<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 26, 1999
FILE NOS.: 33-18983
811-5415
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
----------------
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 /X/
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 13 /X/
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
ACT OF 1940 /X/
AMENDMENT NO. 15 /X/
-------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
(A MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST)
(FORMERLY NAMED DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND)
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (212) 392-1600
BARRY FINK, ESQ.
TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
------------------------
COPY TO:
DAVID M. BUTOWSKY, ESQ.
GORDON ALTMAN BUTOWSKY
WEITZEN SHALOV & WEIN
114 WEST 47TH STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
----------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
As soon as practicable after this Post-Effective Amendment becomes effective.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX)
___ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
___ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
___ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
_X_ on April 30, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485.
AMENDING THE PROSPECTUS AND UPDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM CAPTION
- ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
PART A PROSPECTUS
1. .......................................... Cover Page; Back Cover
2. .......................................... Investment Objective; Principal Investment Strategies, Principal Risks,
Past Performance
3. .......................................... Fees and Expenses
4. .......................................... Investment Objective; Additional Investment Strategy Information;
Additional Risk Information
5. .......................................... Not Applicable
6. .......................................... Fund Management
7. .......................................... Pricing Fund Shares; How to Buy Shares; How to Exchange Shares; How to
Sell Shares; Distributions; Tax Consequences
8. .......................................... Share Class Arrangements
9. .......................................... Financial Highlights
</TABLE>
PART B
Information required to be included in Part B is set forth under the
appropriate caption in Part B of this Registration Statement.
PART C
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item, so numbered, in Part C of this Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS - MAY 1, 1999
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
UTILITIES FUND
[COVER PHOTO]
A MUTUAL FUND THAT SEEKS
TO PROVIDE CURRENT INCOME
AND LONG-TERM GROWTH OF
INCOME AND CAPITAL
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
The Fund Investment Objective........................................ 1
Principal Investment Strategies............................. 1
Principal Risks............................................. 1
Past Performance............................................ 3
Fees and Expenses........................................... 4
Additional Investment Strategy Information.................. 5
Additional Risk Information................................. 5
Fund Management............................................. 6
Shareholder Information Pricing Fund Shares......................................... 7
How to Buy Shares........................................... 7
How to Exchange Shares...................................... 8
How to Sell Shares.......................................... 10
Distributions............................................... 11
Tax Consequences............................................ 12
Share Class Arrangements.................................... 12
Financial Highlights ............................................................ 19
Our Family of Funds ............................................................ Inside Back Cover
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND.
PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
</TABLE>
FUND CATEGORY
---------------------------
/ / Growth
/X/ GROWTH AND INCOME
/ / Income
/ / Money Market
<PAGE>
(Sidebar)
GROWTH AND INCOME
An investment objective having the goal of selecting securities with the
potential to rise in value and pay out income.
(End Sidebar)
THE FUND
ICON INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund is a mutual fund
that seeks to provide current income and long-term growth of
income and capital. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve these objectives.
ICON PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund will normally invest at least 65% of its assets in
the common stock, other equity and investment grade
fixed-income securities (including zero coupon securities)
of companies that are primarily engaged in the utilities
industry. These companies are involved in various aspects of
the utilities industry, such as telecommunications, gas and
electric energy, and water distribution. The companies may
be traditionally regulated public utilities as well as fully
or partially deregulated utility companies. The Fund's
"Investment Manager," Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors
Inc., will shift the Fund's asset between different types of
utilities and between equity and fixed-income securities,
based on prevailing market, economic and financial
conditions. The Fund does not have any set policies to
concentrate its assets in any particular segment of the
utilities industry or any particular type of security.
However, the Fund's policy to concentrate its assets in the
public utility industry is fundamental, and may not be
changed without shareholder approval.
Common stock is a share ownership or equity interest in a
corporation. It may or may not pay dividends, as some
companies reinvest all of their profits back into their
businesses, while others pay out some of their profits to
shareholders as dividends. Fixed-income securities, however,
are debt securities such as bonds, notes and commercial
paper. The issuer of a debt security borrows money from the
investor who buys the security. Most debt securities either
pay fixed or adjustable rates of interest at regular
intervals until they mature, at which point investors get
their principal back.
In pursuing the Fund's investment objectives, the Investment
Manager has considerable leeway in deciding which
investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day basis --
and which trading strategies it uses. For example, the
Investment Manager in its discretion may determine to use
some permitted trading strategies while not using others. In
addition to the securities discussed above, the Fund may
make investments in foreign securities and other
investments. For more information about the Fund's
investments, see the "Additional Investment Strategy
Information" section.
ICON PRINCIPAL RISKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in the
market value of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you
sell Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid
for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in
this Fund.
UTILITIES INDUSTRY. The Fund's investments in the utilities
industry are impacted by a host of risks particular to that
industry. Changing regulation constitutes one of the key
industry-specific risks for the Fund, especially with
respect to its investments in
1
<PAGE>
traditionally regulated public utilities and partially
regulated utility companies. State and other regulators
monitor and control utility revenues and costs, and
therefore may limit utility profits and dividends paid to
investors. Regulatory authorities also may restrict a
company's access to new markets, thereby diminishing the
company's long-term prospects. Individual sectors of the
utility market are subject to additional risks. These risks
apply to all utility companies -- regulated or fully or
partially deregulated. For example, telecommunications
companies have been affected by technological developments
leading to increased competition, as well as changing
regulation of local and long-distance telephone service and
other telecommunications businesses. Certain
telecommunications companies have not benefitted from the
new competitive climate.
Electric utilities may be burdened by unexpected increases
in fuel and other operating costs. They are also adversely
affected when long-term interest rates rise. Long-term
borrowings are used to finance most utility investment, and
rising interest rates lead to higher financing costs and
reduced earnings. There are also the considerable costs
associated with environmental compliance, nuclear waste
clean-up, and safety regulation. Increasingly, regulators
are calling upon electric utilities to bear these added
costs, and there is a risk that these costs will not be
fully recovered through an increase in revenues.
Among gas companies, there has been a move to diversify into
oil and gas exploration and development, making investment
returns more sensitive to energy prices. In the case of the
water utility sector, the industry is highly fragmented, and
most water supply companies find themselves in mature
markets, with little potential for growth.
COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES. In general, stock
and other equity security values fluctuate in response to
activities specific to the company as well as general
market, economic and political conditions. The prices can
fluctuate widely in response to these factors. This can
especially be the case for fully or partially deregulated
utility companies.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. All fixed-income securities are
subject to two types of risk: credit risk and interest rate
risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer
of a security will be unable to make interest payments
and/or repay the principal on its debt. Interest rate risk
refers to fluctuations in the value of a fixed-income
security resulting from changes in the general level of
interest rates. When the general level of interest rates
goes up, the prices of most fixed-income securities go down.
When the general level of interest rates goes down, the
prices of most fixed-income securities go up. (Zero coupon
securities are typically subject to greater price
fluctuations than comparable securities that pay interest.)
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund's investments in foreign
securities (including depository receipts) involve risks in
addition to the risks associated with domestic securities.
See the "Additional Risk Information" section for a
description of these risks.
OTHER RISKS. The performance of the Fund also will depend on
whether the Investment Manager is successful in pursuing the
Fund's investment strategy. The Fund is also subject to
other risks from its permissible investments. For more
information about these risks, see the "Additional Risk
Information" section.
Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not
guaranteed or insured by any bank, governmental entity, or
the FDIC.
2
<PAGE>
ICON PAST PERFORMANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the
Fund's performance history. The Fund's past performance does
not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.
(Sidebar)
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
This chart shows how the performance of the Fund's Class B shares has varied
from year to year during a 10 year period.
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURNS
This table compares the Fund's average annual returns with those of a broad
measure of market performance over time. The Fund's returns include the maximum
applicable sales charge for each Class and assume you sold your shares at the
end of each period.
(End Sidebar)
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS -- CALENDAR YEARS
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1989 24.51%
90 -0.27%
91 18.89%
92 8.75%
93 12.79%
94 -9.90%
95 28.42%
96 4.99%
97 25.79%
98 21.95%
</TABLE>
The bar chart reflects the performance of Class B shares;
the performance of the other Classes will differ because the
Classes have different ongoing fees. The performance
information in the bar chart does not reflect the deduction
of sales charges; if these amounts were reflected, returns
would be less than shown.
During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest
return for a calendar quarter was 13.23% (quarter ended
December 31, 1997) and the lowest return for a calendar
quarter was -7.10% (quarter ended March 31, 1994).
Year-to-date total return as of March 31, 1999 was %.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (FOR THE PERIOD ENDED THE 1998
CALENDAR YEAR)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS PAST 10 YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 16.41% -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B(1) 16.95% 13.02% 12.93%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 20.92% -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D 23.21% -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500(2) 28.58% 24.05% 19.19%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lipper Utility Fund Average(3) 18.17% 13.73% 13.84%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1 Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund only issued Class B shares.
2 The Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500) is a broad-based index, the
performance of which is based on the average performance of 500 widely held
common stocks. The Index does not include any expenses, fees or charges.
The returns for the Index have been adjusted to reflect the reinvestment of
dividends. The Index is unmanaged and should not be considered an
investment.
3 The Lipper Utility Funds Average tracks the performance of funds which
invest 65% of their equity portfolio in utility shares, as reported by
Lipper Analytical Services. The returns for the Index have been adjusted to
reflect the reinvestment of dividends.
3
<PAGE>
(Sidebar)
SHAREHOLDER FEES
These fees are paid directly from your investment.
ANNUAL FUND
OPERATING EXPENSES
These expenses are deducted from the Fund's assets and are based on expenses
paid for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
(End Sidebar)
ICON FEES AND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers four Classes of shares: Classes A, B, C and
D. Each Class has a different combination of fees, expenses
and other features. The table below briefly describes these
fees and expenses. The Fund does not charge account or
exchange fees. See the "Share Class Arrangements" section
for further fee and expense information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER FEES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a
percentage of offering price) 5.25%(1) None None None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage based
on the lesser of the offering price or net asset value at
redemption) None(2) 5.00%(3) 1.00%(4) None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.54% 0.54% 0.54% 0.54%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.11% 0.11% 0.11% 0.11%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 0.90% 1.65% 1.65% 0.65%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1 Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over.
2 Investments that are not subject to any sales charge at the time of
purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of
1.00% that will be imposed on sales made within one year after purchase,
except for certain specific circumstances.
3 The CDSC is scaled down to 1.00% during the sixth year, reaching zero
thereafter. See "Share Class Arrangements" for a complete discussion of the
CDSC.
4 Only applicable to sales made within one year after purchase.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of
investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other
mutual funds.
This example shows what expenses you could pay over time.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund,
your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual
costs may be higher or lower, the tables below show your
costs at the end of each period based on these assumptions
depending upon whether or not you sell your shares at the
end of each period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU SOLD YOUR SHARES: IF YOU HELD YOUR SHARES:
----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS A $612 $797 $ 997 $1575 $612 $797 $997 $1575
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS B $668 $820 $1097 $1955 $168 $520 $897 $1955
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS C $268 $520 $ 897 $1955 $168 $520 $897 $1955
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS D $ 66 $208 $ 362 $ 810 $ 66 $208 $362 $ 810
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
ICON ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information concerning the
Fund's principal strategies.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its
assets in foreign securities, including common stock, other
equity and investment grade fixed-income securities.
However, no more than of 10% of its assets may be invested
in foreign securities that are not American depository
receipts, which represent ownership of securities and are
typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company.
DEFENSIVE INVESTING. The Fund may take temporary "defensive"
positions in attempting to respond to adverse market
conditions. The Fund may invest any amount of its assets in
cash or money market instruments in a defensive posture when
the Investment Manager believes it is advisable to do so.
Although taking a defensive posture is designed to protect
the Fund from an anticipated market downturn, it could have
the effect of reducing the benefit from any upswing in the
market.
