Item 1A. Risk Factors
Market Risks
You Could Possibly Lose Your Total Investment in the Trust
Futures, forward and option contracts have a high degree of price variability and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial changes. Consequently, you could lose all or a substantial amount of your investment in the Trust.
The Trust Is Highly Leveraged
Because the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically about 2% to 10% of the total value of the contract, Campbell & Company is able to hold positions in the Trust’s account with face values equal to several times the Trust’s net assets. The ratio of margin to equity is typically 10% to 30%. As a result of this leveraging, even a small movement in the price of a contract can cause major losses.
Your Investment Could Be Illiquid
Futures, forward and option positions cannot always be liquidated at the desired price. The prices at which a sale or purchase occur may differ from the prices expected because there may be a delay between receiving a quote and executing a trade, particularly in circumstances where a market has limited trading volume and prices are often quoted for relatively limited quantities. A market disruption, such as when foreign governments may take or be subject to political actions which disrupt the markets in their currency or major exports, can also make it difficult to liquidate a position. In addition, most U.S. futures exchanges have established “daily price fluctuation limits” which preclude the execution of trades at prices outside of the limit, and, from time to time, the CFTC or the exchanges may suspend trading in market disruption circumstances. In these cases, it is possible that Campbell & Company, as trading advisor, could be required to maintain a losing position that it otherwise would exit and incur significant losses or be unable to establish a position and miss a profit opportunity.
Unexpected market illiquidity has caused major losses in recent years in such sectors as emerging markets and mortgage-backed securities. There can be no assurance that the same will not happen to the Trust at any time or from time to time. The large size of the positions which Campbell & Company will acquire for the Trust increases the risk of illiquidity by both making its positions more difficult to liquidate and increasing the losses incurred while trying to do so.
Also, there is no secondary market for the units and none is expected to develop. While the units have redemption rights, there are restrictions. For example, redemptions can occur only at the end of a month. If a large number of redemption requests were to be received at one time, the Trust might have to liquidate positions to satisfy the requests. Such a forced liquidation could adversely affect the Trust and consequently your investment.
Transfers of interest in the units are subject to limitations, such as 30 days’ advance written notice of any intent to transfer. Also, Campbell & Company may deny a request to transfer if it determines that the transfer may result in adverse legal or tax consequences for the Trust. See “Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement - Dispositions.”
Forward and Option Transactions are Over-the-Counter, are Not Regulated and are Subject to Credit Risk
The Trust trades forward and option contracts in foreign currencies. Such contracts are typically traded over-the-counter through a dealer market, which is dominated by major money center and investment banks, and is not regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Thus, you do not receive the protection of CFTC regulation or the statutory scheme of the Commodity Exchange Act in connection with this trading activity by the Trust. The market for forward and option contracts relies upon the integrity of market participants in lieu of the additional regulation imposed by the CFTC on participants in the futures markets. This regulation includes, for example, trading practices and other customer protection requirements, and minimum financial and trade reporting requirements. The absence of regulation could expose the Trust to significant losses in the event of trading abuses or financial failure by participants in the forward and option markets which it might otherwise have avoided. Also, the Trust faces the risk of non-performance by its counter-parties to forward and option contracts and such non-performance may cause some or all of its gain to remain unrealized.
The Trust has a substantial portion of its assets on deposit with financial institutions. In the event of a financial institution’s insolvency, recovery of Trust assets on deposit may be limited to account insurance or other protection afforded such deposits, if any. Campbell & Company seeks to minimize credit risk primarily by depositing and maintaining the Trust’s assets at financial institutions and brokers that Campbell & Company believes to be creditworthy.
Options on Futures and Over-the-Counter Contracts are Speculative and Highly Leveraged
Options on futures and over-the-counter contracts may be used by the Trust to generate premium income or capital gains. The buyer of an option risks losing the entire purchase price (the premium) of the option. The writer (seller) of an option risks losing the difference between the premium received for the option and the price of the commodity, futures or forward contract underlying the option which the writer must purchase or deliver upon exercise of the option (which losses can be unlimited). Specific market movements of the commodity, futures or forward contracts underlying an option cannot accurately be predicted. Successful options trading requires an accurate assessment of near-term volatility in the underlying instruments, as that volatility is immediately reflected in the price of the option. Correct assessment of market volatility can therefore be of much greater significance in trading options than it is in trading futures and forwards, where volatility may not have as great an effect on price.
An Investment in the Trust May Not Diversify an Overall Portfolio
Historically, alternative investments such as managed futures funds have been generally non-correlated to the performance of other asset classes such as stocks and bonds. Non-correlation means that there is no statistically valid relationship between the past performance of futures, forward and option contracts on the one hand and stocks or bonds on the other hand. Non-correlation should not be confused with negative correlation, where the performance of two asset classes would be exactly opposite. Because of this non-correlation, the Trust cannot be expected to be automatically profitable during unfavorable periods for the stock market, or vice versa. The futures, forward and option markets are fundamentally different from the securities markets in that for every gain made in a futures, forward or option transaction, the opposing side of that transaction will have an equal and off-setting loss. If the Trust does not perform in a manner non-correlated with the general financial markets or does not perform successfully, you will obtain no diversification benefits by investing in the units and the Trust may have no gains to offset your losses from other investments.
Trading Risks
Campbell & Company Analyzes Primarily Technical Market Data
The trading systems used by Campbell & Company for the Trust are primarily technical. The profitability of trading under these systems depends on, among other things, the occurrence of significant price movements, up or down, in futures, forward and option prices. Such price movements may not develop; there have been periods in the past without such price movements.
The likelihood of the units being profitable could be materially diminished during periods when events external to the markets themselves have an important impact on prices. During such periods, Campbell & Company’s historic price analysis could establish positions on the wrong side of the price movements caused by such events.
Increased Competition from Other Trend-Following Traders Could Reduce Campbell & Company’s Profitability
There has been a dramatic increase over the past 10 to 15 years in the amount of assets managed by trend-following trading systems like some of the Campbell & Company programs. In 1980, the assets in the managed futures industry were estimated at approximately $300 million; by the end of 2005, this estimate had risen to approximately $131 billion. Increased trading competition from other trend-following traders could operate to the detriment of the Trust. It may become more difficult for the Trust to implement its trading strategy if these other trading advisors using technical systems are, at the same time, also attempting to initiate or liquidate futures, forward or option positions, or otherwise alter trading patterns.
Speculative Position Limits May Alter Trading Decisions for the Trust
The CFTC has established limits on the maximum net long or net short positions which any person may hold or control in certain futures contracts. Some exchanges also have established such limits. All accounts controlled by Campbell & Company, including the account of the Trust, are combined for speculative position limit purposes. If positions in those accounts were to approach the level of the particular speculative position limit, such limits could cause a modification of Campbell & Company’s trading decisions for the Trust or force liquidation of certain futures positions. Either of these actions may not be in the best interest of the investors.
Increase in Assets Under Management May Make Profitable Trading More Difficult
The general partner’s current equity under management has increased substantially since the inception of the Trust. Campbell & Company has not agreed to limit the amount of additional equity which it may manage, and is actively engaged in raising assets for existing and new accounts. The more equity Campbell & Company manages, the more difficult it may be for Campbell & Company to trade profitably because of the difficulty of trading larger positions without adversely affecting prices and performance. Accordingly, such increases in equity under management may require Campbell & Company to modify its trading decisions for the Trust which could have a detrimental effect on your investment. Such considerations may also cause Campbell & Company to eliminate smaller markets from consideration for inclusion in its Financial, Metal & Energy Large Portfolio, reducing the range of markets in which trading opportunities may be pursued. Campbell & Company reserves the right to make distributions of profits to unitholders in an effort to control asset growth. In addition, Campbell & Company may have an incentive to favor other accounts because the compensation received from some other accounts does exceed the compensation it receives from managing the Trust’s account. Because records with respect to other accounts are not accessible to unitholders in the Trust, the unitholders will not be able to determine if Campbell & Company is favoring other accounts. See “Campbell & Company, Inc. - Trading Capacity.”
Investors Will Not Be Able to Review the Trust’s Holdings on a Daily Basis
Campbell & Company makes the Trust’s trading decisions. While Campbell & Company receives daily trade confirmations from the futures broker and over-the-counter counterparties, the Trust’s trading results are reported to unitholders monthly. Accordingly, an investment in the Trust does not offer unitholders the same transparency, i.e., an ability to review all investment positions daily, that a personal trading account offers.
Tax Risks
Investors are Taxed Based on Their Share of Trust Income and Gain
Investors are taxed each year on their share of the Trust’s income and gain, if any, irrespective of whether they redeem any units or receive any cash distribution from the Trust. The managing operator has the authority to make such distributions at any time in its sole discretion.
All performance information included in this Offering Memorandum is presented on a pre-tax basis; the investors (other than tax-exempt investors) who experienced such performance had to pay the related taxes from other sources.
Tax Could be Due from Investors on Their Share of the Trust’s Ordinary Income Despite Overall Losses
Investors may be required to pay tax on their allocable share of the Trust’s ordinary income, which is the Trust’s interest income and gain on some foreign futures contracts and certain other investment assets, even though the Trust incurs overall losses. Capital losses can be used only to offset capital gains and, in the case of non-corporate investors, $3,000 of ordinary income each year. Consequently, if an individual investor were allocated $5,000 of ordinary income and $10,000 of capital losses, the investor would owe tax on $2,000 of ordinary income even though the investor would have a $5,000 economic loss for the year. The $7,000 unused capital loss could be used in subsequent years to offset capital gain and ordinary income, but subject to the same annual limitation on its deductibility against ordinary income.
