10-Q 1 a2028246z10-q.txt 10-Q UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2000 ------------------ 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 0-18944 THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P. ------------------------------------ (Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 13-3584544 ------------------------------- --------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) c/o Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc. Princeton Corporate Campus 800 Scudders Mill Road - Section 2G Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536 ---------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 609-282-6996 ---------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 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 --- --- 1 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P. (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

See notes to financial statements. 2 THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P. (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

See notes to financial statements. 3 THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P. (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED)

See notes to financial statements. 4 THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P. (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES These financial statements have been prepared without audit. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of The SECTOR Strategy Fund-SM- II L.P. (the "Partnership") as of September 30, 2000, and the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999. However, the operating results for the interim periods may not be indicative of the results expected for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 1999 (the "Annual Report"). 2. INVESTMENTS As of September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999, the Partnership had an investment in ML Multi Manager Portfolio, LLC ("MM LLC") of $21,589,209 and $28,036,376, respectively. Total revenues and fees with respect to the Partnership's investments are set forth as follows:

6 Condensed statements of financial condition and statements of operations for MM LLC are set forth as follows:

Effective September 1, 2000, two additional MLIP-sponsored funds with assets of approximately $183 million invested in MM LLC. 7 3. INCOME PER UNIT The profit and loss of the Sector II and Sector III Units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999 are as follows:

9 4. FAIR VALUE AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK As of June 1, 1998, the Partnership invested all of its assets in MM LLC. Accordingly, the Partnership is invested indirectly in derivative instruments, but does not itself hold any derivative instrument positions. As such, MLIP does not believe that the adoption of the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 as amended by SFAS No. 137 had a significant effect on the financial statements of the Partnership nor does MLIP believe that the application of the provisions of SFAS No. 138 will have an effect on the financial statements. Consequently, no such positions subsequent to May 31, 1998 are reflected in these financial statements. MARKET RISK Derivative instruments involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet market risk. Changes in the level or volatility of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or the market values of the financial instruments or commodities underlying such derivative instruments frequently result in changes in the Partnership's net unrealized profit on such derivative instruments as reflected in the Statements of Financial Condition or, with respect to Partnership assets invested in MM LLC, the net unrealized profit (loss) as reflected in the respective Statements of Financial Condition of MM LLC. The Partnership's exposure to market risk is influenced by a number of factors, including the relationships among the derivative instruments held by the Partnership, and MM LLC, as well as the volatility and liquidity of the markets in which such derivative instruments are traded. MLIP has procedures in place intended to control market risk exposure, although there can be no assurance that they will, in fact, succeed in doing so. These procedures focus primarily on monitoring the trading of the Advisors selected from time to time for the Partnership or MM LLC, and include adjusting the percentage of the Partnership's, or MM LLC's total assets allocated to trading, calculating the Net Asset Value of the Advisors' respective Partnership accounts and MM LLC accounts, as of the close of business on each day and reviewing outstanding positions for over-concentrations both on an Advisor-by-Advisor and on an overall Partnership basis. While MLIP does not itself intervene in the markets to hedge or diversify the Partnership's market exposure (although MLIP may adjust the percentage of the Partnership's total assets allocated to trading), MLIP may urge Advisors to reallocate positions, or itself reallocate Partnership assets among Advisors (although typically only as of the end of a month) in an attempt to avoid over-concentration. However, such interventions are unusual. Except in cases in which it appears that an Advisor has begun to deviate from past practice or trading policies or to be trading erratically, MLIP's basic risk control procedures consist simply of the ongoing process of advisor monitoring and selection, with the market risk controls being applied by the Advisors themselves. One important aspect of MLIP's risk controls is its adjustments to the leverage at which the Partnership trades. By controlling the percentage of the Partnership's assets allocated to trading, MLIP can directly affect the market exposure of