<PAGE> 1
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS August 31, 1997
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
We are pleased to present the annual report on the operations of Municipal
Income Trust (TFA) for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997.
Stimulated by a resurgence of consumer spending in the fourth quarter of 1996,
the economy grew at a rapid pace in the first quarter of 1997. This caused
interest rates to rise between December 1996 and April 1997. In March, the
Federal Reserve Board tightened monetary policy in a preemptive move against a
possible increase in the rate of inflation. Economic growth slowed in the second
quarter and the bond market rallied. By July, yields had declined to last
November's levels. In addition to more moderate economic growth, low inflation
and stable Fed policy, the bond rally was aided by the strengthened overseas
performance of the dollar and the waning Federal budget deficit. Market
sentiment turned cautious in August as the UPS/Teamsters strike renewed concerns
that tight labor markets might prompt another tightening move by the Fed.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BOND YIELDS 1994-1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Insured Municipal
Revenue Yields as
30-Year Insured a Percentage of
Municipal Revenue 30-Year U.S. U.S. Treasury Yields
Yields Treasury Yields Ratio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dec '93 5.40% 6.34% 85.17%
5.40 6.24 86.54
5.80 6.66 87.09
6.40 7.09 90.27
6.35 7.32 86.75
6.25 7.43 84.12
Jun '94 6.50 7.61 85.41
6.25 7.39 84.57
6.30 7.45 84.56
6.55 7.81 83.87
6.75 7.96 84.80
7.00 8.00 87.50
Dec '94 6.75 7.88 85.66
6.40 7.70 83.12
6.15 7.44 82.66
6.15 7.43 82.77
6.20 7.34 84.47
5.80 6.66 87.09
Jun '95 6.10 6.62 92.15
6.10 6.86 88.92
6.00 6.66 90.08
5.95 6.48 91.82
5.75 6.33 90.84
5.50 6.14 89.56
Dec '95 5.35 5.94 90.07
5.40 6.03 89.55
5.80 6.46 86.69
5.85 6.66 87.84
5.95 6.89 86.36
6.05 6.99 86.55
Jun '96 5.90 6.89 85.63
5.85 6.97 83.93
5.90 7.11 82.98
5.70 6.93 82.25
5.65 6.64 85.09
5.50 6.35 86.61
Dec '96 5.60 6.63 84.46
5.70 6.79 83.95
5.65 6.80 83.08
5.90 7.10 83.10
5.75 6.94 82.85
5.65 6.91 81.77
Jun '97 5.60 6.78 82.60
5.30 6.30 84.00
5.50 6.61 83.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Source: Municipal Market Data
<PAGE> 2
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS August 31, 1997, continued
MUNICIPAL MARKET CONDITIONS
Municipal yields followed the trend of Treasury yields with less volatility.
Long-term insured revenue index yields rose from 5.50 percent to 5.90 percent
between November 1996 and March 1997. The recent bond rally carried yields to a
low of 5.30 percent in July before ending August at 5.50 percent.
The ratio of 30-year insured revenue bond yields to 30-year US Treasury yields
declined from 87 percent at the end of November 1996 to 83 percent in August
1997. A declining ratio means that municipals have outperformed Treasuries and
have become relatively more expensive. This ratio has annually ranged from an
average low of 83 percent to an average high of 90 percent over the past four
years.
New-issue municipal volume was ahead 8 percent in the first eight months of
1997. Overall, estimated underwriting volume of $180 billion for the full year
is expected to exceed bond maturities and redemptions of $130 billion.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund's net asset value (NAV) increased from $9.72 to $9.99 per share during
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997. Based on this NAV change plus
reinvestment of tax-free dividends and a taxable long-term capital gain
distribution, the Fund's total NAV return was 9.31 percent. TFA's market price
on the New York Stock Exchange increased from $9.25 to $9.50 per share during
the fiscal year. Based on this market price change and reinvestment of dividends
and distributions, the Fund's total market return was 9.23 percent. TFA's market
price closed at a 5 percent discount to NAV on August 31, 1997.
