EX-13.1 4 dex131.htm REGISTRANT'S 2003 ANNUAL REPORT Registrant's 2003 Annual Report

 

 

 

World Monitor Trust—Series B

 

2003

 

Annual

Report


LETTER TO LIMITED PARTNERS FOR

WORLD MONITOR TRUST—SERIES B

 

April 2004

 

1


PricewaterhouseCoopers (LOGO)

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

1177 Avenue of the Americas

New York NY 10036

Telephone (646) 471 4000

Facsimile (813) 286 6000

 

Report of Independent Auditors

 

To the Managing Owner and Limited Owners

of World Monitor Trust—Series B

 

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of financial condition, including the condensed schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in trust capital present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of World Monitor Trust-Series B at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and changes in its trust capital for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Managing Owner; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Managing Owner, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

January 23, 2004

 

2


WORLD MONITOR TRUST—SERIES B

(a Delaware Business Trust)

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

       December 31,

       2003      2002

ASSETS

                 

Cash in commodity trading accounts

     $ 8,761,551      $ 8,801,236

Net unrealized gain on open futures contracts

       335,623        386,286

Net unrealized gain on open forward contracts

       126,396        138,419
      

    

Total assets

     $ 9,223,570      $ 9,325,941
      

    

LIABILITIES AND TRUST CAPITAL

                 

Liabilities

                 

Commissions payable

     $ 62,008      $ 60,800

Management fees payable

       16,066        15,911
      

    

Total liabilities

       78,074        76,711
      

    

Commitments

                 

Trust capital

                 

Limited interests (68,312.372 and 76,607.531 interests outstanding)

       9,053,913        9,143,245

General interests (691 and 888 interests outstanding)

       91,583        105,985
      

    

Total trust capital

       9,145,496        9,249,230
      

    

Total liabilities and trust capital

     $ 9,223,570      $ 9,325,941
      

    

Net asset value per limited and general interest

     $ 132.54      $ 119.35
      

    


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

3


WORLD MONITOR TRUST—SERIES B

(a Delaware Business Trust)

CONDENSED SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS

 

       At December 31,

 
       2003

     2002

 
Futures and Forward Contracts      Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
as a % of
Trust Capital
    Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
     Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
as a % of
Trust Capital
    Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 

 

Futures contracts purchased:

                               

Stock indices

           $ 197,773            $ —      

Interest rates

             23,329              260,697  

Currencies

             —                  144,825  

Commodities

             207,487              (3,277 )
            


        


Net unrealized gain on futures contracts purchased

     4.69 %     428,589      4.35 %     402,245  
            


        


Futures contracts sold:

                               

Stock indices

             —                  19,803  

Commodities

             (92,966 )            (35,762 )
            


        


Net unrealized loss on futures contracts sold

     (1.02 )     (92,966 )    (0.17 )     (15,959 )
      

 


  

 


Net unrealized gain on futures contracts

     3.67 %   $ 335,623      4.18 %   $ 386,286  
      

 


  

 


Forward currency contracts purchased

     1.99 %   $ 181,635      1.66 %   $ 153,111  

Forward currency contracts sold

     (0.61 )     (55,239 )    (0.16 )     (14,692 )
      

 


  

 


Net unrealized gain on forward contracts

     1.38 %   $ 126,396      1.50 %   $ 138,419  
      

 


  

 


Settlement Currency—Futures Contracts

                               

Canada

     0.13 %   $ 11,854      —     %   $ —      

Euro

     0.40       37,120      1.42       131,347  

Japanese yen

     —           —          0.27       25,184  

Hong Kong

     0.11       9,723      —           —      

Australian dollar

     —           —          0.77       70,714  

U.S. dollar

     3.03       276,926      1.72       159,041  
      

 


  

 


Total

     3.67 %   $ 335,623      4.18 %   $ 386,286  
      

 


  

 


Settlement Currency—Forward Contracts

                               

Japanese yen

     0.39 %   $ 35,387      (0.34 )%   $ (31,459 )

U.S. dollar

     0.99       91,009      1.84       169,878  
      

 


  

 


Total

     1.38 %   $ 126,396      1.50 %   $ 138,419  
      

 


  

 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


WORLD MONITOR TRUST—SERIES B

(a Delaware Business Trust)

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

       Year ended December 31,

 
       2003      2002      2001  

 

REVENUES

                            

Net realized gain on futures contracts

     $ 1,858,739      $ 1,221,273      $ 1,282,952  

Change in net unrealized gain/loss on open commodity positions

       (62,686 )      543,112        (2,085,283 )

Interest income

       128,550        207,176        577,196  
      


  

