<PAGE>
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999
-------------
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________
Commission File Number 0-22448
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND/SM/ VI L.P.
---------------------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as
specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3714541
- --------------------------------- ---------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
c/o Merrill Lynch Investment Partners Inc.
Princeton Corporate Campus
800 Scudders Mill Road - Section 2G
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
609-282-6996
------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No_____
-----
<PAGE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND/SM/ VI L.P.
-----------------------------------------
(a Delaware limited partnership)
------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
---------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
1999 1998
----------------- -----------------
ASSETS
- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Investment $ 17,039,380 $ 19,571,183
Receivable from investment 347,777 438,365
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL $ 17,387,157 $ 20,009,548
================= =================
LIABILITY AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
- -------------------------------
Liability-Redemptions payable $ 347,778 $ 438,365
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
General Partner (1,993 and 1,993 Units) 245,186 244,832
Limited Partners (136,519 and 157,330 Units) 16,794,193 19,326,351
----------------- -----------------
Total partners' capital 17,039,379 19,571,183
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL $ 17,387,157 $ 20,009,548
================= =================
NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT
(Based on 138,512 and 159,323 Units outstanding) $ 123.02 $ 122.84
================= =================
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
2
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND/SM/ VI L.P.
------------------------------------
(a Delaware limited partnership)
------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the three For the three For the six For the six
months ended months ended months ended months ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
1999 1998 1999 1998
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
REVENUES:
Trading (loss) profits:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Realized $ - $ (135,584) $ - $ (267,771)
Change in unrealized - (74,938) - (112,024)
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Total trading results - (210,522) - (379,795)
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Interest income - 96,288 - 223,649
Income (Loss) from investments 120,888 (259,949) 14,445 (267,621)
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Total revenues 120,888 (374,183) 14,445 (423,767)
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
EXPENSES:
Brokerage commissions - 60,366 - 166,504
Administrative fees - 1,723 - 4,756
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
Total expenses - 62,089 - 171,260
----------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 120,888 $ (436,272) $ 14,445 $ (595,027)
================= =============== =============== =============
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT:
Weighted average number of units
outstanding 144,100 199,984 149,495 211,749
================= =============== =============== =============
Weighted average net income (loss)
per Limited Partner
and General Partner Unit $ 0.84 $ (2.18) $ 0.10 $ (2.81)
================= =============== =============== =============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
3
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND/SM/ VI L.P.
(a Delaware limited partnership)
------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
------------------------------------------
For the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
-----------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Units Limited Partners General Partner Total
---------------- -------------------- -------------------- ----------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1997 228,821 $ 26,098,411 $ 820,070 $ 26,918,481
Net loss - (575,589) (19,438) (595,027)
Redemptions (45,762) (4,704,756) (571,474) (5,276,230)
---------------- -------------------- -------------------- ----------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
June 30, 1998 183,059 $ 20,818,066 $ 229,158 $ 21,047,224
================ ==================== ==================== ================
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
December 31, 1998 159,323 $ 19,326,351 $ 244,832 $ 19,571,183
Net income - 14,091 354 14,445
Redemptions (20,811) (2,546,249) - (2,546,249)
---------------- -------------------- -------------------- ----------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL,
June 30, 1999 138,512 $ 16,794,193 $ 245,186 $ 17,039,379
================ ==================== ==================== ================
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND/SM/ VI L.P.
(A Delaware limited partnership)
------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These financial statements have been prepared without audit. In the opinion
of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting
of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the
financial position of The SECTOR Strategy Fund/SM/ VI L.P. (the "Partnership"
or the "Fund") as of June 30, 1999 and the results of its operations for the
three and six month periods ended June 30, 1999 and 1998. However, the
operating results for the interim periods may not be indicative of the
results expected for the full year.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been omitted. It is suggested that these
financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31,
1998 (the "Annual Report").
2. INVESTMENT
As of June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, the Partnership had an investment
in MM LLC of $17,039,380 and $19,571,183, respectively.