Dividends for the last three months of 1997 were declared in September.
Beginning with the October 1997 payment, the monthly dividend was reduced from
$0.0475 per share to $0.045 per share to more closely reflect the Fund's
anticipated income. Over the past 12 months the level of undistributed net
investment income has declined from $0.127 to $0.115 per share.
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
The Fund's investments were diversified among 15 long-term sectors and 64
credits. Over the past twelve months, $81 million par amount of bonds was
purchased and $56 million par amount was sold, each at average yields between
5 1/2 percent and 6 percent. Distributable income declined when $18 million par
amount of bonds with an average book yield of 8 1/2 percent was called for
redemption.
<PAGE> 3
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS August 31, 1997, continued
LARGEST SECTORS as of August 31, 1997
(% of Net Assets)
<TABLE>
<S> <S>
Mortgage 17%
Water & Sewer 13%
General Obligation 12%
Transportation 11%
Electric 10%
IDR/PCR* 9%
Hospital 9%
Education 5%
All Others 14%
</TABLE>
* Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
CREDIT RATINGS as of August 31, 1997
(% of Total Long-Term Portfolio)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aaa or AAA 52%
Aa or AA 24%
A or A 15%
Baa or BBB 6%
NR 3%
</TABLE>
As measured by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
or Standard & Poor's Corp.
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
CALL STRUCTURE as of August 31, 1997
(% of Total Long-Term Portfolio)
Percent Callable
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
CALL PROTECTION 8.0 YEARS
Years Bonds Callable
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1997 3%
1998 6%
1999 3%
2000 3%
2001 4%
2002 3%
2003 7%
2004 10%
2005 18%
2006 14%
2007 17%
2008+ 12%
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS August 31, 1997, continued
The portfolio's average maturity was 20 years. The combination of older,
shorter-call issues and newer issues with longer call dates provided an average
of 8 years of call protection.
LOOKING AHEAD
Municipals have followed the trend of Treasuries throughout most of 1997. The
recent enactment of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 did not impact municipals
directly. The long-term benefits of tax-exempt income have remained intact and
have fostered demand for municipal bonds.
The Fund's procedure for reinvestment of all dividends and distributions on
common shares is through purchases in the open market. This method helps to
support the market value of the Fund's shares. In addition, we would like to
remind you that the Trustees have approved a procedure whereby the Fund, when
appropriate, may purchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated
transactions at a price not above market value or net asset value, whichever is
lower at the time of purchase. During the twelve-month period ended August 31,
1997, the Fund purchased and retired 839,200 shares of common stock at a
weighted average market discount of 6.41 percent. Acquiring these treasury
shares had the antidilutive effect of adding $0.02 per share to net asset value.
We appreciate your ongoing support of Municipal Income Trust and look forward to
continuing to serve your investment needs.
Very truly yours,
/S/ CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO
CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO
Chairman of the Board
<PAGE> 5
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
RESULTS OF SPECIAL MEETING (UNAUDITED)
* * *
On May 20, 1997, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the
purpose of voting on two separate matters, the results of which were as follows:
(1) ELECTION OF TRUSTEE:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Wayne E. Hedien
For................................................................ 23,791,178
Withheld........................................................... 744,823
</TABLE>
The following Trustees were not standing for reelection at this meeting:
Michael Bozic, Charles A. Fiumefreddo, Edwin J. Garn, John R. Haire, Dr.
Manuel H. Johnson, Michael E. Nugent, Philip J. Purcell and John L. Schroeder.