    


         1,924,603        1,971,561        (225,135 )
      


  

    


EXPENSES

                            

Commissions

       731,991        771,808        1,041,587  

Management fees

       188,667        198,887        268,400  

Incentive fee

       519                
      


  

    


         921,177        970,695        1,309,987  
      


  

    


Net income (loss)

     $ 1,003,426      $ 1,000,866      $ (1,535,122 )
      


  

    


ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS)

                            

Limited interests

     $ 992,715      $ 986,740      $ (1,516,133 )
      


  

    


General interests

     $ 10,711      $ 14,126      $ (18,989 )
      


  

    


NET INCOME (LOSS) PER WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIMITED AND GENERAL INTEREST

                            

Net income (loss) per weighted average limited and general interest

     $ 13.80      $ 11.39      $ (13.06 )
      


  

    


Weighted average number of limited and general interests outstanding

       72,706        87,871        117,574  
      


  

    



 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TRUST CAPITAL

 

       INTERESTS      LIMITED
INTERESTS
     GENERAL
INTERESTS
     TOTAL  

 

Trust capital—December 31, 2000

     144,403.342      $ 17,416,280      $ 182,812      $ 17,599,092  

Contributions

     6,687.854        771,385               771,385  

Net loss

              (1,516,133 )      (18,989 )      (1,535,122 )

Redemptions

     (54,031.847 )      (6,264,019 )      (33,538 )      (6,297,557 )
      

  


  


  


Trust capital—December 31, 2001

     97,059.349        10,407,513        130,285        10,537,798  

Contributions

     378.869        39,871               39,871  

Net income

              986,740        14,126        1,000,866  

Redemptions

     (19,942.687 )      (2,290,879 )      (38,426 )      (2,329,305 )
      

  


  


  


Trust capital—December 31, 2002

     77,495.531        9,143,245        105,985        9,249,230  

Net income

              992,715        10,711        1,003,426  

Redemptions

     (8,492.159 )      (1,082,047 )      (25,113 )      (1,107,160 )
      

  


  


  


Trust capital—December 31, 2003

     69,003.372      $ 9,053,913      $ 91,583      $ 9,145,496  
      

  


  


  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5


WORLD MONITOR TRUST—SERIES B

(a Delaware Business Trust)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

A.  General

 

The Trust, Trustee, Managing Owner and Affiliates

 

World Monitor Trust (the “Trust”) is a business trust organized under the laws of Delaware on December 17, 1997. The Trust commenced trading operations on June 10, 1998 and will terminate on December 31, 2047 unless terminated sooner as provided in the Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement. The Trust consists of three separate and distinct series (“Series”): Series A, B and C. The assets of each Series are segregated from those of the other Series, separately valued and independently managed. Each Series was formed to engage in the speculative trading of a diversified portfolio of futures, forward and options contracts, and may, from time to time, engage in cash and spot transactions. The trustee of the Trust is Wilmington Trust Company.

 

On July 1, 2003, Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”) and Wachovia Corp. (“Wachovia”) combined their separate retail securities brokerage and clearing businesses under a new holding company named Wachovia/Prudential Financial Advisors, LLC (“WPFA”), owned 62% by Wachovia and 38% by Prudential. As a result, the retail brokerage operations of Prudential Securities Incorporated (“PSI”) were contributed to Wachovia Securities, LLC (“Wachovia Securities”). Wachovia Securities is wholly-owned by WPFA and is a registered broker-dealer and a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) and all major securities exchanges. Series B and its managing owner, Prudential Securities Futures Management Inc., entered into a service agreement with Wachovia Securities, effective July 1, 2003. Pursuant to this agreement, Wachovia Securities agrees to provide certain enumerated services to accounts of the limited interest owners carried at Wachovia. Effective July 1, 2003, PSI changed its name to Prudential Equity Group, Inc. (“PEG”). PEG remains an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential. PEG was a registered broker-dealer and a member of the NASD and all major securities exchanges and conducted the equity research, domestic and international equity sales and trading operations, and commodity brokerage and derivative operations it had previously conducted as PSI until December 31, 2003. As part of the process of reorganizing its business structure, Prudential Securities Group Inc. (“PSG”), the direct parent of PEG and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, transferred the commodity brokerage, commodity clearing and derivative operations previously performed by PEG to another PSG indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Prudential Financial Derivatives, LLC (“PFD”) effective January 1, 2004. Like PEG, PFD is registered as a futures commission merchant under the Commodity Exchange Act and is a member of the National Futures Association.

 

The managing owner, Prudential Securities Futures Management Inc. (the “Managing Owner”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of PEG.