the Partnership. Leverage control is the principal means by which MLIP hopes to be able to ensure that Merrill Lynch is never required to make any payments under its guarantee that the Net Asset Value per Unit (Both Sector II and Sector III Units) will equal no less than a specified minimum as of the Principal Assurance Date. CREDIT RISK The risks associated with exchange-traded contracts are typically perceived to be less than those associated with over-the-counter (non-exchange- traded) transactions, because exchanges typically 10 (but not universally) provide clearinghouse arrangements in which the collective credit (in some cases limited in amount, in some cases not) of the members of the exchange is pledged to support the financial integrity of the exchange. In over-the-counter transactions, on the other hand, traders must rely solely on the credit of their respective individual counterparties. Margins, which may be subject to loss in the event of a default, are generally required in exchange trading, and counterparties may require margin in the over-the-counter markets. The Partnership has credit risk in respect of its counterparties and brokers, but attempts to control this risk by dealing almost exclusively with Merrill Lynch entities as clearing brokers. The Partnership, through MM LLC, in its normal course of business, enters into various contracts, with MLF acting as its commodity broker. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement with MLF (which includes a netting arrangement), to the extent that such trading results in receivables from and payables to MLF, these receivables and payables are offset and reported as a net receivable or payable in the financial statements of MM LLC in the Equity in commodity future trading accounts in the Statements of Financial Condition. Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Performance Summary January 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999 ------------------------------------- January 1, 1999 to March 31, 1999 The Partnership profited from trading in crude oil, heating oil, and unleaded gas. As the year opened, the global oil balance continued to show signs of being lopsided with estimated year-end 1998 inventories at their highest levels since 1984. During January, petroleum stocks rose by 21 million barrels compared with a typical gain of 6 to 7 million barrels. Then, on March 23, OPEC ratified new production cuts totaling 1.716 million barrels per day at its conference. These new production cuts were scheduled to go into effect on April 1 and proved to be harbingers of higher prices for crude. Agricultural trading was also profitable overall, as gains in live hogs and live cattle offset losses in corn positions. Hog prices plummeted due to a glut of hogs in the market. At the beginning of the quarter, the corn market continued to struggle despite a stretch of solid export business. The market's negative sentiment was deepened by ongoing favorable weather in South America which continued through February, even though there was a sharp reduction in Argentina's planted area. Lack of enthusiasm for new crop and less than spectacular demand continued to depress the corn market throughout the quarter. 11 Interest rate trading proved profitable for the Partnership as well, as losses in Japanese 10-year government bonds were offset by gains in 10-year U.S. Treasury notes and German 10-year bonds. Early in January, the yield on the Japanese government 10-year bond increased to 1.8%, sharply above the record low of 0.695% it reached on October 7, 1998. This was triggered by the Japanese Trust Fund Bureau's decision to absorb a smaller share of future issues, leaving the burden of financing future budget deficits to the private sector. Losses in aluminum overshadowed slight gains in copper during the first quarter. In January, burdensome warehouse stocks and questionable demand prospects weighed on base metals as aluminum fell to a 5-year low and copper fell to nearly an 11-year low. Major surpluses in both metals were expected, keeping prices down, and there was no supply side response to weak demand and lower prices. However, the end of March showed copper and aluminum leading a surge in base metals as prices recovered from multi-year lows. The Partnership also suffered losses in currency trading during the quarter, as losses in Japanese yen overpowered gains in Swiss francs. On a trade-weighted basis, the Swiss franc ended the quarter at close to a seven-month low, mostly as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar. In January, the yen had advanced by nearly 35% against the dollar since early in August, and the Bank of Japan lowered rates to keep the economy sufficiently liquid so as to allow fiscal spending to restore some growth to the economy and to drive down the surging yen. Stock index trading was also unprofitable, as losses were sustained in Hang Seng and CAC40 positions. Also of note, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 10,000 mark for the first time ever at the end of March, setting a record for the index. April 1, 1999 to June 30, 1999 The Partnership profited in interest rate trading from short positions in Euro dollars, U.S. 10-year Treasury notes and U.S. Treasury bonds as the flight to quality in the bond market reversed during the first half of 1999 and concerns about higher interest rates continued to rattle the financial markets. Stock indices trading also resulted in gains overall for the quarter, as positions in the Hang Seng, Nikkei 225 and Topix Indices all generated profits as the equity indices rallied worldwide in April and June. Trading in the agricultural markets also proved profitable for the Partnership. Gains from live cattle and live hog positions offset losses from short corn