(2) APPROVAL OF A NEW INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FUND AND DEAN
WITTER INTERCAPITAL INC. IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER OF MORGAN STANLEY
GROUP INC. WITH DEAN WITTER, DISCOVER & CO.:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
For................................................................ 22,515,021
Against............................................................ 434,571
Abstain............................................................ 1,586,409
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS August 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
MUNICIPAL BONDS (95.1%)
General Obligation (12.0%)
$ 5,000 Moulton-Niguel Water District, California, Refg 1993 (MBIA)............. 5.00% 09/01/19 $ 4,689,250
2,000 Chicago, Illinois, Refg Ser 1995 B (FGIC)............................... 5.125 01/01/25 1,891,720
5,000 Washington Suburban Sanitary District, Maryland, Gen Constr Refg 1994... 5.00 06/01/10 4,967,050
8,000 Massachusetts, 1994 Ser A............................................... 5.00 01/01/11 7,809,280
4,000 New York City, New York, 1995 Ser D (MBIA).............................. 6.20 02/01/07 4,382,160
5,000 New York State, Refg Ser 1995 B......................................... 5.625 08/15/09 5,216,700
7,000 Shelby County, Tennessee, Refg 1995 Ser A............................... 5.625 04/01/11 7,252,700
- -------- ------------
36,000 36,208,860
- -------- ------------
Educational Facilities (5.2%)
5,000 California Public Works Board, University of California 1993 Refg Ser
A...................................................................... 5.50 06/01/21 4,914,950
5,000 New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Educational Testing Service
Ser 1995 B (MBIA)...................................................... 6.25 05/15/25 5,416,800
New York State Dormitory Authority,
2,500 State University Ser 1995 A............................................ 6.50 05/15/05 2,745,650
2,500 State University Ser 1995 A............................................ 6.50 05/15/06 2,760,125
- -------- ------------
15,000 15,837,525
- -------- ------------
Electric Revenue (9.5%)
Southern California Public Power Authority,
15,000 Mead-Adelanto 1994 Ser A (AMBAC)....................................... 5.15 07/01/15 14,656,800
5,000 Palo Verde Ser A (AMBAC)............................................... 5.00 07/01/15 4,734,050
10,000 Intermountain Power Agency, Utah, Refg 1996 Ser D (Secondary FSA)....... 5.00 07/01/21 9,352,100
- -------- ------------
30,000 28,742,950
- -------- ------------
Hospital Revenue (8.7%)
3,000 Birmingham-Carraway Special Care Facilities Financing Authority,
Alabama, Carraway Methodist Health Ser 1995 A (Connie Lee)............. 5.875 08/15/15 3,087,630
4,000 Chatham County Hospital Authority, Georgia, Memorial Medical Center Inc
Ser 1996 A (AMBAC)..................................................... 5.25 01/01/16 3,894,080
1,000 Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Mercy Center for Health Care
Services Ser 1992...................................................... 6.65 10/01/22 1,044,400
950 Kentucky Development Finance Authority, Ashland Hospital/King's
Daughters Refg & Impr Ser 1987......................................... 9.75 08/01/11 988,560
7,500 North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Presbyterian Health Services
Corp Refg Ser 1993..................................................... 5.50 10/01/20 7,431,825
5,000 Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, University of
Pennsylvania Ser A 1996................................................ 5.75 01/01/22 5,065,650
3,000 Washington Health Care Facilities Authority, Virginia Mason Medical
Center Refg Ser 1997 A (MBIA).......................................... 5.125 08/15/17 2,850,690
1,750 Fayette County, West Virginia, MPC Inc Refg Ser 1990.................... 9.75 02/01/11 1,907,202
- -------- ------------
26,200 26,270,037
- -------- ------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 7
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS August 31, 1997, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue (9.0%)
$ 5,000 California Pollution Control Finance Authority, Pacific Gas & Electric
Co 1987 Ser B (AMT).................................................... 8.875% 01/01/10 $ 5,150,950
2,790 Lapeer Economic Development Corporation, Michigan, Dott Manufacturing Co