The percentage limitations relating to the composition of
the Fund's portfolio referenced in "Principal Investment
Strategies" apply at the time the Fund acquires an
investment. Subsequent percentage changes that result from
market fluctuations or changes in assets will not require
the Fund to sell any portfolio security. The Fund may change
its principal investment strategies without shareholder
approval; however, you would be notified of any changes.
ICON ADDITIONAL RISK INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As discussed in the "Principal Risks" section, a principal
risk of investing in the Fund is associated with its common
stock, other equity and fixed-income investments. This
section provides additional information regarding the
principal risks of investing in the Fund.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund's investments in foreign
securities (including depository receipts) involve risks
that are in addition to the risks associated with domestic
securities. One additional risk is currency risk. While the
price of Fund shares is quoted in U.S. dollars, the Fund
generally converts U.S. dollars to a foreign market's local
currency to purchase a security in that market. If the value
of that local currency falls relative to the U.S. dollar,
the U.S. dollar value of the foreign security will decrease.
This is true even if the foreign security's local price
remains unchanged.
Foreign securities also have risks related to economic and
political developments abroad, including expropriations,
confiscatory taxation, exchange control regulation,
limitations on the use or transfer of Fund assets and any
effects of foreign social, economic or political
instability. In particular, adverse political or economic
developments in the Pacific region and/or a particular
country in which the Fund invests could cause a substantial
decline in value of the portfolio. Foreign companies, in
general, are not subject to the regulatory requirements of
U.S.
companies and, as such, there may be less publicly available
information about these companies. Moreover, foreign
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
generally are different from those applicable to U.S.
companies. Finally, in the event of a default of any foreign
debt obligations, it may be more difficult for the Fund to
obtain or enforce a judgment against the issuers of the
securities.
5
<PAGE>
(Sidebar)
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS INC.
The Investment Manager is widely recognized as a leader in the mutual fund
industry and together with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc., its
wholly-owned subsidiary, has more than $ billion in assets under management or
administration as of March 31, 1999.
(End Sidebar)
Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid than
comparable securities of U.S. issuers and, as such, their
price changes may be more volatile. Furthermore, foreign
exchanges and broker-dealers are generally subject to less
government and exchange scrutiny and regulation than their
U.S. counterparts.
YEAR 2000. The Fund could be adversely affected if the
computer systems necessary for the efficient operation of
the Investment Manager, the Fund's other service providers
and the markets and individual and governmental issuers in
which the Fund invests do not properly process and calculate
date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
While year 2000-related computer problems could have a
negative effect on the Fund, the Investment Manager and its
affiliates are working hard to avoid any problems and to
obtain assurances from their service providers that they are
taking similar steps.
ICON FUND MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has retained the Investment Manager -- Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. -- to provide
administrative services, manage its business affairs and
invest its assets, including the placing of orders for the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities. The Investment
Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co., a preeminent global financial services firm
that maintains leading market positions in each of its three
primary businesses: securities, asset management and credit
services. Its main business office is located at Two World
Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.
The Fund's portfolio is managed within the Investment
Manager's Income and Growth Group. Edward F. Gaylor, a
Senior Vice President of the Investment Manager, has been
the primary portfolio manager of the Fund since it commenced
operations and a portfolio manager with the Investment
Manager for over five years.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a monthly management
fee as full compensation for the services and facilities
furnished to the Fund, and for Fund expenses assumed by the
Investment Manager. The fee is based on the Fund's average
daily net assets. For fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
the Fund accrued total compensation to the Investment
Manager amounting to 0.54% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.
6
<PAGE>
(Sidebar)
CONTACTING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR
If you are new to the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds and would like
to contact a Financial Advisor, call (800) THE-DEAN for the telephone number of
the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter office nearest you. You may also access our
office locator on our Internet site at:
www.deanwitter.com/funds.
(End Sidebar)
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
ICON PRICING FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The price of Fund shares (excluding sales charges), called
"net asset value," is based on the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities. While the assets of each Class are
invested in a single portfolio of securities, the net asset
value of each Class will differ because the Classes have
different ongoing distribution fees.
The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once
daily at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on each day that the New
York Stock Exchange is open (or, on days when the New York
Stock Exchange closes prior to 4:00 p.m., at such earlier
time). Shares will not be priced on days that the New York
Stock Exchange is closed.
The value of the Fund's portfolio securities is based on the
securities' market price when available. When a market price
is not readily available, including circumstances under
which the Investment Manager determines that a security's
market price is not accurate, a portfolio security is valued
at its fair value, as determined under procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Directors. In these
cases, the Fund's net asset value will reflect certain
portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market
price. In addition, if the Fund holds securities primarily
listed on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be
able to purchase or sell your shares.
An exception to the Fund's general policy of using market
prices concerns its short-term debt portfolio securities.
Debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or
less at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost.
However, if the cost does not reflect the securities' market
value, these securities will be valued at their fair value.
ICON HOW TO BUY SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may open a new account to buy Fund shares or buy
additional Fund shares for an existing account by contacting
your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other
authorized financial representative. Your Financial Advisor
will assist you, step-by-step, with the procedures to invest
in the Fund. You may also purchase shares directly by
calling the Fund's transfer agent and requesting an
application.
Because every investor has different immediate financial
needs and long-term investment goals, the Fund offers
investors four Classes of shares: Classes A, B, C and D.
Class D shares are only offered to a limited group of
investors. Each Class of shares offers a distinct structure
of sales charges, distribution and service fees, and other
features that are designed to address a variety of needs.
Your Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative can help you decide which Class may be most
appropriate for you. When purchasing Fund shares, you must
specify which Class of shares you wish to purchase.
7
<PAGE>
(Sidebar)
EASYINVEST-SM-
A purchase plan that allows you to transfer money automatically from your
checking or savings account or from a Money Market Fund on a semi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis. Contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial
Advisor for further information about this service.
(End Sidebar)
When you buy Fund shares, the shares are purchased at the
next share price calculated (less any applicable front-end
sales charge for Class A shares) after we receive your
investment order in proper form. We reserve the right to
reject any order for the purchase of Fund shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
----------------------
INVESTMENT OPTIONS INITIAL ADDITIONAL
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular Accounts $ 1,000 $ 100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual Retirement Accounts: Regular IRAs $ 1,000 $ 100
Education IRAs $500 $ 100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EASYINVEST-SM- (Automatically from your checking
or savings account or Money Market
Fund) $100* $ 100*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Provided your schedule of investments totals $1,000 in twelve months.
There is no minimum investment amount if you purchase Fund
shares through: (1) the Investment Manager's mutual fund
asset allocation plan, or (2) a program, approved by the
Fund's distributor, in which you pay an asset-based fee for
advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services; or (3)
employer-sponsored employee benefit plan accounts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER
INVESTORS/CLASS D SHARES. To be eligible to purchase Class D
shares, you must qualify under one of the investor
categories specified in the "Share Class Arrangements"
section of this PROSPECTUS.
THREE DAY SETTLEMENT. Fund shares are sold through the
Fund's distributor, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors
Inc., on a normal three business day basis; that is, your
payment for Fund shares is due on the third business day
(settlement day) after you place a purchase order.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS SENT DIRECTLY TO THE FUND. In
addition to buying additional Fund shares for an existing
account by contacting your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Financial Advisor, you may send a check directly to the
Fund. To buy additional shares in this manner:
- Write a "letter of instruction" to the Fund specifying the
name(s) on the account, the account number, the social
security or tax identification number, the Class of shares
you wish to purchase and the investment amount (which
would include any applicable front-end sales charge). The
letter must be signed by the account owner(s).
- Make out a check for the total amount payable to: Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund.
- Mail the letter and check to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trust FSB at P.O. Box 1040, Jersey City, NJ 07303.
ICON HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERMISSIBLE FUND EXCHANGES. You may exchange shares of any
Class of the Fund for the same Class of any other
continuously offered Multi-Class Fund, or for shares of a
No-Load Fund, Money Market Fund or Short-Term U.S. Treasury
Trust, without the imposition of an exchange fee. See the
inside back cover of this PROSPECTUS for each Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Fund's designation as a Multi-Class Fund,
No-Load Fund or Money Market Fund. If a Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund is not listed, consult the inside back cover of
that Fund's PROSPECTUS for its designation. For purposes of
exchanges, shares of FSC Funds (subject to a front-end sales
charge) are treated as Class A shares of a Multi-Class Fund.
Exchanges may be made after shares of the Fund acquired by
purchase have been held for thirty days. There is no waiting
period for exchanges of shares acquired by
8
<PAGE>
exchange or dividend reinvestment. The current PROSPECTUS
for each Fund describes its investment objective(s),
policies and investment minimums, and should be read before
investment.
EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. You can process an exchange by
contacting your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor
or other authorized financial representative. Otherwise, you
must forward an exchange privilege authorization form to the
Fund's transfer agent -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust
FSB -- and then write the transfer agent or call (800)
869-NEWS to place an exchange order. You can obtain an
exchange privilege authorization form by contacting your
Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative or by calling (800) 869-NEWS. If you hold
share certificates, no exchanges may be processed until we
have received all applicable share certificates.
An exchange to any Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund (except a
Money Market Fund) is made on the basis of the next
calculated net asset values of the Funds involved after the
exchange instructions are accepted. When exchanging into a
Money Market Fund, the Fund's shares are sold at their next
calculated net asset value and the Money Market Fund's
shares are purchased at their net asset value on the
following business day.
The Fund may terminate or revise the exchange privilege upon
required notice. Certain services normally available to
shareholders of Money Market Funds, including the check
writing privilege, are not available for Money Market Fund
shares you acquire in an exchange.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGES. For your protection when calling Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, we will employ reasonable
procedures to confirm that exchange instructions
communicated over the telephone are genuine. These
procedures may include requiring various forms of personal
identification such as name, mailing address, social
security or other tax identification number. Telephone
instructions also may be recorded.
Telephone instructions will be accepted if received by the
Fund's transfer agent between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time, on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open
for business. During periods of drastic economic or market
changes, it is possible that the telephone exchange
procedures may be difficult to implement, although this has
not been the case with the Fund in the past.
MARGIN ACCOUNTS. If you have pledged your Fund shares in a
margin account, contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative regarding restrictions on the exchange of
such shares.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF EXCHANGES. If you exchange shares of
the Fund for shares of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Fund there are important tax considerations. For tax
purposes, the exchange out of the Fund is considered a sale
of Fund shares -- and the exchange into the other Fund is
considered a purchase. As a result, you may realize a
capital gain or loss.
You should review the "Tax Consequences" section and consult
your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an
exchange.
FREQUENT EXCHANGES. A pattern of frequent exchanges may
result in the Fund limiting or prohibiting, at its
discretion, additional purchases and/or exchanges. The Fund
will notify you in advance of limiting your exchange
privileges.
CDSC CALCULATIONS ON EXCHANGES. See the "Share Class
Arrangements" section of this PROSPECTUS for a discussion of
how applicable contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs) are
calculated for shares of one Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund
that are exchanged for shares of another.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES, YOU
SHOULD CONTACT YOUR MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FINANCIAL
ADVISOR OR CALL (800) 869-NEWS.
9
<PAGE>
(Sidebar)
SYSTEMATIC
WITHDRAWAL PLAN
This plan allows you to withdraw money automatically from your Fund account at
regular intervals. The service is available to shareholders whose investments in
all Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds total at least $10,000. Contact your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor for more details.
(End Sidebar)
ICON HOW TO SELL SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can sell some or all of your Fund shares at any time. If
you sell Class A, Class B or Class C shares, your net sale
proceeds are reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC.
Your shares will be sold at the next share price calculated
after we receive your order to sell as described below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS PROCEDURES
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact your To sell your shares, simply call your Morgan Stanley Dean
Financial Advisor Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative.
