mr. DeLuca is also a Director of MSFCM. Mr.
DeLuca was appointed the Controller of Asset Management for MSDW
in June 1999. Prior to that, Mr. DeLuca was a partner at the
accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, where he had MSDW as a
major client. Mr. DeLuca had worked continuously at Ernst &
Young LLP ever since 1984, after he graduated from Pace
University with a B.B.A. degree in Accounting.
Raymond E. Koch, age 46, is Chief Financial Officer of Demeter.
Mr. Koch began his career at MSDW in 1988, has overseen the
Managed Futures Accounting function since 1992, and is currently
an Executive Director in Investment Management Controllers. From
November 1979 to June 1988, Mr. Koch held various positions at
Thomson McKinnon Securities, Inc. culminating as Manager, Special
Projects in the Capital Markets Division. From August 1977 to
November 1979 he was an auditor, specializing in financial
services at Deloitte Haskins & Sells. Mr. Koch received his
B.B.A. in accounting from Iona College in 1977, an M.B.A. in
finance from Pace University in 1984 and is a Certified Public
Accountant.
All of the foregoing directors have indefinite terms.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Partnership has no directors and executive officers. As a
limited partnership, the business of the Partnership is managed by
Demeter which is responsible for the administration of the
business affairs of the Partnership but receives no compensation
for such services.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners - At December
31, 2001, there were no persons known to be beneficial owners of
more than 5 percent of the Units.
(b) Security Ownership of Management - At December 31, 2001,
Demeter owned 396.485 Units of General Partnership Interest
representing a 1.26 percent interest in the Partnership.
(c) Changes in Control - None
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Refer to Note 2 - "Related Party Transactions" of "Notes to
Financial Statements", in the accompanying Annual Report to
Limited Partners for the year ended December 31, 2001, which is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 13.01 of this Form 10-K. In
its capacity as the Partnership's retail commodity broker, Morgan
Stanley DW received commodity brokerage commissions (paid and
accrued by the Partnership) of $5,090,463 for the year ended
December 31, 2001.
PART IV
Item 14.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) 1. Listing of Financial Statements
The following financial statements and report of independent auditors,
all appearing in the accompanying Annual Report to Limited Partners
for the year ended December 31, 2001, are incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 13.01 of this Form 10-K:
- - Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, for the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.
- - Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2001 and
2000.
- - Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2001.
- - Statements of Operations, Changes in Partners' Capital, and Cash
Flows for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.
- - Notes to Financial Statements.
With the exception of the aforementioned information and the information
incorporated in Items 7, 8, and 13, the Annual Report to Limited
Partners for the year ended December 31, 2001, is not deemed to be filed
with this report.
2. Listing of Financial Statement Schedules
No financial statement schedules are required to be filed with this
report.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the quarter/year ended December 31, 2001, the following
Forms 8-K were filed by the Partnership:
On January 3, 2001, the Partnership filed the Current Report on
Form 8-K for the purpose of reporting, under Item 5, the amendment
to the Partnership's management agreement with the Trading Manager
under which the monthly management fee rate and quarterly
incentive fee rate paid by the Partnership to the Trading Manager
were reduced and increased, respectively.
On November 13, 2001, the Partnership filed the Current Report on
Form 8-K for the purpose of reporting, under Item 5, the
relocation of offices of the Partnership and Demeter; the transfer
of futures and options clearing of the Partnership to MS & co.;
and the replacement by MS & Co. as counterparty on all foreign
currency forward contracts for the Partnership.
(c) Exhibits
Refer to Exhibit Index on Pages E-1 to E-2.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) 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 PORTFOLIO STRATEGY FUND L.P.
(Registrant)
BY: Demeter Management Corporation,
General Partner
March 28, 2002 BY: /s/ Robert E. Murray
Robert E. Murray, Director,
Chairman of the Board and
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Demeter Management Corporation.
