<PAGE>
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
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 1998
or
( ) Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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 (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
C/O MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT PARTNERS INC.
MERRILL LYNCH WORLD HEADQUARTERS
WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
SOUTH TOWER, NEW YORK, NY 10080
-------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 236-5662
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: None
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: Limited Partnership
Units
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 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 to this
Form 10-K. [X]
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-
affiliates of the registrant: the registrant is a limited partnership; as of
February 1, 1999, limited partnership units with an aggregate value of
$32,545,524 were outstanding and held by non-affiliates.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The registrant's "1998 Annual Report and Independent Auditors' Report," the
annual report to security holders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
is incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 8 and Part IV hereof and filed
as an Exhibit herewith.
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND (SM) II L.P.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1998 ON FORM 10-K
Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART I PAGE
------ ----
<S> <C>
Item 1. Business............................................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties............................................................................. 6
Item 3. Legal Proceedings...................................................................... 6
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.................................... 7
PART II
-------
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.................. 7
Item 6. Selected Financial Data................................................................ 8
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.. 12
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk............................. 19
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............................................ 23
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure... 23
PART III
--------
Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..................................... 23
Item 11. Executive Compensation................................................................. 25
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management......................... 25
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions......................................... 27
PART IV
-------
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K........................ 28
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1: BUSINESS
--------
(a) General Development of Business:
-------------------------------
The SECTOR Strategy Fund (SM) II L.P. (the "Partnership") was
organized under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act on August
21, 1990 and began trading operations on December 5, 1990 ("SECTOR II Units"). A
re-opening of the Partnership through the public offering of SECTOR III Limited
Partnership Units ("SECTOR III Units") commenced operations on July 5, 1991.
Units may be redeemed as of the end of each calendar month. The Partnership
engages (currently, through an investment in a limited liability company (see
below)) in the speculative trading of a portfolio of futures, options on
futures, forwards and options on forward contracts and related options in the
currencies, interest rates, stock indices, metals, agricultural and energy
sectors of the world futures markets. The Partnership's objective is
achieving, through speculative trading, substantial capital appreciation over
time, while also assuring investors of at least a predetermined minimum Net
Asset Value per Unit as of the Principal Assurance Date .
Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc. (the "General Partner" or
"MLIP") is the general partner of the Partnership and selects and allocates the
Partnership's assets (through the Partnership's investment in ML Multi-Manager
Portfolio LLC ("MM LLC")) among professional advisors ("Trading Advisors" or
"Advisors"), each unaffiliated with MLIP and each of which trades independently
of the others. The Partnership and MM LLC are referred to throughout this
document, either individually and/or collectively, as the "Fund". MLIP also
determines what percentage of the Partnership's assets to allocate to trading
and what percentage to hold in reserve. Merrill Lynch Futures Inc. (the
"Commodity Broker" or "MLF") is the Partnership's commodity broker. A portion of
the Partnership's assets is held by a commodity broker, other than MLF, to
facilitate the trading of a certain independent advisor. The General Partner is
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc., which, in turn, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML&Co."). The Commodity
Broker is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ML&Co. (ML&Co. and its
affiliates are herein sometimes referred to as "Merrill Lynch").
Prior to October 1, 1996, the Partnership placed assets with the
Trading Advisors by opening individual managed accounts with them. For the
period from October 1, 1996 to May 31, 1998, the Partnership placed assets with
certain of the Trading Advisors through investing in private funds ("Trading
LLCs") sponsored by MLIP, through which the trading accounts of different MLIP-
sponsored funds managed by the same Advisor pursuant to the same strategy were
consolidated. The only members of the Trading LLCs were commodity pools
sponsored by MLIP. Placing assets with an Advisor through investing in a Trading
LLC rather than a managed account had no economic effect on the Partnership,
except to the extent that the Partnership benefited from the Advisor not having
to allocate trades among a number of different accounts (rather than acquiring a
single position for the Trading LLC as a whole). As of June 1, 1998, MLIP
consolidated the trading accounts of nine of its multi-advisor funds (the
"Multi-Advisor Funds"), including the Partnership. The consolidation was
achieved by having these Multi-Advisor Funds invest in a single Delaware limited
liability company, MM LLC, which opened a single account with each Advisor
selected. MM LLC is managed by MLIP, has no investors other than the Multi-
Advisor Funds and serves solely as the vehicle through which the assets of such
Multi-Advisor Funds are combined in order to be managed through single rather
than multiple accounts. The placement of assets into MM LLC did not change the
operations or fee structure of the Partnership. The administrative authority
over the Partnership, as well as MM LLC, remains with MLIP. The following
disclosures relate to the operation of the Partnership through its investment in
MM LLC.
In addition to its investment in MM LLC, the Partnership maintains
a cash account. From time to time, the General Partner allocates and reallocates
Partnership assets among its investment in MM LLC and cash accounts in an
attempt to increase profit potential while limiting the downside risks
associated with futures and forward trading (in order to prevent ML&Co. from
incurring any obligations under its guarantee of a minimum Net Asset Value per
Unit, as described below). Initially, the General Partner allocated
approximately 30% of the Partnership's assets in each of the SECTOR II and
SECTOR III portions to cash and approximately 70% to trading. As of December 31,
1998, 100% was invested in MM LLC for the SECTOR II Units and for the SECTOR III
Units.
1
<PAGE>
As of December 31, 1998, the Partnership's SECTOR II Unit
capitalization was $10,700,065, the Partnership's SECTOR III Unit capitalization
was $23,091,117 and the Net Asset Value of a SECTOR II Unit sold as of December
5, 1990 for $100 was $158.74 and the Net Asset Value of SECTOR III Unit sold as
of July 5, 1991 for $100 was $166.72.
ML&Co. guarantees that the Net Asset Value per Unit will equal at
least $125.10 as of December 31, 1999 for SECTOR II Units and at least $132.74
as of October 31, 2000 for SECTOR III Units (the "Principal Assurance Dates").
The initial Principal Assurances Dates for the SECTOR II Units and SECTOR III
Units were December 31, 1995 and September 30, 1996, respectively, at which time
the minimum Net Asset Value per Unit guaranteed by ML&Co. was $100 per Unit. As
of January 1, 1996, the Fund restarted the trading program for SECTOR II Units,
setting a new Time Horizon of two years in duration with a second Principal
Assurance Date of December 31, 1997 and a minimum assured Net Asset Value of
$100.12. As of October 1, 1996, the Fund restarted the trading program for the
SECTOR III Units also setting a new Time Horizon of two years in duration, with
a second Principal Assurance Date of September 30, 1998 and a minimum assured
Net Asset Value of $100.92. As of January 1, 1998, the Fund restarted the
trading program for SECTOR II Units, setting a new Time Horizon of two years in
duration with a third Principal Assurance Date of December 31, 1999 and a
minimum assured Net Asset Value of $125.10. As of November 1, 1998, the Fund
restarted the trading program for SECTOR III Units, setting a new Time Horizon
of two years in duration with a third Principal Assurance Date as of October 31,
2000 and a minimum assured Net Asset Value of $132.74. This guarantee does not
prevent substantial investor losses, but rather serves only as a form of "stop-
loss," limiting the maximum loss which investors who retain their Units until
the Principal Assurance Date can incur. In order to protect ML&Co. from any
liability under its guarantee at such time, if any, as the Net Asset Value per
Unit were to decline to 110% or less of the present value of the guaranteed
minimum Net Asset Value per SECTOR II or SECTOR III Units, as the case may be,
discounted back from their respective current Principal Assurance Dates, MLIP
would terminate trading altogether in order to ensure that ML&Co. incurred no
financial obligation to the Fund under ML&Co.'s guarantee of the minimum Net
Asset Value per Unit.
Through December 31, 1998 the highest month-end Net Asset Value per
SECTOR II and SECTOR III Units was $158.74 (December 31, 1998) and $166.72
(December 31, 1998), respectively, and the lowest $98.68 (January 31, 1991) and
$97.74 (May 31, 1992), respectively. The Partnership does not engage in the sale
of goods or services.
(b) Financial Information about Segments:
------------------------------------
The Partnership's business constitutes only one segment for financial
reporting purposes, i.e., a speculative "commodity pool." The Partnership does
not engage in sales of goods or services.
(c) Narrative Description of Business:
---------------------------------
GENERAL
The Fund trades (currently, through its investment in MM LLC) in
futures, options on futures, forwards and options on forward contracts in major
sectors of the world economy, with the objective of achieving substantial
capital appreciation over time, while assuring investors of at least a
predetermined minimum Net Asset Value per Unit as of the Principal Assurance
Date.
The General Partner is the Partnership's trading manager, with
responsibility for selecting Advisors to manage MM LLC's assets, allocating and
reallocating MM LLC's assets among different Advisors and determining the
percentage of the Partnership's assets committed to trading from time to time.
Although considered as a whole, the Partnership (currently, through an
investment in MM LLC) trades in a diversified range of international markets.
Certain of the Trading Advisors, considered individually, concentrate primarily
on trading in a limited portfolio of markets. The composition of the "sectors"
included in the Partnership's portfolio varies substantially over time.
MLIP may, from time to time, direct certain individual Advisors to
manage their Fund accounts as if they were managing more equity than the actual
capital allocated to them.
2
<PAGE>
One of the objectives of the Fund is to provide diversification for a
limited portion of the risk segment of the Limited Partners' portfolios.
Commodity pool performance has historically demonstrated a low degree of
performance correlation with traditional stock and bond holdings. Since it began
trading, the Fund's returns have, in fact, frequently been significantly non-
correlated (not, however, negatively correlated) with the United States stock
and bond markets.
ML&CO.'S "PRINCIPAL PROTECTION" UNDERTAKING TO THE FUND
ML&Co., the parent company of the Merrill Lynch organization, which
includes the General Partner and the Commodity Broker, has agreed to contribute
sufficient capital to the Partnership so that it will have adequate funds, after
adjustment for all liabilities to third parties, that the Net Asset Value per
SECTOR II and SECTOR III Unit, respectively, will be no less than $125.10 or
$132.74 as of their respective third Principal Assurance Dates. This guarantee,
which is effective only as of the Principal Assurance Date, is a guarantee only
of the minimum assured Net Asset Value (plus distributions, if any), not against
the loss of the time value of such investment or a guarantee of profit. This
guarantee is a general, unsecured obligation of ML&Co.
OPERATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP AFTER THE THIRD PRINCIPAL ASSURANCE
DATES
When the Fund reached the first Principal Assurance Dates for the
SECTOR II and SECTOR III Units, respectively, MLIP "restarted" the Fund's
trading program and the ML&Co. guarantee for a two-year period ending December
31, 1997 and September 30, 1998, respectively. When the Fund reached the second
Principal Assurance Dates for the SECTOR II and SECTOR III Units, MLIP again
"restarted" the Fund's trading program and the ML&Co. guarantee for a second
two-year period ending December 31, 1999 and October 31, 2000, respectively.
MLIP may determine to terminate the Partnership's operations with respect to
either or both of the SECTOR II or SECTOR III Units as of their third Principal
Assurance Dates, to extend the ML&Co. guarantee for a certain period of time
(again resetting the minimum Net Asset Value per Unit guaranteed by ML&Co.) or
to continue to operate the Fund without a "principal protection" feature. All
investors will be given notice no later than 45 days prior to the Principal
Assurance Date for their Units as to what the operation of the Fund (if any)
will be with respect to such Units after such current Principal Assurance Date.
USE OF PROCEEDS AND INTEREST INCOME
Market Sectors. The Partnership trades (currently, through an
--------------
investment in MM LLC) in a diversified group of markets under the direction of
multiple independent Advisors. These Advisors can, and do, from time to time
materially alter the allocation of their overall trading commitments among
different market sectors. Except in the case of certain trading programs which
are purposefully limited in the markets which they trade, there is essentially
no restriction on the commodity interests which may be traded by any Advisor or
the rapidity with which an Advisor may alter its market sector allocations.
The Fund's financial statements contain information relating to the
market sectors traded by the Fund. There can, however, be no assurance as to
which markets may be included in the Fund's portfolio or in which market
sectors the Fund's trading may be concentrated at any one time or over time.
Market Types. The Fund trades (currently, through its investment
------------
in MM LLC) on a variety of United States and foreign futures exchanges.
Substantially all of the Fund's off-exchange trading takes place in the highly
liquid, institutionally-based currency forward markets.
Many of the Partnership's currency trades are executed in the spot and
forward foreign exchange markets (the "FX Markets") where there are no direct
execution costs. Instead, the participants, banks and dealers, including
Merrill Lynch International Bank ("MLIB"), in the FX Markets take a "spread"
between the prices at which they are prepared to buy and sell a particular
currency and such spreads are built into the pricing of the spot or forward
contracts with the Partnership. The General Partner anticipates that some of
the Partnership's foreign currency trades will be executed through MLIB, an
affiliate of the General Partner. MLIB has discontinued the operation of the
foreign exchange service desk, which included seeking multiple quotes from
counterparties unrelated to MLIB for a service fee and trade execution.
In its exchange of futures for physical ("EFP") trading, the
Partnership acquires cash currency positions through banks and dealers,
including Merrill Lynch. The Partnership pays a spread when it exchanges these
positions for
3
<PAGE>
futures. This spread reflects, in part, the different settlement dates of the
cash and the futures contracts, as well as prevailing interest rates, but also
includes a pricing spread in favor of the banks and dealers, which may include a
Merrill Lynch entity.
As in the case of its market sector allocations, the Fund's
commitments to different types of markets -- U.S. and non-U.S., regulated and
unregulated -- differ substantially from time to time as well as over time.
The Fund's financial statements contain information relating to the
types of markets traded by the Fund. There can, however, be no assurance as to
which markets the Fund may trade or as to how the Fund's trading may be
concentrated at any one time or over time.
Custody of Assets. The majority of the Fund's assets are currently
-----------------
held in customer accounts at Merrill Lynch.
Interest paid by Merrill Lynch on the Fund's U.S. Dollar and Non U.S.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollar Assets. A majority of the Fund's U.S. dollar assets are maintained at
- -------------
MLF. On assets held in U.S. dollars, Merrill Lynch credits the Fund with
interest at the prevailing 91-day U.S. Treasury bill rate. The Fund is credited
with interest on any of its net gains actually held by Merrill Lynch in non-U.S.
dollar currencies at a prevailing local rate received by Merrill Lynch. Merrill
Lynch may derive certain economic benefit, in excess of the interest which
Merrill Lynch pays to the Fund, from possession of such assets.
Merrill Lynch charges the Fund Merrill Lynch's cost of financing
realized and unrealized losses on the Fund's non-U.S. dollar-denominated
positions.