Total revenues and fees with respect to the Fund's investments are set forth
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the six months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Income (Loss)
ended June 30, 1999 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares from Investment
-------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MM LLC $ 910,612 $ 809,562 $ 23,130 $ 63,475 $ 14,445
==================== ================ ================== =============== ====================
For the six months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Income (Loss)
ended June 30, 1998 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares from Investments
-------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------------
JWH LLC $ (613,096) $ 191,892 $ 5,485 $ - $ (810,473)
Chesapeake LLC 636,956 195,824 5,594 87,023 348,515
MM LLC 185,231 127,584 3,645 37,943 16,059
SJO LLC 392,638 186,551 5,330 22,479 178,278
-------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------------
Total $ 601,729 $ 701,851 $ 20,054 $ 147,445 $ (267,621)
==================== ================ ================== =============== ====================
For the three months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Income (Loss)
ended June 30, 1999 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares from Investment
-------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------------
MM LLC $ 554,400 $ 392,060 $ 11,202 $ 30,250 $ 120,888
==================== ================ ================== =============== ====================
For the three months Total Brokerage Administrative Profit Income (Loss)
ended June 30, 1998 Revenue Commissions Fees Shares from Investments
-------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------------
JWH LLC $ (213,471) $ 68,677 $ 1,964 $ - $ (284,112)
Chesapeake LLC 27,225 75,575 2,159 (10,292) (40,217)
MM LLC 185,231 127,584 3,645 37,943 16,059
SJO LLC 125,840 69,846 1,995 5,678 48,321
-------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- --------------------
Total $ 124,825 $ 341,682 $ 9,763 $ 33,329 $ (259,949)
==================== ================ ================== =============== ====================
</TABLE>
During the second quarter of 1998, the Partnership withdrew its investments
in JWH LLC, Chesapeake LLC and SJO LLC.
5
<PAGE>
Condensed statements of financial condition and statements of operations for
MM LLC, JWH LLC, Chesapeake LLC, and SJO LLC are set forth as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MM LLC MM LLC
June 30, 1999 December 31, 1998
----------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets $ 111,887,450 $ 125,332,558
======================= ======================
Liabilities $ 2,489,338 $ 4,949,082
Members' Capital 109,398,112 120,383,476
----------------------- ----------------------
Total $ 111,887,450 $ 125,332,558
======================= ======================
<CAPTION>
MM LLC
For the three months For the three months For the six months For the six months
ended June 30, 1999 ended June 30, 1998 ended June 30, 1999 ended June 30, 1998
----------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 3,525,206 $ 1,307,775 $ 5,756,093 $ 1,307,775
Expenses 2,686,982 1,187,403 5,492,766 1,187,403
----------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
Net Income $ 838,224 $ 120,372 $ 263,327 $ 120,372
======================= ====================== =================== =====================
<CAPTION>
JWH LLC
For the three months For the six months
ended June 30, 1998 ended June 30, 1998
----------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues $ (3,235,723) $ (7,262,323)
Expenses 991,700 2,333,897
----------------------- ----------------------
Net Loss $ (4,227,423) $ (9,596,220)
======================= ======================
<CAPTION>
Chesapeake LLC
For the three months For the six months
ended June 30, 1998 ended June 30, 1998
----------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 95,555 $ 1,985,575
Expenses 299,321 903,412
----------------------- ----------------------
Net (Loss) Income $ (203,766) $ 1,082,163
======================= ======================
<CAPTION>
SJO LLC
For the three months For the six months
ended June 30, 1998 ended June 30, 1998
----------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 500,566 $ 1,472,850
Expenses 299,321 802,878
----------------------- ----------------------
Net Income $ 201,245 $ 669,972
======================= ======================
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
3. FAIR VALUE AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" (the "Statement"), effective for fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2000, however the Fund has adopted the
Statement effective January 1, 1999. This Statement supercedes SFAS No. 119
("Disclosure about Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of
Financial Instruments") and SFAS No. 105 ("Disclosure of information about
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk and Financial Instruments
with Concentrations of Credit Risk") whereby disclosure of average aggregate
fair values and contract/notional values, respectively, of derivative
financial instruments is no longer required for an entity such as the
Partnership which carries its assets at fair value. Such Statement sets
forth a much broader definition of a derivative instrument. The General
Partner does not believe that the application of the provisions of such
statement has a significant effect on the financial statements.