------------------------------------------------------------
ICON Payment will be sent to the address to which the account is
registered or deposited in your brokerage account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Letter You can also sell your shares by writing a "letter of
instruction" that includes:
ICON - your account number;
- the dollar amount or the number of shares you wish to
sell;
- the Class of shares you wish to sell; and
- the signature of each owner as it appears on the account.
------------------------------------------------------------
If you are requesting payment to anyone other than the
registeredowner(s) or that payment be sent to any address
other than the address of the registered owner(s) or
pre-designated bank account, you will need a signature
guarantee. You can obtain a signature guarantee from an
eligible guarantor acceptable to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trust FSB. (You should contact Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trust FSB at (800) 869-NEWS for a determination as to
whether a particular institution is an eligible guarantor.)
A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
Additional documentation may be required for shares held by
a corporation, partnership, trustee or executor.
------------------------------------------------------------
Mail the letter to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at
P.O. Box 983, Jersey City, New Jersey 07303. If you hold
share certificates, you must return the certificates, along
with the letter and any required additional documentation.
------------------------------------------------------------
A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address in which
the account is registered, or otherwise according to your
instructions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ICONSystematic If your investment in all of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Withdrawal Plan Family of Funds has a total market value of at least
$10,000, you may elect to withdraw amounts of $25 or more,
or in any whole percentage of a Fund's balance (provided the
amount is at least $25), on a monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual basis, from any Fund with a balance of
at least $1,000. Each time you add a Fund to the plan, you
must meet the plan requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------
Amounts withdrawn are subject to any applicable CDSC. A CDSC
may be waived under certain circumstances. See the Class B
waiver categories listed in the "Share Class Arrangements"
section of this PROSPECTUS.
------------------------------------------------------------
To sign up for the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, contact your
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or call (800)
869-NEWS. You may terminate or suspend your plan at any
time. Please remember that withdrawals from the plan are
sales of shares, not Fund "distributions," and ultimately
may exhaust your account balance. The Fund may terminate or
revise the plan at any time.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PAYMENT FOR SOLD SHARES. After we receive your complete
instructions to sell, as described above, a check will be
mailed to you within seven days, although we will attempt to
make payment within one business day. Payment may also be
sent to your brokerage account.
Payment may be postponed or the right to sell your shares
suspended under unusual circumstances. If you request to
sell shares that were recently purchased by check, payment
of the sale proceeds may be delayed for the minimum time
needed to verify that the check has been honored (not more
than fifteen days from the time we receive the check).
10
<PAGE>
(Sidebar)
TARGETED DIVIDENDS-SM-
You may select to have your Fund distributions automatically invested in other
Classes of Fund shares or Classes of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund
that you own. Contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor for
further information about this service.
(End Sidebar)
TAX CONSIDERATIONS. Normally, your sale of Fund shares is
subject to federal and state income tax. You should review
the "Tax Consequences" section of this PROSPECTUS and
consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences
of a sale.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. If you sell Fund shares and have
not previously exercised the reinstatement privilege, you
may, within 35 days after the date of sale, invest any
portion of the proceeds in the same Class of Fund shares at
their net asset value and receive a pro rata credit for any
CDSC paid in connection with the sale.
INVOLUNTARY SALES. The Fund reserves the right, on sixty
days' notice, to sell the shares of any shareholder (other
than shares held in an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account)
whose shares, due to sales by the shareholder, have a value
below $100, or in the case of an account opened through
EASYINVEST SM, if after 12 months the shareholder has
invested less than $1,000 in the account.
However, before the Fund sells your shares in this manner,
we will notify you and allow you sixty days to make an
additional investment in an amount that will increase the
value of your account to at least the required amount before
the sale is processed. No CDSC will be imposed on any
involuntary sale.
MARGIN ACCOUNTS. Certain restrictions may apply to Fund
shares pledged in margin accounts with Dean Witter Reynolds
or another authorized broker-dealer of Fund shares. If you
hold Fund shares in this manner, please contact your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized
financial representative for more details.
ICON DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund passes substantially all of its earnings from
income and capital gains along to its investors as
"distributions." The Fund earns income from stocks and
interest from fixed-income investments. These amounts are
passed along to Fund shareholders as "income dividend
distributions." The Fund realizes capital gains whenever it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them.
These amounts may be passed along as "capital gain
distributions."
The Fund declares income dividends separately for each
Class. Distributions paid on Class A and Class D shares will
usually be higher than for Class B and Class C because
distribution fees that Class B and Class C pay are higher.
Normally, income dividends are distributed to shareholders
quarterly and capital gains are distributed annually in
December. The Fund, however, may retain and reinvest any
long-term capital gains. The Fund may at times make payments
from sources other than income or capital gains that
represent a return of a portion of your investment.
Distributions are reinvested automatically in additional
shares of the same Class and automatically credited to your
account, unless you request in writing that all
distributions be paid in cash. If you elect the cash option,
the Fund will mail a check to you no later than seven
business days after the distribution is declared. No
interest will accrue on uncashed checks. If you wish to
change how your distributions are paid, your request should
be received by the Fund's transfer agent, Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Trust FSB, at least five business days prior to
the record date of the distributions.
11
<PAGE>
ICON TAX CONSEQUENCES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund
investment will be taxed. The tax information in this
PROSPECTUS is provided as general information. You should
consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences
of an investment in the Fund.
Unless your investment in the Fund is through a tax-deferred
retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA, you need
to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
- The Fund makes distributions; and
- You sell Fund shares, including an exchange to another
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Your distributions are normally
subject to federal and state income tax when they are paid,
whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in Fund
shares. A distribution also may be subject to local income
tax. Any income dividend distributions and any short-term
capital gain distributions are taxable to you as ordinary
income. Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable
as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have
owned shares in the Fund.
Every January, you will be sent a statement (IRS Form
1099-DIV) showing the taxable distributions paid to you in
the previous year. The statement provides full information
on your dividends and capital gains for tax purposes.
TAXES ON SALES. Your sale of Fund shares normally is subject
to federal and state income tax and may result in a taxable
gain or loss to you. A sale also may be subject to local
income tax. Your exchange of Fund shares for shares of
another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund is treated for tax
purposes like a sale of your original shares and a purchase
of your new shares. Thus, the exchange may, like a sale,
result in a taxable gain or loss to you and will give you a
new tax basis for your new shares.
When you open your Fund account, you should provide your
social security or tax identification number on your
investment application. By providing this information, you
will avoid being subject to a federal backup withholding tax
of 31% on taxable distributions and redemption proceeds. Any
withheld amount would be sent to the IRS as an advance tax
payment.
ICON SHARE CLASS ARRANGEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers several Classes of shares having different
distribution arrangements designed to provide you with
different purchase options according to your investment
needs. Your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or
other authorized financial representative can help you
decide which Class may be appropriate for you.
The general public is offered three Classes: Class A shares,
Class B shares and Class C shares, which differ principally
in terms of sales charges and ongoing expenses. A fourth
Class, Class D shares, is offered only to a limited category
of investors. Shares that you acquire through reinvested
distributions will not be subject to any front-end sales
charge or CDSC -- contingent deferred sales charge.
12
<PAGE>
Sales personnel may receive different compensation for
selling each Class of shares. The sales charges applicable
to each Class provide for the distribution financing of
shares of that Class.
The chart below compares the sales charge and annual 12b-1
fee applicable to each Class:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS SALES CHARGE ANNUAL 12b-1 FEE
<S> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
A Maximum 5.25% initial sales charge
reduced for purchase of $25,000 or more;
shares sold without an initial sales
charge are generally subject to a 1.0%
CDSC during the first year 0.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
B Maximum 5.0% CDSC during the first year
decreasing to 0% after six years 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC during the first year 1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
D None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(Sidebar)
FRONT-END SALES
CHARGE OR FSC
An initial sales charge you pay when purchasing Class A shares that is based on
a percentage of the offering price. The percentage declines based upon the
dollar value of Class A shares you purchase. We offer three ways to reduce your
Class A sales charges -- the Combined Purchase Privilege, Right of Accumulation
and Letter of Intent.
(End Sidebar)
CLASS A SHARES Class A shares are sold at net asset value
plus an initial sales charge of up to 5.25%. The initial
sales charge is reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more
according to the schedule below. Investments of $1 million
or more are not subject to an initial sales charge, but are
generally subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, or
CDSC, of 1.0% on sales made within one year after purchase.
The CDSC will be assessed in the same manner and with the
same CDSC waivers as with Class B shares. Class A shares are
also subject to a distribution (12b-1) fee of up to 0.25% of
the average daily net assets of the Class.
The offering price of Class A shares includes a sales charge
(expressed as a percentage of the offering price) on a
single transaction as shown in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE
----------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE
AMOUNT OF SINGLE TRANSACTION PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE OF AMOUNT INVESTED
<S> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $25,000 5.25% 5.54%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 but less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.00% 4.17%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.00% 3.09%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but less than $1 million 2.00% 2.04%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1 million and over 0 0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The reduced sales charge schedule is applicable to purchases
of Class A shares in a single transaction by:
- A single account (including an individual, trust or
fiduciary account).
- Family member accounts (limited to husband, wife and
children under the age of 21).
- Pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit plans of
companies and their affiliates.
- Tax-exempt organizations.
- Groups organized for a purpose other than to buy mutual
fund shares.
13
<PAGE>
COMBINED PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. You also will have the benefit
of reduced sales charges by combining purchases of Class A
shares of the Fund in a single transaction with purchases of
Class A shares of other Multi-Class Funds and shares of FSC
Funds.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION. You also may benefit from a reduction
of sales charges if the cumulative net asset value of Class
A shares of the Fund purchased in a single transaction,
together with shares of other Funds you currently own which
were previously purchased at a price including a front-end
sales charge (including shares acquired through reinvestment
of distributions), amounts to $25,000 or more. Also, if you
have a cumulative net asset value of all your Class A and
Class D shares equal to at least $5 million (or $25 million
for certain employee benefit plans), you are eligible to
purchase Class D shares of any Fund subject to the Fund's
minimum initial investment requirement.
You must notify your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial
Advisor or other authorized financial representative (or
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB if you purchase
directly through the Fund), at the time a purchase order is
placed, that the purchase qualifies for the reduced charge
under the Right of Accumulation. Similar notification must
be made in writing when an order is placed by mail. The
reduced sales charge will not be granted if: (i)
notification is not furnished at the time of the order; or
(ii) a review of the records of Dean Witter Reynolds or
other authorized dealer of Fund shares or the Fund's
transfer agent does not confirm your represented holdings.
LETTER OF INTENT. The schedule of reduced sales charges for
larger purchases also will be available to you if you enter
into a written "letter of intent." A letter of intent
provides for the purchase of Class A shares of the Fund or
other Multi-Class Funds or shares of FSC Funds within a
thirteen-month period. The initial purchase under a letter
of intent must be at least 5% of the stated investment goal.
To determine the applicable sales charge reduction, you may
also include: (1) the cost of shares of other Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds which were previously purchased at a price
including a front-end sales charge during the 90-day period
prior to the distributor receiving the letter of intent, and
(2) the cost of shares of other Funds you currently own
acquired in exchange for shares of Funds purchased during
that period at a price including a front-end sales charge.
You can obtain a letter of intent by contacting your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized
financial representative or by calling (800) 869-NEWS. If
you do not achieve the stated investment goal within the
thirteen-month period, you are required to pay the
difference between the sales charges otherwise applicable
and sales charges actually paid.
OTHER FRONT-END SALES CHARGE WAIVERS. In addition to
investments of $1 million or more, your purchase of Class A
shares is not subject to a front-end sales charge (or CDSC
upon sale) if your account qualifies under one of the
following categories:
- A trust for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
provides discretionary trustee services.