________________
CHARGES
The following table summarizes the charges incurred by the Fund during
1998, 1997 and 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of Average % of Average % of Average
Dollar Month End Dollar Month End Dollar Month End
Cost Amount Net Assets Amount Net Assets Amount Net Assets
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Brokerage $1,015,128 2.79% $2,732,838 6.56% $4,213,004 8.92%
Commissions
Administrative 29,004 0.08% 78,081 0.19% 113,600 0.24%
Expenses
Profit Shares 301,645 0.83% 530,099 1.27% 364,863 0.77%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,345,777 3.70% $3,341,018 8.02% $4,691,467 9.93%
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>
____________________
Subsequent to October 1, 1996, Brokerage Commissions and
Administrative Fees and Profit Shares are not representative of the actual
amounts paid by the Fund, because the Fund paid the bulk of these fees as an
investor in the Trading LLCs or in MM LLC. See "Description of Current
Charges."
4
<PAGE>
The foregoing table does not reflect the bid-ask spreads paid by the
Fund on its forward trading, or the benefits which may be derived by Merrill
Lynch from the deposit of certain of the Fund's U.S. dollar assets in offset
accounts.
The Fund's SECTOR II Units average month-end Net Assets during 1998,
1997 and 1996 equaled $11,959,856, $14,791,387; and $16,918,994; respectively.
The Fund's SECTOR III Units average month-end Net Assets during 1998,
1997 and 1996 equaled $24,385,480, $26,871,244 and $30,297,499, respectively.
During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Fund's SECTOR II Units earned
$238,969, $640,195 and $733,578 in interest income, or approximately 2.00%,
4.33% and 4.34% of the Fund's average month-end Net Assets.
During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Fund's SECTOR III Units earned
$359,189, $911,165; and $1,276,409 in interest income, or approximately 1.47%,
3.39% and 4.21% of the Fund's average month-end Net Assets.
The 9% per annum Brokerage Commissions for the SECTOR II Units and the
10% per annum Brokerage Commissions for the Sector III Units paid by the Fund to
MLF were recharacterized as 8.75% and 9.75%, respectively, per annum Brokerage
Commissions and a 0.25% per annum Administrative Fee paid by the Fund to MLIP
effective January 1, 1996. This recharacterization had no economic effect on the
Fund.
As of October 1, 1996, the 9.75% per annum Brokerage Commissions for
the SECTOR III Units were reduced to 8.75% per annum (0.7291% of the Fund's
month-end assets).
DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT CHARGES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RECIPIENT NATURE OF PAYMENT AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
- --------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
MLF Brokerage Commissions A flat-rate monthly commission of 0.7291 of 1% (an 8.75%
annual rate) of the SECTOR III and SECTOR II month-end
assets committed to trading. As of December 31, 1998
approximately 100% of the SECTOR II assets and 100% of
the SECTOR III assets were allocated to trading.
During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the round-turn (each purchase
and sale or sale and purchase of a single futures
contract) equivalent rate of the Partnership's flat-rate
Brokerage Commissions was approximately $52, $63 and $59,
respectively.
MLF Use of Fund assets Merrill Lynch may derive an economic benefit from the
deposit of certain of the Fund's U.S. dollar assets in
offset accounts.
MLIP Administrative Fees The Fund pays MLIP a monthly Administrative Fee equal to
0.020833 of 1% of the Fund's month-end assets committed to
trading (0.25% annually). MLIP pays all of the Fund's
routine administrative costs.
MLIB; Other Bid-ask spreads Bid-ask spreads on forward and related trades.
Counterparties
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Trading Advisors Profit Shares Prior to January 1, 1997, all Advisors received quarterly
Profit Shares ranging from 15% to 25% (depending on the
Trading Advisor) of any New Trading Profit achieved by
their Fund account. As of January 1, 1997, a number of
Advisors agreed to receive only annual Profit Shares.
Profit Shares are also paid upon redemption of Units and
upon the net reallocation of assets away from an Advisor.
New Trading Profit is calculated separately in respect of
each Advisor, irrespective of the overall performance of
the Fund. The Fund and MM LLC may pay substantial Profit
Shares during periods when it is incurring significant
overall losses.
Trading Advisors Consulting Fees MLF pays the Advisors annual Consulting Fees ranging up to
2% of the Partnership's average month-end assets allocated
to them for management, after reduction for a portion of
the brokerage commissions.
MLF; Extraordinary expenses Actual costs incurred; none paid to date.
Others
</TABLE>
______________________
REGULATION
The General Partner, the Trading Advisors and the Commodity Broker are
each subject to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the
"CFTC") and the National Futures Association. Other than in respect of its
periodic reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Partnership itself is generally not subject to regulation by the Securities and
Exchange Commission. However, MLIP itself is registered as an "investment
adviser" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
(i) through (xii) -- not applicable.
(xiii) The Partnership has no employees.
(d) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales:
-----
The Partnership trades (through its investment in MM LLC), on a number
of foreign commodity exchanges. The Partnership does not engage in the sales of
goods or services.
ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
----------
The Partnership does not use any physical properties in the conduct of
its business.
The Partnership's only place of business is the place of business of
the General Partner, Merrill Lynch World Headquarters, World Financial Center,
South Tower, New York, New York, 10080. The General Partner performs all
administrative services for the Partnership from the General Partner's offices.
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
-----------------
ML&Co. -- the sole stockholder of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc. (which is
the sole stockholder of MLIP) -- as well as certain of its subsidiaries and
affiliates have been named as defendants in civil actions, arbitration
proceedings and claims arising out of their respective business activities.
Although the ultimate outcome of these actions cannot be ascertained at this
time and the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it
is the opinion of management that the result of these matters will not be
materially adverse to the business operations or financial condition of MLIP or
the Fund.
6
<PAGE>
MLIP itself has never been the subject of any material litigation.
ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
---------------------------------------------------
The Partnership has never submitted any matter to a vote of its
Limited Partners.
PART II
ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 5(a)
(a) Market Information:
------------------
There is no established public trading market for the Units, nor
will one develop. Rather, Limited Partners may redeem Units as of the end of
each month at Net Asset Value. Units redeemed prior to the applicable Principal
Assurance Date are not entitled to any benefits under the ML&Co. guarantee.
(b) Holders:
-------
As of December 31, 1998, there were 2,362 holders of Units,
including the General Partner.
(c) Dividends:
---------
The Partnership has made no distributions, nor does the General
Partner presently intend to make any distributions in the future.
Item 5(b)
Not applicable.
7
<PAGE>
ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
-----------------------
The following selected financial data has been derived from the audited
financial statements of the Partnership.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Trading Profits (Loss)
Realized Gain (Loss) $ 1,169,961 $ 4,629,434 $ 6,760,623 $ 13,084,311 $(2,043,045)
Change in Unrealized
(Loss) Gain (671,259) 98,218 (1,911,494) (1,408,174) (1,470,617)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Trading Results 498,702 4,727,652 4,849,129 11,676,137 (3,513,662)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income 598,158 1,551,360 2,009,987 3,519,449 3,540,215
Total Revenues 1,096,860 6,279,012 6,859,116 15,195,586 26,553
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
Brokerage Commissions 1,015,128 2,732,838 4,213,004 6,481,462 8,306,339
Administrative Fees 29,004 78,081 113,600 - -
Profit Shares 301,645 530,099 364,863 1,319,093 897,488
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Expense 1,345,777 3,341,018 4,691,467 7,800,555 9,203,827
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings from Investment 1,406,243 1,708,985 2,258,309 - -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss) $ 1,157,326 $ 4,646,979 $ 4,425,958 $ 7,395,031 $(9,177,274)
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>
The variations in income statement line items are primarily due to investing in
Trading LLCs and in MM LLC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
BALANCE SHEET DATA 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fund Net Asset Value $33,791,182 $40,650,457 $42,584,105 $57,593,256 $76,783,553
Net Asset Value
per SECTOR II Unit $ 158.74 $ 156.37 $ 143.42 $ 125.15 $ 110.26
Net Asset Value
per SECTOR III Unit $ 166.72 $ 159.00 $ 140.75 $ 128.26 $ 117.34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTH-END NET ASSET VALUE PER SECTOR II UNIT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994 $117.74 $113.15 $116.19 $113.73 $119.68 $119.10 $116.12 $111.44 $112.74 $113.05 $111.62 $110.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 $108.34 $115.58 $124.97 $127.02 $131.03 $130.14 $127.55 $126.66 $124.80 $123.65 $124.30 $125.15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 $129.65 $123.52 $122.45 $124.82 $123.17 $121.68 $124.98 $123.96 $127.55 $139.16 $149.40 $143.42
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $150.05 $149.10 $148.60 $149.07 $147.91 $150.77 $158.23 $155.56 $155.08 $154.49 $154.47 $156.37
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $155.45 $151.98 $150.75 $145.57 $146.58 $146.91 $147.09 $155.15 $158.46 $157.97 $158.11 $158.74
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTH-END NET ASSET VALUE PER SECTOR III UNIT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994 $116.65 $115.55 $117.57 $116.31 $119.68 $122.37 $119.77 $115.18 $117.13 $116.94 $118.61 $117.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 $114.71 $122.70 $129.65 $128.97 $125.75 $123.17 $118.12 $119.65 $118.92 $119.78 $121.97 $128.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 $132.39 $120.96 $120.08 $127.41 $124.26 $123.53 $125.16 $122.91 $126.15 $138.27 $142.98 $140.75
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $147.15 $149.44 $150.41 $146.96 $146.16 $147.82 $156.23 $151.82 $153.39 $153.98 $155.24 $159.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $159.04 $156.52 $159.24 $151.72 $154.09 $154.27 $154.50 $162.95 $166.44 $165.93 $166.05 $166.72
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Pursuant to CFTC policy, monthly performance is presented from January 1, 1994,
even though the Units were outstanding prior to such date.
9
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
SECTOR II UNITS
DECEMBER 31, 1998
Type of Pool: Selected-Advisor/Publicly-Offered/"Principal Protected"/(1)/
Inception of Trading: December 5, 1990
Aggregate Subscriptions: $136,410,000
Current Capitalization: $10,700,064
Worst Monthly Drawdown/(2)/: (4.73)% (2/96)
Worst Peak-to-Valley Drawdown/(3)/: (15.93)% (8/93-1/95)
_____________
Net Asset Value per Unit, December 31, 1998: $158.74
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------
MONTHLY RATES OF RETURN/(4)/
---------------------------------------------------------------
MONTH 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
January -0.59% 4.62% 3.59% (1.74)% (3.82)%
---------------------------------------------------------------
February (2.23) (0.63) (4.73) 6.68 (3.90)
---------------------------------------------------------------
March (0.81) (0.34) (0.86) 8.13 2.69
---------------------------------------------------------------
April (3.44) 0.32 1.93 1.64 (2.12)
---------------------------------------------------------------
May 0.69 (0.78) (1.32) 3.16 1.85
---------------------------------------------------------------
June 0.23 1.93 (1.21) (0.68) 2.81
---------------------------------------------------------------
July 0.12 4.95 2.71 (1.99) (2.50)
---------------------------------------------------------------
August 5.48 (1.69) (0.82) (0.69) (4.03)
---------------------------------------------------------------
September 2.13 (0.31) 2.90 (1.47) 1.17
---------------------------------------------------------------
October (0.31) (0.38) 9.10 (0.92) 0.27
---------------------------------------------------------------
November 0.09 (0.01) 7.36 0.53 (0.44)
---------------------------------------------------------------
December 0.40 1.23 (4.00) 0.68 (2.03)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Compound Annual
Rate of Return 1.51% 9.02% 14.60% 13.52% (9.93)%
---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Pursuant to applicable CFTC regulations, a "Multi-Advisor" fund is
defined as one that allocates no more than 25% of its trading assets (i.e.,
assets committed to trading) to any single manager. As the Fund may allocate
more than 25% of its trading assets to one or more Advisors, it is referred to
as a "Selected-Advisor" fund. Applicable CFTC regulations define a "Principal
Protected" fund as one which is designed to limit the loss of participants'
initial investment. MLIP's trading leverage policies and the ML&Co. guarantee
limit Limited Partners' losses on their Units to the time value of their
investments over the Time Horizon from the beginning of trading to the Principal
Assurance Date.
(2) Worst Monthly Drawdown represents the largest negative Monthly Rate of
Return experienced since January 1, 1994 by the SECTOR II Units; a drawdown is
measured on the basis of month-end Net Asset Value only, and does not reflect
intra-month figures.
(3) Worst Peak-to-Valley Drawdown represents the greatest percentage
decline since January 1, 1994 from a month-end cumulative Monthly Rate of Return
without such cumulative Monthly Rate of Return being equaled or exceeded as of a
subsequent month-end. For example, if the Monthly Rate of Return was (1)% in
each of January and February, 1% in March and (2)% in April, the Peak-to-Valley
Drawdown would still be continuing at the end of April in the amount of
approximately (3)%, whereas if the Monthly Rate of Return had been approximately
3% in March, the Peak-to-Valley Drawdown would have ended as of the end of
February at approximately the (2)% level.
(4) Monthly Rate of Return is the net performance of the SECTOR II Units
during the month of determination (including interest income and after all
expenses have been accrued or paid) divided by the total equity of the SECTOR II
Units as of the beginning of such month.
-10-
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
SECTOR III UNITS
DECEMBER 31, 1998
Type of Pool: Selected-Advisor/Publicly-Offered/"Principal Protected"/(1)/
Inception of Trading: July 5, 1991
Aggregate Subscriptions: $194,005,000
Current Capitalization: $23,091,118
Worst Monthly Drawdown/(2)/: (8.64)% (2/96)
Worst Peak-to-Valley Drawdown/(3)/: (9.30)% (2/96-3/96)
_____________
Net Asset Value per Unit, December 31, 1998: $166.72
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------
MONTHLY RATES OF RETURN/(4)/
---------------------------------------------------------------
MONTH 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
January 0.03% 4.55% 3.22% (2.25)% (3.79)%
---------------------------------------------------------------
February (1.58) 1.56 (8.64) 6.97 (0.94)
---------------------------------------------------------------
March 1.73 0.65 (0.73) 5.66 1.74
---------------------------------------------------------------
April (4.72) (2.29) 6.10 (0.53) (1.07)
---------------------------------------------------------------
May 1.56 (0.54) (2.47) (2.50) 2.90
---------------------------------------------------------------
June 0.08 1.14 (0.59) (2.05) 2.25
---------------------------------------------------------------
July 0.15 5.69 1.31 (4.10) (2.12)
---------------------------------------------------------------
August 5.47 (2.82) (1.79) 1.29 (3.83)
---------------------------------------------------------------
September 2.14 1.03 2.63 (0.61) 1.69
---------------------------------------------------------------
October (0.31) 0.38 9.60 0.72 (0.17)
---------------------------------------------------------------
November 0.07 0.82 3.41 1.83 1.43
---------------------------------------------------------------
December 0.40 2.42 (1.56) 5.16 (1.06)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Compound Annual
Rate of Return 4.16% 12.98% 9.71% 9.28% (3.22)%
---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Pursuant to applicable CFTC regulations, a "Multi-Advisor" fund is
defined as one that allocates no more than 25% of its trading assets (i.e.,
assets committed to trading) to any single manager. As the Fund may allocate
more than 25% of its trading assets to one or more Advisors, it is referred to
as a "Selected-Advisor" fund. Applicable CFTC regulations define a "Principal
Protected" fund as one which is designed to limit the loss of participants'
initial investment. MLIP's trading leverage policies and the ML&Co. guarantee
limit Limited Partners' losses on their Units to the time value of their
investments over the Time Horizon from the beginning of trading to the Principal
Assurance Date.