Ser 1989 A (AMT)....................................................... 10.65 11/15/17 2,932,039
3,250 New York City Industrial Development Agency, Japan Airlines Co 1991
(AMT) (FSA)............................................................ 6.00 11/01/15 3,389,522
3,000 New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, New York State
Electric & Gas Corp 1987 Ser A (AMT) (MBIA)............................ 6.15 07/01/26 3,123,240
5,000 Tulsa Municipal Airport Trust, Oklahoma, American Airlines Inc Ser 1988
(AMT).................................................................. 7.375 12/01/20 5,403,550
5,000 Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Facility Improvement
Corporation, Texas, American Airlines Inc Ser 1995..................... 6.00 11/01/14 5,141,300
1,965 Matagorda County Navigation District #1, Texas, Houston Lighting & Power
- -------- Co Collateralized Ser 1989 A (AMT)..................................... 7.875 02/01/19 2,031,024
------------
26,005 27,171,625
- -------- ------------
Mortgage Revenue - Multi-Family (4.6%)
5,000 New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, 1995 Ser A (AMBAC)........ 6.00 11/01/14 5,151,100
940 Rhode Island Housing & Mortgage Finance Corporation, Rental 1989 Ser B
(AMT).................................................................. 7.95 10/01/20 988,043
30,935 Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board, Tennessee, Gardens/Southern
Hill/ Woodlands Apts GNMA-Backed Refg Ser 1988......................... 0.00 10/20/19 4,742,336
3,000 Virginia Housing Development Authority, Ser 1987 B...................... 9.45 11/01/12 3,087,180
- -------- ------------
39,875 13,968,659
- -------- ------------
Mortgage Revenue - Single Family (12.5%)
10,000 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, 1997 Ser A (MBIA)................... 6.00 06/01/27 10,210,400
2,250 Colorado Housing Finance Authority, 1997 Ser B-2 (AMT).................. 7.00 05/01/26 2,470,208
10,000 Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation, FNMA-Collateralized
1997 Ser A (AMT)....................................................... 5.75 07/01/30 9,897,100
2,500 Chicago, Illinois, GNMA-Backed Ser 1997-A (AMT)......................... 7.25 09/01/28 2,759,175
Maine Housing Authority,
4,265 Purchase 1988 Ser D-2 (AMT)............................................. 8.10 11/15/19 4,456,669
1,000 Purchase 1988 Ser D-2 (AMT)............................................. 8.10 11/15/22 1,044,120
2,000 Missouri Housing Development Commission, GNMA-Backed 1997 Ser A-2
(AMT).................................................................. 7.30 03/01/28 2,222,320
3,050 North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, 1990 Ser B (AMT)................... 7.75 07/01/24 3,248,555
1,230 Ohio Housing Finance Agency, GNMA-Backed 1990 Ser C (AMT)............... 7.85 09/01/21 1,307,084
- -------- ------------
36,295 37,615,631
- -------- ------------
Nursing & Health Related Facilities Revenue (0.3%)
Vista, California, Long-Term Care Foundation of America
1,576 Ser 1994 A COPs (a) (b)................................................. 8.50 01/01/20 977,235
189 Ser 1994 B COPs (a) (b)................................................. 0.00 01/01/20 1,890
- -------- ------------
1,765 979,125
- -------- ------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 8
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS August 31, 1997, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Public Facilities Revenue (1.3%)
$ 3,495 Illinois, Civic Center Dedicated Tax Ser 1991 (AMBAC)................... 6.25% 12/15/20 $ 3,875,850
- -------- ------------
Resource Recovery Revenue (3.4%)
5,000 Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority, Michigan, 1986 Ser A
(AMBAC)................................................................ 6.25 12/13/08 5,556,550
4,500 Charleston County, South Carolina, Foster-Wheeler Charleston Inc Ser
- -------- 1987 A (AMT)........................................................... 9.25 01/01/10 4,697,730
------------
9,500 10,254,280
- -------- ------------
Retirement & Lifecare Facilities Revenue (0.6%)
2,010 Charleston County, South Carolina, Sandpiper Village Inc Refg Ser
1988................................................................... 8.00 11/01/13 1,654,170
- -------- ------------
Transportation Facilities Revenue (10.7%)
15,000 E-470 Public Highway Authority, Colorado, Ser 1997 B (MBIA)............. 0.00 09/01/14 5,942,100