There Could be a Limit on the Deductibility of Management and Performance Fees
Although the Trust treats the management and performance fees paid to the managing operator as ordinary and necessary business expenses, upon audit, the Trust may be required to treat such fees as “investment advisory fees” if the Trust’s trading activities did not constitute a trade or business for tax purposes. Investment advisory fees are subject to substantial restrictions on deductibility for federal income tax purposes. Such treatment would likely create or increase the tax liability of non-corporate unitholders.
Other Risks
Fees and Commissions are Charged Regardless of Profitability and are Subject to Change
The Trust is subject to substantial charges payable irrespective of profitability, in addition to performance fees which are payable based on the Trust’s profitability. Included in these charges are brokerage fees and operating expenses. On the Trust’s forward and option trading, “bid-ask” spreads and prime brokerage fees are incorporated into the pricing of the Trust’s forward and option contracts by the counterparties in addition to the brokerage fees paid by the Trust. It is not possible to quantify the “bid-ask” spreads paid by the Trust because the Trust cannot determine the profit its counterparty is making on the forward and option transactions. Such spreads can at times be significant. In addition, while currently not contemplated, the Trust Agreement allows for changes to be made to the brokerage fee and performance fee upon sixty days’ notice to the unitholders.
The Futures Broker Could Fail and Has Been Subject to Disciplinary Action
The current futures broker for the Trust is UBS Financial Services Inc. The Commodity Exchange Act generally requires a futures broker to segregate all funds received from customers from such broker’s proprietary assets. If the futures broker fails to do so, the assets of the Trust might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the futures broker. Furthermore, in the event of the futures broker’s bankruptcy, the Trust could lose the entire amount, or be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the futures broker’s combined customer accounts, even though certain property specifically traceable to the Trust (for example, Treasury bills deposited by the Trust with the futures broker as margin) was held by the futures broker. The futures broker has been the subject of certain regulatory and private causes of action. The material actions are described under “The Futures Broker.”
Furthermore, dealers in forward and option contracts are not regulated by the Commodity Exchange Act and are not obligated to segregate customer assets. As a result, you do not have such basic protections in the Trust’s forward and option contract trading.
Investors Must Not Rely on the Past Performance of Either Campbell & Company or the Trust in Deciding Whether to Buy Units
The future performance of the Trust is not predictable, and no assurance can be given that the Trust will perform successfully in the future. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Parties to the Trust Have Conflicts of Interest
Campbell & Company has not established any formal procedures to resolve the following conflicts of interest. Consequently, there is no independent control over how Campbell & Company resolves these conflicts which can be relied upon by investors as ensuring that the Trust is treated equitably with other Campbell & Company clients.
Campbell & Company has a conflict of interest because it acts as the managing owner and sole trading advisor for the Trust.
Since Campbell & Company acts as both trading advisor and managing owner for the Trust, it is very unlikely that its advisory contract will be terminated by the Trust. The fees payable to Campbell & Company were established by it and were not the subject of arm’s-length negotiation. These fees consist of up to a 2.85% brokerage fee (of which 2.5% is retained) and a 20% performance fee. Campbell & Company, as managing owner, determines whether or not distributions are made and it receives increased fees to the extent distributions are not made. Campbell & Company has the authority to make such distributions at any time in its sole discretion.
Other conflicts are also present in the operation of the Trust. See “Conflicts of Interest.”
There Are No Independent Experts Representing Investors
Campbell & Company has consulted with counsel, accountants and other experts regarding the formation and operation of the Trust. No counsel has been appointed to represent the unitholders in connection with the offering of the units. Accordingly, each prospective investor should consult his own legal, tax and financial advisers regarding the desirability of an investment in the Trust.
The Trust Places Significant Reliance on Campbell & Company
The incapacity of Campbell & Company’s principals could have a material and adverse effect on Campbell & Company’s ability to discharge its obligations under the Trust Agreement. However, there are no individual principals at Campbell & Company whose absence would result in a material and adverse effect on Campbell & Company’s ability to adequately carry out its advisory responsibilities.
The Trust Could Terminate Before Expiration of its Stated Term
As managing owner, Campbell & Company may withdraw from the Trust upon 120 days’ notice, which would cause the Trust to terminate unless a substitute managing owner were obtained. Other events, such as a long-term substantial loss suffered by the Trust, could also cause the Trust to terminate before the expiration of its stated term. This could cause you to liquidate your investments and upset the overall maturity and timing of your investment portfolio. If the registrations with the CFTC or memberships in the National Futures Association of Campbell & Company or the futures broker were revoked or suspended, such entity would no longer be able to provide services to the Trust.
The Trust Is Not a Regulated Investment Company
Although the Trust and Campbell & Company are subject to regulation by the CFTC, the Trust is not an investment company subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Campbell & Company is not registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Accordingly, you do not have the protections afforded by those statutes which, for example, require investment companies to have a majority of disinterested directors and regulates the relationship between the adviser and the investment company.
Proposed Regulatory Change Is Impossible to Predict
The futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and margin requirements. In addition, the CFTC and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the retroactive implementation of speculative position limits or higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension of trading. The regulation of futures, forward and option transactions in the United States is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. In addition, various national governments have expressed concern regarding the disruptive effects of speculative trading in the currency markets and the need to regulate the “derivatives” markets in general. The effect of any future regulatory change on the Trust is impossible to predict, but could be substantial and adverse.
Forwards, Options, Swaps, Hybrids and Other Derivatives Are Not Subject to CFTC Regulation
The Trust trades foreign exchange contracts and options in the interbank market. In the future, the Trust may also trade swap agreements, hybrid instruments and other off-exchange contracts. Swap agreements involve trading income streams such as fixed rate for floating rate interest. Hybrids are instruments which combine features of a security with those of a futures contract. The dealer market for off-exchange instruments is becoming more liquid. There is no exchange or clearinghouse for these contracts and they are not regulated by the CFTC. The Trust will not receive the protections which are provided by the CFTC’s regulatory scheme for these transactions.
The Trust is Subject to Foreign Market Credit and Regulatory Risk
A substantial portion of Campbell & Company’s trades takes place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. From time to time, over 50% of the Trust’s overall market exposure could involve positions taken on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures contracts and foreign options can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures contracts and foreign options transactions involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade. Non-U.S. markets may not be subject to the same degree of regulation as their U.S. counterparts. None of the CFTC, NFA or any domestic exchange regulates activities of any foreign boards of trade, including the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions, nor do they have the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or any applicable foreign laws. Trading on foreign exchanges also presents the risks of exchange controls, expropriation, taxation and government disruptions.
The Trust is Subject to Foreign Exchange Risk
The price of any foreign futures or foreign options contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss thereon, may be affected by any variance in the foreign exchange rate between the time a position is established and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised. Certain foreign exchanges may also be in a more or less developmental stage so that prior price histories may not be indicative of current price dynamics.
In addition, the Trust may not have the same access to certain positions on foreign exchanges as do local traders, and the historical market data on which Campbell & Company bases its strategies may not be as reliable or accessible as it is in the United States. The rights of clients (such as the Trust) in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a non-U.S. market or broker are also likely to be more limited than in the case of U.S. markets or brokers.
Transfers Could be Restricted
You may transfer or assign your units only upon 30 days’ prior written notice to Campbell & Company and only if Campbell & Company is satisfied that the transfer complies with applicable laws and would not result in adverse legal or tax consequences for the Trust.
A Single-Advisor Fund May Be More Volatile Than a Multi-Advisor Fund
The Trust is currently structured as a single-advisor managed futures fund. You should understand that many managed futures funds are structured as multi-advisor funds in order to attempt to control risk and reduce volatility through combining advisors whose historical performance records have exhibited a significant degree of non-correlation with each other. As a single-advisor managed futures fund, the Trust may have increased performance volatility and a higher risk of loss than investment vehicles employing multiple advisors. Campbell & Company may retain additional trading advisors on behalf of the Trust in the future.
The Performance Fee Could be an Incentive to Make Riskier Investments
Campbell & Company employs a speculative strategy for the Trust and receives performance fees based on the trading profits earned by it for the Trust. Campbell & Company would not agree to manage the Trust’s account in the absence of such a performance fee arrangement. Accordingly, Campbell & Company may make investments that are riskier than might be made if the Trust’s assets were managed by a trading advisor that did not require performance-based compensation.
The Trust May Distribute Profits to Unitholders at Inopportune Times
Campbell & Company reserves the right to make distributions of profits of the Trust to unitholders at any time in its sole discretion in order to control the growth of the assets under Campbell & Company’s management. Unitholders will have no choice in receiving these distributions as income, and may receive little notice that these distributions are being made. Distributions may be made at an inopportune time for the unitholders.
Potential Inability to Trade or Report Due to Systems Failure
Campbell & Company’s strategies are dependent to a significant degree on the proper functioning of its internal computer systems. Accordingly, systems failures, whether due to third party failures upon which such systems are dependent or the failure of Campbell & Company’s hardware or software, could disrupt trading or make trading impossible until such failure is remedied. Any such failure, or consequential inability to trade (even for a short time), could, in certain market conditions, cause the Trust to experience significant trading losses or to miss opportunities for profitable trading. Additionally, any such failures could cause a temporary delay in reports to investors.