(2) Worst Monthly Drawdown represents the largest negative Monthly Rate of
Return experienced since January 1, 1994 by the SECTOR III Units; a drawdown is
measured on the basis of month-end Net Asset Value only, and does not reflect
intra-month figures.
(3) Worst Peak-to-Valley Drawdown represents the greatest percentage
decline since January 1, 1994 from a month-end cumulative Monthly Rate of Return
without such cumulative Monthly Rate of Return being equaled or exceeded as of a
subsequent month-end. For example, if the Monthly Rate of Return was (1)% in
each of January and February, 1% in March and (2)% in April, the Peak-to-Valley
Drawdown would still be continuing at the end of April in the amount of
approximately (3)%, whereas if the Monthly Rate of Return had been approximately
3% in March, the Peak-to-Valley Drawdown would have ended as of the end of
February at approximately the (2)% level.
(4) Monthly Rate of Return is the net performance of the SECTOR III Units
during the month of determination (including interest income and after all
expenses have been accrued or paid) divided by the total equity of the SECTOR
III Units as of the beginning of such month.
-11-
<PAGE>
ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OF OPERATIONS
-------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Advisor Selections
------------------
The Fund's results of operations depend on MLIP's ability to select
Advisors and the Advisors' ability to trade profitably. MLIP's selection
procedures and trading leveraging analysis, as well as the Advisors' trading
methods, are confidential, so that substantially the only available information
relevant to the Fund's results of operations is its actual performance record to
date. Because of the speculative nature of its trading, the Fund's past
performance is not necessarily indicative of its future results.
MLIP has made and expects to continue making frequent changes to both
trading asset allocations among Advisors and Advisor combinations as well as
from time to time adjusting the percentage of the Fund's assets committed to
trading.
MLIP's decision to terminate or reallocate assets among Advisors is
based on a combination of factors. Advisors are, in general, terminated
primarily for unsatisfactory performance, but other factors -- for example, a
change in MLIP's or an Advisor's market outlook, apparent deviation from
announced risk control policies, excessive turnover of positions, changes in
principals, commitment of resources to other business activities, etc. -- may
also have a role in the termination or reallocation decision. The market
judgment and experience of MLIP's principals is an important factor in its asset
allocation decisions.
MLIP has no timetable or schedule for making Advisor changes or
reallocations, and generally makes a medium- to long-term commitment to all
Advisors selected. There can be no assurance as to the frequency or number of
Advisor changes that may take place in the future, or as to how long any of the
current Advisors will continue to manage assets for the Fund.
General
-------
A number of the Advisors are trend-following traders, whose programs
do not attempt to predict price movements. No fundamental economic supply or
demand analyses are used by these Advisors, and no macroeconomic assessments of
the relative strengths of different national economies or economic sectors.
Instead, the programs apply proprietary computer models to analyzing past market
data, and from this data alone attempt to determine whether market prices are
trending. These technical traders base their strategies on the theory that
market prices reflect the collective judgment of numerous different traders and
are, accordingly, the best and most efficient indication of market movements.
However, there are frequent periods during which fundamental factors external to
the market dominate prices.
If a trend-following Advisor's models identify a trend, they signal
positions which follow it. When these models identify the trend as having ended
or reversed, these positions are either closed out or reversed. Due to their
trend-following character, these Advisors' programs do not predict either the
commencement or the end of a price movement. Rather, their objective is to
identify a trend early enough to profit from it and detect its end or reversal
in time to close out the Fund's positions while retaining most of the profits
made from following the trend.
In analyzing the performance of trend-following programs, economic
conditions, political events, weather factors, etc., are not directly relevant
because only market data has any input into trading results. Furthermore, there
is no direct connection between particular market conditions and price trends.
There are so many influences on the markets that the same general type of
economic event may lead to a price trend in some cases but not in others. The
analysis is further complicated by the fact that the programs are designed to
recognize only certain types of trends and to apply only certain criteria of
when a trend has begun. Consequently, even though significant price trends may
occur, if these trends are not comprised of the type of intra-period price
movements which the programs are designed to identify, a trend-following Advisor
may miss the trend altogether.
-12-
<PAGE>
In the case of the Advisors which implement strategies which rely more
on discretion and market judgment, it is not possible to predict, from their
performance during past market cycles, how they will respond to future market
events.
Performance Summary
-------------------
This performance summary is an outline description of how the Fund
performed in the past, not necessarily any indication of how it will perform in
the future. In addition, the general causes to which certain price movements are
attributed may or may not in fact have caused such movements, but simply
occurred at or about the same time.
The Advisors, as a group, are unlikely to be profitable in markets in
which such trends do not occur. Static or erratic prices are likely to result in
losses. Similarly, unexpected events (for example, a political upheaval, natural
disaster or governmental intervention) can lead to major short-term losses as
well as gains.
While there can be no assurance that any Advisor will be profitable,
under any given market condition, markets in which substantial and sustained
price movements occur typically offer the best profit potential for the Fund.
The performance of the Fund is also materially affected by the
percentage of its assets allocated to trading. The greater the percentage of the
Fund's assets allocated to trading, the greater its profit potential, risk and
performance volatility.
1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Trading
Results
<S> <C>
Interest Rates $ 85,850
Stock Indices (139,134)
Commodities 518,301
Currencies (343,635)
Energy 312,851
Metals 64,469
-------------
$ 498,702
=============
</TABLE>
Global interest rate markets provided the Fund with its most
profitable positions for the first quarter, particularly in European bonds where
an extended bond market rally continued despite an environment of robust growth
in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as a strong pick-up
in growth in continental Europe. In the second quarter, swings in the U.S.
dollar and developments in Japan affected bond markets, causing the Fund's
interest rate trading to result in losses. This was turned around in the third
quarter, as markets worldwide were turned upside down and the Fund's non-
correlation with general equity and debt markets was strongly exhibited, and
trading was particularly profitable in positions in Eurodollars, German and
Japanese bonds, and U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. Global investors staged a
major flight to quality, resulting in a significant widening of credit spreads
on a global basis. In October, investors pushed the yields on U.S. Treasury
bonds to a 31-year low. The long bond yield fell about 75 basis points in 1998
as the world economy slowed more than expected, inflation continued to fall, the
anticipated small U.S. budget deficit turned into substantial surplus, and the
Fed lowered interest rates.
Trading results in stock index markets were mixed in early 1998,
despite a strong first-quarter performance by the U.S. equity market as several
consecutive weekly gains were recorded with most market averages setting new
highs. Second quarter results were profitable as the Asia-Pacific region's
equity markets weakened across the board. In particular, Hong Kong's Hang Seng
index trended downward during most of the second quarter and traded at a three-
year low. As U.S. equity markets declined in July and August, the Fund profited
from short positions in the S&P 500, most notably during August, when the index
dropped 14.5%. Volatility in September made for a difficult trading environment
in the stock index sector, and the Fund incurred modest losses, although results
remained profitable for the quarter and the year overall in these markets.
-13-
<PAGE>
In energy markets, demand for crude oil in the Middle East was
affected by low oil prices early in the year, and trading resulted in losses.
Initially buoyed on concerns about a U.S.-led military strike against Iraq,
crude oil fell to a nine-year low, as the globally warm winter, the return of
Iraq as a producer and the Asian economic crisis added to OPEC's supply glut
problems. Despite production cuts initiated by OPEC at the end of March, world
oil supplies remained excessive and oil prices stood at relatively low levels
throughout the first half of 1998. Short heating oil positions in the third
quarter proved profitable for the Fund as the market for heating oil prices
dropped to its lowest level in more than a decade. In early December, oil and
natural gas prices dropped sharply, causing continued problems for many emerging
market countries that depend on commodity exports for economic growth and
government financing. These price pressures were mainly due to excessive supply
availability and near-term weather indications that inventories would remain at
more than adequate levels even in the event of a cold Northern Hemisphere
winter. Also, the December U.S. air attack on Iraq failed to cause any damage
to oil pumping and shipping operations, and oil prices fell over 10%.
Gold prices began the year drifting sideways, and continued to weaken
following news in the second quarter of a European Central Bank consensus that
ten to fifteen percent of reserves should be made up of gold bullion, which was
at the low end of expectations. Gold was unable to extend third quarter rallies
or to build any significant upside momentum, resulting in a trendless
environment. This was also the case in the fourth quarter, as gold's cost of
production declined. Also, silver markets remained range-bound, while also
experiencing a significant selloff in November, and aluminum traded at its
lowest levels since 1994, with many aluminum smelters operating at a loss.
In agricultural commodity markets, 1998 began with strong gains as
live cattle and hog prices trended downward throughout the first quarter. In the
second quarter, although the U.S. soybean crop got off to a good start which
contributed to higher yield expectations and a more burdensome supply outlook,
soybean prices traded in a volatile pattern. Sugar futures maintained mostly a
downtrend, as no major buyers emerged to support the market. Similarly, coffee
prices trended downward, as good weather conditions in Central America and
Mexico increased the prospects of more output from these countries. The third
quarter resulted in losses as the U.S. soybean crop increased relative to the
USDA's production estimate as a result of timely rains, which contributed to
lower prices. These losses continued into the fourth quarter as the Fund was
caught on the short side of the soybean complex, as the soybean supply surplus
became more manageable following the November 10th USDA reports, causing prices
to gain upward momentum.
In currency markets, results early in the year were mixed, but
unprofitable. During the second quarter, strong gains were realized in positions
in the Japanese yen, which weakened during June to an eight-year low versus the
U.S. dollar. Significant gains from Japanese yen trading continued into the
third quarter, and Japan's problems spread to other sectors of the global
economy, causing commodities prices to decline as demand from the Asian
economies weakened. Japan's deepening recession and credit crunch continued
through the fourth quarter, and the Fund achieved gains from long yen positions.
-14-
<PAGE>
1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Trading
Results
<S> <C>
Interest Rates $ 51,377
Stock Indices 747,204
Commodities 1,098,616
Currencies 2,050,928
Energy 292,364
Metals 487,163
-------------
$ 4,727,652
=============
</TABLE>
Trend reversals and extreme market volatility, affected by such
factors as the Asian flu and El Nino, were characteristic of most of 1997.
However, the year proved to be a profitable one overall for the Fund as trends
in several key markets enabled the Trading Advisors to profit despite the
significant obstacles. Although trading results in several sectors may have been
lackluster, the global currency and bond markets offered noteworthy trading
opportunities, which resulted in significant profits in these markets during the
year. Additionally, the currency and interest rate sectors of the Fund's
portfolio represented its largest percentage of market commitments.
In currency markets, the U.S. dollar rallied and started 1997 on a
strong note, rising to a four-year high versus the Japanese yen and two-and-a-
half year highs versus the Deutsche mark and the Swiss franc. However, the
dollar underwent two significant corrections during the year. The first
correction occurred in the Spring against the Japanese yen, due to the G7
finance ministers' determination that a further dollar advance would be counter-
productive to their current goals. From August through mid-November, the dollar
corrected against the Eurocurrencies in advance of a well-advertised tightening
by the Bundesbank. By mid-December the dollar had bounced back to new highs
against the yen and was rallying against the mark.
Global interest rate markets began the year on a volatile note, as
investors evaluated economic data for signs of inflation. By the middle of the
year, economic data in key countries was positive indicating lower inflation and
igniting a worldwide rally in the bond markets. Specifically, investor sentiment
was particularly strong in the U.S., where prices on the 30-year Treasury bond
and 10-year Treasury note rose to their highest levels in over two years. This
followed a largely positive economic report delivered by Federal Reserve
Chairman Greenspan in testimony before Congress. Effects of the plunge in the
Hong Kong stock market in late October spread rapidly throughout the world's
financial markets, including global bond markets. After continued volatility in
subsequent months made trading difficult, 1997 interest rate trading ended on a
positive note when U.S. and Japanese bond markets rallied as a flight to safety
from plunging stock markets around the world occurred in December.
1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Trading
Results
<S> <C>
Interest Rates $ 2,068,922
Stock Indices (869,901)
Commodities 1,910,190
Currencies 2,004,685
Energy (67,699)
Metals (197,068)
-------------
$ 4,849,129
=============
</TABLE>
-15-
<PAGE>
1996 began with the East Coast blizzard, continuing difficulties in
federal budget talks and an economic slowdown having a negative impact on many
markets. The Fund was profitable in January due to strong profits in currency
trading as the U.S. dollar reached a 23-month high against the Japanese yen. In
February, however, the Fund incurred its worst monthly loss due to the sudden
reversals in several strong price trends and considerable volatility in the
currency and financial markets. During March, large profits were taken in the
crude oil and gasoline markets as strong demand continued and talks between the
United Nations and Iraq were suspended. This trend continued into the second
quarter, during which strong gains were also recognized in the agricultural
markets as a combination of drought and excessive rain drove wheat and grain
prices to historic highs. In the late summer and early fall months, the Fund
continued to trade profitably as trending prices in a number of key markets
favorably impacted the Fund's performance. In September heating oil hit a five-
year high on soaring prices in Europe, and the Fund was also able to capitalize
on downward trends in the metals markets. Strong trends in the currency and
global bond markets produced significant gains in October and November, but the
year ended with declining performance as December witnessed the reversal of
several strong upward trends and increased volatility in key markets.
Variables Affecting Performance
-------------------------------
The principal variables which determine the net performance of the
Fund are gross profitability and interest income. Gross profitability is, in
turn, affected by the percentage of the Fund's assets allocated to trading.
During all periods set forth under "Selected Financial Data," the
interest rates in many countries were at unusually low levels. The low interest
rates in the United States (although higher than in many other countries)
negatively impacted revenues because interest income is typically a major
component of the Fund's profitability. In addition, low interest rates are
frequently associated with reduced fixed income market volatility, and in static
markets the Fund's profit potential generally tends to be diminished. On the
other hand, during periods of higher interest rates, the relative attractiveness
of a high risk investment such as the Fund may be reduced as compared to high
yielding and much lower risk fixed-income investments.
The Fund's Brokerage Commissions and Administrative Fees are a
constant percentage of the Fund's assets allocated to trading. The only Fund
costs (other than the insignificant currency trading costs) which are not based
on a percentage of the Fund's assets (allocated to trading or total) are the
Profit Shares payable to the Advisors on an Advisor-by-Advisor basis. Gross
profitability, is in turn, affected by the percentage of the Fund's assets
allocated to trading. During periods when Profit Shares are a high percentage of
net trading gains, it is likely that there has been substantial performance non-
correlation among the Advisors (so that the total Profit Shares paid to those
Advisors which have traded profitably are a high percentage, or perhaps even in
excess, of the total profits recognized, as other Advisors have incurred
offsetting losses, reducing overall trading gains but not the Profit Shares paid
to the successful Advisors) -- suggesting the likelihood of generally trendless,
non-consensus markets.