SFAS No. 133 defines a derivative as a financial instrument or other contract
that has all three of the following characteristics (1) one or more
underlyings, notional amounts or payment provisions (2) requires no initial
net investment or a smaller initial net investment than would be required
relative to changes in market factors (3) terms require or permit net
settlement. Generally, derivatives include a future, forward, swap or option
contract, or other financial instrument with similar characteristics such as
caps, floors and collars.
As of June 1, 1998, the Partnership invested all of its assets in MM LLC. The
Partnership is thus, invested indirectly in the trading of derivative
instruments.
Market Risk
-----------
Derivative financial 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 underlying
financial instruments or commodities underlying such derivative instruments
frequently resulted in changes in the Partnership's net unrealized (loss)
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 (loss) 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 such 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-concentration. However, such
interventions are unusual. Except in cases in which it appears that an
Advisor has begun to deviate from past practice or trading policies or to be
trading erratically, 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 will equal no less than a
specified minimum as of the Principal Assurance Date.
Credit Risk
-----------
The risks associated with exchange-traded contracts are typically perceived
to be less than those associated with over-the-counter (non-exchange-traded)
transactions, because exchanges typically (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
7
<PAGE>
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 credit risk associated with these instruments from counterparty
nonperformance is the net unrealized profit included on the Statements of
Financial Condition or, with respect to the Partnership's assets invested in
trading LLCs and in MM LLC, the net unrealized profit included in the
respective statements of Financial Conditions of the Trading LLCs and MM LLC.
The Partnership has a credit risk in respect of its counterparts and brokers,
but attempts to control this risk by dealing almost exclusively with Merrill
Lynch entities as counterparts and brokers.
The Partnership, in its normal course of business, entered into various
contracts, with Merrill Lynch Futures ("MLF"), a Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
affiliate, acting as its commodity broker.
8
<PAGE>
Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
---------------------
MONTH END NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $117.10 $117.18 $116.93 $112.78 $114.80 $114.98
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 $121.29 $122.74 $122.19 $123.53 $122.56 $123.02
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Summary
January 1, 1998 to June 30, 1998
- --------------------------------
January 1, 1998 to March 31, 1998
The Fund's most profitable positions during the quarter were in the global
interest rate markets. In Europe, 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.
Gold prices drifted sideways and lower as Asian demand continued to slow
and demand in the Middle East was affected by low oil prices. 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.
Trading results in stock index markets were mixed, but marginally
profitable, 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. Results in currency trading were also mixed, but
unprofitable. In particular, the Swiss franc weakened versus the U.S. dollar.
Agricultural commodity markets provided profitable trading results overall.
Live cattle and hog prices trended downward throughout the quarter. Cotton
prices moved mostly upward during the quarter, but prices dropped off sharply at
the end of March.
April 1, 1998 to June 30, 1998
As swings in the U.S. dollar and developments in Japan affected bond markets,
the Fund's interest rate trading during the quarter resulted in losses,
particularly in Eurodollar deposits and U.S. Treasury bonds. Early in the
quarter, Treasury trading was range-bound, as concern that the economy might be
overheating was balanced by the potential impact of the Asian recession.
Additionally, Australian bonds and bills saw a dramatic drop in prices in early
June, as dollar-bloc currencies remained under pressure versus the U.S. dollar
due to the Japanese/Asian crisis.
Metals trading also resulted in losses, while energy trading was profitable.
The depressed gold market weakened further following news 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. 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 quarter.
Results in currency trading were unprofitable. Strong gains were realized in
positions on the Japanese yen, which weakened during June to an eight-year low
versus the U.S. dollar. Trading results in stock index markets were
unprofitable, 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 quarter and traded at a three-year low.
Agricultural commodity trading produced losses. The U.S. soybean crop got off
to a good start which contributed to higher yield expectations and a more
burdensome supply outlook and soybean prices traded in a volatile pattern for
the second half of the quarter. 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.
January 1, 1999 to June 30, 1999
- --------------------------------
January 1, 1999 to March 31, 1999
The Fund profited from trading in crude oil, heating oil, and unleaded gas.