 

The Offering

 

Beneficial Interests in each Series (“Interests”) were offered once each week until each Series’ subscription maximum was met either through sale or exchange or until the Managing Owner suspended the offering of Interests. On June 10, 1998, a sufficient number of subscriptions for each Series had been received and accepted by the Managing Owner to permit each Series to commence trading. Series B completed its initial offering with gross proceeds of $5,709,093 from the sale of 56,330.929 limited interests and 760.000 general interests. General Interests are sold exclusively to the Managing Owner.

 

Series A was offered until it achieved its subscription maximum of $34,000,000 during November 1999. Interests in Series B and Series C were offered on a weekly basis at the then current net asset value per Interest until the Managing Owner suspended the offering of Interests for each Series. The Managing Owner suspended the offering of Interests in Series B and Series C and allowed all selling registrations to expire by April 30, 2002. As such, Interests owned in one series of the Trust may no longer be exchanged for Interests of one or more other Series. While the Managing Owner does not anticipate doing so, it may, at its election, reinstate the offering of interests in Series B and Series C in the future.

 

The Managing Owner is required to maintain at least a 1% interest in the capital, profits and losses of each Series so long as it is acting as the Managing Owner.

 

6


The Trading Advisor

 

Each Series has its own independent commodity trading advisor that makes that Series’ trading decisions. The Managing Owner, on behalf of the Trust, entered into an advisory agreement with Eclipse Capital Management, Inc. (the “Trading Advisor”) to make the trading decisions for Series B. The advisory agreement may be terminated for various reasons, including at the discretion of the Managing Owner. The Managing Owner has allocated 100% of the proceeds from the initial and continuous offering of Series B to the Trading Advisor.

 

Exchanges, Redemptions and Termination

 

As a result of the Managing Owner having suspended the offering of Interests in Series B and Series C as discussed in Note A, Interests owned in one Series of the Trust (Series A, B or C) may no longer be exchanged for interest of one or more other Series.

 

Redemptions are permitted on a weekly basis. Interests redeemed on or before the end of the first and second successive six-month periods after their effective dates of purchase are subject to a redemption fee of 4% and 3%, respectively, of the net asset value at which they are redeemed. Redemption fees are paid to the Managing Owner.

 

In the event that the estimated net asset value per Interest of a Series at the end of any business day, after adjustments for distributions, declines by 50% or more since the commencement of trading activities or the first day of a fiscal year, the Series will terminate.

 

B.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of accounting

 

The financial statements of Series B are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Commodity futures and forward transactions are reflected in the accompanying statements of financial condition on trade date. The difference between the original contract amount and market value is reflected as net unrealized gain or loss. The market value of each contract is based upon the closing quotation on the exchange, clearing firm or bank on, or through, which the contract is traded. Net unrealized gain or loss on open contracts denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency holdings are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing on the last business day of the year. Realized gains and losses on commodity transactions are recognized in the period in which the contracts are closed.

 

The weighted average number of limited and general interests outstanding was computed for purposes of disclosing net income (loss) per weighted average limited and general interest. The weighted average limited and general interests are equal to the number of Interests outstanding at period end, adjusted proportionately for Interests subscribed and redeemed based on their respective time outstanding during such period.

 

Series B has elected not to provide a Statement of Cash Flows as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 102, “Statement of Cash Flows—Exemption of Certain Enterprises and Classification of Cash Flows from Certain Securities Acquired for Resale”.

 

Consistent with standard business practices in the normal course of business, Series B has provided general indemnifications to the Managing Owner, its Trading Advisor and others when they act, in good faith, in the best interests of Series B. Series B is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments that could potentially result from any hypothetical future claim, but expects the risk of having to make any payments under these general business indemnifications to be remote.

 

Income taxes

 

Series B is treated as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. As such, Series B is not required to provide for, or pay, any Federal or state income taxes. Income tax attributes that arise from its operations are passed directly to the individual Interest holders including the Managing Owner. Series B may be subject to other state and local taxes in jurisdictions in which it operates.

 

7


Profit and loss allocations and distributions

 

Series B allocates profits and losses for both financial and tax reporting purposes to its Interest holders weekly on a pro rata basis based on each owner’s Interests outstanding during the week. Distributions (other than redemptions of Interests) may be made at the sole discretion of the Managing Owner on a pro rata basis in accordance with the respective capital balances of the Interest holders; however, the Managing Owner does not presently intend to make any distributions.