Unlike many investment fields, there is no meaningful distinction in
the operation of the Fund between realized and unrealized profits. Most of the
contracts traded by the Fund are highly liquid and can be closed out at any
time.
Except in unusual circumstances, factors -- regulatory approvals, cost
of goods sold, employee relations and the like -- which often materially affect
an operating business have virtually no impact on the Fund.
LIQUIDITY; CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Fund borrows only to a limited extent and only on a strictly
short-term basis in order to finance losses on non-U.S. dollar denominated
trading positions pending the conversion of the Fund's dollar deposits. These
borrowings are at a prevailing short-term rate in the relevant currency. They
have been immaterial to the Fund's operation to date and are expected to
continue to be so.
-16-
<PAGE>
Substantially all of the Fund's assets are held in cash. The Net Asset
Value of the Fund's cash is not affected by inflation. However, changes in
interest rates could cause periods of strong up or down price trends, during
which the Fund's profit potential generally increases. Inflation in commodity
prices could also generate price movements which the strategies might
successfully follow.
Substantially all of the Fund's assets are held in cash. Accordingly,
except in very unusual circumstances, the Fund should be able to close out any
or all of its open trading positions and liquidate any or all of its securities
holdings quickly and at market prices. This permits an Advisor to limit losses
as well as reduce market exposure on short notice should its strategies indicate
doing so. In addition, because there is a readily available market value for the
Fund's positions and assets, the Fund's monthly Net Asset Value calculations are
precise, and investors need only wait ten business days to receive the full
redemption proceeds of their Units.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE INITIATIVE
As the millennium approaches, Merrill Lynch has undertaken initiatives
to address the Year 2000 problem (the "Y2K problem"). The Y2K problem is the
result of a widespread programming technique that causes computer systems to
identify a date based on the last two numbers of a year, with the assumption
that the first two numbers of the year are "19". As a result, the year 2000
would be stored as "00," causing computers to incorrectly interpret the year as
1900. Left uncorrected, the Y2K problem may cause information technology systems
(e.g., computer databases) and non-information technology systems (e.g.,
elevators) to produce incorrect data or cease operating completely.
Merrill Lynch believes that it has identified and evaluated its
internal Y2K problem and that it is devoting sufficient resources to renovating
technology systems that are not already Year 2000 compliant. The resource-
intensive renovation phase (as further discussed) of Merrill Lynch's Year 2000
efforts was approximately 95% completed as of January 31, 1999. Merrill Lynch
will focus primarily on completing its renovation and testing and on integration
of the Year 2000 programs of recent acquisitions during the remainder of 1999.
In order to focus attention on the Y2K problem, management has deferred certain
other technology projects: however, this deferral is not expected to have a
material adverse effect on the company's business, results of operations, or
financial condition.
The failure of Merrill Lynch's technology systems relating to a Y2K
problem would likely have a material adverse effect on the company's business,
results of operations, and financial condition. This effect could include
disruption of normal business transactions, such as the settlement, execution,
processing, and recording of trades in securities, commodities, currencies, and
other assets. The Y2K problem could also increase Merrill Lynch's exposure to
risk and its need for liquidity.
In 1995, Merrill Lynch established the Year 2000 Compliance
Initiative, which is an enterprisewide effort to address the risks associated
with the Y2K problem, both internal and external. The Year 2000 Compliance
Initiative's efforts to address the risks associated with the Y2K problem have
been organized into six phases: planning, pre-renovation, renovation, production
testing, certification, and integration testing.
The planning phase involved defining the scope of the Year 2000
Compliance Initiative, including its annual budget and strategy, and determining
the level of expert knowledge available within Merrill Lynch regarding
particular systems or applications. The pre-renovation phase involved developing
a detailed enterprisewide inventory of applications and systems, identifying the
scope of necessary renovations to each application system, and establishing a
conversion schedule. During the renovation phase, source code is actually
converted, date fields are expanded or windowed (windowing is used on an
exception basis only), test data is prepared, and each system or application is
tested using a variety of Year 2000 scenarios. The production testing phase
validates that a renovated system is functionally the same as the existing
production version, that renovation has not introduced defects, and that
expanded or windowed date fields continue to handle current dates properly. The
certification phase validates that a system can run successfully in a Year 2000
environment. The integration testing phase, which will occur throughout 1999,
validates that a system can successfully interface with both internal and
external systems. Finally, as Merrill Lynch continues to implement new systems,
they are also being tested for Year 2000 readiness.
-17-
<PAGE>
In 1996 and 1997, as part of the planning and pre-renovation phases,
both plans and funding of plans for inventory, preparation, renovation, and
testing of computer systems for the Y2K problem were approved. All plans for
both mission-critical and non-mission-critical systems are tracked and
monitored. The work associated with the Year 2000 Compliance Initiative has been
accomplished by Merrill Lynch employees, with the assistance of consultants
where necessary.
As part of the production testing and certification phases, Merrill
Lynch has performed, and will continue to perform, both internal and external
Year 2000 testing intended to address the risks from the Y2K problem. As of
January 31, 1999, production testing was approximately 93% completed. In July
1998, Merrill Lynch participated in an industrywide Year 2000 systems test
sponsored by the Securities Industry Association ("SIA"), in which selected
firms tested their computer systems in mock stock trades that simulated dates in
December 1999 and January 2000. Merrill Lynch will participate in further
industrywide testing sponsored by the SIA, currently scheduled for March and
April 1999, which will involve an expanded number of firms, transactions, and
conditions. Merrill Lynch also participated in various other domestic and
international industry tests during 1998.
Merrill Lynch continues to survey and communicate with third parties
whose Year 2000 readiness is important to the company. Information technology
and non-information technology vendors and service providers are contacted in
order to obtain their Year 2000 compliance plans. Based on the nature of the
response and the importance of the product or service involved, Merrill Lynch
determines if additional testing is needed. The results of these efforts are
maintained in a database that is accessible throughout the firm. Third parties
that have been contacted include transactional counterparties, exchanges, and
clearinghouses; a process to access and rate their responses has been developed.
This information as well as other Year 2000 readiness information on particular
countries and their political subdivisions will be used by Merrill Lynch to
manage risk resulting from the Y2K problem. Management is unable at this point
to ascertain whether all significant third parties will successfully address the
Y2K problem. Merrill Lynch will continue to monitor third parties' Year 2000
readiness to determine if additional or alternative measures are necessary. In
connection with information technology and non-information technology products
and services, contingency plans, which are developed at the business unit level,
may include selection of alternative vendors or service providers and changing
business practices so that a particular system is not needed. In the case of
securities exchanges and clearinghouses, risk mitigation could include the re-
routing of business. In light of the interdependency of the parties in or
serving the financial markets, however, there can be no assurance that all Y2K
problems will be identified and remediated on a timely basis or that all
remediation will be successful. The failure of exchanges, clearing
organizations, vendors, service providers, counterparties, regulators, or others
to resolve their own processing issues in a timely manner could have a material
adverse effect on Merrill Lynch's business, results of operations, and financial
condition.
At year-end 1998, the total estimated expenditures for the entire Year
2000 Compliance Initiative were approximately $425 million, of which
approximately $125 million was remaining. The majority of these remaining
expenditures are expected to cover testing, risk management, and contingency
planning. There can be no assurance that the costs associated with such
remediation efforts will not exceed those currently anticipated by Merrill
Lynch, or that the costs associated with the remediation efforts or the possible
failure of such remediation efforts would not have a material adverse effect on
Merrill Lynch's business, results of operations, or financial condition.
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION ("EMU") INITIATIVE
As of January 1, 1999, the "euro" was adopted as the common legal
currency of participating member states of the EMU. As a consequence of the
introduction of and conversion to the euro, Merrill Lynch was required to make
significant changes to nearly 200 global business systems in order to reflect
the substitution of the euro for the 11 member national currencies and the
European currency unit. The introduction of the euro brings about fundamental
changes in the structure and nature of European financial markets, including the
creation of a unified, more liquid capital market in Europe. As financial
markets in EMU member states converge and local barriers are removed,
competition is expected to increase.
The introduction of the euro affects all Merrill Lynch facilities that
transact, distribute, or provide custody or recordkeeping for securities or cash
denominated in the currency of a participating member state. Merrill Lynch's
systems or procedures that handle such securities or cash were modified in order
to implement the conversion to the euro. The implementation phase is continuing
into the first quarter of 1999 to resolve any post-conversion issues. The
success of
-18-
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch's euro conversion efforts was dependent on the euro-compliance of
third parties, such as trading counterparties, financial intermediaries (e.g.,
securities and commodities exchanges, depositories, clearing organizations, and
commercial banks), and vendors.
As of the end of the 1998 fiscal year, the total estimated
expenditures associated with the introduction of and conversion to the euro were
approximately $79 million, of which $1 million is remaining to be spent during
the first quarter of 1999 on compliance efforts and project administration.
Management believes that it has identified and evaluated all of the systems and
operational modifications necessary for the conversion to the euro. On January
4, 1999 and since then, Merrill Lynch has conducted normal business operations,
having successfully completed its conversion program. Management does not expect
the introduction of the euro to have a negative effect on its future business,
currency risk, or competitive positioning in the European markets.
ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
----------------------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
Past Results Not Necessarily Indicative of Future Performance
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund is a speculative commodity pool. Unlike an operating company,
the risk of market sensitive instruments is integral, not incidental, to the
Fund's main line of business.
Market movements result in frequent changes in the fair market value
of the Fund's open positions and, consequently, in its earnings and cash flow.
The Fund's market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including the
level and volatility of interest rates, exchange rates, equity price levels, the
market value of financial instruments and contracts, the diversification effects
among the Fund's open positions and the liquidity of the markets in which it
trades.
The Fund, under the direction of the Trading Advisors, rapidly
acquires and liquidates both long and short positions in a wide range of
different markets. Consequently, it is not possible to predict how a particular
future market scenario will affect performance, and the Fund's past performance
is not necessarily indicative of its future results.
Value at Risk is a measure of the maximum amount which the Fund could
reasonably be expected to lose in a given market sector. However, the inherent
uncertainty of the Fund's speculative trading and the recurrence in the markets
traded by the Fund of market movements far exceeding expectations could result
in actual trading or non-trading losses far beyond the indicated Value at Risk
or the Fund's experience to date (i.e., "risk of ruin"). In light of the
foregoing as well as the risks and uncertainties intrinsic to all future
projections, the inclusion of the quantification in this section should not be
considered to constitute any assurance or representation that the Fund's losses
in any market sector will be limited to Value at Risk or by the Fund's attempts
to manage its market risk.
QUANTIFYING THE FUND'S TRADING VALUE AT RISK
Quantitative Forward-Looking Statements
---------------------------------------
The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Fund'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 Fund's risk exposure in the various market sectors traded by the
Advisors is quantified below in terms of Value at Risk. Due to the Fund's mark-
to-market accounting, any loss in the fair value of the Fund's open positions is
directly reflected in the Fund's earnings (realized or unrealized) and cash flow
(at least in the case of exchange-traded contracts in which profits and losses
on open positions are settled daily through variation margin).
Exchange maintenance margin requirements have been used by the Fund as
the measure of its Value at Risk. Maintenance margin requirements are set by
exchanges to equal or exceed 95%-99% of the maximum one-day losses in the fair
value of any given contract incurred during the time period over which
historical price fluctuations are researched
-19-
<PAGE>
for purposes of establishing margin levels. The maintenance margin levels are
established by dealers and exchanges using historical price studies as well as
an assessment of current market volatility (including the implied volatility of
the options on a given futures contract) and economic fundamentals to provide a
probabilistic estimate of the maximum expected near-term one-day price
fluctuation.
In the case of market sensitive instruments which are not exchange-
traded (almost exclusively currencies in the case of the Fund), the margin
requirements for the equivalent futures positions have been used as Value at
Risk. In those rare cases in which a futures-equivalent margin is not available,
dealers' margins have been used.
The fair value of the Fund's futures and forward positions does not
have any optionality component. However, certain of the Advisors trade commodity
options. The Value at Risk associated with options is reflected in the following
table as the margin requirement attributable to the instrument underlying each
option.
100% positive correlation in the different positions held in each
market risk category has been assumed. Consequently, the margin requirements
applicable to the open contracts have been aggregated to determine each trading
category's aggregate Value at Risk. The diversification effects resulting from
the fact that the Fund's positions are rarely, if ever, 100% positively
correlated have not been reflected.
THE FUND'S TRADING VALUE AT RISK IN DIFFERENT MARKET SECTORS
The following table indicates the trading Value at Risk associated
with the Fund's open positions by market category as of December 31, 1998. As of
December 31, 1998, the Fund's total capitalization was approximately
$33,791,182, all, of which was allocated to trading.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1998
--------------------------------
% OF TOTAL
MARKET SECTOR VALUE AT RISK CAPITALIZATION
------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest Rates $ 159,263 .47
Currencies 294,936 .89
Stock Indices 79,470 .23
Metals 115,273 .34
Commodities 78,680 .23
Energy 63,550 .18
Total ------------- --------------
$ 791,172 2.34
============= ==============
</TABLE>
MATERIAL LIMITATIONS ON VALUE AT RISK AS AN ASSESSMENT OF MARKET RISK
The face value of the market sector instruments held by the Fund is
typically many times the applicable maintenance margin requirement (maintenance
margin requirements generally ranging between approximately 1% and 10% of
contract face value) as well as many times the capitalization of the Fund. The
magnitude of the Fund's open positions creates a "risk of ruin" not typically
found in most other investment vehicles. Because of the size of its positions,
certain market conditions -- unusual, but historically recurring from time to
time -- could cause the Fund to incur severe losses over a short period of time.
Even comparatively minor losses could cause MLIP to further deleverage or
terminate the Fund's trading. The foregoing Value at Risk table -- as well as
the past performance of the Fund -- give no indication of this "risk of ruin."
NON-TRADING RISK
Foreign Currency Balances; Cash on Deposit with MLF
The Fund has non-trading market risk on its foreign cash balances not
needed for margin. However, these balances (as well as the market risk they
represent) are immaterial.
The Fund also has non-trading market risk on the approximately 90%-95%
of its assets which are held
-20-
<PAGE>
in cash at MLF. The value of this cash is not interest rate sensitive, but there
is cash flow risk in that if interest rates decline so will the cash flow
generated on these monies. This cash flow risk is immaterial.
QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES REGARDING PRIMARY TRADING RISK EXPOSURES
The following qualitative disclosures regarding the Fund's market risk
exposures -- except for (i) those disclosures that are statements of historical
fact and (ii) the descriptions of how the Fund 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
Fund's primary market risk exposures as well as the strategies used and to be
used by MLIP and the Advisors for managing such exposures are subject to
numerous uncertainties, contingencies and risks, any one of which could cause
the actual results of the Fund'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 Fund. There can be no assurance that the
Fund's current market exposure and/or risk management strategies will not change
materially or that any such strategies will be effective in either the short- or
long-term. Investors must be prepared to lose all or substantially all of the
time value of their investment in the Fund.