- Persons participating in a fee-based investment program
(subject to all of its terms and conditions, including
mandatory sale or transfer restrictions on termination)
approved by the Fund's distributor pursuant to which they
pay an asset-based fee for investment advisory,
administrative and/or brokerage services.
14
<PAGE>
- Employer-sponsored employee benefit plans, whether or not
qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, for which
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB serves as trustee or
Dean Witter Reynolds' Retirement Plan Services serves as
recordkeeper under a written Recordkeeping Services
Agreement ("MSDW Eligible Plans") which have at least 200
eligible employees.
- A MSDW Eligible Plan whose Class B shares have converted
to Class A shares, regardless of the plan's asset size or
number of eligible employees.
- A client of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor
who joined us from another investment firm within six
months prior to the date of purchase of Fund shares, and
you used the proceeds from the sale of shares of a
proprietary mutual fund of that Financial Advisor's
previous firm that imposed either a front-end or deferred
sales charge to purchase Class A shares, provided that:
(1) you sold the shares not more than 60 days prior to the
purchase of Fund shares, and (2) the sale proceeds were
maintained in the interim in cash or a money market fund.
- Current or retired Directors/Trustees of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds, such persons' spouses and
children under the age of 21, and trust accounts for which
any of such persons is a beneficiary.
- Current or retired directors, officers and employees of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. and any of its
subsidiaries, such persons' spouses and children under the
age of 21, and trust accounts for which any of such
persons is a beneficiary.
(Sidebar)
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OR CDSC
A fee you pay when you sell shares of certain Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds
purchased without an initial sales charge. This fee declines the longer you hold
your shares as set forth in the table.
(End Sidebar)
CLASS B SHARES Class B shares are offered at net asset
value with no initial sales charge but are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge, or CDSC, as set forth in
the table below. For the purpose of calculating the CDSC,
shares are deemed to have been purchased on the last day of
the month during which they were purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE OF AMOUNT REDEEMED
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First 5.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second 4.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Third 3.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fourth 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fifth 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sixth 1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seventh and thereafter None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Each time you place an order to sell or exchange shares,
shares with no CDSC will be sold or exchanged first, then
shares with the lowest CDSC will be sold or exchanged next.
For any Fund shares subject to a CDSC, the CDSC will be
assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current
market value or the cost of the shares being sold.
CDSC WAIVERS. A CDSC, if otherwise applicable, will be
waived in the case of:
- Sales of shares held at the time you die or become
disabled (within the definition in Section 72(m)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code which relates to the ability to
engage in gainful employment), if the shares are: (i)
registered either in your name (not a trust) or in the
names of you and your spouse as joint tenants with right
of survivorship; or (ii) held in a qualified corporate or
self-employed
15
<PAGE>
retirement plan, IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account, provided
in either case that the sale is requested within one year
of your death or initial determination of disability.
- Sales in connection with the following retirement plan
"distributions": (i) lump-sum or other distributions from
a qualified corporate or self-employed retirement plan
following retirement (or, in the case of a "key employee"
of a "top heavy" plan, following attainment of age
59 1/2); (ii) distributions from an IRA or 403(b)
Custodial Account following attainment of age 59 1/2; or
(iii) a tax-free return of an excess IRA contribution (a
"distribution" does not include a direct transfer of IRA,
403(b) Custodial Account or retirement plan assets to a
successor custodian or trustee).
- Sales of shares held for you as a participant in a MSDW
Eligible Plan.
- Sales of shares in connection with the Systematic
Withdrawal Plan of up to 12% annually of the value of each
Fund from which plan sales are made. The percentage is
determined on the date you establish the Systematic
Withdrawal Plan and based on the next calculated share
price. You may have this CDSC waiver applied in amounts up
to 1% per month, 3% per quarter, 6% semi-annually or 12%
annually. Shares with no CDSC will be sold first, followed
by those with the lowest CDSC. As such, the waiver benefit
will be reduced by the amount of your shares that are not
subject to a CDSC. If you suspend your participation in
the plan, you may later resume plan payments without
requiring a new determination of the account value for the
12% CDSC waiver.
All waivers will be granted only following the Distributor
receiving confirmation of your entitlement. If you believe
you are eligible for a CDSC waiver, please contact your
Financial Advisor or call (800) 869-NEWS.
DISTRIBUTION FEE. Class B shares are subject to an annual
12b-1 fee of 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily
aggregate gross purchases by all shareholders of the Fund's
Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not
including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset
value of the Fund's Class B shares sold by all shareholders
since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been
imposed or waived or (b) the average daily net assets of
Class B.
CONVERSION FEATURE. After ten (10) years, Class B shares
will convert automatically to Class A shares of the Fund
with no initial sales charge. The ten year period runs from
the last day of the month in which the shares were
purchased, or in the case of Class B shares acquired through
an exchange, from the last day of the month in which the
original Class B shares were purchased; the shares will
convert to Class A shares based on their relative net asset
values in the month following the ten year period. At the
same time, an equal proportion of Class B shares acquired
through automatically reinvested distributions will convert
to Class A shares on the same basis. (Class B shares held
before May 1, 1997, however, will convert to Class A shares
in May 2007.)
In the case of Class B shares held in a MSDW Eligible Plan,
the plan is treated as a single investor and all Class B
shares will convert to Class A shares on the conversion date
of the Class B shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund
purchased by that plan.
16
<PAGE>
Currently, the Class B share conversion is not a taxable
event; the conversion feature may be cancelled if it is
deemed a taxable event in the future by the Internal Revenue
Service.
If you exchange your Class B shares for shares of a Money
Market Fund, No-Load Fund or Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust,
the holding period for conversion is frozen as of the last
day of the month of the exchange and resumes on the last day
of the month you exchange back into Class B shares.
EXCHANGING SHARES SUBJECT TO A CDSC. There are special
considerations when you exchange Fund shares that are
subject to a CDSC. When determining the length of time you
held the shares and the corresponding CDSC rate, any period
(starting at the end of the month) during which you held
shares of a fund that does NOT charge a CDSC WILL NOT BE
COUNTED. Thus, in effect the "holding period" for purposes
of calculating the CDSC is frozen upon exchanging into a
fund that does not charge a CDSC.
For example, if you held Class B shares of the Fund for one
year, exchanged to Class B of another Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Multi-Class Fund for another year, then sold your
shares, a CDSC rate of 4% would be imposed on the shares
based on a two year holding period -- one year for each
Fund. However, if you had exchanged the shares of the Fund
for a Money Market Fund (which does not charge a CDSC)
instead of the Multi-Class Fund, then sold your shares, a
CDSC rate of 5% would be imposed on the shares based on a
one year holding period. The one year in the Money Market
Fund would not be counted. Nevertheless, if shares subject
to a CDSC are exchanged for a Fund that does not charge a
CDSC, you will receive a credit when you sell the shares
equal to the distribution (12b-1) fees, if any, you paid on
those shares while in that Fund up to the amount of any
applicable CDSC.
In addition, shares that are exchanged into or from a Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Fund subject to a higher CDSC rate will
be subject to the higher rate, even if the shares are
re-exchanged into a Fund with a lower CDSC rate.
CLASS C SHARES Class C shares are sold at net asset value
with no initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of
1.0% on sales made within one year after the last day of the
month of purchase. The CDSC will be assessed in the same
manner and with the same CDSC waivers as with Class B
shares.
DISTRIBUTION FEE. Class C shares are subject to an annual
distribution (12b-1) fee of up to 1.0% of the average daily
net assets of that Class. The Class C shares' distribution
fee may cause that Class to have higher expenses and pay
lower dividends than Class A or Class D shares. Unlike Class
B shares, Class C shares have no conversion feature and,
accordingly, an investor that purchases Class C shares may
be subject to distribution (12b-1) fees applicable to Class
C shares for an indefinite period.
17
<PAGE>
CLASS D SHARES Class D shares are offered without any
sales charge on purchases or sales and without any
distribution (12b-1) fee. Class D shares are offered only to
investors meeting an initial investment minimum of $5
million ($25 million for MSDW Eligible Plans) and the
following investor categories:
- Investors participating in the Investment Manager's mutual
fund asset allocation program (subject to all of its terms
and conditions, including mandatory sale or transfer
restrictions on termination) pursuant to which they pay an
asset-based fee.
- Persons participating in a fee-based investment program
(subject to all of its terms and conditions, including
mandatory sale or transfer restrictions on termination)
approved by the Fund's distributor pursuant to which they
pay an asset-based fee for investment advisory,
administrative and/or brokerage services.
- Employee benefit plans maintained by Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. or any of its subsidiaries for the benefit of
certain employees of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. and
its subsidiaries.
- Certain unit investment trusts sponsored by Dean Witter
Reynolds.
- Certain other open-end investment companies whose shares
are distributed by the Fund's distributor.
- Investors who were shareholders of the Dean Witter
Retirement Series on September 11, 1998 for additional
purchases for their former Dean Witter Retirement Series
accounts.
MEETING CLASS D ELIGIBILITY MINIMUMS. To meet the $5 million
($25 million for certain MSDW Eligible Plans) initial
investment to qualify to purchase Class D shares you may
combine: (1) purchases in a single transaction of Class D
shares of the Fund and other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Multi-Class Funds and/or (2) previous purchases of Class A
and Class D shares of Multi-Class Funds and shares of FSC
Funds you currently own, along with shares of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds you currently own that you acquired in
exchange for those shares.
NO SALES CHARGES FOR REINVESTED CASH DISTRIBUTIONS If you
receive a cash payment representing an income dividend or
capital gain and you reinvest that amount in the applicable
Class of shares by returning the check within 30 days of the
payment date, the purchased shares would not be subject to
an initial sales charge or CDSC.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (RULE 12b-1 FEES) The Fund has
adopted a Plan of Distribution in accordance with Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the
distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The
Plan allows the Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale
and distribution of these shares. It also allows the Fund to
pay for services to shareholders of Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. Because these fees are paid out of the
Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will
increase the cost of your investment in these Classes and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
18
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the
Fund's financial performance for the past 5 fiscal years of the Fund.
Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share.
The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have
earned or lost on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of
all dividends and distributions).
This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose
report, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the
annual report, which is available upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 1998++ 1997*++ 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.04 $ 15.22 $15.15 $12.30 $14.34
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.40 0.50 0.56 0.58 0.63
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) 3.25 3.28 0.16 2.85 (2.04)
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Total income (loss) from investment
operations 3.65 3.78 0.72 3.43 (1.41)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.41) (0.51) (0.58) (0.58) (0.61)
Net realized gain (1.02) (1.45) (0.07) -- (0.02)
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Total dividends and distributions (1.43) (1.96) (0.65) (0.58) (0.63)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $19.26 $ 17.04 $15.22 $15.15 $12.30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 21.95% 25.79% 4.99% 28.42% (9.90)%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.65%(1) 1.67% 1.64% 1.65% 1.64%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 2.23%(1) 3.15% 3.63% 4.19% 4.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in millions $2,752 $ 2,430 $2,677 $3,321 $2,827
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 6% 6% 7% 9% 11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund issued one class of shares. All shares of the
Fund held prior to that date, other than shares held by certain employee
benefit plans established by Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and its affiliate, SPS
Transaction Services, Inc., have been designated Class B shares. Shares held
by those employee benefit plans prior to July 28, 1997 have been designated
Class D shares.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
19
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE
FOR THE PERIOD JULY
YEAR 28, 1997*
ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER DECEMBER
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA: 31, 1998 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.01 $15.89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income 0.54 0.27
Net realized and unrealized gain 3.24 2.52
--------- -----------
Total income from investment operations 3.78 2.79
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.55) (0.35)
Net realized gain (1.02) (1.32)
--------- -----------
Total dividends and distributions (1.57) (1.67)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $19.22 $17.01
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 22.86% 18.06%(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 0.90%(3) 0.92%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 2.98%(3) 4.05%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $10,357 $3,581
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 6% 6%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE
FOR THE PERIOD JULY
YEAR 28, 1997*
ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER DECEMBER
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA: 31, 1998 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.06 $15.89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income 0.40 0.22
Net realized and unrealized gain 3.25 2.51
--------- -----------
Total income from investment operations 3.65 2.73
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.43) (0.24)
Net realized gain (1.02) (1.32)
--------- -----------
Total dividends and distributions (1.45) (1.56)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $19.26 $17.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 21.92% 17.67%(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.65%(3) 1.69%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 2.23%(3) 3.14%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $6,532 $1,405
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 6% 6%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS D SHARES++
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR
THE
YEAR
ENDED
DECEMBER FOR THE PERIOD JULY 28, 1997*
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA: 31, 1998 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $16.99 $15.89
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income 0.58 0.22
Net realized and unrealized gain 3.25 2.58
------ -------
Total income from investment operations 3.83 2.80
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.59 ) (0.38)
Net realized gain (1.02 ) (1.32)
------ -------
Total dividends and distributions (1.61 ) (1.70)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $19.21 $16.99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 23.21% 18.13%(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 0.65%(3) 0.67%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 3.23%(3) 4.21%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $24,920 $17,106
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 6% 6%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued. Shareholders who held shares of the Fund
prior to July 28, 1997 (the date the Fund converted to a multiple class share
structure) should refer to the Financial Highlights of Class B to obtain the
historical per share data and ratio information of their shares.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the
period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
21
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
FAMILY OF FUNDS
The Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds
offers investors a wide range of investment
choices. Come on in and meet the family!