As the year opened, the global oil balance continued to show signs of being
lopsided with estimated year-end 1998 inventories at their highest levels since
1984. During January, petroleum stocks rose by 21 million barrels compared with
a typical gain of 6 to 7 million barrels. Then, on March 23, OPEC ratified new
production cuts totaling 1.716 million barrels per day at its conference. These
new production cuts were scheduled to go into effect on April 1 and proved to be
harbingers of higher prices for crude.
9
<PAGE>
Agricultural trading was also profitable overall, as gains in live hogs and
live cattle offset losses in corn positions. Hog prices plummeted due to a glut
of hogs in the market. At the beginning of the quarter, the corn market
continued to struggle despite a stretch of solid export business. The market's
negative sentiment was deepened by ongoing favorable weather in South America
which continued through February, even though there was a sharp reduction in
Argentina's planted area. Lack of enthusiasm for new crop and less than
spectacular demand continued to depress the corn market throughout the quarter.
Interest rate trading proved profitable for the Fund as well, as losses
in Japanese 10-year government bonds were by gains in 10-year U.S. Treasury
notes and German 10-year bonds. Early in January, the yield on the Japanese
government 10-year bond increased to 1.8%, sharply above the record low of
0.695% it reached on October 7, 1998. This was triggered by the Japanese Trust
Fund Bureau's decision to absorb a smaller share of future issues, leaving the
burden of financing future budget deficits to the private sector.
Losses in aluminum overshadowed slight gains in copper during the first
quarter. In January, burdensome warehouse stocks and questionable demand
prospects weighed on base metals as aluminum fell to a 5-year low and copper
fell to nearly an 11-year low. Major surpluses in both metals were expected,
keeping prices down, and there was no supply side response to weak demand and
lower prices. However the end of March showed copper and aluminum leading a
surge in base metals as prices recovered from multi-year lows.
The Fund also suffered losses in currency trading during the quarter, as
losses in Japanese yen overpowered gains in Swiss francs. On a trade-weighted
basis, the Swiss franc ended the quarter at close to a seven-month low mostly as
a result of the stronger U.S. dollar. In January the yen had advanced by nearly
35% against the dollar since early in August, and the Bank of Japan lowered
rates to keep the economy sufficiently liquid so as to allow fiscal spending to
restore some growth to the economy and to drive down the surging yen.
Stock index trading was also unprofitable, as losses were sustained in Hang
Seng and CAC40 positions. Also of note the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed
above the 10,000 mark for the first time ever at the end of March, setting a
record for the index.
April 1, 1999 to June 30, 1999
The Fund profited in interest rate trading from short positions in Euro dollars,
U.S. 10-year Treasury notes and U.S. Treasury bonds as the flight to quality in
the bond market reversed during the first half of 1999 and concerns about higher
interest rates continued to rattle the financial markets.
Stock indices trading also resulted in gains overall for the quarter, as
positions in the Hang Seng, Nikkei 225 and Topix Indices all generated profits
as the equity indices rallied worldwide in April and June.
Trading in the agricultural markets also proved profitable for the Fund. Gains
from live cattle and live hog positions offset losses from short corn positions.
Agricultural commodities, in particular corn, were weak almost across the board
as they were saddled with supply/demand imbalances. In the beginning of the
quarter, continued wetness across the corn belt led to early planting delays.
The energy sector was profitable as positions in crude oil offset losses from
short positions in natural gas and gas oil trading. The focus of attention, in
the natural gas markets since the end of winter, was the sharply lower than
year-ago storage injection activity. Crude oil prices rallied much higher and
faster than expected following last quarter's ratification of an OPEC/non-OPEC
agreement to cut production by over 2 million barrels per day. Natural gas
prices also rallied sharply over the quarter, reflecting, in part, growing
concerns about a decline in US natural gas production.
Currency trading resulted in losses for the Fund. Gains in Euro trading were
offset by losses sustained in British pound trading and from short positions in
the Canadian dollar. After suffering under the weight of lower commodity prices
and the Asian recession, the Canadian dollar underwent a significant rally in
the first half of 1999, moving up about 3 cents from the end of 1998.