BY: /s/ Robert E. Murray March 28, 2002
Robert E. Murray, Director,
Chairman of the Board and
President
/s/ Mitchell M. Merin March 28, 2002
Mitchell M. Merin, Director
/s/ Joseph G. Siniscalchi March 28, 2002
Joseph G. Siniscalchi, Director
/s/ Edward C. Oelsner III March 28, 2002
Edward C. Oelsner III, Director
/s/ Richard A. Beech March 28, 2002
Richard A. Beech, Director
/s/ Raymond A. Harris March 28, 2002
Raymond A. Harris, Director
/s/ Anthony J. DeLuca March 28, 2002
Anthony J. DeLuca, Director
/s/ Raymond E. Koch March 28, 2002
Raymond E. Koch, Chief
Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer
EXHIBIT INDEX
ITEM
3.01 Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, dated as of
August 28, 1990, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01
and Exhibit 3.02 of the Partnership's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (File No. 33-36655).
10.01 Form of Amended and Restated Management Agreement among the
Partnership, Demeter and John W. Henry and Company, Inc. is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of the
Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
333-24109).
10.02 Form of Amended and Restated Customer Agreement between the
Partnership and Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., dated as of
September 1, 1996, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.01 of the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-24109).
10.03 Amended and Restated Customer Agreement between the
Partnership and Morgan Stanley DW Inc., dated as of June 22,
2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the
Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-19046) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.04 Commodity Futures Customer Agreement between Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated and the Partnership, and acknowledged and
agreed to by Morgan Stanley DW Inc., dated as of May 1, 2000,
is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of the
Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-19046) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.05 Customer Agreement between the Partnership and Morgan Stanley
& Co. International Limited, dated as of May 1, 2000, is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.04 of the
Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-19046) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2001.
10.06 Foreign Exchange and Options Master Agreement between Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and the Partnership, dated as of
April 30, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.05 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-19046) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13,
2001.
10.07 Amendment to Amended and Restated Management Agreement
between the Partnership and John W. Henry & Company, Inc.,
dated as of November 30, 2000, is incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.01 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-
19046) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 3, 2001.
10.08 Securities Account Control Agreement among the Partnership,
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, and Morgan Stanley DW
Inc., dated as of May 1, 2000, is incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.03 of the Partnership's Form 8-K (File No. 0-
19046) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 13, 2001.
13.01Annual Report to Limited Partners for the year ended December
31, 2001 is filed herewith.
Portfolio
Strategy
Fund
December 31, 2001
Annual Report
[LOGO] Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Historical Fund Performance
Presented below is the percentage change in Net Asset Value per Unit from the
start of each calendar year the Fund has traded. Also provided is the
inception-to-date return and the annualized return since inception for the
Fund. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
Year Return
---- ------
1991 (11 months) 27.7%
1992 -6.4%
1993 19.9%
1994 -5.4%
1995 25.4%
1996 25.5%
1997 11.2%
1998 9.5%
1999 -6.9%
2000 9.9%
2001 -6.0%
Inception-to-Date Return: 149.9%
Annualized Return: 8.8%
Demeter Management Corporation
c/o Managed Futures Department,
825 Third Avenue, 8th Floor,
New York, NY 10022
Telephone (201) 876-4647
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Annual Report
2001
Dear Limited Partner:
This marks the eleventh annual report for the Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy
Fund L.P. (the "Fund"). The Fund began the year trading at a Net Asset Value
per Unit of $2,658.72 and decreased by 6% to $2,498.93 on December 31, 2001.
The Fund has increased by 149.9% since it began trading in February 1991 (a
compound annualized return of 8.8%). A review of trading results for the year
is provided in the Annual Report of the Trading Manager located on the next
page of this report.
Should you have any questions concerning this report, please feel free to
contact Demeter Management Corporation, c/o Managed Futures Department, 825
Third Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022 or your Morgan Stanley Financial
Advisor.
I hereby affirm, that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information
contained in this report is accurate and complete. Past performance is not a
guarantee of future results.
Sincerely,
/s/ Robert E. Murray
Robert E. Murray
Chairman
Demeter Management Corporation
General Partner
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Annual Report of the Trading Manager
Overall, the Fund posted a loss for 2001. Losses were incurred in energies,
agricultural commodities and metals. Profits were earned in currencies, stock
indices and interest rates.
The Fund's largest trading losses were incurred in the energy markets. The
majority of the losses in this sector were incurred in the crude oil markets.
Modest profits were earned in trading natural gas.