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH FUNDS
- --------------------------------
GROWTH FUNDS
Aggressive Equity Fund
American Opportunities Fund
Capital Growth Securities
Developing Growth Securities
Equity Fund
Growth Fund
Market Leader Trust
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Special Value Fund
Value Fund
THEME FUNDS
Financial Services Trust
Health Sciences Trust
Information Fund
Natural Resource Development Securities
Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
Utilities Fund
GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Competitive Edge Fund - "Best Ideas" Portfolio
European Growth Fund
Fund of Funds - International Portfolio
Global Dividend Growth Securities
Global Utilities Fund
International SmallCap Fund
Japan Fund
Pacific Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS
- --------------------------------
Balanced Growth Fund
Balanced Income Fund
Convertible Securities Trust
Dividend Growth Securities
Fund of Funds - Domestic Portfolio
Income Builder Fund
Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
S&P 500 Index Fund
S&P 500 Select Fund
Strategist Fund
Value-Added Market Series/Equity Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FUNDS
- --------------------------------
GOVERNMENT INCOME FUNDS
Federal Securities Trust
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
U.S. Government Securities Trust
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUNDS
Diversified Income Trust
CORPORATE INCOME FUNDS
High Yield Securities
Intermediate Income Securities
Short-Term Bond Fund (NL)
GLOBAL INCOME FUNDS
World Wide Income Trust
TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS
California Tax-Free Income Fund
Hawaii Municipal Trust (FSC)
Limited Term Municipal Trust (NL)
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (FSC)
New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
- --------------------------------
TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Liquid Asset Fund (MM)
U.S. Government Money Market Trust (MM)
TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust (MM)
N.Y. Municipal Money Market Trust (MM)
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust (MM)
There may be Funds created after this PROSPECTUS was published. Please consult
the inside front cover of a new Fund's prospectus for its designation, e.g.,
Multi-Class Fund or Money Market Fund.
Unless otherwise noted, each listed Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund, except for
Short-Term U.S. Trust, is a Multi-Class Fund. A Multi-Class Fund is a mutual
fund offering multiple Classes of shares. The other types of funds are: NL -
No-Load (Mutual) Fund; MM - Money Market Fund; FSC - A mutual fund sold with a
front-end sales charge and a distribution (12b-1) fee.
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
UTILITIES FUND
Additional information about the Fund's investments is
available in the Fund's ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS TO
SHAREHOLDERS. In the Fund's ANNUAL REPORT, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment
strategies that significantly affected the Fund's
performance during its last fiscal year. The Fund's
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION also provides additional
information about the Fund. The STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION is incorporated herein by reference (legally is
part of this PROSPECTUS). For a free copy of any of these
documents, to request other information about the Fund, or
to make shareholder inquiries, please call:
TICKER SYMBOLS
(800) 869-NEWS
Class A: UTLAX
You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling
your Morgan Stanley
Class C: UTLCX
Class B: UTLBX
Dean Witter Financial Advisor or by visiting our Internet
site at:
Class D: UTLDX
WWW.DEANWITTER.COM/FUNDS
Information about the Fund (including the STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION) can be viewed and copied at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room
in Washington, DC. Information about the Reference Room's
operations may be obtained by calling the SEC at (800)
SEC-0330. Reports and other information about the Fund are
available on the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov), and
copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of
a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section
of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-6009.
(MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND; INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO.
811-5415)
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MORGAN STANLEY
MAY 1, 1999 DEAN WITTER
UTILITIES FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
This STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS. The PROSPECTUS
(dated May 1, 1999) for the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund may be
obtained without charge from the Fund at its address or telephone number listed
below or from Dean Witter Reynolds at any of its branch offices.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Utilities Fund
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
(800) 869-NEWS
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Fund History...................................... 4
II. Description of the Fund and Its Investments and
Risks............................................. 4
A. Classification................................. 4
B. Investment Strategies and Risks................ 4
C. Fund Policies/Investment Restrictions.......... 13
III. Management of the Fund............................ 14
A. Board of Trustees.............................. 14
B. Management Information......................... 14
C. Compensation................................... 18
IV. Control Persons and Principal Holders of
Securities........................................ 20
V. Investment Management and Other Services.......... 21
A. Investment Manager and Sub-Advisor............. 21
B. Principal Underwriter.......................... 21
C. Services Provided by the Investment Manager and
Fund Expenses Paid................................ 22
D. Dealer Reallowances............................ 23
E. Rule 12b-1 Plan................................ 23
F. Other Service Providers........................ 27
VI. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices.......... 27
A. Brokerage Transactions......................... 27
B. Commissions.................................... 28
C. Brokerage Selection............................ 28
D. Directed Brokerage............................. 29
E. Regular Broker-Dealers......................... 29
VII. Capital Stock and Other Securities................ 29
VIII. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares........ 30
A. Purchase/Redemption of Shares.................. 30
B. Offering Price................................. 31
IX. Taxation of the Fund and Shareholders............. 32
X. Underwriters...................................... 33
XI. Calculation of Performance Data................... 34
XII. Financial Statements.............................. 35
2
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED DEFINED TERMS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The terms defined in this glossary are frequently used in this STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (other terms used occasionally are defined in the text of
the document).
"CUSTODIAN"--The Bank of New York.
"DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS"--Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., a wholly-owned broker-dealer
subsidiary of MSDW.
"DISTRIBUTOR"--Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., a wholly-owned
broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"FINANCIAL ADVISORS"--Morgan Stanley Dean Witter authorized financial services
representatives.
"FUND"--Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund, a registered open-end
investment company.
"INVESTMENT MANAGER"--Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., a wholly-owned
investment advisor subsidiary of MSDW.
"INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES"--Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined by
the Investment Company Act) of the Fund.
"MORGAN STANLEY & CO."--Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a wholly-owned
broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS"--Registered investment companies (i) for
which the Investment Manager serves as the investment advisor and (ii) that hold
themselves out to investors as related companies for investment and investor
services.
"MSDW"--Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., a preeminent global financial services
firm.
"MSDW SERVICES COMPANY"--Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc., a
wholly-owned fund services subsidiary of the Investment Manager.
"TRANSFER AGENT"--Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, a wholly-owned transfer
agent subsidiary of MSDW.
"TRUSTEES"--The Board of Trustees of the Fund.
3
<PAGE>
I. FUND HISTORY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund was organized as a "Massachusetts business trust" under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on December 8, 1987 under the name Dean Witter
Utilities Fund. Effective June 22, 1998, the Fund's name was changed to Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. CLASSIFICATION
The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company whose
investment objective is to seek to provide current income and long-term growth
of income and capital.
B. INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The following discussion of the Fund's investment strategies and risks
should be read with the sections of the Fund's PROSPECTUS titled "Principal
Investment Strategies," "Principal Risks," "Additional Investment Strategy
Information" and "Additional Risk Information."
OPTION AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may engage in transactions in
listed and OTC options. Listed options are issued or guaranteed by the exchange
on which they are traded or by a clearing corporation such as the Options
Clearing Corporation ("OCC"). Ownership of a listed call option gives the Fund
the right to buy from the OCC (in the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or
exchange, the underlying security or currency covered by the option at the
stated exercise price (the price per unit of the underlying security) by filing
an exercise notice prior to the expiration date of the option. The writer
(seller) of the option would then have the obligation to sell to the OCC (in the
U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, the underlying security or
currency at that exercise price prior to the expiration date of the option,
regardless of its then current market price. Ownership of a listed put option
would give the Fund the right to sell the underlying security or currency to the
OCC (in the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, at the stated
exercise price. Upon notice of exercise of the put option, the writer of the put
would have the obligation to purchase the underlying security or currency from
the OCC (in the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, at the exercise
price.
COVERED CALL WRITING. The Fund is permitted to write covered call options
on portfolio securities, without limit.
The Fund will receive from the purchaser, in return for a call it has
written, a "premium;" i.e., the price of the option. Receipt of these premiums
may better enable the Fund to earn a higher level of current income than it
would earn from holding the underlying securities alone. Moreover, the premium
received will offset a portion of the potential loss incurred by the Fund if the
securities underlying the option decline in value.
The Fund may be required, at any time during the option period, to deliver
the underlying security against payment of the exercise price on any calls it
has written. This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option
period or at such earlier time when the writer effects a closing purchase
transaction. A closing purchase transaction is accomplished by purchasing an
option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the
Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a
closing purchase transaction.
Options written by the Fund normally have expiration dates of from up to
eighteen months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may
be below, equal to or above the current market value of the underlying security
at the time the option is written.
COVERED PUT WRITING. As a writer of a covered put option, the Fund incurs
an obligation to buy the security underlying the option from the purchaser of
the put, at the option's exercise price at any time during the option period, at
the purchaser's election. Through the writing of a put option, the Fund would
receive income from the premium paid by purchasers. The potential gain on a
covered put option is limited to the premium received on the option (less the
commissions paid on the transaction). During the
4
<PAGE>
option period, the Fund may be required, at any time, to make payment of the
exercise price against delivery of the underlying security. The operation of and
limitations on covered put options in other respects are substantially identical
to those of call options.
PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS. The Fund may purchase listed and OTC call
and put options in amounts equaling up to 5% of its total assets. The purchase
of a call option would enable the Fund, in return for the premium paid to lock
in a purchase price for a security or currency during the term of the option.
The purchase of a put option would enable the Fund, in return for a premium
paid, to lock in a price at which it may sell a security or currency during the
term of the option.
OTC OPTIONS. OTC options are purchased from or sold (written) to dealers or
financial institutions which have entered into direct agreements with the Fund.
With OTC options, such variables as expiration date, exercise price and premium
will be agreed upon between the Fund and the transacting dealer, without the
intermediation of a third party such as the OCC. The Fund will engage in OTC
option transactions only with member banks of the Federal Reserve Bank System or
primary dealers in U.S. Government securities or with affiliates of such banks
or dealers.
RISKS OF OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. The successful use of options depends on the
ability of the Investment Manager to forecast correctly interest rates and/or
market movements. If the market value of the portfolio securities upon which
call options have been written increases, the Fund may receive a lower total
return from the portion of its portfolio upon which calls have been written than
it would have had such calls not been written. During the option period, the
covered call writer has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the
opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price should the market
price of the underlying security increase, but has retained the risk of loss
should the price of the underlying security decline. The covered put writer also
retains the risk of loss should the market value of the underlying security
decline below the exercise price of the option less the premium received on the
sale of the option. In both cases, the writer has no control over the time when
it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Prior to
exercise or expiration, an option position can only be terminated by entering
into a closing purchase or sale transaction. Once an option writer has received
an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to
terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver or receive the
underlying securities at the exercise price.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a writer of an option is
dependent upon the existence of a liquid secondary market on option exchanges.