Potential Disruption or Inability to Trade Due to a Failure to Receive Timely and Accurate Market Data from Third Party Vendors
Campbell & Company’s strategies are dependent to a significant degree on the receipt of timely and accurate market data from third party vendors. Accordingly, the failure to receive such data in a timely manner or the receipt of inaccurate data, whether due to the acts or omissions of such third party vendors or otherwise, could disrupt trading to the detriment of the Trust or make trading impossible until such failure or inaccuracy is remedied. Any such failure or inaccuracy could, in certain market conditions, cause the Trust to experience significant trading losses, effect trades in a manner which it otherwise would not have done, or miss opportunities for profitable trading.
For example, the receipt of inaccurate market data may cause the Trust to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would not have established (or exited), or fail to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would have established (or exited), and any subsequent correction of such inaccurate data may cause the Trust to reverse such action or inaction, all of which may ultimately be to the detriment of the Trust.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The Registrant does not use any physical properties in the conduct of its business. Its assets currently consist of futures and other contracts, cash and U.S. Treasury Bills.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Campbell & Company is not aware of any material legal proceedings to which the Registrant is a party or to which any of their assets are subject.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity , Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Units of Beneficial Interest are not publicly traded. Units may be transferred or redeemed subject to the conditions imposed by the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement. As of December 31, 2007, there were 224 Unitholders in the Registrant and 22,629.643 Units of Beneficial Interest outstanding.
Campbell & Company has sole discretion in determining what distributions, if any, the Registrant will make to its Unit holders. Campbell & Company has not made any distributions as of the date hereof.
The Registrant has no securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following summarized financial information is for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.
*
- Based on weighted average number of units outstanding during the period.
The following summarized quarterly financial information presents the results of operations for the three-month periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2007 and 2006.
*
- Based on weighted average number of units outstanding during the period.
Item 7.
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Introduction
The offering of its Units of Beneficial Interest commenced on May 15, 2001. The initial offering terminated on September 28, 2001 and the Trust commenced operations on October 1, 2001. The continuing offering period commenced at the termination of the initial offering period and is ongoing.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing the financial statements are reasonable and prudent; however, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Trust’s significant accounting policies are described in detail in Note 1 of the Financial Statements.
The Trust records all investments at fair value in its financial statements, with changes in fair value reported as a component of realized and change in unrealized trading gain (loss) in the Statements of Operations. Generally, fair values are based on market prices; however, in certain circumstances, estimates are involved in determining fair value in the absence of an active market closing price (e.g. forward contracts which are traded in the inter-bank market).
Capital Resources
The Trust will raise additional capital only through the sale of Units offered pursuant to the continuing offering, and does not intend to raise any capital through borrowing. Due to the nature of the Trust’s business, it will make no capital expenditures and will have no capital assets which are not operating capital or assets.
Liquidity
Most United States commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in futures contracts prices during a single day by regulations referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” or “daily limits.” During a single trading day, no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a futures contract has reached the daily limit for that day, positions in that contract can neither be taken nor liquidated. Futures prices have occasionally moved the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. Similar occurrences could prevent the Trust from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions and subject the Trust to substantial losses which could exceed the margin initially committed to such trades. In addition, even if futures prices have not moved the daily limit, the Trust may not be able to execute futures trades at favorable prices if little trading in such contracts is taking place. Other than these limitations on liquidity, which are inherent in the Trust’s futures trading operations, the Trust’s assets are expected to be highly liquid.
The entire offering proceeds, without deductions, will be credited to the Trust’s bank and brokerage accounts to engage in trading activities and as reserves for that trading. The Trust meets its margin requirements by depositing U.S. government securities with the futures broker and the over-the-counter counterparties. In this way, substantially all (i.e., 95% or more) of the Trust’s assets, whether used as margin for trading purposes or as reserves for such trading, can be invested in U.S. government securities and time deposits with U.S. banks. Investors should note that maintenance of the Trust’s assets in U.S. government securities and banks does not reduce the risk of loss from trading futures and forward contracts. The Trust receives all interest earned on its assets. No other person shall receive any interest or other economic benefits from the deposit of Trust assets.
Approximately 10% to 30% of the Trust’s assets normally are committed as required margin for futures contracts and held by the futures broker, although the amount committed may vary significantly. Such assets are maintained in the form of cash or U.S. Treasury bills in segregated accounts with the futures broker pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act and regulations thereunder. Approximately 10% to 30% of the Trust’s assets are deposited with over-the-counter counterparties in order to initiate and maintain forward contracts. Such assets are not held in segregation or otherwise regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act, unless such over-the-counter counterparty is registered as a futures commission merchant. These assets are held either in U.S. government securities or short-term time deposits with U.S.-regulated bank affiliates of the over-the-counter counterparties. The remaining 40% to 80% of the Trust’s assets will normally be invested in cash equivalents, such as U.S. Treasury bills, and held by the futures broker or the over-the-counter counterparties.
The Trust’s assets are not and will not be, directly or indirectly, commingled with the property of any other person in violation of law or invested with or loaned to Campbell & Company or any affiliated entities.
Results of Operations
The returns for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were (11.67)%, 7.30% and 12.96%, respectively.
For the 2007 decrease of (11.67)%, approximately (11.32)% was due to trading losses (before commissions) and approximately (4.91)% was due to brokerage fees, performance fees, and operating and offering costs borne by the Trust offset by approximately 4.56% due to interest income. An analysis of the (11.32)% trading gain by sector is as follows:
The first quarter demonstrated how market perceptions on the global macroeconomic environment can drastically change during a quarter. Fixed income was initially a driver in performance as a result of the acceleration of global economic momentum, but ultimately resulted in overall losses for the quarter. The global growth environment turned into a flight to quality from risky assets, sponsored by former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s comments about a recession by year end and the whipsaw activity experience in fixed income. Currency trading followed a similar path of fixed income (initial gains and overall quarterly losses); initial gains from currency crosses were generated from unexpected rate hikes by the Bank of England in the beginning of the quarter but were wiped out by the liquidations of Yen-based carry trades in February, followed by whipsaw activity at the end of quarter.
The Trust’s equity indices initially bucked the trend of fixed income and currency with gains coming from our fundamental models and strong M&A activity, but ultimately succumbed to an overall quarterly loss. Energy losses were driven by price declines in January on inventory build-ups due to warmer than average temperatures, but finished the last two months of the quarter basically flat. Global economic worries that were sparked at the end of February continued through the early part of March. All major market sectors experienced increased volatility accompanied by sharply higher short-term correlation. Whipsaw activity in currencies, interest rates and equities indices led to negative performance in all of these sectors, acting as the primary drivers of March losses. Risk levels for the Trust were reduced early in March in response to market conditions, and were restored to normal levels as conditions warranted.
The second quarter charged forward with M&A activity supported by impressive earnings, unfettered access to liquidity and major U.S. indices reaching all time highs, to only end with inflation concerns and a flight to quality related to the sub-prime world. Currencies provided gains early and late in the quarter related to negative U.S. dollar sentiment, but experienced losses mid-quarter mainly in outright exposures. Fixed income gains early in the month of April were given back during the last days of the month, but global fixed income prices breaking out of their trading ranges in May allowed the Trust to gain on both the long and short end of the yield curve. Early in the quarter commodity trading was positive as copper prices rallied on China’s release of high import figures, then finished slightly negative mid-quarter with energy trading gains mitigating some losses in metals. Commodities ended the quarter with small losses related to being short crude as it rallied above $70 per barrel on geo-political risks and inventory changes keeping traders bullish.
The third quarter began with a sudden flight to quality, reversal of high yielding currencies, and a highly correlated, unusually large move against the Trust’s positions resulting in one of the Trust’s largest monthly declines in recent years. Losses were broadly based and evenly spread between the interest rate, foreign exchange and equity index sectors. In response to this “perfect storm,” the Trust’s leverage was temporarily cut by 50%. Continuing the unusual market conditions theme into the first half of August, the contagion effect throughout the financial system created a confidence and liquidity crisis that also negatively impacted the Trust’s performance. Major stock, bond and currency markets globally experienced double digit losses from mid-July to mid-August. The foreign exchange sector proved very difficult in August as the Trust’s technical and macro models were both exposed to high-yielding currencies that suffered market value declines of historical proportions in mid-August. The Trust’s leverage was cut again in mid-August. Trading in the equity indices sector was also difficult as volatility dominated global stock markets, with the S&P dropping over 8% from its intra-month high only to bounce off of its lows once the Trust’s exposure was reduced. The Trust earned the majority of its gains at the end of the quarter in the foreign exchange markets as higher-yielding currencies once again gained favor. Trading in the stock indices sector also posted positive results, as the markets breathed a collective sigh of relief that the Federal Reserve was seriously addressing the credit crisis and resulting economic impact. The Trust’s portfolio maintained a lower risk posture throughout the month of September with full re-engagement resuming in the early part of the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter started with mixed messages as corporate earnings’ reports either beat estimates or severely disappointed, money centers and investment banks grappling with major credit related losses, housing data continuing to soften, and the Federal Open Market Committee complying with market expectations of a 25 basis point cut. High yielding currencies provided healthy gains early in the quarter battling back from August lows, however, during the remainder of the quarter the Trust incurred its largest sector losses in currencies enduring the yen reaching levels not seen since June of 2005. Trading in global indices proved a similar fate to the currency sector, initially beginning the quarter with gains followed up by two consecutive months of incurring losses related to U.S. recessionary fears spawning fears of a global slowdown in growth. Fixed income began the quarter flat as credit quality remained an underlying concern, then moving to positive returns mid-quarter thanks to Treasuries posting the best month in 12 years, to finishing negative at year-end related to extreme volatility. Energy and base metals began the quarter with a minimal loss and flat performance, respectively, as the markets continued to wrestle with a tight supply/demand picture, deteriorating geo-political landscape, a weakening dollar and strong growth from India & China. This market landscape then switched to fears of slowing global growth and fundamental arguments for lower energy prices in which Campbell recorded losses in both sectors. The quarter ended with gains realized in base and precious metals as gold rallied 6% to all time highs amid strong buying in the face of a bounce in the U.S. dollar.