5,000 Dade County, Florida, Seaport Refg Ser 1996 (MBIA)...................... 5.125 10/01/26 4,757,000
815 Southwestern Development Authority, Illinois, Tri-City Regional Port
District Ser 1989 A (AMT) (a).......................................... 7.90 07/01/14 881,496
4,000 Delaware River Port Authority, New Jersey & Pennsylvania, Ser 1995
(FGIC)+................................................................ 5.50 01/01/26 3,993,960
5,000 Austin, Texas, Airport Prior Lien Ser 1995 A (AMT) (MBIA)............... 6.125 11/15/25 5,197,600
5,000 Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, Refg Ser 1995 (FGIC).... 5.625 11/01/15 5,079,750
6,000 Virginia Transportation Board, US Route 28 Ser 1992..................... 6.50 04/01/18 6,517,020
- -------- ------------
40,815 32,368,926
- -------- ------------
Water & Sewer Revenue (12.7%)
5,000 Birmingham Water Works & Sewer Board, Alabama, Ser 1994................. 5.50 01/01/20 4,961,500
10,000 Jefferson County, Alabama, Sewer Ser 1997 (FGIC)........................ 5.75 02/01/22 10,218,000
5,000 Phoenix Civic Improvement Corporation, Arizona, Jr Lien Water Ser
1994................................................................... 5.45 07/01/19 5,017,000
2,000 Chicago, Illinois, Wastewater Ser 1994 (MBIA)........................... 6.375 01/01/24 2,175,540
3,000 Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, 1993 Ser C..................... 5.25 12/01/20 2,864,130
570 New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, 1991 Ser A
(Secondary FGIC)....................................................... 6.75 06/15/16 617,179
3,000 Cleveland, Ohio, Waterworks Impr & Refg Ser H 1996 (MBIA)............... 5.75 01/01/21 3,089,310
10,000 Upper Occoquan Sewerage Authority, Virginia, Ser 1995 A (MBIA).......... 5.00 07/01/25 9,331,300
- -------- ------------
38,570 38,273,959
- -------- ------------
Other Revenue (1.7%)
2,000 Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, Florida, Water Control
& Impr #9A Ser 1996 A.................................................. 6.80 08/01/06 2,089,660
3,000 New York Local Government Assistance Corporation, Ser 1995 A............ 6.00 04/01/24 3,167,670
- -------- ------------
5,000 5,257,330
- -------- ------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 9
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS August 31, 1997, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Refunded (2.9%)
$ 1,290 Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Glen Oaks Medical Center Inc Refg
1990 Ser D (ETM)....................................................... 9.50% 11/15/15 $ 1,522,471
4,000 Washington, 1991 Ser B.................................................. 6.70 06/01/01++ 4,323,560
2,500 Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear Proj #2 Refg Ser 1990
C...................................................................... 7.625 01/01/01++ 2,795,825
- -------- ------------
7,790 8,641,856
- -------- ------------
318,320 TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS (Identified Cost $276,579,006)........................................... 287,120,783
- -------- ------------
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATION (3.4%)
5,000 Oxnard Industrial Development Finance Authority, California, Green Foods
Corp Ser 1987 (AMT).................................................... 9.50 10/01/97 5,018,900
3,500 Georgetown University, District of Columbia, Ser 1989 A................. 8.25 04/01/98++ 3,651,375
1,400 East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, Exxon Corp Ser 1989 (Demand
09/02/97).............................................................. 3.70* 11/01/19 1,400,000
- -------- ------------
9,900 TOTAL SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS (Identified Cost $10,070,275)........................... 10,072,275
- -------- ------------
$328,220 TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Identified Cost $286,649,281) (c).................................. 98.5%
======== 297,191,058
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES.......................................... 1.5 4,517,180
------ ------------
NET ASSETS............................................................................. 100.0% $301,708,238
===== ============
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax.
COPs Certificates of Participation.
ETM Escrowed to Maturity.