positions. Agricultural commodities, in particular corn, were weak almost across the board as they were saddled with supply/demand imbalances. In the beginning of the quarter, continued wetness across the corn belt led to early planting delays. The energy sector was profitable as positions in crude oil offset losses from short positions in natural gas and gas oil trading. The focus of attention in the natural gas markets since the end of winter was the sharply lower than year-ago storage injection activity. Crude oil prices rallied much higher and faster than expected following last quarter's ratification of an OPEC/non-OPEC agreement to cut production by over 2 million barrels per day. Natural gas prices also rallied sharply over the quarter, reflecting, in part, growing concerns about a decline in US natural gas production. Currency trading resulted in losses for the Partnership. Gains in Euro trading were offset by losses sustained in British pound trading and from short positions in the Canadian dollar. After suffering under the weight of lower commodity prices and the Asian recession, the Canadian dollar underwent a significant rally in the first half of 1999, moving up about 3 cents from the end of 1998. In the metals sector, gains from short gold positions were overshadowed by losses in copper and nickel trading. Throughout the first half of 1999, gold prices were in a state of gradual erosion and in early June, 12 prices hit their lowest levels in over 20 years. Gold continued to show a lack of response to political and military events such as Kosovo and also lost much of its role as a monetary asset and flight to safety vehicle. The economic scenario for Asia, Brazil, emerging market nations and Europe helped keep copper and other base metals on the defensive as demand receded with virtually no supply side response. July 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999 The Partnership profited in the energy sector with long positions in light crude oil resulting in strong gains. Crude oil prices received a jolt owing to a report in August indicating Russia's plan to cut 70% its fuel oil and gasoil exports for August and completely eliminate gasoil exports in order to satisfy domestic needs. Short positions in natural gas trading were unprofitable as high levels of energy consumption and weather scares throughout the country early in the quarter added to the bullish tone for the market. However, these losses were not substantial enough to affect the profitability of the sector overall for the quarter. Trading in the metals markets was also profitable as positions in nickel, gold and aluminum all resulted in gains. Collectively, the base metals sector was a strong performer this quarter. A major statement from the President of the European Central Bank was beneficial for long gold positions as it sent gold prices sharply higher in late September. A key part of the statement was the fact that the banks have agreed not to expand their gold lending. This initiated the first bullish bias in years. The Partnership's long positions in aluminum trading were also profitable. Despite a 5-year low in early March, aluminum prices have gained nearly 25 percent this year. Steady Japanese consumer buying and the strength in the yen versus the dollar have played a part in this. Interest rate trading was unprofitable for the third quarter as losses were sustained in Eurodollar, Japanese 10 year government bonds and Eurobund futures trading. Long positions in Eurodollar trading were unprofitable given the speculations of the probability of a tightening bias by the US Federal Reserve. Eurodollar contracts gave up much of the gains that they enjoyed following the Federal Open Market Committee's adoption of a neutral bias. The Partnership suffered losses in stock index positions as trading throughout the quarter was volatile. Though the S&P finished the third quarter by breaking the post-October 1998 highs, the Partnership suffered losses in stock index trading due to significant volatility globally. For the quarter, losses were sustained in the S&P, FTSE-Financial Times Stock Index, and the DAX German Stock Index resulting in losses for the sector overall. Currency trading resulted in minimal losses for the quarter as profitable positions in the Japanese yen were offset by losses in Euro currency and Swiss franc trading. Long yen positions resulted in strong gains as the Bank of Japan refused to ease monetary policy and investors added to their yen exposure, which reached a two-year high during the quarter. The most positive sign in Japan was that, for the second quarter in a row, domestic consumption exceeded that of the year ago quarter. Losses were sustained in Euro currency trading as it continued to trade in the same choppy pattern that has been evident for the past few quarters. The Partnership also was unprofitable in the agricultural markets as losses were sustained in the hog, coffee and soymeal markets. Agricultural trading began the quarter with an increase in prices as there was a sharp decline in crop ratings due to wet conditions in the Eastern Belt during July. This in conjunction with forecasters' outlooks for additional declines in the weeks ahead helped jump-start the first major weather scare of the season. As a result, short positions in soymeal proved unprofitable as there was a sharp upturn in soy prices. Additionally, long coffee positions were unprofitable as the coffee market plunged to 5-year lows during the quarter when cold temperatures in Brazil skirted the major coffee belt and failed to harm trees. 