The following were the primary trading risk exposures of the Fund as
of December 31, 1998, by market sector.
INTEREST RATES. Interest rate risk is the principal market exposure of
--------------
the Fund. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of derivative
sovereign bond positions held by the Fund and indirectly 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 Fund's
profitability. The Fund's primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate
fluctuations in the United States and the other G-7 countries. However, the Fund
also takes positions in the government debt of smaller nations -- e.g., New
Zealand and Australia. The General Partner anticipates that G-7 interest rates
will remain the primary market exposure of the Fund for the foreseeable future.
CURRENCIES. The Fund trades in a large number of currencies, including
----------
cross-rates -- i.e., positions between two currencies other than the U.S.
dollar. However, the Fund's major exposures have typically been in the
dollar/yen, dollar/mark and dollar/pound positions. The General Partner does not
anticipate that the risk profile of the Fund's currency sector will change
significantly in the future, although it is difficult at this point to predict
the effect of the introduction of the Euro on the Advisors' currency trading
strategies. The currency trading Value at Risk 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 Fund in expressing Value at
Risk in a functional currency other than dollars.
STOCK INDICES. The Fund's primary equity exposure is to equity index
-------------
price movements. The stock index futures traded by the Fund are by law limited
to futures on broadly based indices. As of December 31, 1998, the Fund's primary
exposures were in the S&P 500, Financial Times (England), Nikkei (Japan) and DAX
(Germany) stock indices. The General Partner anticipates little, if any, trading
in non-G-7 stock indices. The Fund is primarily exposed to the risk of adverse
price trends or static markets in the major U.S., European and Japanese indices.
METALS. The Fund's primary metals market exposure is to fluctuations
------
in the price of gold and silver. Although certain of the Advisors will from time
to time trade base metals such as aluminum, copper and tin, the principal market
exposures of the Fund have consistently been in the precious metals, gold and
silver (and, to a much lesser extent, platinum). The Advisors' gold trading has
been increasingly limited due to the long-lasting and mainly non-volatile
decline in the price of gold over the last 10-15 years. However, silver prices
have remained volatile over this period, and the Advisors have from time to time
taken substantial positions as they have perceived market opportunities to
develop. The General Partner anticipates that gold and silver will remain the
primary metals market exposure for the Fund.
-21-
<PAGE>
COMMODITIES. The Fund's primary commodities exposure is to
-----------
agricultural price movements which are often directly affected by severe or
unexpected weather conditions. Soybeans, grains and orange juice accounted for
the substantial bulk of the Fund's commodities exposure as of December 31, 1998.
In the past, the Fund has had material market exposure to live cattle and
hogbellies and may do so again in the future. However, the General Partner
anticipates that the Advisors will maintain an emphasis on soybeans, grains and
orange juice, in which the Fund has historically taken its largest positions.
ENERGY. The Fund's primary energy market exposure is to gas and oil
------
price movements, often resulting from political developments in the Middle East.
Although the Advisors trade natural gas to a limited extent, oil is by far the
dominant energy market exposure of the Fund. Oil prices are currently depressed,
but they can be volatile and substantial profits and losses have been and are
expected to continue to be experienced in this market.
QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES REGARDING NON-TRADING RISK EXPOSURE
The following were the only non-trading risk exposures of the Fund as
of December 31, 1998.
FOREIGN CURRENCY BALANCES. The Fund's primary foreign currency
-------------------------
balances are in Japanese yen, German marks, British pounds and French francs.
The Fund has de minimis exchange rate exposure on these balances.
U.S. DOLLAR CASH BALANCE. The Fund holds U.S. dollars only in cash at
------------------------
MLF. The Fund has immaterial cash flow interest rate risk on its cash on deposit
with MLF in that declining interest rates would cause the income from such cash
to decline.
QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES REGARDING MEANS OF MANAGING RISK EXPOSURE
Trading Risk
------------
The General Partner 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 Fund, adjusting the
percentage of the Fund's total assets allocated to the Trading Advisors for
management, calculating the Net Asset Value of the Advisors' respective Fund
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 Fund basis. While MLIP does not itself intervene in the markets to hedge
or diversify the Fund's market exposure, 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-
concentrations. However, such interventions are unusual.
One important aspect of the General Partner's risk controls is its
adjustments to the leverage at which the Fund trades. By controlling the
percentage of the Fund's assets allocated to trading, the General Partner can
directly affect the market exposure of the Fund. Leverage control is the
principal means by which the General Partner 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 will equal no less than $100 as of the next
Principal Assurance Date.
At the Advisor level, each Advisor applies its own risk management
policies to its trading. These policies generally limit the total exposure that
may be taken per "risk unit" of assets under management. In addition, many
Advisors follow diversification guidelines (often formulated in terms of the
maximum margin which they will commit to positions in any one contract or group
of related contracts), as well as imposing "stop-loss" points at which open
positions must be closed out. Occasionally, Advisors will limit the market
exposure of their Fund account through acquiring put or call options which
"collar" the risk of open positions. However, because of the typically high
degree of liquidity in the markets traded by the Fund and the expense of
acquiring options, most Advisors rely simply on stop-loss policies, requiring
the liquidation of positions once losses of a certain magnitude have been
incurred.
-22-
<PAGE>
Certain Advisors treat their risk control policies as strict rules;
others only as general guidelines for controlling risk.
Non-Trading Risk
----------------
The Fund controls the non-trading exchange rate risk by regularly
converting foreign balances back into dollars (no less frequently than twice a
month, and more frequently if a particular foreign currency balance becomes
unusually high).
The Fund has cash flow interest rate risk on its cash on deposit with
MLF in that declining interest rates would cause the income from such cash to
decline. However, a certain amount of cash or cash equivalents must be held by
the Fund in order to facilitate margin payments and pay expenses and
redemptions. MLIP does not take any steps to limit the cash flow risk on its
cash held on deposit at MLF.
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
-------------------------------------------
The financial statements required by this Item are included in Exhibit
13.01.
The supplementary financial information ("selected quarterly financial
data" and "information about oil and gas producing activities") specified by
Item 302 of Regulation S-K is not applicable. The General Partner promoted the
Fund and is its controlling person.
ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
---------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
---------------------
There were no changes in or disagreements with independent auditors on
accounting or financial disclosure.
PART III
ITEM 10: DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
--------------------------------------------------
10(a) and 10(b) Identification of Directors and Executive Officers:
--------------------------------------------------
As a limited partnership, the Partnership itself has no officers or
directors and is managed by the General Partner. Trading decisions are made by
the Trading Advisors on behalf of the Partnership. The General Partner promoted
the Fund and is its controlling person.
The directors and executive officers of MLIP and their respective
business backgrounds are as follows.
JOHN R. FRAWLEY, JR. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
JEFFREY F. CHANDOR Senior Vice President, Director of
Sales, Marketing and Research and Director
JO ANN DI DARIO Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer,
through April 30, 1999
MICHAEL L. PUNGELLO Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer,
effective May 1, 1999
JOSEPH H. MOGLIA Director
ALLEN N. JONES Director
-23-
<PAGE>
STEPHEN G. BODURTHA Director
STEVEN B. OLGIN Vice President, Secretary and
Director of Administration
John R. Frawley, Jr. was born in 1943. Mr. Frawley is Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer, President and a Director of MLIP and Co-Chairman of MLF. He
joined Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") in 1966 and
has served in various positions, including Retail and Institutional Sales,
Manager of New York Institutional Sales, Director of Institutional Marketing,
Senior Vice President of Merrill Lynch Capital Markets and Director of
International Institutional Sales. Mr. Frawley holds a Bachelor of Science
degree from Canisius College. Mr. Frawley served on the CFTC's Regulatory
Coordination Advisory Committee from its formation in 1990 through its
dissolution in 1994. Mr. Frawley has served four consecutive one-year terms as
Chairman of the Managed Funds Association (formerly, the Managed Futures
Association), a national trade association that represents the managed futures,
hedge funds and fund of funds industry. Mr. Frawley currently serves as a member
of the CFTC's Global Markets Advisory Committee.
Jeffrey F. Chandor was born in 1942. Mr. Chandor is Senior Vice
President, Director of Sales, Marketing and Research and a Director of MLIP. He
joined MLPF&S in 1971 and has served as the Product Manager of International
Institutional Equities, Equity Derivatives and Mortgage-Backed Securities as
well as Managing Director of International Sales in the United States, and
Managing Director of Sales in Europe. Mr. Chandor holds a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Chandor is serving a
two-year term as a director of the Managed Funds Association.
Jo Ann Di Dario was born in 1946. Ms. Di Dario is, through April 30,
1999, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of MLIP. Before
joining MLIP in May 1998, she was self-employed for one year. From February 1996
to May 1997, she worked as a consultant for Global Asset Management, an
international mutual fund organizer and operator headquartered in London, where
she offered advice on restructuring their back-office operations. From May 1992
to January 1996, she served as a Vice President of Meridian Bank Corporation, a
regional bank holding company. She was responsible for managing the treasury
operations of Meridian Bank Corporation including its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Meridian Investment Company Inc. From September 1991 to May 1992, Ms. Di Dario
managed the Domestic Treasury Operations of First Fidelity Bank, a regional
bank. From January 1991 to September 1991, Ms. Di Dario was self-employed. For
the previous five years, Ms. Di Dario was Vice President, Secretary and
Controller of Caxton Corporation, a Commodity Pool Operator and Commodity
Trading Advisor. Her background includes seven years of public accounting
experience, and she graduated with high honors from Stockton State College with
a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Michael L. Pungello was born in 1957. Effective May 1, 1999, Mr.
Pungello will become Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of
MLIP. He was First Vice President and Senior Director of Finance for Merrill
Lynch's Operations, Services and Technology Group from January 1998 to March
1999. Prior to that, Mr. Pungello spent over 18 years with Deloitte & Touche
LLP, and was a partner in their Financial Services practice from June 1990 to
December 1997. He graduated from Fordham University in 1979 with a Bachelor of
Science degree in accounting and received his Master of Business Administration
degree in Finance from New York University in 1987.
Joseph H. Moglia was born in 1949. Mr. Moglia is a Director of MLIP.
In 1971, he graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Economics. He later received his Master of Science degree from the University of
Delaware. He taught at the high school and college level for sixteen years. Mr.
Moglia joined MLPF&S in 1984, and has served in a number of senior roles,
including Director of New York Fixed Income Institutional Sales, Director of
Global Fixed Income Institutional Sales, and Director of the Municipal Division.
He is currently Senior Vice President and Director of the Investment Strategy
and Product Group in Merrill Lynch Private Client, and Director of Middle
Markets.
Allen N. Jones was born in 1942. Mr. Jones is a Director of MLIP and,
from July 1995 until January 1998, Mr. Jones was also Chairman of the Board of
Directors of MLIP. Mr. Jones graduated from the University of Arkansas with a
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree in 1964. Since June 1992,
Mr. Jones has held the position of Senior Vice President of MLPF&S. From June
1992 through February 1994, Mr. Jones was the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc. ("MLIG") and remains on the Board
of Directors of MLIG and its subsidiary companies. From February 1994 to April
1997, Mr. Jones was the Director of Individual Financial Services of the Merrill
Lynch Private Client Group. In April 1997, Mr. Jones became the Director of
Private Client marketing.
Stephen G. Bodurtha was born in 1958. Mr. Bodurtha is a Director of
MLIP. In 1980, Mr. Bodurtha graduated magna cum laude from Wesleyan University,
Middletown, Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. From 1980
to 1983, Mr. Bodurtha worked in the Investment Banking Division of Merrill
Lynch. In 1985, he was awarded his Master of Business Administration degree from
Harvard University, where he also served as Associates Fellow (1985 to 1986).
From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Bodurtha held the positions of Associate and Vice
President with Kidder,
-24-
<PAGE>
Peabody & Co., Incorporated where he worked in their Financial Futures & Options
Group. Mr. Bodurtha joined MLPF&S in 1989 and has held the position of First
Vice President since 1995. He has been the Director in charge of the Structured
Investments Group of MLPF&S since 1995.
Steven B. Olgin was born in 1960. Mr. Olgin is Vice President,
Secretary and the Director of Administration of MLIP. He joined MLIP in July
1994 and became a Vice President in July 1995. From 1986 until July 1994, Mr.
Olgin was an associate of the law firm of Sidley & Austin. In 1982, Mr. Olgin
graduated from The American University with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. In 1986, he
received his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School. Mr. Olgin is
a member of the Managed Funds Association's Government Relations Committee and
has served as an arbitrator for the NFA. Mr. Olgin is also a member of the
Committee on Futures Regulation of the Association of the Bar of the City of New
York.
As of December 31, 1998, the principals of MLIP had no investments in
the Fund and MLIP's general partner interest in the Fund was valued at $397,988.
MLIP acts as general partner to twelve public futures funds whose
units of limited partnership interest are registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934: The Futures Expansion Fund Limited Partnership, The Growth
and Guarantee Fund L.P., ML Futures Investments II L.P., ML Futures Investments
L.P., John W. Henry & Co./Millburn L.P., The S.E.C.T.O.R. Strategy Fund (SM)
L.P., The SECTOR Strategy Fund (SM) V L.P., The SECTOR Strategy Fund (SM) VI
L.P., ML Global Horizons L.P., ML Principal Protection L.P., ML JWH Strategic
Allocation Fund L.P. and the Fund. Because MLIP serves as the sole general
partner of each of these funds, the officers and directors of MLIP effectively
manage them as officers and directors of such funds.
(c) Identification of Certain Significant Employees:
-----------------------------------------------
None.
(d) Family Relationships:
--------------------
None.
(e) Business Experience:
-------------------
See Item 10(a)(b) above.
(f) Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings:
----------------------------------------
None.
(g) Promoters and Control Persons:
-----------------------------
Not applicable.
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
----------------------
The directors and officers of the General Partner are remunerated by
the General Partner. The Partnership does not itself have any officers,
directors or employees. The Partnership pays Brokerage Commissions to an
affiliate of the General Partner and Administrative Fees to the General Partner.
The General Partner or its affiliates may also receive certain economic benefits
from holding the Fund's dollar assets. The directors and officers receive no
"other compensation" from the Partnership, and the directors receive no
compensation for serving as directors of the General Partner. There are no
compensation plans or arrangements relating to a change in control of either the
Partnership or the General Partner.
ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners:
-----------------------------------------------
-25-
<PAGE>
As of December 31, 1998, no person or "group" is known to be or have been
the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Units.
(b) Security Ownership of Management:
--------------------------------
As of December 31, 1998, the General Partner owned 832 SECTOR II Units and
1,595 SECTOR III Units (unit-equivalent general partnership interests),
which was less than 1.2% of the total Units outstanding.