 

New Accounting Guidance

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 149

 

In April 2003, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” was issued. This statement amends and clarifies accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 is intended to result in more consistent reporting of contracts as either derivatives or hybrid instruments. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 had no material effect on Series B’s financial position or results of operations.

 

C.  Fees

 

Organizational, Offering, general and administrative costs

 

PEG or its affiliates paid the costs of organizing Series B and will continue to pay all costs of offering its interests as well as administrative costs incurred by the Managing Owner or its affiliates for services they perform for Series B. These costs include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Note D below. Routine legal, audit, postage and other routine third party administrative costs also are paid by PEG or its affiliates.

 

Management and incentive fees

 

Series B pays its Trading Advisor a management fee at an annual rate of 2% of Series B’s net asset value allocated to its management. The management fee is determined weekly and the sum of such weekly amounts is paid monthly. Series B also pays its Trading Advisor a quarterly incentive fee equal to 20% of such Trading Advisor’s “New High Net Trading Profits” (as defined in the advisory agreement). The incentive fee also accrues weekly.

 

Commissions

 

The Managing Owner and the Trust entered into a brokerage agreement with PEG to act as commodity broker for each Series whereby Series B pays a fixed fee for brokerage services rendered at an annual rate of 7.75% of Series B’s net asset value. The fee is determined weekly and the sum of such weekly amount is paid monthly. From this fee, PEG pays execution costs (including floor brokerage expenses, give-up charges and NFA, clearing and exchange fees), as well as compensation to employees who sell interests.

 

D.  Related Parties

 

The Managing Owner or its affiliates perform services for Series B which include, but are not limited to: brokerage services; accounting and financial management; registrar, transfer and assignment functions; investor communications, printing and other administrative services. As further described in Note C, except for costs related to brokerage services, PEG or its affiliates pay all costs of these services in addition to Series B’s routine operational, administrative, legal and auditing costs. Additionally, PEG or its affiliates paid the costs associated with offering Series B’s Interests.

 

The costs charged to Series B for brokerage services for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $731,991, $771,808 and $1,041,587, respectively.

 

All of the proceeds of the offering of Series B were received in the name of Series B and were deposited in trading or cash accounts at PEG. Series B’s assets are maintained with PEG for margin purposes. PEG credits Series B monthly with 100% of the interest it earns on the average net assets in Series B’s accounts.

 

Series B, acting through its Trading Advisor, may execute over-the-counter, spot, forward and/or option foreign exchange transactions with PEG. PEG then engages in back-to-back trading with an affiliate, Prudential-Bache Global Markets Inc. (“PBGM”). PBGM attempts to earn a profit on such transactions.

 

8


PBGM keeps its prices on foreign currency competitive with other interbank currency trading desks. All over-the-counter currency transactions are conducted between PEG and Series B pursuant to a line of credit. PEG may require that collateral be posted against the marked-to-market positions of Series B.

 

E.  Income Taxes

 

There have been no differences between the tax basis and book basis of interest holders’ capital since inception of the Trust.

 

F.  Derivative Instruments and Associated Risks

 

Series B is exposed to various types of risk associated with the derivative instruments and related markets in which it invests. These risks include, but are not limited to, risk of loss from fluctuations in the value of derivative instruments held (market risk) and the inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of Series B’s investment activities (credit risk).

 

Market risk

 

Trading in futures and forward contracts (including foreign exchange) involves entering into contractual commitments to purchase or sell a particular commodity at a specified date and price. The gross or face amount of the contracts, which is typically many times that of Series B’s net assets being traded, significantly exceeds Series B’s future cash requirements since Series B intends to close out its open positions prior to settlement. As a result, Series B is generally subject only to the risk of loss arising from the change in the value of the contracts. As such, Series B considers the “fair value” of its derivative instruments to be net unrealized gain or loss on the contracts. The market risk associated with Series B’s commitments to purchase commodities is limited to the gross or face amount of the contracts held. However, when Series B enters into a contractual commitment to sell commodities, it must make delivery of the underlying commodity at the contract price and then repurchase the contract at prevailing market prices or settle in cash. Since the repurchase price to which a commodity can rise is unlimited, entering into commitments to sell commodities exposes Series B to unlimited risk.

 

Market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors including government programs and policies, political and economic events, the level and volatility of interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, the diversification effects among the derivative instruments Series B holds and the liquidity and inherent volatility of the markets in which Series B trades.