13 January 1, 2000 to September 30, 2000 ------------------------------------- January 1, 2000 to March 31, 2000 Energy trading was profitable for the quarter due to long crude oil and unleaded gas positions. Despite the possibility of OPEC increasing oil production by 5%, crude oil prices continued to rise as such a hike would still leave oil inventories at levels much below normal during the balance of the year. Prices began to decline in mid-March as Iran backed down from its position on the point of "no increase" and again later in the month as OPEC announced a production increase of 1.716 million barrels per day offsetting some gains from the previous two months. Stock Index trading was profitable for the quarter. During the month of January, the Hang Seng Index found market conditions to be difficult. Stock index trading returned in February and March with gains in positions in CAC 40 Euro futures, DAX German Stock Index and long S&P 500 positions resulted in gains as investors focused more on value stocks near the end of the quarter. Metals trading alternated from profitable to unprofitable during the quarter. In January gains in aluminum positions outweighed losses in zinc and copper; however, losses in aluminum and gold positions outweighed gains in nickel positions during February. In March, metals trading was slightly profitable as gains in silver positions outweighed losses in zinc and copper. Short Swiss franc and Euro positions launched the quarter with gains after officials from the Group of Seven met and failed to express concern about the low levels of the European currency, however the positions were unprofitable in February offsetting gains in Japanese yen positions. Short Euro positions then bounced back in March but were outweighed by losses in Japanese yen and British pound positions. Agriculture trading resulted in losses for the quarter. In January and February gains in sugar positions were outweighed by losses in corn positions, however in March corn positions were profitable as prices rose, but were outweighed by unprofitable soyoil and sugar positions. Corn prices fluctuated as changes in weather forecasts occurred throughout the quarter. Short Eurodollar trading was profitable as the currency continued to decline in January. The European Union ministers blamed the currency's slide in January on rapid U.S. growth and fears that the Federal Reserve will increase U.S. interest rates. These profits were far outweighed by losses in the Japanese 10-year bond, U.S. 10-year Treasury note positions and long U.S. Treasury positions as the yield curve fluctuated widely during the quarter. April 1, 2000 to June 30, 2000 Long natural gas positions proved to be profitable throughout the quarter; however, crude oil faced whipsaw market conditions. Prices on crude oil declined early in the quarter in the wake of OPEC's March decision to increase production; however, prices later rose as the International Energy Agency reported the need for additional OPEC oil to prevent a shortage in inventory. In June, long positions of light crude oil resulted in profits despite OPEC's agreement to raise the production ceiling effective July 1. Prices sustained their levels because the market was looking for a larger production hike. Agriculture trading was profitable in the quarter as sugar and live hog positions outweighed losses from soybean trading. An exporter made the first sale of U.S. pork to China under a 1999 bilateral agricultural agreement, providing a new avenue of opportunity for U.S. pork producers. The mid-month USDA grain crop report projected a 12% rise in soybean inventories from last season. This resulted in fears of an abundance of supply and therefore, lower prices for the commodity. Forecasts of reduced Brazilian exports and crop damage in China and Pakistan combined with greater than expected demand from Russia, resulted in gains for the Partnership's long sugar positions. 14 Currency trading proved profitable for the Partnership. Gains from short Euro currency and long Swiss franc positions outweighed losses sustained in other currencies. Despite the dramatic interest rate hikes by the Swiss National Bank ("SNB") and the weakness of the Euro, the SNB said it will not keep the Swiss franc from rising. Short positions in the British pound and Canadian dollar resulted in gains for the sector during May. The pound was particularly weak in the wake of the Bank of England's references to "sterling overvaluation." The Euro rallied to U.S. $0.97 early in the month, but faced profit-taking after news of some capital outflow from Euroland. Stock index trading was unprofitable due to losses sustained in Nikkei 225 and S&P 500 positions early in the quarter. Signs of rising inflation fueled fears that the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates aggressively to slow the robust economy. However, the Nikkei 225 trading showed gains at the end of the quarter as well as did the All Ordinaries Index as the Australian Index finished higher in June. In metals trading, short aluminum positions were profitable early in the quarter as a refinery indicated that it will return to operation this year, adding supply to the market. During the middle of the quarter, copper trading resulted in losses for the sector. A Freeport, Indonesia mine announced output cuts would not be as large as the Indonesian government had forecast, resulting in losses for the Partnership's long positions. Losses continued through the quarter as trading in both base and precious metals was unprofitable as losses were sustained in gold and aluminum positions. As has been the ongoing pattern, gold showed virtually no response to activities in the financial and equity markets, including the surge in energy prices. Interest rate trading results were unprofitable for the quarter. Early on losses were incurred from U.S. Treasury bond and Euro 10-year bond trading. U.S. bond yields fell during the month as investors shifted to Treasuries due to increased