(c) Changes in Control
------------------
None.
-26-
<PAGE>
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
----------------------------------------------
(a) Transactions Between Merrill Lynch and the Fund
All of the service providers to the Fund, other than the Advisors, are
affiliates of Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch negotiated with the Advisors over the
level of its advisory fees and Profit Share. However, none of the fees paid by
the Fund to any Merrill Lynch party were negotiated, and they are higher than
would have been obtained in arm's-length bargaining.
The Fund pays Merrill Lynch substantial Brokerage Commissions and
Administrative Fees as well as bid-ask spreads on forward currency trades. The
Fund also pays MLF interest on short-term loans extended by MLF to cover losses
on foreign currency positions.
Within the Merrill Lynch organization, MLIP is the direct beneficiary
of the revenues received by different Merrill Lynch entities from the Fund. MLIP
controls the management of the Fund and serves as its promoter. Although MLIP
has not sold any assets, directly or indirectly, to the Fund, MLIP makes
substantial profits from the Fund due to the foregoing revenues.
No loans have been, are or will be outstanding between MLIP or any of
its principals and the Fund.
MLIP pays substantial selling commissions and trailing commissions to
MLPF&S for distributing the Units. MLIP is ultimately paid back for these
expenditures from the revenues it receives from the Fund.
(b) Certain Business Relationships:
------------------------------
MLF, an affiliate of the General Partner, acts as the principal
commodity broker for the Partnership.
In 1998 the Partnership expensed: (i) Brokerage Commissions of
$1,015,128 to the Commodity Broker, which included $153,793 in consulting fees
earned by the Trading Advisors; and (ii) Administrative Fees of $29,004 to MLIP.
Through its investments in Trading LLCs and MM LLC, the following fees were
expensed: (i) Brokerage Commissions of $2,246,657 to the Commodity Broker, which
included $409,071 in consulting fees earned by the Trading Advisors; and (ii)
Administrative Fees of $64,191 to MLIP. In addition, MLIP and its affiliates may
have derived certain economic benefits from possession of the Fund's assets, as
well as from the Fund's foreign exchange and EFP trading.
See Item 1(c), "Narrative Description of Business -- Charges" and "--
Description of Current Charges" for a discussion of other business dealings
between MLIP affiliates and the Partnership.
(c) Indebtedness of Management:
--------------------------
The Partnership is prohibited from making any loans, to
management or otherwise.
(d) Transactions with Promoters:
---------------------------
Not applicable.
-27-
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
---------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(a)1. Financial Statements (found in Exhibit 13.01): Page
--------------------------------------------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report 1
Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 2
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Statements of Income 3
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital 4
Notes to Financial Statements 5-17
</TABLE>
(a)2. Financial Statement Schedules:
-----------------------------
Financial statement schedules not included in this Form 10-K have
been omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not
applicable or that equivalent information has been included in
the financial statements or notes thereto.
(a)3. Exhibits:
--------
The following exhibits are incorporated by reference or are filed
herewith to this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Designation Description
- ----------- -----------
3.01(a) Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of
the Registrant, dated July 27, 1995.
Exhibit 3.01(a): Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.01(a)
- ---------------
contained in the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the
Quarter ended June 30, 1995.
3.01(b) Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the
Partnership.
Exhibit 3.01(b): Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.01(b)
- ---------------
contained in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement
(File No. 33-39966) filed on May 8, 1991, on Form S-1 under
the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Registrant's Registration
Statement").
10.01(x) Form of Advisory Agreement between the Partnership, Merrill
Lynch Investment Partners Inc., Merrill Lynch Futures Inc.
and each Trading Advisor.
Exhibit 10.01(x): Is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.01(x) contained
- ----------------
in the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter
Ended June 30, 1995.
10.02(b) Form of Consulting Agreement between each of the Trading
Advisors, the Partnership and Merrill Lynch Futures Inc.
Exhibit 10.02(b): Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.02
- ----------------
contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement.
-28-
<PAGE>
10.03 Form of Customer Agreement between the Partnership and
Merrill Lynch Futures Inc.
Exhibit 10.03: Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.03
- -------------
contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement.
10.05 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Guarantee with respect to the
SECTOR II Units.
Exhibit 10.05: Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.05
- -------------
contained in Amendment No. 1 (as Exhibit B) to the
Registration Statement (File No. 33-36517) filed on
October 2, 1990.
10.05(a) Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Guarantee with respect to the
SECTOR III Units.
Exhibit 10.05(a): Is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.05 contained
- ----------------
in the Registrant's Registration Statement.
10.07(i) Foreign Exchange Desk Service Agreement among Merrill
Lynch International Bank, Merrill Lynch Investment
Partners Inc., Merrill Lynch Futures Inc. and the Fund.
Exhibit 10.07(i): Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.07(i)
- ----------------
contained in the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
10.07(ii) Form of Advisory and Consulting Agreement Amendment among
Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc., each Advisor, the
Fund and Merrill Lynch Futures Inc.
Exhibit 10.07(ii): Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.07(ii)
- -----------------
contained in the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
10.07(iii) Form of Amendment to the Customer Agreement among the
Partnership and MLF.
Exhibit 10.07(iii) Is incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit
- -----------------
10.07(iii) contained in the Registrant's report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
13.01 1998 Annual Report and Independent Auditors' Report.
Exhibit 13.01: Is filed herewith.
- -------------
13.01(a) 1998 Annual Reports and Independent Auditors' Reports for
the following Trading Limited Liability Companies
sponsored by Merrill Lynch Investment Partners' Inc.:
ML Millburn Global L.L.C.
ML JWH Financial and Metals Portfolio L.L.C.
ML Multi Manager Portfolio LLC
Exhibit 13.01(a): Is incorporated herein by reference from Form 10-K (fiscal
- ----------------
year ended December 31, 1998) Commission File number 0-
18702 for The S.E.C.T.O.R. Fund (SM) L.P. (Registration
Statement File No. 33-34432 filed on May 25, 1990 under
the Securities Act of 1933).
28.01(i) Prospectus of the Partnership with respect to the SECTOR
II portion, dated October 2, 1990.
Exhibit 28.01(i): Is incorporated by reference as filed with the Securities
- ----------------
and Exchange Commission on October 11, 1990 pursuant to
Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933.
28.01(ii) Prospectus of the Partnership with respect to the SECTOR
III portion, dated May 8, 1991.
-29-
<PAGE>
Exhibit 28.01(ii): Is incorporated by reference as filed with the Securities
- -----------------
and Exchange Commission on May 14, 1991 pursuant to Rule
424 under the Securities Act of 1933.
(b) Report on Form 8-K:
------------------
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of
1998.
-30-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 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.
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND (SM) II L.P.
By: MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT PARTNERS INC.
General Partner
By: /s/ John R. Frawley, Jr.
---------------------------
John R. Frawley, Jr.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on March 25, 1999 by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ John R. Frawley, Jr. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director March 25, 1999
- --------------------------
John R. Frawley, Jr. (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Jo Ann Di Dario Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer March 25, 1999
- --------------------------
Jo Ann Di Dario (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Jeffrey F. Chandor Senior Vice President, Director of Sales, March 25, 1999
- --------------------------
Jeffrey F. Chandor Marketing and Research, and Director
/s/ Allen N. Jones Director March 25, 1999
- --------------------------
Allen N. Jones
</TABLE>
(Being the principal executive officer, the principal financial and accounting
officer and a majority of the directors of Merrill Lynch Investment Partners
Inc.)
MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT General Partner of Registrant March 25, 1999
PARTNERS INC.
By: /s/ John R. Frawley, Jr.
---------------------------
John R. Frawley, Jr.
-31-
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND (SM) II L.P.
1998 FORM 10-K
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
-----------------
Exhibit
-------
Exhibit 13.01 1998 Annual Report and Independent Auditors' Report
-32-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 13.1
The SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
(A Delaware Limited Partnership)
Financial Statements for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
and Independent Auditors' Report
[LOGO] MERRILL LYNCH
<PAGE>
To: The Limited Partners of The SECTOR Strategy Fund(SM) II L.P.
The SECTOR Strategy Fund(SM) II L.P. (the "Fund" or the "Partnership") ended its
ninth fiscal year of trading on December 31, 1998 with a Net Asset Value ("NAV")
per Unit of $158.74, representing an increase of 1.52% from the December 31,
1997 NAV per Unit of $156.37. During 1998, trading profits were generated in
the interest rate, stock index and energy markets while losses were incurred in
metals, agriculture and currency trading.
Global interest rate markets provided the Fund with its most profitable
positions for the first quarter, particularly in European bonds where an
extended bond market rally continued despite an environment of robust growth in
the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as a strong pick-up in
growth in continental Europe. In the second quarter, swings in the U.S. dollar
and developments in Japan affected bond markets, causing the Fund's interest
rate trading to result in losses. This was turned around in the third quarter,
as markets worldwide were turned upside down and the Fund's non-correlation with
general equity and debt markets was strongly exhibited, and trading was
particularly profitable in positions in Eurodollars, German and Japanese bonds,
and U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. Global investors staged a major flight to
quality, resulting in a significant widening of credit spreads on a global
basis. In October, investors pushed the yields on U.S. Treasury bonds to a 31-
year low. The long bond yield fell about 75 basis points in 1998 as the world
economy slowed more than expected, inflation continued to fall, the anticipated
small U.S. budget deficit turned into substantial surplus, and the Federal
Reserve lowered interest rates.
Trading results in stock index markets were mixed in early 1998, despite a
strong first-quarter performance by the U.S. equity market as several
consecutive weekly gains were recorded with most market averages setting new
highs. Second quarter results were profitable as the Asia-Pacific region's
equity markets weakened across the board. In particular, Hong Kong's Hang Seng
index trended downward during most of the second quarter and traded at a three-
year low. As U.S. equity markets declined in July and August, the Fund profited
from short positions in the S&P 500, most notably during August, when the index
dropped 14.5%. Volatility in September made for a difficult trading environment
in the stock index sector, and the Fund incurred modest losses, although results
remained profitable for the quarter and the year overall in these markets.
In energy markets, demand for crude oil in the Middle East was affected by low
oil prices early in the year, and trading resulted in losses. Initially buoyed
on concerns about a U.S.-led military strike against Iraq, crude oil fell to a
nine-year low, as the globally warm winter, the return of Iraq as a producer and
the Asian economic crisis added to OPEC's supply glut problems. Despite
production cuts initiated by OPEC at the end of March, world oil supplies
remained excessive and oil prices stood at relatively low levels throughout the
first half of 1998. Short heating oil positions in the third quarter proved
profitable for the Fund as the market for heating oil prices dropped to its
lowest level in more than a decade. In early December, oil and natural gas
prices dropped sharply, causing continued problems for many emerging market
countries that depend on commodity exports for economic growth and government
financing. These price pressures were mainly due to excessive supply
availability and near-term weather indications that inventories would remain at
more than adequate levels even in the event of a cold Northern Hemisphere
winter. Also, the December U.S. air attack on Iraq failed to cause any damage
to oil pumping and shipping operations, and oil prices fell over 10%.
<PAGE>
Gold prices began the year drifting sideways, and continued to weaken following
news in the second quarter of a European Central Bank consensus that ten to
fifteen percent of reserves should be made up of gold bullion, which was at the
low end of expectations. Gold was unable to extend third quarter rallies or to
build any significant upside momentum, resulting in a trendless environment.
This was also the case in the fourth quarter, as gold's cost of production
declined. Also, silver markets remained range-bound, while also experiencing a
significant selloff in November, and aluminum traded at its lowest levels since
1994, with many aluminum smelters operating at a loss.
In agricultural commodity markets, 1998 began with strong gains as live cattle
and hog prices trended downward throughout the first quarter. In the second
quarter, although the U.S. soybean crop got off to a good start which
contributed to higher yield expectations and a more burdensome supply outlook,
soybean prices traded in a volatile pattern. Sugar futures maintained mostly a
downtrend, as no major buyers emerged to support the market. Similarly, coffee
prices trended downward, as good weather conditions in Central America and
Mexico increased the prospects of more output from these countries. The third
quarter resulted in losses as the U.S. soybean crop increased relative to the
USDA's production estimate as a result of timely rains, which contributed to
lower prices. These losses continued into the fourth quarter as the Fund was
caught on the short side of the soybean complex, as the soybean supply surplus
became more manageable following the November 10th USDA reports, causing
prices to gain upward momentum.
In currency markets, results early in the year were mixed, but unprofitable.
During the second quarter, strong gains were realized in positions in the
Japanese yen, which weakened during June to an eight-year low versus the U.S.
dollar. Significant gains from Japanese yen trading continued into the third
quarter, and Japan's problems spread to other sectors of the global economy,
causing commodities prices to decline as demand from the Asian economies
weakened. Japan's deepening recession and credit crunch continued through the
fourth quarter, and the Fund achieved gains from long yen positions.
Despite a year of unprecedented volatility in key global markets, we were
pleased with the Fund's ability to generate a profit by trading both the long
and short side of a variety of markets, demonstrating its value as an element of
diversification in an investor's portfolio. We look forward to 1999 and the
opportunities it may present.
Sincerely,
John R. Frawley, Jr.
President
Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc.
(General Partner)
FUTURES TRADING IS SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. PAST
PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
(A Delaware Limited Partnership)
------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page
----
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996:
Statements of Financial Condition 2
Statements of Income 3
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital 4
Notes to Financial Statements 5-17
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
- ----------------------------
To the Partners of
The SECTOR Strategy Fund(SM) II L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of The SECTOR
Strategy Fund(SM) II L.P. (the "Partnership") as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
and the related statements of income and of changes in partners' capital for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 The SECTOR Strategy Fund(SM) II L.P. as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of its operations for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
February 4, 1999
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
(A Delaware Limited Partnership)
------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Equity in commodity futures trading accounts:
Cash and option premiums (Note 1) $ -- $ 28,313,407
Net unrealized profit on open contracts (Note 1) -- 671,259
Accrued interest (Note 2) -- 127,467
Investments (Note 7) 33,791,182 12,352,605
Receivable from investments (Note 7) 662,200 57,819
--------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 34,453,382 $ 41,522,557
=============== ===============
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
LIABILITIES:
Brokerage commissions payable (Note 2) $ -- $ 212,278
Profit Shares payable (Note 3) -- 394,697
Administrative fees payable (Note 2) -- 6,065
Redemptions payable 662,200 259,060
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 662,200 872,100
--------------- ---------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
General Partner:
(832 and 2,145 SECTOR II Units) $ 132,067 $ 335,409
(1,595 and 3,905 SECTOR III Units) 265,921 620,882
Limited Partners:
(66,576 and 86,300 SECTOR II Units) 10,567,998 13,494,521
(136,907 and 164,781 SECTOR III Units) 22,825,196 26,199,645
--------------- ---------------
Total partners' capital 33,791,182 40,650,457
--------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 34,453,382 $ 41,522,557
=============== ===============
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT:
SECTOR II Units (Based on 67,408 and 88,445
Units outstanding) $ 158.74 $ 156.37
=============== ===============
SECTOR III Units (Based on 138,502 and 168,686
Units outstanding) $ 166.72 $ 159.00
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements
-2-
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
(A Delaware Limited Partnership)
------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Trading profit (loss):
Realized (Note 1) $ 1,169,961 $ 4,629,434 $ 6,760,623
Change in unrealized (Note 1) (671,259) 98,218 (1,911,494)
----------- ------------ ------------
Total trading results 498,702 4,727,652 4,849,129
Interest income (Note 2) 598,158 1,551,360 2,009,987
----------- ------------ ------------
Total revenues 1,096,860 6,279,012 6,859,116
----------- ------------ ------------
EXPENSES:
Brokerage commissions (Note 2) 1,015,128 2,732,838 4,213,004
Profit Shares (Note 3) 301,645 530,099 364,863
Administrative fees (Note 2) 29,004 78,081 113,600
----------- ------------ ------------
Total expenses 1,345,777 3,341,018 4,691,467
----------- ------------ ------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS (Note 7) 1,406,243 1,708,985 2,258,309
----------- ------------ ------------
NET INCOME $1,157,326 $ 4,646,979 $ 4,425,958
=========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
For weighted average net income per Unit for SECTOR II Units and SECTOR III
Units see Note 4.