Of the 2006 increase of 7.30%, approximately 7.76% was due to trading gains (before commissions) and approximately 4.70% due to interest income offset by a loss of approximately (5.16)% due to brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by the Trust. An analysis of the 7.76% trading gains by sector is as follows:
The first quarter demonstrated how markets interplay and how a diversified set of strategies can take advantage of changes in geopolitical and macroeconomic events. Currencies were relatively quiet in the first two months of the year as the markets tried to ascertain central bank policy intentions for 2006, but managed to rally at quarter-end on expectations of further interest rate hikes. Energy volatility proved difficult for the Trust, as the markets continued to fluctuate between excess inventory levels, supply constraints, and the ebb and flow of geopolitical tensions. A sharp sell-off in energy prices in February and a rebound in prices in March left the Trust flat in Energy trading on the quarter. The first quarter also saw the long end of the yield curve reverse sharply, the markets’ first peek at Ben Bernanke as Chairman of the Fed, and the reintroduction of the 30-year bond, leaving fixed income trading flat on the quarter. Following all of this activity, the Trust recorded gains in equity indices (despite the choppy start for global equity markets) and currencies, and finished the first quarter up 4.73%.
The second quarter proved to be quite a bit more difficult for the Trust with a quarterly rate of return of (5.25) %. A major sell off of the U.S. dollar against all major currencies, coupled with other central banks contemplating rate hikes, resulted in negative performance, primarily from the Trust’s fundamental currency models. These losses proved difficult to overcome despite gains in other sectors. Mid-quarter, the Trust was faced with another trend reversal, this time in equities, resulting in additional losses to our global equity index trading. Energy trading was positive overall on the quarter as prices moved higher in response to continuing uncertainty in Iran and the approaching hurricane season. Toward the end of the quarter the markets were choppy as traders were attempting to interpret monetary policies from each of the world’s major central banks. Expectations of slowed economic growth due to central bank policies and the shifting sands of geopolitical events continued to pressure precious and base metals resulting in only slightly positive performance for that sector on the quarter.
As much as the second quarter was dominated by the sell off of the U.S. dollar, energy was largely responsible for the Trust posting a third quarter return of (2.77) %. Early in the quarter, economic activity suggested a slower pace and a cooling housing market leading to a reduced probability of another rate hike.
The quarter began with a push in energy prices higher as a result of certain geopolitical events, followed by a sharp reversal in the energy complex on the perception of easing geopolitical intensions, a mild hurricane season and steadily rising inventories. Energy markets continued to sell off towards the end of the quarter causing losses for the Trust. Gains were recorded in the currency markets, where losses on the Trust’s cross rate exposures were more than offset by gains in outright positions, despite the historically low volatilities in many of these markets. The market continued to believe the U.S. Federal Reserve would not raise rates in the foreseeable future and consequently the Trust recorded small losses in the interest rate sector and small gains in equity index trading.
The fourth quarter of 2006 proved to be a very productive period for our strategies, and produced a quarterly return of 11.22% for the Trust. The currency sector carried the Trust throughout the quarter, recording gains related to the renewed popularity of the Yen “carry” trade, Euro related crosses and the continued weakening of the Swiss Franc. The same strategies that caused the Trust difficulty in April and May, benefited the Trust throughout the fourth quarter and finished positive on the year overall. Equity index trading was also strongly positive throughout the quarter on strong economic growth, restrained inflation, and continued red-hot M&A activity ultimately contributing to the Dow finishing the year near all-time highs. The energy complex continued its unpredictable pattern - hitting lows for the year-to-date at the beginning of the quarter, rallying on refinery problems in November, and then falling back on above average temperatures throughout the U.S. and Europe. The Trust posted overall losses in the energy sector for the quarter and the year. Fixed income trading was slightly negative on the quarter until December when the sector contributed significantly to gains for the Trust. Yields rose sharply across the curve on firm November payrolls, stronger mid-month retail sales and indications of a potential boom in housing market data.
For the 2005 increase of 12.69%, approximately 14.47% was due to trading gains (before commissions) and approximately 2.94% was due to interest income, offset by approximately 4.72% due to brokerage fees, performance fees, and operating and offering costs borne by the Trust. An analysis of the 14.47% trading gain by sector is as follows:
The late December 2004 reversal of the major trends in currencies and equities persisted into January 2005 leaving the Trust with negative performance for the month. The U.S. Dollar rallied sharply in the first week of the month and held its new levels, which produced losses in the currency sector. The post-election rally in equities gave way to selling in January, which also produced losses for the Trust. The energy sector was positive as crude oil approached $50 per barrel. The interest rate sector was also positive.
The rally in the U.S. Dollar failed early in February and the Dollar ended the month lower. However, the small gains on the Trust’s U.S. Dollar short positions were offset by losses in its non-Dollar currency pairs, resulting in losses in the currency sector overall. This was a difficult interest rate environment with different pressures observable at different points along the yield curve. Consequently, the Trust’s short-term interest rate positions were positive, but not profitable enough to offset the losses in long-term interest rates. The stock index sector was the best performing sector for the month as the equity markets reversed again and traded higher reclaiming a portion of the losses in January. Crude oil’s continued rally also contributed profits for the month.
The Trust had a small trading profit in the month of March. The gains for the month were in the interest rate sector, as both short-term and long-term positions were profitable, and in the energy sector where crude oil made a new high. The U.S. Dollar closed higher for the month, reversing a long downtrend, which caused losses for the Trust. In addition, the Trust incurred losses in its non-Dollar currency positions in March making the currency sector the worst performing sector for the first quarter. The equity index markets also reversed and ended the month lower which caused losses for the Trust.
Gains in the interest rate and currency sectors led to a positive return for April. Interest rate instruments continued the rally which began in late March. The energy sector was the worst performing sector for the month. Crude oil prices fell by almost $8 a barrel, which, combined with the related sell-off in other energy products, resulted in losses for the month. Equity indices were also negative with stock prices ending lower following sharp declines mid-month.
The Trust had a positive return in May which turned the Trust’s year-to-date return positive. The interest rate and currency sectors continued their profitability in April and May. The apparent breakdown of the EU constitutional ratification process was a key development late in the month causing investors to readjust their expectations for the Euro. The shift in favor of the U.S. Dollar topped off a six week rally that led to its highest level since before the 2004 U.S. elections which benefited the Trust’s currency positions. The Trust’s interest rate positions benefited from the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield being pushed once again below 4%.
In June, global uncertainties continued to provide profitable trends for the Trust. The U.S. Dollar was up sharply in June to new six month highs, as the Euro and Yen continued a steep six-week slide. A further flattening of the yield curve provided a profitable opportunity for the Trust’s models and the fixed income sector. Several energy markets made new all-time highs in June contributing to the Trust’s profits for the month.
The Trust reported its fourth consecutive monthly gain in July. Markets were rattled following the Chinese currency revaluation, but much of the initial decline in the U.S. Dollar was recovered the following day. The equity markets ended the month broadly higher and were the Trust’s most profitable sector, while the interest rates sector traded lower and generated the Trust’s largest losses. Energy markets traded lower early in the month, but ended near all-time highs and at a profit for the Trust’s long positions.
August saw sharp trend reversals occur in each of the major financial sectors, resulting in losses for the Trust. The currency sector was the Trust’s worst performing sector. The U.S. Dollar peaked at the end of July, then reversed sharply and traded close to its recent lows at the end of August. A similar reversal occurred in the interest rates sector, resulting in losses at both ends of the yield curve. Equities trended higher in July, but record energy prices caused a sharp sell-off in August and resulted in a loss in this sector. The energy and metal sectors were the only profitable sectors in the Trust this month, but the size of positions was not sufficient to offset the losses incurred in the financial sectors.
In September, the Trust saw many of the trends in the major financial sectors resume their course. The same sectors that reversed so sharply in August were the most profitable in September, while the energy sector was the only sector that had losses. The U.S. Dollar rallied strongly from the start of the month following the late-August sell-off, and again approached the highs for the year. The Trust lost money on some non-U.S. Dollar trades, however the currency sector was profitable overall. The equities sector also finished higher. Fixed income instruments ended lower after the sharp reversals in August and provided solid gains for the Trust’s short positions.
The Trust performance was positive for the month of October. The fixed income sector was profitable as inflation fears fueled the sell-off in bonds and interest rates moved higher across the whole yield curve. The currency sector also delivered gains as the U.S. Dollar continued to show strength. The energy markets ended the month lower which contributed negatively to the Trust’s performance, but the biggest losses for the month were in the equity indices sector as stock prices declined sharply.