There is no assurance that such a market will exist, particularly in the case of
OTC options.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages in
transactions in options, the Fund could experience delays and/or losses in
liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker and/or incur a
loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. In the case of OTC
options, if the transacting dealer fails to make or take delivery of the
securities underlying an option it has written, in accordance with the terms of
that option, due to insolvency or otherwise, the Fund would lose the premium
paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction.
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security which may be
written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others
(regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different
exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or more
brokers). An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in
violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions.
These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which the Fund
may write.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which
the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets
close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and
rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected
in the option markets.
5
<PAGE>
The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the
underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the price of the
option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies
and have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Because
foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve
substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of
foreign currency options, investors may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an
odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million)
for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for
round lots.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation
information available is generally representative of very large transactions in
the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions
(i.e., less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank
market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent
that the U.S. options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying
currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in
the underlying markets that are not reflected in the options market.
STOCK INDEX OPTIONS. The Fund may invest in options on broadly based
indexes. Options on stock indexes are similar to options on stock except that,
rather than the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified price, an
option on a stock index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of
the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which
the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the
case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to
such difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of
the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. The writer of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount.
RISKS OF OPTIONS ON INDEXES. Because exercises of stock index options are
settled in cash, the Fund could not, if it wrote a call option, provide in
advance for its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the
underlying securities. A call writer can offset some of the risk of its writing
position by holding a diversified portfolio of stocks similar to those on which
the underlying index is based. However, most investors cannot, as a practical
matter, acquire and hold a portfolio containing exactly the same stocks as the
underlying index, and, as a result, bear a risk that the value of the securities
held will vary from the value of the index. Even if an index call writer could
assemble a stock portfolio that exactly reproduced the composition of the
underlying index, the writer still would not be fully covered from a risk
standpoint because of the "timing risk" inherent in writing index options.
When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder is
entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise price
and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. As with
other kinds of options, the writer will not learn that it had been assigned
until the next business day, at the earliest. The time lag between exercise and
notice of assignment poses no risk for the writer of a covered call on a
specific underlying security, such as a common stock, because there the writer's
obligation is to deliver the underlying security, not to pay its value as of a
fixed time in the past. So long as the writer already owns the underlying
security, it can satisfy its settlement obligations by simply delivering it, and
the risk that its value may have declined since the exercise date is borne by
the exercising holder. In contrast, even if the writer of an index call holds
stocks that exactly match the composition of the underlying index, it will not
be able to satisfy its assignment obligations by delivering those stocks against
payment of the exercise price. Instead, it will be required to pay cash in an
amount based on the closing index value on the exercise date; and by the time it
learns that it has been assigned, the index may have declined, with a
corresponding decrease in the value of its stock portfolio. This "timing risk"
is an inherent limitation on the ability of index call writers to cover their
risk exposure by holding stock positions.
A holder of an index option who exercises it before the closing index value
for that day is available runs the risk that the level of the underlying index
may subsequently change. If a change causes the
6
<PAGE>
exercised option to fall out-of-the-money, the exercising holder will be
required to pay the difference between the closing index value and the exercise
price of the option (times the applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.
If dissemination of the current level of an underlying index is interrupted,
or if trading is interrupted in stocks accounting for a substantial portion of
the value of an index, the trading of options on that index will ordinarily be
halted. If the trading of options on an underlying index is halted, an exchange
may impose restrictions prohibiting the exercise of such options.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may purchase and sell interest rate and index
futures contracts that are traded on U.S. and foreign commodity exchanges on
such underlying securities as U.S. Treasury bonds, notes, bills and GNMA
Certificates and/or any foreign government fixed-income security, and on such
indexes of U.S. and foreign securities as may exist or come into existence.
A futures contract purchaser incurs an obligation to take delivery of a
specified amount of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified time
in the future for a specified price. A seller of a futures contract incurs an
obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying obligation at a
specified time in return for an agreed upon price. The purchase of a futures
contract enables the Fund, during the term of the contract, to lock in a price
at which it may purchase a security and protect against a rise in prices pending
purchase of portfolio securities. The sale of a futures contract enables the
Fund to lock in a price at which it may sell a security and protect against
declines in the value of portfolio securities.
Although most futures contracts call for actual delivery or acceptance of
securities, the contracts usually are closed out before the settlement date
without the making or taking of delivery. Index futures contracts provide for
the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the
difference between the index value at the open or close of the last trading day
of the contract and the futures contract price. A futures contract sale is
closed out by effecting a futures contract purchase for the same aggregate
amount of the specific type of security and the same delivery date. If the sale
price exceeds the offsetting purchase price, the seller would be paid the
difference and would realize a gain. If the offsetting purchase price exceeds
the sale price, the seller would pay the difference and would realize a loss.
Similarly, a futures contract purchase is closed out by effecting a futures
contract sale for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of security and
the same delivery date. If the offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase price,
the purchaser would realize a gain, whereas if the purchase price exceeds the
offsetting sale price, the purchaser would realize a loss. There is no assurance
that the Fund will be able to enter into a closing transaction.
MARGIN. If the Fund enters into a futures contract, it is initially
required to deposit an "initial margin" of cash or U.S. Government securities or
other liquid portfolio securities ranging from approximately 2% to 5% of the
contract amount. Initial margin requirements are established by the exchanges on
which futures contracts trade and may, from time to time, change. In addition,
brokers may establish margin deposit requirements in excess of those required by
the exchanges.
Initial margin in futures transactions is different from margin in
securities transactions in that initial margin does not involve the borrowing of
funds by a broker's client but is, rather, a good faith deposit on the futures
contract which will be returned to the Fund upon the proper termination of the
futures contract. The margin deposits made are marked to market daily and the
Fund may be required to make subsequent deposits of cash or U.S. Government
securities, called "variation margin," which are reflective of price
fluctuations in the futures contract.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may purchase and write call and put
options on futures contracts and enter into closing transactions with respect to
such options to terminate an existing position. An option on a futures contract
gives the purchaser the right (in return for the premium paid), and the writer
the obligation, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if
the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified
exercise price at any time during the term of the option. Upon exercise of the
option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the
holder of the option is accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in
the writer's futures
7
<PAGE>
margin account, which represents the amount by which the market price of the
futures contract at the time of exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is
less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures
contract.
The writer of an option on a futures contract is required to deposit initial
and variation margin pursuant to requirements similar to those applicable to
futures contracts. Premiums received from the writing of an option on a futures
contract are included in initial margin deposits.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES. The Fund may not
enter into futures contracts or purchase related options thereon if, immediately
thereafter, the amount committed to margin plus the amount paid for premiums for
unexpired options on futures contracts exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's
total assets, after taking into account unrealized gains and unrealized losses
on such contracts it has entered into, provided, however, that in the case of an
option that is in-the-money (the exercise price of the call (put) option is less
(more) than the market price of the underlying security) at the time of
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%.
However, there is no overall limitation on the percentage of the Fund's net
assets which may be subject to a hedge position.
RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. The prices
of securities and indexes subject to futures contracts (and thereby the futures
contract prices) may correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the cash prices
of the Fund's portfolio securities. Also, prices of futures contracts may not
move in tandem with the changes in prevailing interest rates and/or market
movements against which the Fund seeks a hedge. A correlation may also be
distorted (a) temporarily, by short-term traders' seeking to profit from the
difference between a contract or security price objective and their cost of
borrowed funds; (b) by investors in futures contracts electing to close out
their contracts through offsetting transactions rather than meet margin deposit
requirements; (c) by investors in futures contracts opting to make or take
delivery of underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions,
thereby reducing liquidity of the futures market; and (d) temporarily, by
speculators who view the deposit requirements in the futures markets as less
onerous than margin requirements in the cash market. Due to the possibility of
price distortion in the futures market and because of the possible imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of securities and movements in the
prices of futures contracts, a correct forecast of interest rate, currency
exchange rate and/or market movement trends by the Investment Manager may still
not result in a successful hedging transaction.
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for futures
contracts and related options in which the Fund may invest. In the event a
liquid market does not exist, it may not be possible to close out a futures
position and, in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue
to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. In addition,
limitations imposed by an exchange or board of trade on which futures contracts
are traded may compel or prevent the Fund from closing out a contract which may
result in reduced gain or increased loss to the Fund. The absence of a liquid
market in futures contracts might cause the Fund to make or take delivery of the
underlying securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
Exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a futures contract may move
on any day. If the price moves equal the daily limit on successive days, then it
may prove impossible to liquidate a futures position until the daily limit moves
have ceased. In the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to
be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin on open futures
positions. In these situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have
to sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a
time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be
required to take or make delivery of the instruments underlying interest rate
futures contracts it holds at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so. The
inability to close out options and futures positions could also have an adverse
impact on the Fund's ability to effectively hedge its portfolio.
Futures contracts and options thereon which are purchased or sold on foreign
commodities exchanges may have greater price volatility than their U.S.
counterparts. Furthermore, foreign commodities exchanges may be less regulated
and under less governmental scrutiny than U.S. exchanges.
8
<PAGE>
Brokerage commissions, clearing costs and other transaction costs may be higher
on foreign exchanges. Greater margin requirements may limit the Fund's ability
to enter into certain commodity transactions on foreign exchanges. Moreover,
differences in clearance and delivery requirements on foreign exchanges may
occasion delays in the settlement of the Fund's transactions effected on foreign
exchanges.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages in
transactions in futures or options thereon, the Fund could experience delays
and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker
and/or incur a loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES. In addition to the short-term fixed-income
securities in which the Fund may otherwise invest, the Fund may invest in
various money market securities for cash management purposes or when assuming a
temporary defensive position, which among others may include commercial paper,
bank acceptances, bank obligations, corporate debt securities certificates of
deposit, U.S. Government securities and obligations of savings institutions.
Such securities are limited to:
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the United States or its agencies (such as the
Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Housing Administration and
Government National Mortgage Association) or its instrumentalities (such as the
Federal Home Loan Bank), including Treasury bills, notes and bonds;
BANK OBLIGATIONS. Obligations (including certificates of deposit, time
deposits and bankers' acceptances) of banks subject to regulation by the U.S.
Government and having total assets of $1 billion or more, and instruments
secured by such obligations, not including obligations of foreign branches of
domestic banks except to the extent below;
EURODOLLAR CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. Eurodollar certificates of deposit
issued by foreign branches of domestic banks having total assets of $1 billion
or more;
OBLIGATIONS OF SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS. Certificates of deposit of savings
banks and savings and loan associations, having total assets of $1 billion or
more;
FULLY INSURED CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. Certificates of deposit of banks and
savings institutions, having total assets of less than $1 billion. If the
principal amount of the obligation is federally insured by the Bank Insurance
Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (each of which is administered by
the FDIC), limited to $100,000 principal amount per certificate and to 10% or
less of the Fund's total assets in all such obligations and in all illiquid
assets, in the aggregate; and
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper rated within the two highest grades by
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or the two highest grades by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if not rated, issued by a company having
an outstanding debt issue rated at least AA by S&P or Aa by Moody's.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. When
cash may be available for only a few days, it may be invested by the Fund in
repurchase agreements until such time as it may otherwise be invested or used
for payments of obligations of the Fund. These agreements, which may be viewed
as a type of secured lending by the Fund, typically involve the acquisition by
the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial institution such as a bank,
savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The agreement provides that the
Fund will sell back to the institution, and that the institution will
repurchase, the underlying security serving as collateral at a specified price
and at a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven days from the
date of purchase. The collateral will be marked-to-market daily to determine
that the value of the collateral, as specified in the agreement, does not
decrease below the purchase price plus accrued interest. If such decrease
occurs, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the
account to maintain full collateralization. The Fund will accrue interest from
the institution until the time when the repurchase is to occur. Although this
date is deemed by the Fund to be the maturity date of a repurchase agreement,
the maturities of securities subject to repurchase agreements are not subject to
any limits.