See notes to financial statements.
-3-
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
(A Delaware Limited Partnership)
------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Units Limited Partners General Partner
----------------------- -------------------------- -----------------------
SECTOR II SECTOR III SECTOR II SECTOR III SECTOR II SECTOR III Total
---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1995 164,541 288,481 $20,324,051 $ 36,499,903 $ 268,488 $ 500,814 $ 57,593,256
Redemptions (58,471) (94,014) (7,440,617) (11,994,492) -- -- (19,435,109)
Net income -- -- 2,021,335 2,316,654 39,145 48,824 4,425,958
---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ------------ --------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1996 106,070 194,467 14,904,769 26,822,065 307,633 549,638 42,584,105
Redemptions (17,625) (25,781) (2,692,322) (3,888,305) -- -- (6,580,627)
Net income -- -- 1,282,074 3,265,885 27,776 71,244 4,646,979
---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ------------ --------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1997 88,445 168,686 13,494,521 26,199,645 335,409 620,882 40,650,457
Redemptions (21,037) (30,184) (3,011,647) (4,456,542) (192,459) (355,953) (8,016,601)
Net income -- -- 85,124 1,082,093 (10,883) 992 1,157,326
---------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ------------ --------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
DECEMBER 31, 1998 67,408 138,502 $10,567,998 $ 22,825,196 $ 132,067 $ 265,921 $ 33,791,182
========== =========== =========== ============ ========== ============ ==============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
-4-
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND(SM) II L.P.
(A Delaware Limited Partnership)
------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization
------------
The SECTOR Strategy Fund(SM) II L.P. (the "Partnership") was organized under
the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act on August 21, 1990 and
commenced trading activities on December 5, 1990. The Partnership engages
(currently, through an investment in a limited liability company (see below))
in the speculative trading of futures, options on futures, forwards and
options on forward contracts on a wide range of commodities. The Partnership
raised $136,410,000 for its initial capitalization ("SECTOR II Units") and
raised an additional $194,005,000 in a second offering of Units of limited
partnership interest ("SECTOR III Units"; SECTOR II and SECTOR III Units
being collectively referred to as "Units") and commenced trading activities
with respect to its SECTOR III Units on July 5, 1991. These capitalization
balances included investments from The SECTOR Strategy Fund(SM) International
II Ltd. (the "Company"). On March 1, 1994, the Company redeemed its
investments in the Partnership with respect to both the SECTOR II Units and
SECTOR III Units to become a stand-alone trading company. Merrill Lynch
Investment Partners Inc. ("MLIP" or the "General Partner"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc., which, in turn, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("Merrill Lynch"), is the general
partner of the Partnership. Merrill Lynch Futures Inc. ("MLF"), a Merrill
Lynch affiliate, is the Partnership's commodity broker. A portion of the
Partnership's assets is held by a commodity broker, other than MLF, to
facilitate the trading of a certain independent advisor, subject to an
arrangement recognized by the General Partner. The General Partner has agreed
to maintain a general partner's interest of at least 1% of the total capital
of the Partnership. The General Partner and each Limited Partner share in the
profits and losses of the Partnership in proportion to their respective
interests in it.
Many of the multi-advisor funds (the "Multi-Advisor Funds") sponsored by MLIP
allocate their assets to a number of the same independent advisors (the
"Advisors" or the "Trading Advisors"). However, because different Multi-
Advisor Funds had historically allocated assets to slightly different Advisor
groups, the Multi-Advisor Funds often were required to open and maintain
individual trading accounts with each Advisor. MLIP consolidated the trading
accounts of nine of its Multi-Advisor Funds (including the Partnership) as of
June 1, 1998. The consolidation was achieved by having these Multi-Advisor
Funds close their existing trading accounts and invest in a limited liability
company, ML Multi-Manager Portfolio L.L.C. ("MM LLC"), a Delaware limited
liability company, which opened a single account with each Advisor selected.
MM LLC is managed by MLIP, has no investors other than the Multi-Advisor
Funds and serves solely as the vehicle through which the assets of such
Multi-Advisor Funds are combined in order to be managed through single
rather than multiple accounts. The placement of assets into MM LLC did not
change the operations or fee structure of the Partnership; therefore, the
following notes relate to the operation of the Partnership through its
investment in MM LLC. The administrative authority over the Partnership
remains with MLIP. MLIP, on an ongoing basis, may change the number of Multi-
Advisor Funds investing in MM LLC.
MLIP selects the Advisors to manage MM LLC's assets, and allocates and
reallocates such trading assets among existing, replacement and additional
Advisors.
MLIP determines what percentage of the Partnership's total capital to invest
in MM LLC from time to time, attempting to balance the desirability of
reducing the opportunity costs of the Partnership's "principal
-5-
<PAGE>
protection" structure by investing 100% of the Partnership's assets in MM LLC
against the necessity of preventing Merrill Lynch from ever being required to
make any payments to the Partnership under the Merrill Lynch guarantee (See
Note 6).
Estimates
---------
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
-------------------
Commodity futures, options on futures, forwards and options on forward
contracts are recorded on the trade date, and open contracts are reflected in
net unrealized profit on open contracts in the Statements of Financial
Condition at the difference between the original contract value and the
market value (for those commodity interests for which market quotations are
readily available) or at fair value. The change in unrealized (loss) profit
on open contracts from one period to the next is reflected in change in
unrealized in the Statements of Income. (As a result of the investment in MM
LLC, there were no open contracts as of December 31, 1998.)
Foreign Currency Transactions
-----------------------------
The Partnership's functional currency is the U.S. dollar; however, it
transacts business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Assets and
liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are
translated into U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the dates of the
Statements of Financial Condition. Income and expense items denominated in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the
rates in effect during the period. Gains and losses resulting from the
translation to U.S. dollars are reported in total trading results currently.
Operating Expenses
------------------
MLIP pays for all routine operating expenses (including legal, accounting,
printing, postage and similar administrative expenses) of the Partnership.
MLIP receives an administrative fee as well as a portion of the brokerage
commissions paid to MLF by the Partnership.
Income Taxes
------------
No provision for income taxes has been made in the accompanying financial
statements as each Partner is individually responsible for reporting income
or loss based on such Partner's respective share of the Partnership's income
and expenses as reported for income tax purposes.
Distributions
-------------
The Unitholders are entitled to receive, equally per Unit, any distribution
which may be made by the Partnership. No such distributions had been made as
of December 31, 1998.
-6-
<PAGE>
Redemptions
-----------
A Limited Partner may require the Partnership to redeem some or all of such
Partner's Units at Net Asset Value as of the close of business on the last
business day of any month upon ten calendar day's notice.
Dissolution of the Partnership
------------------------------
The Partnership will terminate on December 31, 2010 or at an earlier date if
certain conditions occur, as well as under certain other circumstances as set
forth in the Limited Partnership Agreement.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
-----------------------------------------
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting standard No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities" (the "Statement"). Such Statement is effective for
fiscal years commencing after June 15, 1999. The General Partner does not
believe that the Statement will have a significant effect on the financial
statements of the Partnership.
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The majority of the Partnership's U.S. dollar assets are maintained at MLF.
On assets held in U.S. dollars, Merrill Lynch credits the Partnership with
interest at the prevailing 91-day U.S. Treasury bill rate. The Partnership is
credited with interest on any of its net gains actually held by Merrill Lynch
in non-U.S. dollar currencies at a prevailing local rate received by Merrill
Lynch. Merrill Lynch may derive certain economic benefit, in excess of the
interest which Merrill Lynch pays to the Partnership, from possession of such
assets.
Merrill Lynch charges the Partnership Merrill Lynch's cost of financing
realized and unrealized losses on the Partnership's non-U.S. dollar-
denominated positions.
The General Partner determined that there may have been a miscalculation in
the interest credited to the Partnership for a period prior to November 1996
(such period may extend prior to that covered by these financial statements).
Accordingly, the General Partner credited current and former investors who
maintained a Merrill Lynch customer account in December 1997 with interest
which was compounded. Former investors who do not maintain a Merrill Lynch
customer account have been credited as their response forms are processed.
The total amount of the adjustment was approximately $2,605,000 for SECTOR II
Units and $4,141,000 for SECTOR III Units. Since these amounts were paid
directly to investors by the General Partner, they are not reflected in these
financial statements. The General Partner determined that interest was
calculated appropriately since November 1996.
Prior to January 1, 1996, the Partnership paid brokerage commissions to MLF
at a flat monthly rate of .75 of 1% (a 9% annual rate) for SECTOR II Units,
and .833 of 1% (a 10% annual rate) for SECTOR III Units, in each case, of the
Partnership's month-end assets allocated to trading. Effective January 1,
1996, these percentages were reduced to .729 of 1% (an 8.75% annual rate) for
SECTOR II Units and .813 of 1% (a 9.75% annual rate) for SECTOR III Units,
and the Partnership began to pay MLIP a monthly administrative fee of .021 of
1% (a .25% annual rate) of the Partnership's month-end assets allocated to
trading (this recharacterization had no economic effect on the Partnership).
Effective October 1, 1996, the 9.75% annual brokerage rate for SECTOR III
Units was reduced to .729 of 1% (an 8.75% annual rate). Assets allocated to
trading are not reduced, for purposes of calculating brokerage commissions
and administrative fees, by any accrued brokerage commissions, administrative
fees, Profit Shares or other fees or charges.
-7-
<PAGE>
The General Partner estimates that the round-turn equivalent commission rate
charged to the Partnership during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996 was approximately $52, $63 and $59, respectively (not including, in
calculating round-turn equivalents, forward contracts on a futures-equivalent
basis).
MLF pays the Advisors annual Consulting Fees ranging up to 4% of the
Partnership's average month-end assets allocated to them for management,
after reduction for a portion of the brokerage commissions.
Many of the Partnership's currency trades are executed in the spot and
forward foreign exchange markets (the "FX Markets") where there are no direct
execution costs. Instead, the participants, banks and dealers, including
Merrill Lynch International Bank ("MLIB"), in the FX Markets take a "spread"
between the prices at which they are prepared to buy and sell a particular
currency and such spreads are built into the pricing of the spot or forward
contracts with the Partnership. The General Partner anticipates that some of
the Partnership's foreign currency trades will be executed through MLIB, an
affiliate of the General Partner. MLIB has discontinued the operation of the
foreign exchange service desk, which included seeking multiple quotes from
counterparties unrelated to MLIB for a service fee and trade execution.
In its exchange of futures for physical ("EFP") trading, the Partnership
acquires cash currency positions through banks and dealers, including Merrill
Lynch. The Partnership pays a spread when it exchanges these positions for
futures. This spread reflects, in part, the different settlement dates of the
cash and the futures contracts, as well as prevailing interest rates, but
also includes a pricing spread in favor of the banks and dealers, which may
include a Merrill Lynch entity.
3. AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreements among the Advisors, the Partnership and
MLIP, the Advisors determined the commodity futures, options on futures,
forwards and options on forward contracts traded on behalf of the
Partnership, subject to certain rights reserved by the General Partner. The
Advisory Agreements generally terminate one year after they are entered into,
subject to certain renewal rights exercisable by the Partnership.
In the case of the Trading LLCs, as defined in Note 7, the Trading LLCs
entered into the current Advisory Agreements with the Advisors.
In the case of MM LLC, as defined in Note 1, MM LLC has entered into the
Advisory Agreements with the Advisors.
Profit Shares, generally ranging from 15% to 25% of any New Trading Profit,
as defined, recognized by each Advisor considered individually irrespective
of the overall performance of the Partnership, either as of the end of each
calendar quarter or year and upon the net reallocation of assets away from an
Advisor, were paid by the Partnership or the Trading LLCs and are currently
paid by MM LLC to each Advisor. Profit shares are also paid out in respect of
Units redeemed as of the end of interim months, to the extent of the
applicable percentage of any New Trading Profit attributable to such Units.
-8-
<PAGE>
4. INCOME PER UNIT
The profit and loss of the SECTOR II and SECTOR III Units for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTOR II UNITS SECTOR III UNITS
--------------- ----------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Trading (loss) profit:
Realized (Note 1) $ (260,351) $ 1,765,544 $ 2,295,562 $ 1,430,312 $ 2,863,890 $ 4,465,061
Change in unrealized (Note 1) (104,914) (106,339) (154,315) (566,345) 204,557 (1,757,179)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total trading results (365,265) 1,659,205 2,141,247 863,967 3,068,447 2,707,882
Interest income (Note 2) 238,969 640,195 733,578 359,189 911,165 1,276,409
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total revenues (126,296) 2,299,400 2,874,825 1,223,156 3,979,612 3,984,291
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
EXPENSES:
Brokerage commissions (Note 2) 403,960 1,130,850 1,443,310 611,168 1,601,988 2,769,694
Administrative fees (Note 2) 11,542 32,310 41,237 17,462 45,771 72,363
Profit Shares (Note 3) 517 129,719 108,878 301,128 400,380 255,985
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total expenses 416,019 1,292,879 1,593,425 929,758 2,048,139 3,098,042
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS (Note 7) 616,556 303,329 779,080 789,687 1,405,656 1,479,229
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
NET INCOME $ 74,241 $ 1,309,850 $ 2,060,480 $ 1,083,085 $ 3,337,129 $ 2,365,478
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ =============
NET INCOME PER UNIT:
Weighted average number of General Partner
and Limited Partner Units outstanding (Note 5) 71,181 98,187 134,597 142,671 179,541 241,033
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ =============
Weighted average net income per Unit $ 1.04 $ 13.34 $ 15.31 $ 7.59 $ 18.59 $ 9.81
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ =============
</TABLE>
-9-
<PAGE>
5. WEIGHTED AVERAGE UNITS
The weighted average number of Units outstanding was computed for purposes of
disclosing net income per weighted average Unit. The weighted average number
of Units outstanding at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 equals the Units
outstanding as of such date, adjusted proportionately for Units redeemed
based on the respective length of time each was outstanding during the year.
6. MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC. GUARANTEE
Merrill Lynch has guaranteed to the Partnership that it will have sufficient
Net Assets with respect to SECTOR II and SECTOR III Units as of their
respective Principal Assurance Dates, that the Net Asset Value per Unit as of
such Principal Assurance Dates will equal, after adjustment for all
liabilities to third parties, not less than the minimum assured Net Asset
Value per Unit. Effective January 1, 1996, the Partnership restarted its
trading program for SECTOR II Units for a Second Time Horizon, as defined, of
two years' duration, and a new Principal Assurance Date of December 31, 1997
and a minimum assured Net Asset Value of $100.12. Effective October 1, 1996,
the Partnership restarted its trading program for SECTOR III Units with a
second Time Horizon, as defined, of two years' duration, and a new Principal
Assurance Date of September 30, 1998 and a minimum assured Net Asset Value
per Unit of $100.92. Effective January 1, 1998, the Partnership restarted its
trading program for SECTOR II Units for an additional Time Horizon of two
years' duration, with a new Principal Assurance Date of December 31, 1999 and
a minimum assured Net Asset Value per Unit of $125.10. Effective November 1,
1998, the Partnership restarted its trading program for SECTOR III Units with
a third Time Horizon, as defined, of two years' duration, and a new Principal
Assurance Date of October 31, 2000 and a minimum assured Net Asset Value per
unit of $132.74.
7. INVESTMENTS
Prior to investing in MM LLC, the Partnership placed assets under the
management of certain of the Advisors by investing in private limited
liability companies ("Trading LLCs") formed by the General Partner. The only
members of the Trading LLCs were commodity pools sponsored by the General
Partner. Each Trading LLC traded under the management of a single Advisor
pursuant to a single strategy and at a uniform degree of leverage. Placing
assets with an Advisor through a Trading LLC rather than a managed account
had no economic effect on the Partnership, except to the extent that the
Partnership benefited from the Advisor not having to allocate trades among a
number of different accounts (rather than acquiring a single position for the
Trading LLC as a whole).
The investments in Trading LLCs and MM LLC are reflected in the financial
statements at fair value based upon the Partnership's interest in each
Trading LLC and MM LLC. Fair value is equal to the market value of the net
assets of the Trading LLCs and of MM LLC. The resulting difference between
cost and fair value is reflected on the Statements of Income as income from
investments.
-10-
<PAGE>
As of December 31, 1998, the Partnership had an investment in MM LLC, and as
of December 31, 1997, the Partnership had investments in the ML JWH
Financial and Metals Portfolio L.L.C. ("JWH LLC") and ML Millburn Global
L.L.C. ("Millburn LLC") as follows:
1998 1997
----------- -----------
JWH LLC $ -- $ 9,266,578
Millburn LLC -- 3,086,027
MM LLC 33,791,182 --
----------- -----------
Total $33,791,182 $12,352,605
=========== ===========
During the second quarter of 1998, the Partnership withdrew its investments
in JWH LLC and Millburn LLC.
Total revenues and fees with respect to such investments were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Loss)Income
For the year ended Total Brokerage Administrative Profit from
December 31, 1998 Revenues Commissions Fees Shares Investments
- ------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SECTOR II Units
- ---------------
JWH LLC $ (222,268) $ 71,032 $ 2,030 $ -- $ (295,330)
MM LLC 1,792,563 596,814 17,052 266,811 911,886
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Total $ 1,570,295 $ 667,846 $ 19,082 $ 266,811 $ 616,556
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
SECTOR III Units
- ----------------
JWH LLC $ (711,701) $ 228,238 $ 6,521 $ -- $ (946,460)
Millburn LLC (31,859) 106,408 3,040 100 (141,407)
MM LLC 3,727,049 1,244,165 35,548 569,782 1,877,554
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Total $ 2,983,489 $ 1,578,811 $ 45,109 $ 569,882 $ 789,687
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Total All Units
- ---------------
JWH LLC $ (933,969) $ 299,270 $ 8,551 $ -- $(1,241,790)
Millburn LLC (31,859) 106,408 3,040 100 (141,407)
MM LLC 5,519,612 1,840,979 52,600 836,593 2,789,440
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Total $ 4,553,784 $ 2,246,657 $ 64,191 $ 836,693 $ 1,406,243
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
-11-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the year ended Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Income from
December 31, 1997 Revenues Commissions Fees Shares Investments
- -------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SECTOR II Units
- ---------------
JWH LLC $ 537,094 $ 193,763 $ 5,535 $ 34,467 $ 303,329
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
SECTOR III Units
- ----------------
JWH LLC $1,694,378 $ 526,322 $ 15,038 $ 127,575 $1,025,443
Millburn LLC 775,215 293,884 8,397 92,721 380,213
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total $2,469,593 $ 820,206 $ 23,435 $ 220,296 $1,405,656
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
Total All Units
- ---------------
JWH LLC $2,231,472 $ 720,085 $ 20,573 $ 162,042 $1,328,772
Millburn LLC 775,215 293,884 8,397 92,721 380,213
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total $3,006,687 $1,013,969 $ 28,970 $ 254,763 $1,708,985
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
<CAPTION>
For the year ended Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Income from
December 31, 1996 Revenues Commissions Fees Shares Investments
- -------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SECTOR II Units
- ---------------
JWH LLC $ 999,541 $ 88,359 $ 2,525 $ 129,577 $ 779,080
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
SECTOR III Units
- ----------------
JWH LLC $1,854,422 $ 162,588 $ 4,645 $ 231,628 $1,455,561
Millburn LLC 52,033 24,145 690 3,530 23,668
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total $1,906,455 $ 186,733 $ 5,335 $ 235,158 $1,479,229
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
Total All Units
JWH LLC $2,853,963 $ 250,947 $ 7,170 $ 361,205 $2,234,641
Millburn LLC 52,033 24,145 690 3,530 23,668
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total $2,905,996 $ 275,092 $ 7,860 $ 364,735 $2,258,309
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
-12-
<PAGE>
Condensed statements of financial condition and statements of income for MM
LLC, JWH LLC and Millburn LLC are set forth as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MM JWH Millburn JWH Millburn
LLC LLC LLC LLC LLC
December 31, 1998 December 31, 1997 December 31, 1997
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets $ 125,332,558 $ 65,048,564 $ 35,584,936
===================== =================== ==================
Liabilities $ 4,949,082 $ 3,689,658 $ 1,454,658
Members' Capital 120,383,476 61,358,906 34,130,278
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Total $ 125,332,558 $ 65,048,564 $ 35,584,936
===================== =================== ==================
For the period from For the period from For the period from
June 1, 1998 to For the year ended For the year ended October 1, 1996 to December 2, 1996 to
December 31, 1998 December 31, 1997 December 31, 1997 December 31, 1996 December 31, 1996
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------------------
Revenues $ 19,255,343 $ 15,279,401 $ 8,303,430 $19,365,949 $450,619
Expenses 9,491,842 6,714,041 4,600,706 4,426,261 291,370
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------------------
Net Income $ 9,763,501 $ 8,565,360 $ 3,702,724 $14,939,688 $159,249
===================== =================== ================== ==================== ====================
</TABLE>
8. 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.
Consequently, no such positions subsequent to May 31, 1998 are reflected in
these financial statements or in this Note 8.
The Partnership traded futures, options on futures, forwards and options on
forward contracts in interest rates, stock indices, commodities, currencies,
energy and metals. The Partnership's total trading results by reporting
category for the period from January 1, 1998 to May 31, 1998 and for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (during 1998, 1997 and 1996, a portion
of the Partnership's trading was done through Trading LLCs and is not,
accordingly, reflected below) were as follows:
Total Trading Results
----------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------------- ------------- ---------------
Interest Rates $ 85,850 $ 51,377 $ 2,068,922
Stock Indices (139,134) 747,204 (869,901)
Commodities 518,301 1,098,616 1,910,190
Currencies (343,635) 2,050,928 2,004,685
Energy 312,851 292,364 (67,699)
Metals 64,469 487,163 (197,068)
-------------- ------------- ---------------
$ 498,702 $ 4,727,652 $ 4,849,129
============== ============= ===============
-13-
<PAGE>
Market Risk
-----------
Derivative instruments involve varying degrees of off-balance sheet market
risk, and 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 Trading LLCs and in MM LLC, the net
unrealized profit as reflected in the respective Statements of Financial
Condition of the Trading LLCs and 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, the Trading LLCs and
currently MM LLC, as well as the volatility and liquidity of the markets in
which such derivative instruments are traded.
The General Partner 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,
adjusting the percentage of the Partnership's, the Trading LLC's or MM LLC's
total assets allocated to trading, calculating the Net Asset Value of the
Advisors' respective Partnership accounts and Trading LLC accounts or
currently 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 the General Partner does
not itself intervene in the markets to hedge or diversify the Partnership's
market exposure (although the General Partner does adjust the percentage of
the Partnership's total assets allocated to trading), the General Partner 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-concentrations. 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,
the General Partner'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 the General Partner'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, the General
Partner can directly affect the market exposure of the Partnership. Leverage
control is the principal means by which the General Partner 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.
Fair Value
----------
The derivative instruments traded by the Partnership were marked to market
daily with the resulting net unrealized profit recorded in the Statements of
Financial Condition and the related profit (loss) reflected in trading results
in the Statements of Income.
-14-
<PAGE>
The contract/notional values of open contracts as of December 31, 1997 were
as follows (there were no open contracts as of December 31, 1998):
1997
-------------------------------------------------
Commitment to Commitment to
Purchase (Futures, Sell (Futures,
Options & Forwards) Options & Forwards)
-------------------- --------------------
Interest Rates $111,822,582 $61,960,093
Stock Indices 702,713 1,344,492
Commodities 6,118,437 10,527,025
Currencies 29,226,864 47,464,361
Energy -- 1,638,290
Metals 10,026,403 13,459,084
-------------------- --------------------
$157,896,999 $136,393,345
==================== ====================
All of the Partnership's derivative instruments outstanding at the end of
1997 expired within one year.
The contract/notional values of the Partnership's open exchange-traded and
non-exchange-traded open derivative instrument positions as of December 31,
1997 were as follows (there were no open derivative instrument positions as
of December 31, 1998):
1997
-------------------------------------------------
Commitment to Commitment to
Purchase (Futures, Sell (Futures,
Options & Forwards) Options & Forwards)
-------------------- --------------------
Exchange-Traded $122,018,586 $ 86,758,401
Non-Exchange-
Traded 35,878,413 49,634,944
-------------------- --------------------
$157,896,999 $136,393,345
==================== ====================
-15-
<PAGE>
The average fair values, based on contract/notional values, of the
Partnership's derivative instrument positions which were open as of the end
of each calendar month during the period from January 1, 1998 to May 31, 1998
and for the year ended December 31, 1997 (during 1998 and 1997, a portion of
the Partnership's trading was done through Trading LLCs and is not,
accordingly, reflected below) were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to Commitment to
Purchase (Futures, Sell (Futures, Purchase (Futures, Sell (Futures,
Options & Forwards) Options & Forwards) Options & Forwards) Options & Forwards)
------------------ ------------------- -------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest Rates $110,834,643 $34,826,315 $ 77,088,151 $ 56,479,505
Stock Indices 3,655,697 4,182,365 2,167,668 3,574,752
Commodities 7,431,033 11,690,438 9,214,751 10,374,651
Currencies 25,112,602 33,215,901 29,245,884 41,682,837
Energy 504,061 1,591,262 480,943 1,090,424
Metals 7,369,692 8,517,697 11,335,877 11,258,160
------------------ ------------------- -------------------- --------------------
$154,907,728 $94,023,978 $129,533,274 $ 124,460,329
================== =================== ==================== ====================
</TABLE>
A portion of the amounts indicated as off-balance sheet risk reflects
offsetting commitments to purchase and to sell the same derivative on the
same date in the future. These commitments are economically offsetting but
are not, as a technical matter, offset in the forward markets until the
settlement 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 (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 fair value amounts in the above tables represent the extent of the
Partnership's market exposure in the particular class of derivative
instrument listed, but not the credit risk associated with counterparty
nonperformance. The credit risk associated with these instruments from
counterparty nonperformance, is the net unrealized profit included on the
Statements of Financial Condition.
-16-
<PAGE>
The gross unrealized profit and net unrealized profit on the Partnership's
open derivative instrument positions as of December 31, 1997 (as of December
31, 1997, a portion of the Partnership trading was done through Trading LLCs
and is not, accordingly, reflected below) were as follows (there were no open
derivative instrument positions as of December 31, 1998):
1997
--------------------------------
Gross Unrealized Net Unrealized
Profit Profit
---------------- --------------
Exchange-Traded $1,026,367 $604,825
Non-Exchange-Traded 1,284,841 66,434
---------------- --------------
$2,311,208 $671,259
================ ==============
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 counterparties and brokers.
The Partnership, in its normal course of business, entered into various
contracts, with MLF acting as its commodity broker. Pursuant to the
brokerage arrangement with MLF (which included a netting arrangement), to the
extent that such trading resulted in receivables from and payables to MLF,
these receivables and payables were offset and reported as a net receivable
or payable.
* * * * * * * * *
To the best of the knowledge and belief of the
undersigned, the information contained in this
report is accurate and complete.
/s/ Jo Ann Di Dario
Jo Ann Di Dario
Chief Financial Officer
Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc.
General Partner of
The SECTOR Strategy Fund(SM) II L.P.
-17-
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> BD
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998 JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 0 0
<RECEIVABLES> 662,200 29,169,952
<SECURITIES-RESALE> 0 0
<SECURITIES-BORROWED> 0 0
<INSTRUMENTS-OWNED> 33,791,182 12,352,605
<PP&E> 0 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 34,453,382 41,522,557
<SHORT-TERM> 0 0
<PAYABLES> 662,200 872,100
<REPOS-SOLD> 0 0
<SECURITIES-LOANED> 0 0
<INSTRUMENTS-SOLD> 0 0
<LONG-TERM> 0 0
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 0 0
<OTHER-SE> 33,791,182 40,650,457
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 34,453,382 41,522,557
<TRADING-REVENUE> 498,702 4,727,652
<INTEREST-DIVIDENDS> 598,158 1,551,360
<COMMISSIONS> 1,015,128 2,732,838
<INVESTMENT-BANKING-REVENUES> 0 0
<FEE-REVENUE> 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0 0
<COMPENSATION> 0 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 1,157,326 4,646,979
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY> 1,157,326 4,646,979
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> 1,157,326 4,646,979
<EPS-PRIMARY> 5.41 16.73
<EPS-DILUTED> 5.41 16.73
</TABLE>