The agricultural commodities ended the year with a trading loss. The largest
losses in this sector were experienced in the sugar market. Cotton and live
cattle markets were traded profitably for the year.
Metals trading resulted in a minor loss for the year as gains earned in the
base metals were offset by losses in the precious metals markets.
Currencies produced a trading profit for the year. The trading losses incurred
in European currencies, mainly the British pound, were offset by gains in the
Asian and exotic currency markets. The yen and the South African rand were the
primary drivers of profitability in those sectors.
Trading stock indices also provided the Fund with trading profits during the
year. The DAX, the Nikkei, and the NASDAQ trading accounted for the bulk of the
trading profits. A small loss was incurred in trading the All Ordinaries Share
Index.
Interest rates markets contributed to the Fund's trading profits in 2001. The
U.S. and European markets contributed strong profits. Trading in the Australian
and Canadian markets produced a slight gain. The trading of the Japanese
government 10 year bond and Euroyen produced small trading losses.
We thank the Fund's investors for their continued confidence in JWH and we hope
that the coming year will bring markets favorable to the Fund's investors.
John W. Henry & Company, Inc.
Note: Investors are cautioned that past results are not necessarily indicative
of future results.
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Independent Auditors' Report
The Limited Partners and the General Partner:
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of Dean
Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P. (the "Partnership") as of December 31, 2001
and 2000, including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 2001, and
the related statements of operations, changes in partners' capital, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P. at
December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
February 15, 2002
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Statements of Financial Condition
December 31,
----------------------
2001 2000
----------- ----------
$ $
ASSETS
Equity in futures interests trading
accounts:
Cash 75,412,074 79,569,551
Net unrealized gain on open contracts
(MS&Co.) 4,044,975 17,317,039
Net unrealized gain (loss) on open contracts
(MSIL) 622,869 (73,456)
----------- ----------
Total net unrealized gain on open contracts 4,667,844 17,243,583
----------- ----------
Total Trading Equity 80,079,918 96,813,134
Interest receivable (Morgan Stanley DW) 98,923 370,732
Due from Morgan Stanley DW 89,791 45,999
----------- ----------
Total Assets 80,268,632 97,229,865
=========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
LIABILITIES
Redemptions payable 1,071,142 1,683,288
Accrued administrative expenses 143,619 95,064
Management fees payable 133,764 161,622
----------- ----------
Total Liabilities 1,348,525 1,939,974
----------- ----------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Limited Partners (31,185.087 and 35,264.577
Units, respectively) 77,929,319 93,758,471
General Partner (396.485 and 576 Units,
respectively) 990,788 1,531,420
----------- ----------
Total Partners' Capital 78,920,107 95,289,891
----------- ----------
Total Liabilities and
Partners' Capital 80,268,632 97,229,865
=========== ==========
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT 2,498.93 2,658.72
=========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended
December 31,
-----------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----------- ---------- ----------
$ $ $
REVENUES
Trading profit (loss):
Realized 12,923,334 (586,022) 7,743,552
Net change in unrealized (12,575,739) 12,129,234 (7,827,197)
----------- ---------- ----------
Total Trading Results 347,595 11,543,212 (83,645)
Interest income (Morgan Stanley
DW) 2,761,635 4,244,138 4,571,405
----------- ---------- ----------
Total 3,109,230 15,787,350 4,487,760
----------- ---------- ----------
EXPENSES
Brokerage commissions (Morgan
Stanley DW) 5,090,463 5,075,941 5,623,369
Management fees 1,765,563 3,475,062 5,010,318
Incentive fees 1,035,312 -- 1,548,449
Transaction fees and costs 324,345 351,610 391,572
Administrative expenses 118,000 127,000 132,000
----------- ---------- ----------
Total 8,333,683 9,029,613 12,705,708
----------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) (5,224,453) 6,757,737 (8,217,948)
=========== ========== ==========
Net Income (Loss) Allocation:
Limited Partners (5,138,821) 6,620,108 (8,115,383)
General Partner (85,632) 137,629 (102,565)
Net Income (Loss) per Unit:
Limited Partners (159.79) 238.94 (178.06)
General Partner (159.79) 238.94 (178.06)
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital
For the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
Units of
Partnership Limited General
Interest Partners Partner Total
----------- ----------- --------- -----------
$ $ $
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 1998 50,478.250 129,638,096 1,496,356 131,134,452
Net loss -- (8,115,383) (102,565) (8,217,948)
Redemptions (5,349.611) (13,715,286) -- (13,715,286)
----------- ----------- --------- -----------
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 1999 45,128.639 107,807,427 1,393,791 109,201,218
Net income -- 6,620,108 137,629 6,757,737
Redemptions (9,288.062) (20,669,064) -- (20,669,064)
----------- ----------- --------- -----------
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2000 35,840.577 93,758,471 1,531,420 95,289,891
Net loss -- (5,138,821) (85,632) (5,224,453)
Redemptions (4,259.005) (10,690,331) (455,000) (11,145,331)
----------- ----------- --------- -----------
Partners' Capital,
December 31, 2001 (31,581.572) 77,929,319 990,788 78,920,107
=========== =========== ========= ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended
December 31,
-------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----------- ----------- -----------
$ $ $
CASH FLOWS FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) (5,224,453) 6,757,737 (8,217,948)
Noncash item included in net
income (loss):
Net change in unrealized 12,575,739 (12,129,234) 7,827,197
(Increase) decrease in operating
assets:
Interest receivable (Morgan
Stanley DW) 271,809 12,975 (17,007)
Due from Morgan Stanley
DW (43,792) (45,999) --
Increase (decrease) in operating
liabilities:
Accrued administrative
expenses 48,555 (1,730) 11,791
Management fees payable (27,858) (210,881) (70,665)
Incentive fee payable -- -- (305,087)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used
for) operating activities 7,600,000 (5,617,132) (771,719)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in
redemptions payable (612,146) (493,968) 1,111,802
Redemptions of Units (11,145,331) (20,669,064) (13,715,286)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used
for financing activities (11,757,477) (21,163,032) (12,603,484)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net decrease in cash (4,157,477) (26,780,164) (13,375,203)
Balance at beginning of period 79,569,551 106,349,715 119,724,918
----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at end of period 75,412,074 79,569,551 106,349,715
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2001
Partnership Net Assets: $78,920,107
Net
Long Short Unrealized Percentage of # of Contracts /
Futures and Forward Contracts: Gain/Loss Gain/Loss Gain/(Loss) Net Assets Notional Amount
- ------------------------------ --------- --------- ----------- ------------- ----------------
Foreign currency: $ $ $ %
Japanese yen/US dollar Mar. 02 -- 4,818,712 4,818,712 6.11* 14,560,955,500
Other 68,720 (55,286) 13,434 0.01 421,529,299
Interest Rate (111,508) 754,259 642,751 0.81 3,064
Commodity (619,813) (222,303) (842,116) (1.07) 2,089
Equity 90,760 -- 90,760 0.12 211
-------- --------- --------- -----
Grand Total: (571,841) 5,295,382 4,723,541 5.98
======== ========= =====
Unrealized Currency Loss (55,697)
---------
Total Net Unrealized Gain per Statement of
Financial Condition 4,667,844
=========
* No single contract's value exceeds 5% of Net Assets.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization--Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P. (the "Partnership") is a
limited partnership organized to engage primarily in the speculative trading of
futures contracts and forward contracts on physical commodities and other
commodity interests, including foreign currencies, financial instruments,
metals, energy and agricultural products (collectively, "futures interests").
The general partner for the Partnership 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.,
Inc. ("MS&Co.") and Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited ("MSIL").
Demeter, Morgan Stanley DW, MS&Co. and MSIL are wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
John W. Henry & Company, Inc. ("JWH") is the trading manager of the Partnership.
Effective April 2, 2001, Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. changed its name to Morgan
Stanley DW Inc.
Demeter is required to maintain a 1% minimum interest in the equity of the
Partnership and income (losses) are shared by Demeter and the Limited Partners
based upon their proportional ownership interests.