+ Joint exemption in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
++ Refunded to call date shown by forward delivery contract.
++ Prerefunded to call date shown.
* Current coupon of variable rate demand obligation.
(a) Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors.
(b) Non-income producing security; bond in default.
(c) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates
identified cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is
$11,525,993 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is
$984,216, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $10,541,777.
Bond Insurance:
AMBAC AMBAC Indemnity Corporation.
Connie Lee Connie Lee Insurance Company.
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.
FSA Financial Security Assurance Inc.
MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 10
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS August 31, 1997, continued
GEOGRAPHIC SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
Based on Market Value as a Percent of Net Assets
August 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Alabama.................. 6.0%
Alaska................... 3.4
Arizona.................. 1.7
California............... 13.0
Colorado................. 3.1
District of Columbia..... 1.2
Florida.................. 2.3
Georgia.................. 1.3
Hawaii................... 3.3
Illinois................. 4.7
Kentucky................. 0.3
Louisiana................ 0.5
Maine.................... 1.8%
Maryland................. 1.6
Massachusetts............ 3.5
Michigan................. 2.8
Missouri................. 0.7
New Jersey............... 4.8
New York................. 8.4
North Carolina........... 2.5
North Dakota............. 1.1
Ohio..................... 1.5
Oklahoma................. 1.8
Pennsylvania............. 3.0
Rhode Island............. 0.3%
South Carolina........... 2.1
Tennessee................ 4.0
Texas.................... 5.8
Utah..................... 3.1
Virginia................. 6.3
Washington............... 3.3
West Virginia............ 0.6
Joint Exemption*......... (1.3)
----
Total.................... 98.5%
====
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Joint exemption has been included in both geographic locations.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 11
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
August 31, 1997
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $286,649,281)....................................... $297,191,058
Cash.................................................................. 325,470
Receivable for:
Interest.......................................................... 4,353,730
Investments redeemed.............................................. 85,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets..................................... 15,785
------------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................................... 301,971,043
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Investment advisory fee........................................... 102,330
Administration fee................................................ 58,857
Accrued expenses and other payables................................... 101,618
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES................................................. 262,805
------------
NET ASSETS........................................................ $301,708,238
============
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital....................................................... $285,108,030
Net unrealized appreciation........................................... 10,541,777
Accumulated undistributed net investment income....................... 3,472,766
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain........................... 2,585,665
------------
NET ASSETS........................................................ $301,708,238
============
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE,
30,214,250 shares outstanding
(unlimited shares authorized of $.01 par value)...................... $9.99
=====
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 12
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended August 31, 1997
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME........................................................ $19,026,009
-----------
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fee................................................ 1,006,366
Administration fee..................................................... 578,752
Transfer agent fees and expenses....................................... 147,984
Professional fees...................................................... 55,698
Shareholder reports and notices........................................ 35,541
Registration fees...................................................... 32,629
Custodian fees......................................................... 19,836
Trustees' fees and expenses............................................ 14,499
Other.................................................................. 15,971
-----------
TOTAL EXPENSES..................................................... 1,907,276
Less: expense offset................................................... (13,919)
-----------
NET EXPENSES....................................................... 1,893,357
-----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME.............................................. 17,132,652
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:
Net realized gain...................................................... 2,589,265
Net change in unrealized appreciation.................................. 5,563,849
-----------
NET GAIN........................................................... 8,153,114
-----------
NET INCREASE........................................................... $25,285,766
===========
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 13
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
AUGUST 31, 1997 AUGUST 31, 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income.................................. $ 17,132,652 $ 18,677,692
Net realized gain...................................... 2,589,265 1,152,842
Net change in unrealized appreciation.................. 5,563,849 (4,984,050)
------------- -------------
NET INCREASE....................................... 25,285,766 14,846,484
------------- -------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income.................................. (17,614,906) (18,819,865)
Net realized gain...................................... (76,631) (2,747,118)
------------- -------------
TOTAL.............................................. (17,691,537) (21,566,983)
------------- -------------