volatility in the NASDAQ and other equity markets. The Euro traded higher during May on reports that the European Central Bank may buy the currency to boost its value, but finally trading was again unprofitable as losses were incurred in Euro dollar and Japanese government bond positions. Short positions resulted in losses as the Euro dollar improved after the European Central Bank's 50 basis point repo rate hike. July 1, 2000 to September 30, 2000 Metals trading was moderately profitable. Long copper positions profited from reports that China increased production during the first half of the year due to increased demand. The metals sector sustained losses in mid quarter as nickel prices declined from slowing demand for stainless steel in Europe and Asia. In September, higher copper prices resulting from strong demand in Asia, particularly China, produced gains for long copper positions. Currency trading posted gains early in the quarter on short Japanese yen and British pound positions. The yen finished July weaker against the dollar in anticipation that the U.S. Federal Reserve would continue to raise interest rates. Trading was flat in August as gains from British pound and Swiss franc positions countered losses from Japanese yen positions. The British pound has been in a clear downtrend since the beginning of the year. Short positions were profitable as uncertainty surrounded the September 7 Bank of England meeting. Investors feared the BOE had finished raising interest rates, resulting in concern for the currency. Losses were realized from the euro in September despite European economic conditions remaining positive. Moderation in U.S. activity suggests no surprises on the upside in the coming quarters, indicating potential strength in the euro. Trading in the energy sector was unprofitable during the quarter. Early on, losses were sustained on long crude oil and natural gas positions. Higher retail prices resulted in less demand for gasoline, pushing prices lower. In August, long light crude oil positions profited as the oil balance faced a significant inventory deficit, shrinking oil production capacity, limited prospects for material non-OPEC supply growth and OPEC's key countries' desire for a higher average oil price. Crude oil faced whipsaw market conditions in September. It reached new highs mid month on comments from Venezuela's oil minister that OPEC would not likely change its production target before their November meeting. However, President Clinton's September 22 authorization of a 30 million barrel release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve sent prices lower at month end. Agricultural commodity trading resulted in losses for the quarter. Short wheat trading was beneficial during July as drought warnings issued by the U.S. National Weather Service in the early spring proved inaccurate. Sufficient rains resulted in favorable growing conditions leading to dramatic price declines for wheat. However, trading on sugar and live cattle positions was unprofitable in September, erasing previous gains. Brazil, the world's largest sugar producer, reduced output and the Asian post crisis recovery period has improved demand, resulting in a supply/demand imbalance. Sugar prices rose late in August as a result of a large quantity of Asian buying. Interest rate trading incurred losses throughout the quarter. Trading in Euro-Bund futures and Japanese 10 year bond positions was unprofitable. Stock index trading was not profitable during the quarter. CAC 40 Euro futures and FTSE Financial Times Stock Index trading sustained losses early in the quarter. This trend continued in August as losses were realized from Nikkei 225 and DAX German Stock Index trading. September was also unprofitable on S&P 500 positions as it finished the month lower as buyers retreated due to fears of an economic slowdown in the U.S. 15 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings There are no pending proceedings to which the Partnership or the General Partner is a party. Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds (a) None. (b) None. (c) None. (d) None. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities None. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None. Item 5. Other Information As part of a restructuring of Merrill Lynch's investment management operations, Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc. ("MLIP") and other Merrill Lynch advisory entities are being consolidated under Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. ("MLIM"), the principal Merrill Lynch investment management affiliate. MLIP is now part of MLIM's Alternative Investments group, headed by Ron Rosenberg, Managing Director and former head of Merrill Lynch's Global Hedge Fund Sales and International Fixed Income Group. Fabio Savoldelli, Managing Director and head of MLIM-Alternative Strategies, has assumed management responsibilities for MLIP's business, reporting to Mr. Rosenberg. In connection with this consolidation, John R. Frawley, Jr., the President of MLIP, and certain other MLIP staff members have left Merrill Lynch, effective October 20, 2000. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) EXHIBITS There are no exhibits required to be filed as part of this report. (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the first nine months of fiscal 2000. 16 SIGNATURES 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. THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND-SM- II L.P. By: MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT PARTNERS INC. (General Partner) Date: November 14, 2000 By /S/ MICHAEL L. PUNGELLO ----------------------- Michael L. Pungello Duly Authorized Signatory Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 17

SECTOR STRATEGY FUND II LP 10-Q