Use of Estimates--The financial statements are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which
require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts in the financial statements and related disclosures. Management
believes that the estimates utilized in the preparation of the financial
statements are prudent and reasonable. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Revenue Recognition--Futures interests are open commitments until settlement
date. They are valued at market on a daily basis and the resulting net change
in unrealized gains and losses is reflected in the change in unrealized profit
(loss) on open contracts from one period to the next in the statements of
operations. Monthly, Morgan Stanley DW pays the Partnership interest income
based upon 80% of the average daily Net Assets for the month at a prevailing
rate for U.S. Treasury bills. For purposes of such interest payments, Net
Assets do not include monies due the Partnership on futures interests, but not
actually received.
Net Income (Loss) per Unit--Net income (loss) per unit of limited partnership
interest ("Unit(s)") is computed using the weighted average number of Units
outstanding during the period.
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements--(Continued)
Condensed Schedule of Investments--In March 2001, the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants' Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position ("SOP") 01-1, ''Amendment to the Scope of Statement of
Position 95-2, Financial Reporting by Nonpublic Investment Partnerships, to
Include Commodity Pools" effective for fiscal years ending after December 15,
2001. Accordingly, commodity pools are now required to include a condensed
schedule of investments identifying those investments which constitute more
than 5% of Net Assets, taking long and short positions into account separately.
Equity in Futures Interests Trading Accounts--The Partnership's asset "Equity
in futures interests trading accounts," reflected in the statements of
financial condition, consists of (A) cash on deposit with Morgan Stanley DW,
MS&Co. and MSIL to be used as margin for trading; and (B) net unrealized gains
or losses on open contracts which are valued at market, and calculated as the
difference between original contract value and market value.
The Partnership, in the normal course of business, enters into various
contracts with MS&Co. and MSIL acting as its commodity brokers. Pursuant to
brokerage agreements with MS&Co. and MSIL, to the extent that such trading
results in unrealized gains or losses, the amounts are offset and reported on a
net basis on the Partnership's statements of financial condition.
The Partnership has offset the fair value amounts recognized for forward
contracts executed with the same counterparty as allowable under terms of the
master netting agreement with MS&Co., the sole counterparty on such contracts.
The Partnership has consistently applied its right to offset.
Brokerage Commissions and Related Transaction Fees and Costs--The Partnership
accrues brokerage commissions on a half-turn basis at 80% of Morgan Stanley
DW's published non-member rates. Transaction fees and costs are accrued on a
half-turn basis. Brokerage commissions and transaction fees are capped at
13/20 of 1% per month (a 7.8% maximum annual rate) of the Partnership's
month-end Net Assets applied on a per trading program basis.
Operating Expenses--The Partnership bears all operating expenses related to its
trading activities, to a maximum of 1/4 of 1% annually of the Partnership's
average month-end Net Assets. These include filing fees, clerical,
administrative, auditing, accounting, mailing, printing and other incidental
operating expenses as permitted by the Limited Partnership Agreement. In
addition, the Partnership incurs a monthly management fee and may incur an
incentive fee. Demeter and/or Morgan Stanley DW bear all other operating
expenses, including expenses which would be incurred if the Partnership were
required to register as an investment company.
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements--(Continued)
Redemptions--Limited Partners may redeem some or all of their Units at 100% of
the Net Asset Value per Unit as of the last day of any month that is six months
after the closing at which a person becomes a Limited Partner, upon five
business days advance notice by redemption form to Demeter.
Distributions--Distributions, other than redemptions of Units, are made on a
pro-rata basis at the sole discretion of Demeter. No distributions have been
made to date.
Income Taxes--No provision for income taxes has been made in the accompanying
financial statements, as partners are individually responsible for reporting
income or loss based upon their respective share of the Partnership's revenues
and expenses for income tax purposes.
Dissolution of the Partnership--The Partnership will terminate on December 31,
2025 or at an earlier date if certain conditions set forth in the Limited
Partnership Agreement occur.
2. Related Party Transactions
The Partnership pays brokerage commissions to Morgan Stanley DW as described in
Note 1. The Partnership's cash is on deposit with Morgan Stanley DW, MS&Co. and
MSIL in futures interests trading accounts to meet margin requirements as
needed. Morgan Stanley DW pays interest on these funds as described in Note 1.