Currencies were the most profitable sector contributing to the positive return for the November as the U.S. Dollar continued to strengthen against the Euro and the Yen. The major theme continued to be the rising U.S. interest rate differentials and the persistent weakness of the Yen. The fixed-income sector was profitable overall, but gains in short-term interest rate instruments were partially offset by losses on the long end of the curve as mid-month economic data eased the markets’ fears of inflation. The same data pushed equity indices higher across the globe which was a welcome result for many investors, but it went against our positions. Energy prices continued their slide in November with warmer than normal weather in many regions of the country. This was good news for energy consumers, but caused losses for our positions. Metals, although only a small part of the Trust’s portfolio, saw significant gains this month with copper rising to new all-time highs and gold closing over $500 per ounce.
Sharp reversals in the currencies and interest rates sectors resulted in losses in December, but the Trust had positive results for 2005. Currencies was one of the most profitable sectors for the year, but was the major source of losses in December. The Japanese Yen was in decline against most other currencies all year, but reversed sharply in December as new economic data finally turned positive. The Euro also rallied and the US Dollar lost ground on a perception of change in relative short-term interest rates policy, increasing the losses on our currency positions.
These same factors contributed to reversals in the fixed income markets in December which also resulted in losses for the Trust, but this sector was also the most profitable for us in 2005. The worst performing sector in 2005 was the equities sector, but conversely it was profitable in December as the rally in US stocks fizzled, while European and Asian stock indices continued to trade higher, ending a year of strong gains for those markets. Energy prices also finished higher in December as markets characterized by tight supply and increasing demand continued to be sensitive to weather and geopolitical change. This resulted in good profits in the energy sector for both the month and the year.
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
The term “off-balance sheet risk” refers to an unrecorded potential liability that, even though it does not appear on the balance sheet, may result in future obligation or loss. The Trust trades in futures, forward and options contracts and is therefore a party to financial instruments with elements of off-balance sheet market and credit risk. In entering into these contracts there exists a risk to the Trust, market risk, that such contracts may be significantly influenced by market conditions, such as interest rate volatility, resulting in such contracts being less valuable. If the markets should move against all of the futures interests positions of the Trust at the same time, and if the Trust’s trading advisor was unable to offset futures interests positions of the Trust, the Trust could lose all of its assets and the Unitholders would realize a 100% loss. Campbell & Company, Inc., the managing owner (who also acts as trading advisor), minimizes market risk through real-time monitoring of open positions, diversification of the portfolio and maintenance of a margin-to-equity ratio that rarely exceeds 30%.
In addition to market risk, in entering into futures, forward and option contracts there is a credit risk that a counterparty will not be able to meet its obligations to the Trust. The counterparty for futures contracts traded in the United States and on most foreign exchanges is the clearinghouse associated with such exchange. In general, clearinghouses are backed by the corporate members of the clearinghouse who are required to share any financial burden resulting from the non-performance 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, like some foreign exchanges, it is normally backed by a consortium of banks or other financial institutions.
In the case of forward and option contracts, which are traded on the interbank market rather than on exchanges, the counterparty is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a group of financial institutions; thus there may be a greater counterparty credit risk. Campbell & Company trades for the Trust only with those counterparties which it believes to be creditworthy. All positions of the Trust are valued each day on a mark-to-market basis. There can be no assurance that any clearing member, clearinghouse or other counterparty will be able to meet its obligations to the Trust.
Disclosures About Certain Trading Activities that Include Non-Exchange Traded Contracts Accounted for at Fair Value
The Trust invests in futures, forward currency and option on forward currency contracts. The market value of futures (exchange-traded) contracts is determined by the various futures exchanges, and reflects the settlement price for each contract as of the close of the last business day of the reporting period. Beginning in July 2006, the market value of forward (non-exchange traded) contracts is extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) of the last business day of the reporting period or based on the market value of its exchange-traded equivalent. Prior to July 2006, the market value of forward (non-exchange traded) contracts was extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of 5:00 P.M. (E.T.) of the last business day of the reporting period or based on the market value of its exchange-traded equivalent. The market value of option (non-exchange traded) contracts is calculated by applying an industry-standard adaptation of the Black-Scholes options valuation model to foreign currency options, using as input, the spot prices, interest rates and option implied volatilities quoted as of 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Introduction
Past Results Not Necessarily Indicative of Future Performance
The Trust is a speculative commodity pool. The market sensitive instruments held by it are acquired for speculative trading purposes, and all or a substantial amount of the Trust’s assets are subject to the risk of trading loss. Unlike an operating company, the risk of market sensitive instruments is integral, not incidental, to the Trust’s main line of business.
Market movements result in frequent changes in the fair market value of the Trust’s open positions and, consequently, in its earnings and cash flow. The Trust’s market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including the level and volatility of exchange rates, interest rates, equity price levels, the market value of financial instruments and contracts, the diversification effects among the Trust’s open positions and the liquidity of the markets in which it trades.
The Trust 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 Trust’s past performance is not necessarily indicative of its future results.
Standard of Materiality
Materiality as used in this section, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” is based on an assessment of reasonably possible market movements and the potential losses caused by such movements, taking into account the leverage, and multiplier features of the Trust’s market sensitive instruments.
Quantifying the Trust’s Trading Value at Risk
Quantitative Forward-Looking Statements
The following quantitative disclosures regarding the Trust’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 (such as the dollar amount of maintenance margin required for market risk sensitive instruments held at the end of the reporting period).
The Trust’s risk exposure in the various market sectors traded is estimated in terms of Value at Risk (VaR). The Trust estimates VaR using a model based upon historical simulation (with a confidence level of 97.5%) which involves constructing a distribution of hypothetical daily changes in the value of a trading portfolio. The VaR model takes into account linear exposures to risks, including equity and commodity prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and correlation among these variables. The hypothetical changes in portfolio value are based on daily percentage changes observed in key market indices or other market factors to which the portfolio is sensitive. The Trust’s VaR at a one day 97.5% confidence level VaR corresponds to the negative change in portfolio value that, based on observed market risk factors, would have been exceeded once in 40 trading days or one day in 40. VaR typically does not represent the worst case outcome.
The Trust uses approximately one quarter of daily market data and revalues its portfolio for each of the historical market moves that occurred over this time period. This generates a probability distribution of daily “simulated profit and loss” outcomes. The VaR is the 2.5 percentile of this distribution.
The VaR for a sector represents the one day downside risk for the aggregate exposures associated with this sector. The current methodology used to calculate the aggregate VaR represents the VaR of the Trust’s open positions across all market sectors, and is less than the sum of the VaRs for all such market sectors due to the diversification benefit across asset classes.
The Trust’s VaR computations are based on the risk representation of the underlying benchmark for each instrument or contract and does not distinguish between exchange and non-exchange dealer-based instruments. It is also not based on exchange and/or dealer-based maintenance margin requirements.
VaR models, including the Trust’s, are continually evolving as trading portfolios become more diverse and modeling techniques and systems capabilities improve. Please note that the VaR model is used to numerically quantify market risk for historic reporting purposes only and is not utilized by the Trust in its daily risk management activities. Please further note that VaR as described above may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.
Because the business of the Trust is the speculative trading of futures, forwards and options, the composition of the Trust’s trading portfolio can change significantly over any given time period, or even within a single trading day, which could positively or negatively materially impact market risk as measured by VaR.
The Trust’s Trading Value at Risk in Different Market Sectors
The following tables indicate the trading Value at Risk associated with the Trust’s open positions by market category as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and the trading gains/losses by market category for the years then ended.
*
- The VaR for a sector represents the one day downside risk for the aggregate exposures associated with this sector. The aggregate VaR represents the VaR of the Trust’s open positions across all market sectors, and is less than the sum of the VaRs for all such market sectors due to the diversification benefit across asset classes.
**
- Of the return for the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately 11.32% was due to trading losses (before commissions) and approximately (4.91)% due to brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by the Trust offset by approximately 4.56% of interest income giving a net return of (11.67)%.
*
- The VaR for a sector represents the one day downside risk for the aggregate exposures associated with this sector. The aggregate VaR represents the VaR of the Trust’s open positions across all market sectors, and is less than the sum of the VaRs for all such market sectors due to the diversification benefit across asset classes.
**
- Of the return for the year ended December 31, 2006, approximately 7.76% was due to trading gains (before commissions), approximately 4.70% was due interest income offset by approximately 5.16% due to brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by the Trust giving a net return of 7.30%.
*
- The VaR for a sector represents the one day downside risk for the aggregate exposures associated with this sector. The aggregate VaR represents the VaR of the Trust’s open positions across all market sectors, and is less than the sum of the VaRs for all such market sectors due to the diversification benefit across asset classes.
**
- Of the return for the year ended December 31, 2005, approximately 14.47% was due to trading gains (before commissions), approximately 2.94% was due interest income offset by approximately 4.72% due to brokerage fees, performance fees and operating and offering costs borne by the Trust giving a net return of 12.69%.
Material Limitations of Value at Risk as an Assessment of Market Risk
The following limitations of VaR as an assessment of market risk should be noted:
1)
Past changes in market risk factors will not always result in accurate predictions of the distributions and correlations of future market movements;
2)
Changes in portfolio value caused by market movements may differ from those of the VaR model;
3)
VaR results reflect past trading positions while future risk depends on future positions;
4)
VaR using a one day time horizon does not fully capture the market risk of positions that cannot be liquidated or hedged within one day; and
5)
The historical market risk factor data for VaR estimation may provide only limited insight into losses that could be incurred under certain unusual market movements.