In the metals sector, gains from short gold positions were overshadowed by
losses in copper and nickel trading. Throughout the first half of 1999, gold
prices were in a state of gradual erosion and in early June, prices hit their
lowest levels in over 20 years. Gold continued to show a lack of response to
political and
10
<PAGE>
military events such as Kosovo and also lost much of its role as a monetary
asset and flight to safety vehicle. The economic scenario for Asia, Brazil,
emerging market nations and Europe helped keep copper and other base metals on
the defensive as demand receded with virtually no supply side response.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
As the Year 2000 approaches, Merrill Lynch has undertaken initiatives to address
the Year 2000 problem (the "Y2K problem"), as more fully described in the
Partnership's 1998 Form 10-K. 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 legal liability and its need for liquidity.
The renovation phase of Merrill Lynch's Year 2000 system efforts, as described
in the Partnership's 1998 Form 10-K, was 100% completed as of June 30, 1999, and
production testing was 100% completed as of that date. In March and April 1999,
Merrill Lynch successfully participated in U.S. industrywide testing sponsored
by the Securities Industry Association. These tests involved an expanded number
of firms, transactions, and conditions compared with those previously conducted.
Merrill Lynch has participated in and continues to participate in numerous
industry tests throughout the world.
In light of the interdependency of the parties in or serving the financial
markets, there can be no assurance that all Y2K problems will be identified and
remedied on a timely basis or that all remediation will be successful. Public
uncertainty regarding successful remediation of the Y2K problem may cause a
reduction in activity in the financial markets. Disruption or suspension of
activity in the world's financial markets is also possible. In some non-U.S.
markets in which Merrill Lynch does business, the level of awareness and
remediation efforts relating to the Y2K problem are thought to be less advanced
than in the U.S. 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. Contingency plans have been
established for all business units. However, the failure of exchanges, clearing
organizations, vendors, service providers, clients and 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.
As of June 25, 1999, the total estimated expenditures of existing and
incremental resources for the Year 2000 compliance initiative are approximately
$520 million. This estimate includes $104 million of occupancy, communications,
and other related overhead expenditures, as Merrill Lynch is applying a fully
costed pricing methodology for this project. Of the total estimated
expenditures, approximately $80 million remains to be spent, primarily on
continued testing, contingency planning, and risk management. There can be no
assurance that the costs associated with remediation efforts will not exceed
those currently anticipated by Merrill Lynch, or that the possible failure of
such remediation efforts will not have a material adverse effect on Merrill
Lynch's business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not applicable
11
<PAGE>
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There are no pending proceedings to which the Partnership or the
General Partner is a party.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) None.
(b) None.
(c) None.
(d) None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Exhibits
--------
There are no exhibits required to be filed as part of this report.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
-------------------
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the first six months
of fiscal 1999
12
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
THE SECTOR STRATEGY FUND/SM/ VI L.P.
By: MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT PARTNERS INC.
(General Partner)
Date: August 10, 1999 By /s/JOHN R. FRAWLEY J.R.
-----------------------
John R. Frawley, Jr.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
Date: August 10, 1999 By /s/ MICHAEL L. PUNGELLO
-----------------------
Michael L. Pungello
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
13
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> BD
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999 DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999 JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1999 JUN-30-1998
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<RECEIVABLES> 17,387,157 20,009,548
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<PP&E> 0 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 17,387,157 20,009,548
<SHORT-TERM> 0 0
<PAYABLES> 347,778 438,365
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<INSTRUMENTS-SOLD> 0 0
<LONG-TERM> 0 0
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 0 0
<OTHER-SE> 17,039,379 19,571,183
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 17,387,157 20,009,548
<TRADING-REVENUE> 0 (379,795)
<INTEREST-DIVIDENDS> 0 223,649
<COMMISSIONS> 0 171,260
<INVESTMENT-BANKING-REVENUES> 14,445 (267,621)
<FEE-REVENUE> 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0 0
<COMPENSATION> 0 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 14,445 (595,027)
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY> 14,445 (595,027)
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> 14,445 (595,027)
<EPS-BASIC> 0.10 (2.81)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.10 (2.81)
</TABLE>