 

Credit risk

 

When entering into futures or forward contracts, Series B is exposed to credit risk that the counterparty to the contract will not meet its obligations. The counterparty for futures contracts traded on United States and most foreign futures exchanges is the clearinghouse associated with the particular exchange. In general, clearinghouses are backed by their corporate members who are required to share any financial burden resulting from the nonperformance by one of their members and, as such, should significantly reduce this credit risk. In cases where the clearinghouse is not backed by the clearing members (i.e., some foreign exchanges), it is normally backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions. On the other hand, there is concentration risk on forward transactions entered into by Series B as PEG, Series B’s commodity broker, is the sole counterparty. Series B has entered into a master netting agreement with PEG and, as a result, presents unrealized gains and losses on open forward positions as a net amount in the statements of financial condition. The amount at risk associated with counterparty nonperformance on all of Series B’s contracts is the net unrealized gain included in the statements of financial condition; however, counterparty nonperformance on only certain of Series B’s contracts may result in greater loss than nonperformance on all of Series B’s contracts. There can be no assurance that any counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will meet its obligations to Series B.

 

The Managing Owner attempts to minimize both credit and market risks by requiring Series B and its trading advisor to abide by various trading limitations and policies. The Managing Owner monitors compliance with these trading limitations and policies which include, but are not limited to, executing and clearing all trades with creditworthy counterparties; limiting the amount of margin or premium required for any one commodity or all commodities combined; and generally limiting transactions to contracts which are traded in sufficient volume to permit the taking and liquidating of positions. Additionally, pursuant to the advisory agreement among Series B, the Managing Owner and the Trading Advisor, Series B shall

 

9


automatically terminate the Trading Advisor if the net asset value allocated to the trading advisor declines by 33 1/3% from the value at the beginning of any year or since the commencement of trading activities. Furthermore, the Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement provides that Series B will liquidate its positions, and eventually dissolve, if Series B experiences a decline in the net asset value of 50% from the value at the beginning of any year or since the commencement of trading activities. In each case, the decline in net asset value is after giving effect for distributions, contributions and redemptions. The Managing Owner may impose additional restrictions (through modifications of trading limitations and policies) upon the trading activities of the Trading Advisor as it, in good faith, deems to be in the best interests of Series B.

 

PEG, when acting as Series B’s futures commission merchant in accepting orders for the purchase or sale of domestic futures contracts, is required by Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations to separately account for and segregate as belonging to Series B all assets of Series B relating to domestic futures trading and is not allowed to commingle such assets with other assets of PEG. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, such segregated assets totalled $1,228,626 and $5,641,640, respectively. Part 30.7 of the CFTC regulations also requires PEG to secure assets of Series B related to foreign futures trading which totalled $7,868,548 and $3,545,882 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There are no segregation requirements for assets related to forward trading.

 

As of December 31, 2003, all of Series B’s open futures and forward contracts mature within six months.

 

G.  Financial Highlights

 

    Year ended December 31,

 
    2003

    2002

 

Performance per Interest

               

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 119.35     $ 108.57  
   


 


Net realized gain and change in net unrealized gain/loss on commodity transactions

    24.09       19.54  

Interest income

    1.77       2.35  

Expenses

    (12.67 )     (11.11 )
   


 


Net increase for the year

    13.19       10.78  
   


 


Net asset value, end of year

  $ 132.54     $ 119.35  
   


 


Total return:

               

Total return before incentive fees

    11.06 %     9.93 %

Incentive fees

    (.01 )     ( —  )
   


 


Total return after incentive fees

    11.05 %     9.93 %
   


 


Ratio to average net assets

               

Net investment loss before incentive fees**

    (8.42 )%     (7.71 )%

Incentive fees

    (.01 )     —    
   


 


Net investment loss after incentive fees

    (8.43 )%     (7.71 )%
   


 


Interest income

    1.37 %     2.09 %
   


 


Incentive fees

    .01 %     —   %

Other expenses

    9.79       9.80  
   


 


Total expenses

    9.80 %     9.80 %
   


 


 

** Represents interest income less total expenses (exclusive of incentive fees). The Managing Owner believes that the disclosure of the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets as required under the AICPA Audit Guide For Investment Companies is not a meaningful or appropriate measure for Series B. The Managing Owner believes that the total return ratio is the appropriate ratio as it also considers Series B’s commodity trading gains/losses.

 

10


These financial highlights represent the overall results of Series B during the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. An individual limited owner’s actual results may differ depending on the timing of contributions and redemptions.

 

H.  Subsequent Event

 

On January 1, 2004, PEG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSG, transferred its Global Derivatives Division to PFD and Pru Global Securities, LLC, two other indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of PSG. In connection with this transfer, PEG assigned its brokerage agreement with Series B to PFD, a properly qualified futures commission merchant.