VaR is not necessarily representative of historic risk nor should it be used to predict the Trust’s future financial performance or its ability to manage and monitor risk. There can be no assurance that the Trust’s actual losses on a particular day will not exceed the VaR amounts indicated or that such losses will not occur more than once in 40 trading days.
Non-Trading Risk
The Trust 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 Trust also has non-trading market risk as a result of investing a substantial portion of its available assets in U.S. Treasury Bills. The market risk represented by these investments is immaterial.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Primary Trading Risk Exposures
The following qualitative disclosures regarding the Trust’s market risk exposures - except for (i) those disclosures that are statements of historical fact and (ii) the descriptions of how the Trust 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 Trust’s primary market risk exposures as well as the strategies used and to be used by Campbell & Company for managing such exposures are subject to numerous uncertainties, contingencies and risks, any one of which could cause the actual results of the Trust’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 Trust. There can be no assurance that the Trust’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 their investment in the Trust.
The following were the primary trading risk exposures of the Trust as of December 31, 2007, by market sector.
Currencies
Exchange rate risk is the principal market exposure of the Trust. The Trust’s currency exposure is to exchange rate fluctuations, primarily fluctuations which disrupt the historical pricing relationships between different currencies and currency pairs. These fluctuations are influenced by interest rate changes as well as political and general economic conditions. The Trust trades in a large number of currencies, including cross-rates - i.e., positions between two currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Campbell & Company does not anticipate that the risk profile of the Trust’s currency sector will change significantly in the future.
Interest Rates
Interest rate risk is a significant market exposure of the Trust. Interest rate movements directly affect the price of the sovereign bond positions held by the Trust 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 Trust’s profitability. The Trust’s primary interest rate exposure is to interest rate fluctuations in the United States and the other G-7 countries. However, the Trust also takes positions in the government debt of Switzerland. Campbell & Company anticipates that G-7 interest rates will remain the primary rate exposure of the Trust for the foreseeable future. The changes in interest rates which have the most effect on the Trust are changes in long-term, as opposed to short-term rates. Most of the speculative positions held by the Trust are in medium- to long-term instruments.
Stock Indices
The Trust’s primary equity exposure is to equity price risk in the G-7 countries and several other countries (Hong Kong, Spain and Taiwan). The stock index futures traded by the Trust are by law limited to futures on broadly based indices. The Trust is primarily exposed to the risk of adverse price trends or static markets in the major U.S., European and Japanese indices. (Static markets would not cause major market changes but would make it difficult for the Trust to avoid being “whipsawed” into numerous small losses.)
Energy
The Trust’s primary energy market exposure is to crude oil and derivative product price movements, often resulting from international political developments and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the perceived outcome. Oil and gas prices can be volatile and substantial profits and losses have been and are expected to continue to be experienced in this market.
Metals
The Trust’s metals market exposure is to fluctuations in the price of aluminum, copper, gold and zinc.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Non-Trading Risk Exposure
The following were the primary non-trading risk exposures of the Trust as of December 31, 2007.
Foreign Currency Balances
The Trust’s primary foreign currency balances are in Japanese Yen, British Pounds and Euros. The Trust controls the non-trading risk of these balances by regularly converting these balances back into dollars (no less frequently than twice per month, and more frequently if a particular foreign currency balance becomes unusually large).
Treasury Bill Positions
The Trust’s primary market exposure in instruments held other than for trading is in its Treasury Bill portfolio. The Trust holds Treasury Bills (interest bearing and credit risk-free) with durations no longer than six months. Violent fluctuations in prevailing interest rates could cause immaterial mark-to-market losses on the Trust’s Treasury Bills, although substantially all of these short-term investments are held to maturity.
Qualitative Disclosures Regarding Means of Managing Risk Exposure
The means by which the Trust and Campbell & Company, severally, attempt to manage the risk of the Trust’s open positions is essentially the same in all market categories traded. Campbell & Company applies risk management policies to its trading which generally limit the total exposure that may be taken per “risk unit” of assets under management. In addition, Campbell & Company follows diversification guidelines (often formulated in terms of the balanced volatility between markets and correlated groups), as well as precalculating “stop-loss” points at which systems will signal to close out open positions.
Campbell & Company manages the risk of the Trust’s non-trading instruments (Treasury Bills held for cash management purposes) by limiting the duration of such instruments to no more than six months.
General
The Trust is unaware of any (i) anticipated known demands, commitments or capital expenditures; (ii) material trends, favorable or unfavorable, in its capital resources; or (iii) trends or uncertainties that will have a material effect on operations. From time to time, certain regulatory agencies have proposed increased margin requirements on futures contracts. Because the Trust generally will use a small percentage of assets as margin, the Trust does not believe that any increase in margin requirements, as proposed, will have a material effect on the Trust’s operations.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Financial statements meeting the requirements of Regulation S-X appear beginning on Page 32 of this report. The supplementary financial information specified by Item 302 of Regulation S-K is included in Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Item 9.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Campbell & Company, Inc., the managing owner of the Trust, with the participation of the managing owner’s chief executive officer and senior vice president of accounting and finance, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) with respect to the Trust as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
Based on their evaluation, the chief executive officer and senior vice president of accounting and finance have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in the managing owner’s internal control over financial reporting applicable to the Trust identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting applicable to the Trust.
Item 9A (T).
Controls and Procedures
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Campbell & Company, Inc. (“CCI”), the managing owner of Trust, is responsible for the management of the Trust. Management of CCI (“Management”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Trust;
•
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that the partnership’s transactions are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Management and;
•
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Trust’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, Management used the framework established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). As a result of this assessment and based on the criteria in the COSO framework, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Trust’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the company to provide only management’s reporting this annual report.
There was no information required to be disclosed in a report on form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2007.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The Registrant has no directors or executive officers. The Registrant has no employees. It is managed by Campbell & Company in its capacity as general partner. Campbell & Company has been registered as a commodity pool operator (CPO) since September 1982. Its main business address is 210 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204, (410) 296-3301. Campbell & Company’s directors and executive officers are as follows:
G. William Andrews, born in 1972, has been employed by Campbell & Company since April 1997 and was appointed Vice President: Director of Research Operations in March 2006 and has served as Vice President: Director of Operations since April 2007. His duties include managing daily research and trade operations, new research product implementation and code management. From November 1995 to April 1997, Mr. Andrews was employed at Legg Mason as a Research Analyst in the Realty Group. Before immigrating to the United States, he was employed by the Japanese Department of Education in the town of Fujimi, Nagano prefecture. Mr. Andrews holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Loyola College in Maryland and a Bachelor of Social Science from Waikato University, New Zealand. Mr. Andrews became listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective June 21, 2006.
Theresa D. Becks, born in 1963, joined Campbell & Company in June 1991 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since April 2007, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary since May 1992, and a Director since January 1994. Ms. Becks is also the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, and Trustee, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust, a registered investment company. Ms. Becks served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Managed Funds Association from November 2002 to November 2006. From December 1987 to June 1991, she was employed by Bank Maryland Corp, a publicly held company, as a Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From September 1985 to December 1987, she worked with the public accounting firm Ernst & Young as a C.P.A. Ms. Becks is a C.P.A. and has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Delaware. Ms. Becks became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective May 7, 1999 and March 10, 1993, respectively. Ms. Becks became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC effective December 14, 2005 and December 12, 2005, respectively.
D. Keith Campbell, born in 1942, has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Campbell & Company since it began operations, was President until January 1994, and was Chief Executive Officer until January 1998. Mr. Campbell is the majority voting stockholder of Campbell & Company. Mr. Campbell has acted as a commodity trading advisor since January 1972 when, as general partner of the Campbell Fund, a limited partnership engaged in commodity futures trading, he assumed sole responsibility for trading decisions made on behalf of the Trust. Since then, he has applied various technical trading models to numerous discretionary futures trading accounts. Mr. Campbell is registered with the CFTC and NFA as a commodity pool operator. Mr. Campbell became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective October 29, 1997 and September 29, 1978, respectively. Mr. Campbell became listed as a Principal of his Commodity Pool Operator effective March 10, 1975.
Bruce L. Cleland, born in 1947, joined Campbell & Company in January 1993 and has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Campbell & Company since April 2007, was President from January 1994 to April 2007, and Chief Executive Officer from January 1998 to April 2007. Until April 2007, Mr. Cleland was also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, and Trustee, Chief Executive Officer and President of The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust, a registered investment company. Mr. Cleland has worked in the international derivatives industry for over 30 years, and has owned and managed firms engaged in global clearing, floor brokerage, trading and portfolio management. Mr. Cleland is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the National Futures Association, and previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Managed Funds Association and as a member of the Board of Governors of the COMEX, in New York. Mr. Cleland is a graduate of Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree. Mr. Cleland became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective December 15, 1993 and September 15, 1993, respectively. Mr. Cleland became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC effective December 14, 2005 and December 13, 2005, respectively. Mr. Cleland withdrew his registration as an Associated Person and a Principal of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC effective April 3, 2007.