3. Trading Manager
Compensation to JWH consists of a management fee and an incentive fee as
follows:
Management Fee--The Partnership pays a monthly management fee equal to 1/6 of
1% per month (a 2% annual rate) of the Partnership's adjusted Net Assets, as
defined in the Limited Partnership Agreement, as of the last day of each month.
Prior to December 1, 2000, the management fee was equal to 1/3 of 1% per month
(a 4% annual rate).
Incentive Fee--The Partnership pays a quarterly incentive fee equal to 20% of
the Partnership's new appreciation of its Net Assets as of the end of each
calendar quarter. Prior to December 1, 2000, the quarterly incentive fee was
equal to 15% of the Partnership's new appreciation of its Net Assets as of the
end of each calendar quarter. New appreciation represents the amount by which
Net Assets are increased by profits from futures, forwards and options trading
that exceed losses after brokerage commissions, management fees, transaction
fees and costs and administrative expenses are deducted. Such incentive fee is
accrued in each month in which new appreciation occurs. In those months in
which new appreciation is negative, previous accruals, if any, during the
incentive period are reduced. In those instances in which a Limited Partner
redeems an investment, the incentive fee (if earned through a
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements--(Continued)
redemption date) is paid to JWH on those redemptions in the month of such
redemptions.
4. Financial Instruments
The Partnership trades primarily futures contracts and forward contracts on
physical commodities and other commodity interests, including foreign
currencies, financial instruments, metals, energy and agricultural products.
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 Partnership accounts for its derivative investments in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 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 at December 31, reported as
a component of "Equity in futures interests trading accounts" on the statements
of financial condition, and their longest contract maturities were as follows:
Net Unrealized Gains/
(Losses) on Open ontracts Longest Maturities
-------------------------------- --------------------
Off- Off-
Exchange- Exchange- Exchange- Exchange-
Year Traded Traded Total Traded Traded
---- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
$ $ $
2001 (164,302) 4,832,146 4,667,844 Dec 2002 March 2002
2000 14,793,592 2,449,991 17,243,583 Dec 2001 March 2001
The Partnership has credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance.
The credit risk associated with the instruments
Dean Witter Portfolio Strategy Fund L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements--(Concluded)
in which the Partnership is involved is limited to the amounts reflected in the
Partnership's statements of financial condition.
The Partnership also has credit risk because Morgan Stanley DW, MS&Co. and MSIL
act as the futures commission merchants or the counterparties with respect to
most of the Partnership's assets. Exchange-traded futures contracts are marked
to market on a daily basis, with variations in value settled on a daily basis.
Morgan Stanley DW, MS&Co. and MSIL each, as a futures commission merchant for
the Partnership's exchange-traded futures contracts, are required, pursuant to
regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 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 contracts, including
an amount equal to the net unrealized gains (losses) on all open futures
contracts, which funds, in the aggregate, totaled $75,247,772 and $94,363,143
at December 31, 2001 and 2000, 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 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 on
off-exchange-traded forward currency contracts, should materially decrease the
Partnership's credit risk in the event of MS&Co.'s bankruptcy or insolvency.
5. Financial Highlights
PER UNIT
---------
NET ASSET VALUE, JANUARY 1, 2001: $2,658.72
NET OPERATING RESULTS:
Realized Profit 377.70
Unrealized Loss (372.46)
Interest Income 81.79
Expenses (246.82)
---------
Net Loss (159.79)
---------
NET ASSET VALUE, DECEMBER 31, 2001: $2,498.93
=========
Expense Ratio 9.6%
Net Loss Ratio (6.0)%
TOTAL RETURN (6.0)%
6. Legal Matters
In April 2001, the Appellate Division of New York State dismissed the class
action previously disclosed in the Partnership's Annual Report for the year
ended December 31, 2000. Because plaintiffs did not exercise their right to
appeal any further, this dismissal constituted a final resolution of the case.
[LOGO] Morgan Stanley PRESORTED
c/o Morgan Stanley Trust Company, FIRST CLASS MAIL
Attention: Managed Futures, 7th Floor, U.S. POSTAGE
Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two PAID
Jersey City, NJ 07311-3977 PERMIT #374
LANCASTER, PA
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
[LOGO] printed on recycled
E-2