 

11



 

I hereby affirm that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contained herein relating to World Monitor Trust—Series B is accurate and complete.

 

PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES

FUTURES MANAGEMENT INC.

(Managing Owner)

 

/s/    Ronald J. Ivans

 

By: Ronald J. Ivans

Chief Financial Officer

 


 

12


WORLD MONITOR TRUST—SERIES B

(a Delaware Business Trust)

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of appropriate accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. Series B’s application of these policies involves judgments and actual results may differ from the estimates used.

 

The Managing Owner has evaluated the nature and types of estimates that it makes in preparing Series B’s financial statements and related disclosures and has determined that the valuation of its investments which are not traded on a United States or Internationally recognized futures exchange involves a critical accounting policy. The values used by the Series B for its open forward positions are provided by its commodity broker, PEG, who uses market prices when available, while over-the-counter derivative financial instruments, principally forwards, options and swaps are valued based on the present value of estimated future cash flows that would be received from or paid to a third party in settlement of these derivative contracts prior to their delivery date.

 

As such, if actual results vary from estimates used, they are anticipated to not have a material impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Series B commenced operations on June 10, 1998 with gross proceeds of $5,709,093 allocated to commodities trading. Additional contributions raised through the continuous offering from the sales of Interests for the year ended December 31, 2002 and for the period from June 10, 1998 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2002 resulted in additional gross proceeds to Series B of $39,871 and $771,385, respectively. The Managing Owner suspended the offering of Interests in Series B and Series C and allowed all selling registrations to expire by April 30, 2002 as more fully discussed in Note A to the financial statements.

 

Interests in Series B may be redeemed on a weekly basis, but are subject to a redemption fee if transacted within one year of the effective date of purchase. Redemptions of limited interests and general interests for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $1,082,047 and $25,113, respectively; for the year ended December 31, 2002 were $2,290,879 and $38,426 respectively; and for the period from June 10, 1998 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2003 were $22,429,726 and $213,314, respectively. Future redemptions will impact the amount of funds available for Investment in commodity contracts in subsequent periods.

 

At December 31, 2003, 100% of Series B’s net assets were allocated to commodities trading. A significant portion of the net assets was held in cash which was used as margin for Series B’s trading in commodities. Inasmuch as the sole business of Series B is to trade in commodities, Series B continues to own such liquid assets to be used as margin. PEG credits Series B monthly with 100% of the interest it earns on the average net assets in Series B’s accounts.

 

The commodities contracts are subject to periods of illiquidity because of market conditions, regulatory considerations and other reasons. For example, commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain commodity futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as “daily limits.” During a single day, no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a futures contract for a particular commodity has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the commodity can neither be taken nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Commodity futures prices have occasionally moved the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. Such market conditions could prevent Series B from promptly liquidating its commodity futures positions.

 

Since Series B’s business is to trade futures and forward contracts, its capital is at risk due to changes in the value of these contracts (market risk) or the inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of the

 

13


contracts (credit risk). Series B’s exposure to market risk is influenced by a number of factors including the volatility of Interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, the liquidity of the markets in which the contracts are traded and the relationships among the contracts held. The inherent uncertainty of Series B’s speculative trading as well as the development of drastic market occurrences could result in monthly losses considerably beyond Series B’s experience to date and could ultimately lead to a loss of all or substantially all of investors’ capital. The Managing Owner attempts to minimize these risks by requiring Series B and its trading advisor to abide by various trading limitations and policies, which include limiting margin amounts, trading only in liquid markets and permitting the use of stop loss provisions. See Note F to the financial statements for a further discussion on the credit and market risks associated with Series B’s futures and forward contracts.

 

Series B does not have, nor does it expect to have, any capital assets.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

As of December 31, 2003, Series B had not utilized special purpose entities to facilitate off-balance sheet financing arrangements and has no loan guarantee arrangements or off-balance sheet arrangements of any kind other than agreements entered into in the normal course of business, which may include indemnification provisions related to certain risks service providers, such as our accountants, undertake in performing services which are in the best interests of Series B. While Series B’s exposure under such indemnification provisions can not be estimated, these general business indemnifications are not expected to have material impact on the Series B’s financial position.

 

Series B’s contractual obligations are with the Trading Advisors and its commodity broker. Payments made under Series B’s agreement with the Trading Advisor are at a fixed rate, calculated as a percentage of Series B’s “New High Net Trading Profits”. Management fee payments made to the Trading Advisor and commission payments to the commodity broker are calculated as a fixed percentage of Series B’s NAV’s. As such, the Managing Owner cannot anticipate the amount of payments that will be required under these agreements for future periods as NAV’s are not known until a future date. These agreements are effective for one-year terms, renewable automatically for additional one-year terms unless terminated. Additionally, these agreements may be terminated by either party for various reasons. For a further discussion on these payments, see Notes A & C of the Series B’s 2003 Annual Report.