Gregory T. Donovan, born in 1972, has been employed by Campbell & Company since October 2006 as Senior Vice President of Accounting and Finance. His duties include oversight of accounting and finance functions and review of accounting policies and procedures. Mr. Donovan is also the Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of both Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, and The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust, a registered investment company. From November 2003 to October 2006, Mr. Donovan was employed by Huron Consulting Services serving as Director in the Financial and Economic Consulting Practice. From May 1998 until November 2003, Mr. Donovan was employed by KPMG LLP in which he served in the capacity as Manager in the Forensic and Litigation Services Practice. Mr. Donovan is a C.P.A. and has a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Management from Castleton State College and holds a M.S. in Finance from the University of Baltimore. Mr. Donovan became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective July 5, 2007 and May 9, 2007 respectively. Mr. Donovan became listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC effective May 16, 2007.
Michael S. Harris, born in 1975, has been employed by Campbell & Company since July 2000, was appointed Deputy Manager of Trading in September 2004 and has served as Vice President and Director of Trading since June 2006. His duties include managing daily trade execution for the assets under Campbell & Company’s management. From October 1999 to July 2000, Mr. Harris worked as a futures and options broker for Refco Inc. (NY). From May 1997 to October 1999, he worked in the Sales and Product Development groups at Morgan Stanley Managed Futures. Mr. Harris holds a B.A. in Economics and Japanese Studies from Gettysburg College. He also spent time studying abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. Mr. Harris became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective September 21, 2000 and June 15, 2006, respectively.
Michael J. Hebrank, born in 1955, joined Campbell & Company in April 2004 and has served as Chief Technology Officer since then. From February 1999 to April 2004, Mr. Hebrank was the Chief Information Officer at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, the fourth largest healthcare system in Maryland. Mr. Hebrank holds a B.S. in Applied Statistics from the University of Baltimore and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Loyola College of Maryland. Mr. Hebrank became listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective June 21, 2006.
Kevin M. Heerdt, born in 1958, joined Campbell & Company in March 2003 and has served as Chief Investment Officer and Director of Research since July 2007, was Executive Vice President-Research from March 2003 to June 2007 and Chief Operating Officer from June 2005 to June 2007. His duties include risk management, research, and the development of quantitatively based hedge fund and options strategies. Mr. Heerdt is also the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of both Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, and The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust, a registered investment company. From February 2002 through March 2003, he was the sole proprietor of Integrity Consulting, a start-up business consulting firm. From December 1990 to February 2002, Mr. Heerdt worked for Moore Capital Management, Inc., and affiliates, a private investment management firm, where he was a Director and a Managing Director. Mr. Heerdt holds a B.A. in Economics and in International Relations from the University of Southern California. Mr. Heerdt became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective April 15, 2003. Mr. Heerdt became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC effective December 14, 2005 and December 12, 2005, respectively.
James M. Little, born in 1946, joined Campbell & Company in April 1990 and has served as Executive Vice President-Business Development and a Director since December 1992. Mr. Little is also the Vice President of both Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, and The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust, a registered investment company. Mr. Little holds a B.S. in Economics and Psychology from Purdue University. From March 1989 to April 1990, Mr. Little was a registered representative of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., a national full service brokerage firm. From January 1984 to March 1989, he was the Chief Executive Officer of James Little & Associates, Inc., a commodity pool operator and broker-dealer. Mr. Little is the co-author of The Handbook of Financial Futures, and is a frequent contributor to investment industry publications. Mr. Little became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company effective August 7, 1992 and April 19, 1993 respectively. Mr. Little became registered as an Associated Person and listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC effective December 14, 2005 and December 12, 2005, respectively.
Thomas P. Lloyd, born in 1959, joined Campbell & Company in September 2005 as General Counsel and Executive Vice President-Legal and Compliance. In this capacity, he is involved in all aspects of legal affairs, compliance and regulatory oversight. Since April 2007, Mr. Lloyd has also overseen Campbell & Company’s fund administration function. Mr. Lloyd is also the Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of both Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, and The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust, a registered investment company. From July 1999 to September 2005, Mr. Lloyd was employed by Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (“DBSI”) in several positions, including Managing Director and head of the legal group for Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown, the Private Client Division of DBSI. From March 1997 to July 1999, Mr. Lloyd was an attorney in the Enforcement Department of NASD Regulation, Inc., and, from July 1995 to March 1997, he served as a senior counsel in the Division of Enforcement of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. From January 1989 to July 1995, he was engaged in the private practice of law. Mr. Lloyd holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland, and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Mr. Lloyd is a member of the Bars of the State of Maryland and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Lloyd became listed as a Principal of Campbell & Company and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC effective October 20, 2005 and December 12, 2005, respectively.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board of Directors of Campbell & Company, in its capacity as the audit committee for the Trust, has determined that Theresa D. Becks qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. She is not independent of management.
Code of Ethics
Campbell & Company has adopted a code of ethics for its chief executive officer, senior vice president of accounting and finance, director of fund accounting, accounting managers and persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code of ethics may be obtained at no charge by written request to Campbell & Company’s corporate secretary, Court Towers Building, 210 West Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 770, Towson, Maryland 21204 or by calling 1-800-698-7235.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The Registrant is managed by its managing owner, Campbell & Company. Campbell & Company receives from the Registrant a Brokerage Fee equal to 2.85% of the Registrant’s month-end Net Assets per year. From such 2.85% Brokerage Fee, Campbell & Company remits 0.35% to the broker-dealers which engaged in the distribution of the Units in return for ongoing services to the Unitholders. Campbell & Company retains the remaining 2.5% as management fees (2% for providing advisory fees and 0.5% for acting as managing owner). Campbell & Company also receives a performance fee of 20% of the aggregate cumulative appreciation (if any) in Net Asset Value per unit at the end of each calendar quarter, exclusive of the appreciation attributable to interest income.
Item 12.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
See Item 11, Executive Compensation and Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The principle accountant for the year ended December 31, 2007 was Deloitte & Touche LLP.
(a)
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principle accountant for the audit of the Trust’s annual financial statements, for review of financial statements included in the Trust’s Forms 10-Q and other services normally provided in connection with regulatory filings for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $64,000 and $66,115, respectively.
(b)
Audit Related Fees
None.
(c)
Tax Fees
None.
(d)
All Other Fees
None.
(e)
The Board of Directors of Campbell & Company approved all of the services described above. The Board of Directors has determined that the payments made to its independent accountants for these services are compatible with maintaining such auditors’ independence. The Board of Directors explicitly pre-approves all audit and non-audit services and all engagement fees and terms.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)
The Following documents are filed as part of this report:
(1)
See Financial Statements beginning on page 32 hereof.
(2)
Schedules:
Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not included in the financial statements or notes hereto applicable or because equivalent information has been included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
None.
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 on March 28, 2008.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated on March 28, 2008.
CAMPBELL ALTERNATIVE ASSET TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
December 31, 2007
CAMPBELL ALTERNATIVE ASSET TRUST
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Unitholders of
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of Campbell Alternative Asset Trust (the “Trust”), including the condensed of schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2007, and 2006, and the related statements of operations, cash flows, changes in unitholders’ capital (net asset value) and financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also 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 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, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Campbell Alternative Asset Trust as of December 31, 2007, and 2006, the results of its operations, cash flows, changes in its unitholders’ capital (net asset value) and financial highlights for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ DELOITTE $ TOUCHE LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
March 14, 2008
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Condensed Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2007
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Condensed Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2007
*
Pledged as collateral for the trading of futures, forward and option positions.
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Condensed Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2006
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Condensed Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2006
*
Pledged as collateral for the trading of futures, forward and option positions.
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Statements of Financial Condition
December 31, 2007 and 2006
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Statements of Changes in Unitholders’ Capital (net Asset Value)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Net Asset Value per Managing Owner and Other Unitholders’ Unit
December 31,
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Financial Highlights
For The Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
The following information presents per unit operating performance data and other supplemental financial data for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. This information has been derived from information presented in the financial statements.
Total returns are calculated based on the change in value of a unit during the year. An individual partner’s total returns and ratios may vary from the above total returns and ratios based on the timing of additions and redemptions.
(1)
Interest income net of expenses per unit and offering costs per unit are calculated by dividing the interest income net of expenses and offering costs by the average number of units outstanding during the year. Total net trading gains (losses) is a balancing amount necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per unit with the other per unit information.
(2)
Excludes performance fee.
(3)
Interest income net of expenses is shown as a positive amount when the interest income exceeds expenses for the year.
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Notes To Financial Statements
December 31, 2007
Note 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A.
General Description of the Trust
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust (the Trust) is a Delaware statutory trust which operates as a commodity investment pool. The Trust was formed on May 3, 2000 and commenced trading on October 1, 2001. The Trust engages in the speculative trading of futures contracts, forward currency contracts and options on forward currency contracts.
As of December 31, 2002, units are no longer offered to the public, but are offered exclusively for sale to the Campbell & Company, Inc. 401(K) Plan (the 401(K) Plan). At December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the 401(K) Plan held approximately 60% and 52% of the Trust’s outstanding units, respectively.
B.
Regulation
As a registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Trust is subject to the regulatory requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a commodity investment pool, the Trust is subject to the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, an agency of the United States (U.S.) government which regulates most aspects of the commodity futures industry; rules of the National Futures Association, an industry self-regulatory organization; and the requirements of the various commodity exchanges where the Trust executes transactions. Additionally, the Trust is subject to the requirements of futures commission merchants (brokers) and interbank market makers through which the Trust trades.
C.