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial
interest.............................................. (7,720,803) (5,213,006)
------------- -------------
NET DECREASE....................................... (126,574) (11,933,505)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.................................... 301,834,812 313,768,317
------------- -------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment income of
$3,472,766 and $3,955,020, respectively)........... $ 301,708,238 $ 301,834,812
============= =============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 14
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS August 31, 1997
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Municipal Income Trust (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, closed-end management investment
company. The Fund's investment objective is to provide current income which is
exempt from federal income tax. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts
business trust on June 16, 1987 and commenced operations on September 29, 1987.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
A. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS -- Portfolio securities are valued by an outside
independent pricing service approved by the Trustees. The pricing service has
informed the Fund that in valuing the portfolio securities, it uses both a
computerized matrix of tax-exempt securities and evaluations by its staff, in
each case based on information concerning market transactions and quotations
from dealers which reflect the bid side of the market each day. The portfolio
securities are thus valued by reference to a combination of transactions and
quotations for the same or other securities believed to be comparable in
quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue, call provisions, trading
characteristics and other features deemed to be relevant. Short-term debt
securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at time of purchase
are valued on a mark-to-market basis until sixty days prior to maturity and
thereafter at amortized cost based on their value on the 61st day. Short-term
debt securities having a maturity date of sixty days or less at the time of
purchase are valued at amortized cost.
B. ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENTS -- Security transactions are accounted for on the
trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and
losses on security transactions are determined by the identified cost method.
Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the
respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily except where collection
is not expected.
C. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its taxable and nontaxable income to its
shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.
D. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Fund records dividends and
distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of
dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital
gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may
differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax"
differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the
extent these differences are permanent in
<PAGE> 15
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS August 31, 1997, continued
nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their
federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require
reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net investment income
and net realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes but not for tax
purposes are reported as dividends in excess of net investment income or
distributions in excess of net realized capital gains. To the extent they exceed
net investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes, they are
reported as distributions of paid-in-capital.
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with Dean Witter InterCapital Inc.
(the "Investment Adviser"), the Fund pays the Investment Adviser an advisory
fee, calculated weekly and payable monthly, by applying the following annual
rates to the Fund's weekly net assets: 0.35% to the portion of the Fund's weekly
net assets not exceeding $250 million and 0.25% to the portion of the Fund's
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million.
Under the terms of the Agreement, in addition to managing the Fund's
investments, the Investment Adviser pays the salaries of all personnel,
including officers of the Fund, who are employees of the Investment Adviser.
3. ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
Pursuant to an Administration Agreement with Dean Witter Services Company Inc.
(the "Administrator"), the Fund pays an administration fee, calculated weekly
and payable monthly, by applying the following annual rates to the Fund's weekly
net assets: 0.20% to the portion of the Fund's weekly net assets not exceeding
$250 million; 0.15% to the portion of the Fund's weekly net assets exceeding
$250 million but not exceeding $500 million; 0.12% to the portion of the Fund's
weekly net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; and
0.10% to the portion of the Fund's weekly net assets exceeding $750 million.
Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, the Administrator maintains
certain of the Fund's books and records and furnishes, at its own expense,
office space, facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and certain legal
services and pays the salaries of all personnel, including officers of the Fund
who are employees of the Administrator. The Administrator also bears the cost of
telephone services, heat, light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
4. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, excluding
short-term investments, for the year ended August 31, 1997 aggregated
$71,303,275 and $73,591,915, respectively.
<PAGE> 16
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS August 31, 1997, continued
Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser and Administrator,
is the Fund's transfer agent. At August 31, 1997, the Fund had transfer agent
fees and expenses payable of approximately $19,000.
The Fund has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
all independent Trustees of the Fund who will have served as independent
Trustees for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this
plan are based on years of service and compensation during the last five years
of service. Aggregate pension costs for the year ended August 31, 1997, included
in Trustee's fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted to
$2,038. At August 31, 1997, the Fund had an accrued pension liability of $47,941
which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities.
5. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
PAID IN
PAR VALUE EXCESS OF
SHARES OF SHARES PAR VALUE
---------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, August 31, 1995........................................................ 31,623,450 $316,235 $297,725,604
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 7.06%)*........ (570,000) (5,700) (5,207,306)
---------- -------- ------------
Balance, August 31, 1996........................................................ 31,053,450 310,535 292,518,298
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 6.41%)*........ (839,200) (8,392) (7,712,411)
---------- -------- ------------
Balance, August 31, 1997........................................................ 30,214,250 $302,143 $284,805,887
========== ======== ============
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* The Trustees have voted to retire the shares purchased.
6. DIVIDENDS
The Fund declared the following dividends from net investment income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECLARATION AMOUNT RECORD PAYABLE
DATE PER SHARE DATE DATE
- ------------------- --------- ------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
July 1, 1997 $0.0475 September 5, 1997 September 19, 1997
September 23, 1997 $ 0.045 October 3, 1997 October 17, 1997
September 23, 1997 $ 0.045 November 7, 1997 November 21, 1997
September 23, 1997 $ 0.045 December 5, 1997 December 19, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 17
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31*
------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996++ 1995 1994 1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period............................. $ 9.72 $ 9.92 $10.16 $10.83 $10.69
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income............................................ 0.57 0.60 0.66 0.69 0.72
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).......................... 0.26 (0.12) 0.04 (0.62) 0.14
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations................................. 0.83 0.48 0.70 0.07 0.86
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income......................................... (0.58) (0.60) (0.60) (0.65) (0.72)
Net realized gain............................................. --** (0.09) (0.34) (0.09) --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions................................ (0.58) (0.69) (0.94) (0.74) (0.72)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares................ 0.02 0.01 -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period................................... $ 9.99 $ 9.72 $ 9.92 $10.16 $10.83
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Market value, end of period...................................... $ 9.50 $ 9.25 $ 9.00 $ 9.25 $11.25
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+......................................... 9.23% 10.75% 7.78% (11.73)% 11.82%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses......................................................... 0.63% 0.64%(1) 0.65% 0.63% 0.67%
Net investment income............................................ 5.68% 6.03% 6.70% 6.59% 6.70%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands.......................... $301,708 $301,835 $313,768 $331,745 $359,166
Portfolio turnover rate.......................................... 22% 33% 14% 27% 1%
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
** Does not reflect a distribution of $0.0024.
+ Total investment return is based upon the current market value on the
last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions are
assumed to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend
reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage
commissions.
++ Restated for comparative purposes.
(1) Does not reflect the effect of expense offsets of 0.01%.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE> 18
MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Municipal Income Trust (the
" Fund") at August 31, 1997, the results of its operations for the year then
ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period
then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period
then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as
"financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at August
31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
October 10, 1997
1997 FEDERAL TAX NOTICE (unaudited)
During the year ended August 31, 1997, the Fund paid to
shareholders $0.58 per share from net investment income. All
of the Fund's dividends from net investment income were exempt
interest dividends, excludable from gross income for Federal
income tax purposes. For the year ended August 31, 1997, the
Fund paid to shareholders $0.0024 per share from long-term
capital gains.
<PAGE> 19
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
<PAGE> 20
TRUSTEES
- -----------------------------------------------------
Michael Bozic
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Edwin J. Garn
John R. Haire
Wayne E. Hedien
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
Michael E. Nugent
Philip J. Purcell
John L. Schroeder
OFFICERS
- -----------------------------------------------------
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Barry Fink
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
James F. Willison
Vice President
Thomas F. Caloia
Treasurer
TRANSFER AGENT
- -----------------------------------------------------
Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center - Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- -----------------------------------------------------
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
INVESTMENT ADVISER
- -----------------------------------------------------
Dean Witter InterCapital Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
MUNICIPAL
INCOME
TRUST
Annual Report
August 31, 1997