 

Results of Operations

 

The net asset value per Interest as of December 31, 2003 was $132.54, an increase of 11.05% from the December 31, 2002 net asset value per Interest of $119.35 which was an increase of 9.93% from the December 31, 2001 net asset value per Interest of $108.57. The CISDM Fund/Pool Qualified Universe Index (formerly known as the Zurich Fund/Pool Qualified Universe Index) returned 12.17% and 11.99% for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The CISDM Fund/Pool Qualified Universe Index is the dollar weighted, total return of all commodity pools tracked by Managed Account Reports, LLC. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

Series B’s trading gains/(losses) before commissions were $1,796,000, $1,764,000 and $(802,000) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Due to the nature of Series B’s trading activities, a period to period comparison of its trading results is not meaningful. However, a detailed discussion of Series B’s current year trading results is presented below.

 

Profits were the result of gains in the interest rates, indices, currencies and metals sectors. Net losses for Series B were experienced in the energies sectors.

 

Interest rates: The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) left the federal funds rate unchanged at a 41-year low of 1.25% at both the January and March meetings. In mid-March, initial optimism for the Coalition Forces’ success in Iraq resulted in a shift by investors to junk bonds and stocks, marking the worst setback for the U.S. Treasury markets in 18 months. The European Central Bank cut interest rates by 0.25% in the beginning of March, which, coupled with weak global economic growth prospectus, resulted in the strengthening of European bond prices. In June, the market reacted with disappointment to the Fed’s 0.25% cut in short-term interest rates and as a result, intermediate and long-term rates rose. Concern about deteriorating public finances in most large economies and a renewed interest in equities, resulted in falling bond prices throughout the quarter and the subsequent rising of long-term rates. As a result of

 

14


improved world growth, global bond yields began low at the beginning of the third quarter and rose in every major developed bond market, with Japanese bonds experiencing the greatest rise in yields. The majority of damage occurred in July as U.S. Treasuries posted their worst monthly return in more than two decades when investors shifted their allocations from bonds to stocks on the basis of stronger economic data. Government bonds under performed in the fourth quarter as investors sought riskier assets due to gains in GDP, consumer confidence, manufacturing and employment. The Fed maintained its target for the federal funds rate at one percent at its October and December meetings. European and Asian Central Banks followed suit. The threat of increased interest rates depressed bond prices as the improved global economy created upward pressure resulting in market fluctuations and increased volatility. Overall, weak global economies, fears of deflation and renewed interest in equities resulted in falling global bond prices resulting in net gains for short U.S. and European bond positions.

 

Indices: Major global equity markets rallied early in the first quarter of 2003, but slid on fears of the impending war with Iraq, possible terrorism attacks and international political conflict. Markets recovered to surge ahead in the second quarter due to the easing of geopolitical tension, massive short covering, excess liquidity, some positive first quarter earnings reports, and economic recovery. Stronger corporate earnings, growth in capital and consumer spending, a weak U.S. dollar, and low interest rates boosted stock prices and resulted in continued gains through the second half of the year. All three major U.S. market gauges made double-digit gains to end the year in solidly positive territory for the first time since 1999. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 25.3%, NASDAQ up 50% and the S&P 500 up 26.4%. Global markets also revived in 2003 with the biggest gains in Latin America and Asia. Long global index positions resulted in gains as global equity markets rallied throughout 2003.

 

Currencies: Perceptions of a quick success in Iraq boosted the U.S. dollar versus many foreign currencies early in 2003. As uncertainty crept in, the euro topped U.S.$1.10 for the first time in nearly four years amid concerns that the war would disrupt the U.S. economy and the U.S. dollar ended the first quarter down against the euro and the Japanese yen. The U.S. dollar continued to move sharply lower against most major currencies during the second quarter. The reversal of the U.S.’s strong dollar policy by Treasury Secretary Snow led to a 4.5-year low against the Swiss franc, and a 33-month low against the Japanese yen. Despite the strong global economic growth exhibited in the third quarter, the U.S. dollar began a new significant decline against both the euro and yen in the fourth quarter with the U.S. dollar reaching a three-year low against the Japanese yen and an 11-year low against the British pound. The weakened dollar played a major role in the markets throughout 2003. The Iraq War, growing U.S. federal deficits, and weak job market led to a 17% depreciation of the dollar against the euro for the year with 7.5% drop over the last quarter. Long euro and Australian dollar/U.S. dollar cross-rate positions resulted in net gains for Series B throughout the year.