Method of Reporting
The Trust’s financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which may require the use of certain estimates made by the Trust’s management. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains or losses are realized when contracts are liquidated. Unrealized gains and losses on open contracts (the difference between contract trade price and market price) are reported in the statement of financial condition as a net gain or loss, as there exists a right of offset of unrealized gains or losses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 39 - “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts.” The market value of futures (exchange-traded) contracts is determined by the various futures exchanges, and reflects the settlement price for each contract as of the close of the last business day of the reporting period. Beginning July 1, 2006, the market value of forward currency (non-exchange traded) contracts is extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) of the last business day of the reporting period or based on the market value of its exchange-traded equivalent. Prior to July 1, 2006, the market value of forward currency (non-exchange traded) contracts was extrapolated on a forward basis from the spot prices quoted as of 5:00 P.M. (E.T.) of the last business day of the reporting period or based on the market value of its exchange-traded equivalent.
The market value of option (non-exchange traded) contracts is calculated by applying an industry-standard adaptation of the Black-Scholes options valuation model to foreign currency options, using as input, the spot prices, interest rates and option implied volatilities quoted as of 3:00 P.M. (E.T.) on the last business day of the reporting period. Any change in net unrealized gain or loss from the preceding period is reported in the statement of operations.
When the Trust writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Trust is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of option written. Brokerage commissions include other trading fees and are charged to expense when contracts are opened. United States government securities are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.
For purposes of both financial reporting and calculation of redemption value, Net Asset Value per unit is calculated by dividing Net Asset Value by the number of outstanding units.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Notes To Financial Statements
December 31, 2007
D.
Income Taxes
The Trust prepares calendar year U. S. and applicable state information tax returns and reports to the unitholders their allocable shares of the Trust’s income, expenses and trading gains or losses. No provision for income taxes has been made in the accompanying financial statements as each unitholder is individually responsible for reporting income or loss based on such unitholder’s respective share of the Trust’s income and expenses as reported for income tax purposes.
E.
Offering Costs
Campbell & Company, Inc. (Campbell & Company) has incurred all costs in connection with the initial and continuous offering of units of the Trust (offering costs). Offering costs are charged to the Trust at a monthly rate of 1/12 of 0.9% (0.9% annualized) of the Trust’s month-end net asset value (as defined in the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement) until such amounts are fully reimbursed. Such amounts are charged directly to unitholders’ capital. The Trust is only liable for payment of offering costs on a monthly basis. At December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Trust reflects a liability in the statement of financial condition for offering costs payable to Campbell & Company of $11,697 and $15,828, respectively.
The offering costs for which Campbell & Company are being reimbursed relate to the offering of units of the Trust to all unitholders except the 401(K) Plan. Therefore, Campbell & Company rebates to the 401(K) Plan the offering costs charged to the 401(K) Plan. All such rebates are made by issuing additional units to the 401(K) Plan.
If the Trust terminates prior to completion of payment to Campbell & Company for the unreimbursed offering costs incurred through the date of such termination, Campbell & Company will not be entitled to any additional payments, and the Trust will have no further obligation to Campbell & Company. At December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the amount of unreimbursed offering costs incurred by Campbell & Company is $235,984 and $403,225, respectively.
F.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The Trust’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 date of the statement 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 income.
G.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2007, the Trust implemented Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48)”. FIN 48 prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position must meet in connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken by an entity, including investment companies, before being measured and recognized in the financial statements. Management has evaluated the application of FIN 48 to the Trust, and has determined that the adoption of FIN 48 does not have a material impact on the Trust’s financial statements. The Trust files federal and state tax returns. The 2004 through 2007 tax years generally remain subject to examination by U.S. federal and most state tax authorities.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact on the Trust’s financial statement disclosures, if any, is currently being assessed.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Notes To Financial Statements
December 31, 2007
Note 2.
MANAGING OWNER AND COMMODITY TRADING ADVISOR
The managing owner of the Trust is Campbell & Company, which conducts and manages the business of the Trust. Campbell & Company is also the commodity trading advisor of the Trust. The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement requires Campbell & Company to maintain a capital account equal to 1% of the total capital accounts of the Trust. Additionally, Campbell & Company is required by the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement to maintain a net worth of not less than $1,000,000.
The Trust pays a monthly brokerage fee of 1/12 of 2.85% (2.85% annualized) of month-end net assets to Campbell & Company and approximately $6 per round turn to the broker for execution and clearing costs. Such costs are limited to 3.5% of average month-end net assets per year. From the 2.85% fee, a portion (0.35%) is used to compensate selling agents for administrative services and a portion (2.5%) is retained by Campbell & Company for trading and management services rendered.
Campbell & Company is also paid a performance fee equal to 20% of New Appreciation (as defined) calculated as of the end of each calendar quarter and upon redemption of units.
Campbell & Company rebates to the 401(K) Plan the brokerage fee and the performance fee applicable to the 401(K) Plan. All such rebates are made by issuing additional units to the 401(K) Plan.
Note 3.
TRUSTEE
The trustee of the Trust is U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking corporation. The trustee has delegated to the managing operator the duty and authority to manage the business and affairs of the Trust and has only nominal duties and liabilities with respect to the Trust.
Note 4.
DEPOSITS WITH BROKER
The Trust deposits assets with a broker subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations and various exchange and broker requirements. Margin requirements are satisfied by the deposit of U.S. Treasury bills and cash with such broker. The Trust earns interest income on its assets deposited with the broker.
Note 5.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses of the Trust are restricted by the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement to 0.40% per annum of the average month-end Net Asset Value of the Trust.
Note 6.
SUBSCRIPTIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS
Investments in the Trust are made by subscription agreement, subject to acceptance by Campbell & Company.
The Trust is not required to make distributions, but may do so at the sole discretion of Campbell & Company. A unitholder may request and receive redemption of units owned, subject to restrictions in the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and Trust Agreement.
Note 7.
TRADING ACTIVITIES AND RELATED RISKS
The Trust engages in the speculative trading of U.S. and foreign futures contracts, forward currency contracts and options on forward currency contracts (collectively, ‘derivatives’). The Trust is exposed to both market risk, the risk arising from changes in the market value of the contracts, and credit risk, the risk of failure by another party to perform according to the terms of a contract.
Purchase and sale of futures contracts requires margin deposits with the broker. Additional deposits may be necessary for any loss on contract value. The Commodity Exchange Act requires a broker to segregate all customer transactions and assets from such broker’s proprietary activities. A customer’s cash and other property (for example, U.S. Treasury bills) deposited with a broker are considered commingled with all other customer Trusts subject to the broker’s segregation requirements. In the event of a broker’s insolvency, recovery may be limited to a pro rata share of segregated Trusts available. It is possible that the recovered amount could be less than total cash and other property deposited.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Notes To Financial Statements
December 31, 2007
The amount of required margin and good faith deposits with the broker and interbank market makers usually range from 10% to 30% of Net Asset Value. The market value of securities held to satisfy such requirements at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $33,895,759 and $34,547,287, respectively, which equals 93% and 81% of Net Asset Value, respectively. The cash deposited with interbank market makers at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $1,644,730 and $2,900,150, respectively, which equals 5% and 7% of Net Asset Value, respectively. These amounts are included in cash. There was no restricted cash at December 31, 2007 or December 31, 2006.
The Trust trades forward currency and options on forward currency contracts in unregulated markets between principals and assumes the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. Accordingly, the risks associated with forward currency and options on foreign currency contracts are generally greater than those associated with exchange traded contracts because of the greater risk of counterparty default. Additionally, the trading of forward currency and options on forward currency contracts typically involves delayed cash settlement.
The Trust has a substantial portion of its assets on deposit with financial institutions. In the event of a financial institution’s insolvency, recovery of Trust assets on deposit may be limited to account insurance or other protection afforded such deposits.
For derivatives, risks arise from changes in the market value of the contracts. Theoretically, the Trust is exposed to a market risk equal to the notional contract value of futures and forward currency contracts purchased and unlimited liability on such contracts sold short. As both a buyer and seller of options, the Trust pays or receives a premium at the outset and then bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the price of the contract underlying the option. Written options expose the Trust to potentially unlimited liability, and purchased options expose the Trust to a risk of loss limited to the premiums paid.
The unrealized gain (loss) on open futures, forward currency and options on forward currency contracts is comprised of the following:
Open contracts generally mature within three months; as of December 31, 2007, the latest maturity date for open futures contracts is September 2008, the latest maturity date for open forward currency contracts is March 2008, and the latest expiry date for options on forward currency contracts is January 2008. However, the Trust intends to close all futures and foreign currency contracts prior to maturity.
Campbell & Company has established procedures to actively monitor market risk and minimize credit risk, although there can be no assurance that it will, in fact, succeed in doing so. Campbell & Company’s basic market risk control procedures consist of continuously monitoring open positions, diversification of the portfolio and maintenance of a margin-to-equity ratio that rarely exceeds 30%. Campbell & Company seeks to minimize credit risk primarily by depositing and maintaining the Trust’s assets at financial institutions and brokers which Campbell & Company believes to be creditworthy. The unitholder bear the risk of loss only to the extent of the market value of their respective investments and, in certain specific circumstances, distributions and redemptions received.
Campbell Alternative Asset Trust
Notes To Financial Statements
December 31, 2007
Note 8.
INDEMNIFICATIONS
In the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. The Trust expects the risk of any future obligation under these indemnifications to be remote.
EXHIBIT INDEX
E 1