 

Metals: Throughout 2003, metal prices have risen between 15% and 115% on the back of increased world demand and concerns about poor global inventory levels. Investors and speculators purchased precious metals as a way to hedge against the declining dollar. Gold crossed the threshold of $400 an ounce for the first time in seven years while silver reached a five and a half-year high and increased 24% for the year. China’s voracious appetite for industrial metals moved prices up and copper reached a six-year high due to short-term supply disruptions. Speculation that manufacturers will boost metal purchases increased base metal prices and led to net gains in long copper positions.

 

Energies: Price increases in the world oil markets at the beginning of the first quarter continued to be fed by concerns of supplies disruptions due to the conflict in Iraq, civil strife in Venezuela, anticipation of a Nigerian strike and tensions on the Korean peninsula. Towards the end of the first quarter, fears of the possibility of a prolonged war in Iraq and low supplies pushed energy futures prices higher despite the securing of Iraqi oil wells. Energy price declines began in March and continued as the war in Iraq became inevitable and supplies continued to be stable. In order to stave off the declining prices and correct an oversupply as crude oil demand reached a seasonal low, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) members agreed to cut current output by seven percent in April. Toward the end of the second quarter, energy prices, in general, were higher due to Nigeria’s general worker’s strike, low U.S. oil inventory levels and expectations of U.S. economic growth. Oil prices spiked in September as OPEC announced an output reduction of 3.5% ahead of peak winter demand to stem a possible decline in prices. Prices stabilized slightly when investors realized supplies appeared to be sufficient but ended the quarter at

 

15


the highest level in three weeks. Energy prices for the fourth quarter experienced volatile but upward trending conditions. China’s demand for crude oil, falling U.S. inventories and OPEC’s decision to cut output quotas resulted in crude oil rising to its highest closing price in nine months. An early cold snap and snowstorms in the Northeast led to a surge in natural gas prices. Short natural gas and crude oil positions resulted in losses for Series B as the longer-term trading models employed by Series B were unable to capture short-term price movements.

 

Fluctuations in overall average net asset levels have led to corresponding fluctuations in commissions and management fees incurred, and interest earned by Series B, which are largely based on the level of net assets. Series B’s average net asset levels were lower during the year ended December 31, 2003 versus 2002, primarily as a result of redemptions offset, significantly by favorable trading performance during 2003. Series B’s average net asset levels were significantly lower during the year ended December 31, 2002 versus 2001, primarily due to redemptions offset, in part, by favorable trading performance during 2002.

 

Interest income is earned on the average net assets held at PEG and, therefore, varies weekly according to interest rates, trading performance, contributions and redemptions. Interest income decreased by $79,000 during 2003 as compared to 2002 and decreased by $370,000 during 2002 as compared to 2001. The 2003 decrease resulted from lower overall interest rates in 2003 versus 2002. The decrease in interest income during 2002 versus 2001 resulted from lower overall interest rates in 2002 versus 2001 and the decrease in average net asset levels during 2002 versus 2001 as discussed above.

 

Commissions are calculated on Series B’s net asset value at the end of each week and therefore, vary according to weekly trading performance, contributions and redemptions. Commissions decreased by $40,000 during 2003 as compared to 2002 and decreased $270,000 during 2002 as compared to 2001. These decreases resulted from fluctuations in average net asset levels as discussed above.

 

All trading decisions for Series B are made by Eclipse Capital Management, Inc. (the “Trading Advisor”). Management fees are calculated on Series B’s net asset value at the end of each week and therefore, are affected by weekly trading performance, contributions and redemptions. Management fees decreased by $10,000 during 2003 as compared to 2002 and decreased by $70,000 during 2002 as compared to 2001. These decreases resulted from fluctuations in average net asset levels as discussed above.

 

Incentive fees are based on the New High Net Trading Profits generated by the Trading Advisor, as defined in the Advisory Agreement among the Series B, the Managing Owner and the Trading Advisor. Series B incurred an incentive fee of $500 during 2003 but did not incur any incentive fee during 2002 and 2001.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has had no material impact on operations or on the financial condition of Series B from inception through December 31, 2003.

 

16


OTHER INFORMATION

 

The actual round-turn equivalent of brokerage commissions paid per contract for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $69.

 

Series B’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is available to limited owners without charge upon written request to:

 

World Monitor Trust—Series B/OTH

Peck Slip Station

P.O. Box 2303

New York, New York 10273-0005

 

17