9
<PAGE>
While repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct
investments in debt securities, the Fund follows procedures designed to minimize
such risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with
large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions whose
financial condition will be continually monitored by the Investment Manager
subject to procedures established by the Directors. In addition, as described
above, the value of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement will be
at least equal to the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on
the repurchase agreement. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling
financial institution, the Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However,
the exercising of the Fund's right to liquidate such collateral could involve
certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a
default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the
Fund could suffer a loss.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to
brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, provided that the loans are
callable at any time by the Fund, and are at all times secured by cash or cash
equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant to applicable
regulations and that are equal to at least 100% of the market value, determined
daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of these loans is that the Fund
continues to receive the income on the loaned securities while at the same time
earning interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be
invested in short-term obligations. The Fund will not lend more than 25% of the
value of its total assets.
As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and,
in some cases, even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the
securities fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will
only be made to firms deemed by the Fund's management to be creditworthy and
when the income which can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant
risks. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the
securities to the Fund. Any gain or loss in the market price during the loan
period would inure to the Fund.
When voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the
borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loaned securities, to
be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of the rights
if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund's investment in
the loaned securities. The Fund will pay reasonable finder's, administrative and
custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. The
Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis or may
purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. When these
transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment,
but delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of
commitment. While the Fund will only purchase securities on a when-issued,
delayed delivery or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the
securities, the Fund may sell the securities before the settlement date, if it
is deemed advisable. The securities so purchased or sold are subject to market
fluctuation and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the
settlement date.
At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase or sell securities on
a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis, it will record the
transaction and thereafter reflect the value, each day, of such security
purchased, or if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining its net
asset value. At the time of delivery of the securities, their value may be more
or less than the purchase or sale price. An increase in the percentage of the
Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued, delayed
delivery or forward commitment basis may increase the volatility of its net
asset value. The Fund will also establish a segregated account on the Fund's
books in which it will continually maintain cash or cash equivalents or other
liquid portfolio securities equal in value to commitments to purchase securities
on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis.
WHEN, AS AND IF ISSUED SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase securities on a
"when, as and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the security depends
upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a merger,
corporate reorganization or debt restructuring. The commitment for
10
<PAGE>
the purchase of any such security will not be recognized in the portfolio of the
Fund until the Investment Manager determines that issuance of the security is
probable. At that time, the Fund will record the transaction and, in determining
its net asset value, will reflect the value of the security daily. At that time,
the Fund will also establish a segregated account on the Fund's books in which
it will maintain cash or cash equivalents or other liquid portfolio securities
equal in value to recognized commitments for such securities.
The value of the Fund's commitments to purchase the securities of any one
issuer, together with the value of all securities of such issuer owned by the
Fund, may not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time the
initial commitment to purchase such securities is made. An increase in the
percentage of the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a
"when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of its net asset
value. The Fund may also sell securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis
provided that the issuance of the security will result automatically from the
exchange or conversion of a security owned by the Fund at the time of sale.
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS. The Fund may invest up to 10%(1) of its total assets in
securities which are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "SECURITIES ACT"), or
which are otherwise not readily marketable. (Securities eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and determined to be liquid
pursuant to the procedures discussed in the following paragraph, are not subject
to the foregoing restriction.) These securities are generally referred to as
private placements or restricted securities. Limitations on the resale of these
securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent
the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have
to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of
substantial delays in effecting the registration.
Rule 144A permits the Fund to sell restricted securities to qualified
institutional buyers without limitation. The Sub-Advisor, pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Directors, will make a determination as to the liquidity of each
restricted security purchased by the Fund. If a restricted security is
determined to be "liquid," the security will not be included within the category
"illiquid securities," which is limited by the Fund's investment restrictions to
10% of the Fund's total assets.
WARRANTS AND SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS. The Fund may acquire warrants and
subscription rights attached to other securities. A warrant is, in effect, an
option to purchase equity securities at a specific price, generally valid for a
specific period of time, and has no voting rights, pays no dividends and has no
rights with respect to the corporation issuing it.
A subscription right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a
corporation to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it is
offered to the public. A subscription right normally has a life of two to four
weeks and a subscription price lower than the current market value of the common
stock. A subscription right is freely transferable.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS.(2) The Fund may enter into
forward U.S. dollar and foreign currency exchange contracts ("FORWARD
CONTRACTS") as a hedge against fluctuations in future foreign exchange rates.
The Fund may conduct its currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e.,
cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market,
or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a
specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from
the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time
of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted
directly between currency traders (usually large, commercial and investment
banks) and their customers. Forward contracts only will be entered into with
United States banks and their foreign branches, insurance companies and other
dealers whose assets total $1 billion or more, or foreign banks whose assets
total $1 billion or more. A forward contract generally has no deposit
requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
- ------------------------
1 Increased from 5%. Needs Board approval.
2 Needs Board approval.
11
<PAGE>
The Fund may enter into forward contracts under various circumstances. The
typical use of a forward contract is to "lock in" the price of a security in
U.S. dollars or some other foreign currency which the Fund is holding in its
portfolio. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a
fixed amount of dollars or other currency, of the amount of foreign currency
involved in the underlying security transactions, the Fund may be able to
protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the
relationship between the U.S. dollar or other currency which is being used for
the security purchase and the foreign currency in which the security is
denominated during the period between the date on which the security is
purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received.
The Investment Manager also may from time to time utilize forward contracts
for other purposes. For example, they may be used to hedge a foreign security
held in the portfolio or a security which pays out principal tied to an exchange
rate between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency, against a decline in value
of the applicable foreign currency. They also may be used to lock in the current
exchange rate of the currency in which those securities anticipated to be
purchased are denominated. At times, the Fund may enter into "cross-currency"
hedging transactions involving currencies other than those in which securities
are held or proposed to be purchased are denominated.
The Fund will not enter into forward currency contracts or maintain a net
exposure to these contracts where the consummation of the contracts would
obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of currency in excess of the value of the
Fund's portfolio securities.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does
not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a
daily basis. It will, however, do so from time to time, and investors should be
aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do
not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the spread
between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer.
The Fund may be limited in its ability to enter into hedging transactions
involving forward contracts by the Internal Revenue Code requirements relating
to qualification as a regulated investment company.
Forward currency contracts may limit gains on portfolio securities that
could otherwise be realized had they not been utilized and could result in
losses. The contracts also may increase the Fund's volatility and may involve a
significant amount of risk relative to the investment of cash.
YEAR 2000. The investment management services provided to the Fund by the
Investment Manager and the services provided to shareholders by the Distributor
and the Transfer Agent depend on the smooth functioning of their computer
systems. Many computer software systems in use today cannot recognize the year
2000, but revert to 1900 or some other date, due to the manner in which dates
were encoded and calculated. That failure could have a negative impact on the
handling of securities trades, pricing and account services. The Investment
Manager, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent have been actively working on
necessary changes to their own computer systems to prepare for the year 2000 and
expect that their systems will be adapted before that date, but there can be no
assurance that they will be successful, or that interaction with other
non-complying computer systems will not impair their services at that time.
In addition, it is possible that the markets for securities in which the
Fund invests may be detrimentally affected by computer failures throughout the
financial services industry beginning January 1, 2000. Improperly functioning
trading systems may result in settlement problems and liquidity issues. In
addition, corporate and governmental data processing errors may result in
production problems for individual companies and overall economic uncertainties.
Earnings of individual issuers will be affected by remediation costs, which may
be substantial and may be reported inconsistently in U.S. and foreign financial
statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments may be adversely affected.
12
<PAGE>
C. FUND POLICIES/INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment restrictions listed below have been adopted by the Fund as
fundamental policies. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "INVESTMENT
COMPANY ACT"), a fundamental policy may not be changed without the vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Investment
Company Act defines a majority as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares
present at a meeting of shareholders, if the holders of 50% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (b) more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund. For purposes of the following restrictions:
(i) all percentage limitations apply immediately after a purchase or initial
investment; and (ii) any subsequent change in any applicable percentage
resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in total or net assets does
not require elimination of any security from the portfolio.
The Fund MAY NOT:
1. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities
of any one issuer (other than obligations issued, or guaranteed by, the United
States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
2. Purchase more than 10% of the voting securities, or more than 10% of any
class of securities, of any one issuer.
3. Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers in any one industry, except that the Fund will concentrate in the public
utilities industry. The restriction does not apply to obligations issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
4. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except in connection
with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of assets.
5. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers having a record, together with predecessors, of less than 3 years of
continuous operation. This restriction shall not apply to any obligation issued
or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
6. Invest in securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge of the Fund, any
officer or Trustee of the Fund or of the Investment Manager owns more that 1/2
of 1% of the outstanding securities of such issuer, and such officers and
Trustees who own more than 1/2 of 1% own in the aggregate more than 5% of the
outstanding securities of such issuers.
7. Purchase or sell real estate or interests therein (including limited
partnership interests), although the Fund may purchase securities of issuers
which engage in real estate operations and securities secured by real estate or
interests therein.
8. Purchase oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or royalty contracts
or exploration or development programs, except that the Fund may invest in the
securities of companies which operate, invest in, or sponsor these programs.
9. Borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow from a bank for temporary
or emergency purposes in amounts not exceeding 5% (taken at the lower of cost or
current value) of its total assets (not including the amount borrowed).
10. Pledge its assets or assign or otherwise encumber them except to secure
permitted borrowings. For the purpose of this restriction, collateral
arrangements with respect to the writing of options and collateral arrangements
with respect to initial or variation margin for futures are not deemed to be
pledges of assets.
11. Issue senior securities as defined in the Investment Company Act, except
insofar as the Fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security by reason of
borrowing money.
12. Make loans of money or securities, except: (a) by the purchase of
publicly distributed debt obligations; (b) by investment in repurchase
agreements; or (c) by lending its portfolio securities.
13. Make short sales of securities.
13
<PAGE>
14. Purchase securities on margin, except for short-term loans as are
necessary for the clearance of portfolio securities. The deposit or payment by
the Fund of initial or variation margin in connection with futures contracts or
related options thereon is not considered the purchase of a security on margin.
15. Engage in the underwriting of securities, except insofar as the Fund may
be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in disposing of a portfolio
security.
16. Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of any other
issuer.
17. Invest more than 10% of its total assets in "illiquid securities"
(securities for which market quotations are not readily available) and
repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later
increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in values of
portfolio securities or amount of total or net assets will not be considered a
violation of any of the foregoing restrictions.
Notwithstanding any other investment policy or restriction, the Fund may
seek to achieve its investment objective by investing all or substantially all
of its assets in another investment company having substantially the same
investment objective and policies as the Fund.
III. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Fund oversees the management of the Fund but
does not itself manage the Fund. The Trustees review various services provided
by or under the direction of the Investment Manager to ensure that the Fund's
general investment policies and programs are properly carried out. The Trustees
also conduct their review to ensure that administrative services are provided to
the Fund in a satisfactory manner.
Under state law, the duties of the Trustees are generally characterized as a
duty of loyalty and a duty of care. The duty of loyalty requires a Trustee to
exercise his or her powers in the interest of the Fund and not the Trustee's own
interest or the interest of another person or organization. A Trustee satisfies
his or her duty of care by acting in good faith with the care of an ordinarily
prudent person and in a manner the Trustee reasonably believes to be in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders.
B. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS. The Board of the Fund consists of eight (8)
Trustees. These same individuals also serve as directors or trustees for all of
the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds. Seven Trustees (77% of the total number)
have no affiliation or business connection with the Investment Manager or any of
its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by
the Investment Manager's parent company, MSDW. These are the "non-interested" or
"independent" Trustees. The other two Trustees (the "MANAGEMENT TRUSTEES") are
affiliated with the Investment Manager. All of the Independent Trustees also
serve as Independent Trustees of "DISCOVER BROKERAGE INDEX SERIES," a mutual
fund for which the Investment Manager is the investment advisor. Four of the
seven Independent Trustees are also Independent Trustees of certain other mutual
funds, referred to as the "TCW/DW FUNDS," for which MSDW Services Company is the
manager and TCW Funds Management, Inc. is the investment advisor.
14
<PAGE>
The Trustees and executive officers of the Fund, their principal business
occupations during the last five years and their affiliations, if any, with the
Investment Manager, and with the 84 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, the 11
TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series, are shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Michael Bozic (58) ................................... Vice Chairman of Kmart Corporation (since December, 1998);
Trustee Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
c/o Kmart Corporation Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series;
3100 West Big Beaver Road formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitz
Troy, Michigan Furniture Corporation (November, 1995-November, 1998) and
President and Chief Executive Officer of Hills Department
Stores (May, 1991-July, 1995); formerly variously
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief
Operating Officer (1987-1991) of the Sears Merchandise
Group of Sears, Roebuck and Co.; Director of Eaglemark
Financial Services, Inc. and Weirton Steel Corporation.
Charles A. Fiumefreddo* (65) ......................... Chairman, Director or Trustee, President and Chief
Chairman of the Board, President, Executive Officer of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds;
Chief Executive Officer and Director Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the
Two World Trade Center TCW/DW Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series;
New York, New York formerly Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
the Investment Manager, the Distributor and MSDW Services
Company; Executive Vice President and Director of Dean
Witter Reynolds; Chairman and Director of the Transfer
Agent; formerly Director and/or officer of various MSDW
subsidiaries (until June, 1998).
Edwin J. Garn (66) ................................... Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trustee Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series;
c/o Huntsman Corporation formerly United States Senator (R-Utah)(1974-1992) and
500 Huntsman Way Chairman, Senate Banking Committee (1980-1986); formerly
Salt Lake City, Utah Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah (1971-1974); formerly
Astronaut, Space Shuttle Discovery (April 12-19, 1985);
Vice Chairman, Huntsman Corporation; Director of Franklin
Covey (time management systems), John Alden Financial
Corp. (health insurance), United Space Alliance (joint
venture between Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Company)
and Nuskin Asia Pacific (multilevel marketing); member of
the board of various civic and charitable organizations.
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Wayne E. Hedien (65) ................................. Retired; Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean
Director Witter Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series;
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Director of The PMI Group, Inc. (private mortgage
Weitzen Shalov & Wein insurance); Trustee and Vice Chairman of The Field Museum
Counsel to the Independent Directors of Natural History; formerly associated with the Allstate
114 West 47th Street Companies (1966-1994), most recently as Chairman of The
New York, New York Allstate Corporation (March, 1993-December, 1994) and
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Allstate Insurance Company (July,
1989-December, 1994); director of various other business
and charitable organizations.
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (50) ........................... Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc., a
Director consulting firm; Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of
c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. Seven Council (G7C), an international economic commission;
1133 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Washington, D.C. Funds; Trustee of the TCW/ DW Funds; Trustee of Discover
Brokerage Index Series; Director of NASDAQ (since June,
1995); Director of Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc.
(broker-dealer) and NVR, Inc. (home construction); Chair-
man and Trustee of the Financial Accounting Foundation
(oversight organization of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board); formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (1986-1990) and
Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.
Michael E. Nugent (62) ............................... General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P., a private invest-
Director ment partnership; Director or Trustee of the Morgan
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P. Stanley Dean Witter Funds; Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds;
237 Park Avenue Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series; formerly Vice
New York, New York President, Bankers Trust Company and BT Capital
Corporation (1984-1988); director of various business
organizations.
Philip J. Purcell* (55) .............................. Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Trustee Officer of MSDW, Dean Witter Reynolds and Novus Credit
1585 Broadway Services Inc.; Director of the Distributor; Director or
New York, New York Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds; Trustee
of Discover Brokerage Index Series; Director and/or
officer of various MSDW subsidiaries.
John L. Schroeder (68) ............................... Retired; Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean
Trustee Witter Funds; Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Trustee of
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Discover Brokerage Index Series; Director of Citizens
Weitzen Shalov & Wein Utilities Company; formerly Executive Vice President and
Counsel to the Independent Directors Chief Investment Officer of the Home Insurance Company
114 West 47th Street (August, 1991-September, 1995).
New York, New York
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Barry Fink (44) ...................................... Senior Vice President (since March, 1997) and Secretary
Vice President, and General Counsel (since February, 1997) and Director
Secretary and General Counsel (since July, 1998) of the Investment Manager and MSDW
Two World Trade Center Services Company; Senior Vice President (since March,
New York, New York 1997) and Assistant Secretary and Assistant General
Counsel (since February, 1997) of the Distributor;
Assistant Secretary of Dean Witter Reynolds (since August,
1996); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of
the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds
(since February, 1997); Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel of Discover Brokerage Index Series;
previously First Vice President (June, 1993-February,
1997), Vice President and Assistant Secretary and
Assistant General Counsel of the Investment Manager and
MSDW Services Company and Assistant Secretary of the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.
Edward F. Gaylor (57) ................................ Senior Vice President of MSDW Advisors; Vice President of
Vice President various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Two World Trade Center
New York, NY
Thomas F. Caloia (52) ................................ First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the
Treasurer Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company; Treasurer of
Two World Trade Center the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and
New York, New York Discover Brokerage Index Series.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Denotes Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in the
Investment Company Act.
In addition, MITCHELL M. MERIN, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Asset Management of MSDW, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the
Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company, Chairman and Director of the
Distributor and the Transfer Agent, Executive Vice President and Director of
Dean Witter Reynolds, and Director of various MSDW subsidiaries, RONALD E.
ROBISON, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer and Director
of the Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company, ROBERT S. GIAMBRONE, Senior
Vice President of the Investment Manager, MSDW Services Company, the Distributor
and the Transfer Agent and Director of the Transfer Agent, and JOSEPH J.
MCALINDEN, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the
Investment Manager and Director of the Transfer Agent, and KENTON J. HINCHLIFFE,
KEVIN HURLEY, IRA N. ROSS and PAUL D. VANCE, Senior Vice Presidents of the
Investment Manager, and PAULA LACOSTA, Vice President of the Investment Manager
are Vice Presidents of the Fund.
In addition, FRANK BRUTTOMESSO, MARILYN K. CRANNEY, LOU ANNE D. MCINNIS,
CARSTEN OTTO and RUTH ROSSI First Vice Presidents and Assistant General Counsels
of the Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company, and TODD LEBO, a Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of the Investment Manager and MSDW
Services Company, are Assistant Secretaries of the Fund.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES AND THE COMMITTEES. Law and regulation
establish both general guidelines and specific duties for the independent
directors/trustees. The Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds seek as independent
directors/trustees individuals of distinction and experience in business and
finance, government service or academia; these are people whose advice and
counsel are in demand by others and for whom there is often competition. To
accept a position on the Funds' boards, such individuals may reject other
attractive assignments because the Funds make substantial demands on their time.
Indeed, by serving on the Funds' boards, certain directors/trustees who would
otherwise
17
<PAGE>
be qualified and in demand to serve on bank boards would be prohibited by law
from doing so. All of the independent directors/trustees serve as members of the
Audit Committee. In addition, three of the directors/trustees, including two
independent directors/trustees, serve as members of the Derivatives Committee
and the Insurance Committee.
The independent directors/trustees are charged with recommending to the full
board approval of management, advisory and administration contracts, Rule 12b-1
plans and distribution and underwriting agreements; continually reviewing Fund
performance; checking on the pricing of portfolio securities, brokerage
commissions, transfer agent costs and performance, and trading among Funds in
the same complex; and approving fidelity bond and related insurance coverage and
allocations, as well as other matters that arise from time to time. The
independent directors/trustees are required to select and nominate individuals
to fill any independent directors trustee vacancy on the board of any Fund that
has a Rule 12b-1 plan of distribution. Most of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Funds have a Rule 12b-1 plan.
The Audit Committee is charged with recommending to the full board the
engagement or discharge of the Fund's independent accountants; directing
investigations into matters within the scope of the independent accountants'
duties, including the power to retain outside specialists; reviewing with the
independent accountants the audit plan and results of the auditing engagement;
approving professional services provided by the independent accountants and
other accounting firms prior to the performance of the services; reviewing the
independence of the independent accountants; considering the range of audit and
non-audit fees; reviewing the adequacy of the Fund's system of internal
controls; and preparing and submitting Committee meeting minutes to the full
board.
The board of each Fund has a Derivatives Committee to approve parameters for
and monitor the activities of the Fund with respect to derivative investments,
if any, made by the Fund.
Finally, the board of each Fund has formed an Insurance Committee to review
and monitor the insurance coverage maintained by the Fund.
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING SAME INDIVIDUALS AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES FOR
ALL MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS. The independent directors/trustees and
the Funds' management believe that having the same independent
directors/trustees for each of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds avoids the
duplication of effort that would arise from having different groups of
individuals serving as independent directors/trustees for each of the Funds or
even of sub-groups of Funds. They believe that having the same individuals serve
as independent directors/trustees of all the Funds tends to increase their
knowledge and expertise regarding matters which affect the Fund complex
generally and enhances their ability to negotiate on behalf of each Fund with
the Fund's service providers. This arrangement also precludes the possibility of
separate groups of independent directors/trustees arriving at conflicting
decisions regarding operations and management of the Funds and avoids the cost
and confusion that would likely ensue. Finally, having the same independent
directors/trustees serve on all Fund Boards enhances the ability of each Fund to
obtain, at modest cost to each separate Fund, the services of independent
directors/trustees, of the caliber, experience and business acumen of the
individuals who serve as independent directors/trustees of the Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds.
C. COMPENSATION
The Fund pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $800 plus a per
meeting fee of $50 for meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Independent
Trustees or Committees of the Board of Trustees attended by the Trustee (the
Fund pays the Chairman of the Audit Committee an additional annual fee of $750).
If a Board meeting and a meeting of the Independent Trustees or a Committee
meeting, or a meeting of the Independent Trustees and/or more than one Committee
meeting, take place on a single day, the Trustees are paid a single meeting fee
by the Fund. The Fund also reimburses such Trustees for travel and other
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with attending such
meetings. Trustees and officers of the Fund who are or have been employed by the
Investment Manager or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expenses
reimbursed from the Fund for their services as Trustee. Effective May 1, 1999,
Dr. Johnson serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
18
<PAGE>
The following table illustrates the compensation that the Fund paid to its
Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
FUND COMPENSATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE FROM THE FUND
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
Michael Bozic................................................. $1,500
<S> <C>
Edwin J. Garn................................................. 1,650
Wayne E. Hedien............................................... 1,650
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson......................................... 1,600
Michael E. Nugent............................................. 1,650
John L. Schroeder............................................. 1,650
</TABLE>
The following table illustrates the compensation paid to the Fund's
Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998 for services
to the 85 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and, in the case of Messrs. Johnson,
Nugent and Schroeder, the 11 TCW/DW Funds that were in operation at December 31,
1998. Effective May 1, 1999, Dr. Johnson serves as Chairman of the Audit
Committee of each Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund and each TCW/DW Fund. With
respect to Messrs. Johnson, Nugent and Schroeder, the TCW/DW Funds are included
solely because of a limited exchange privilege between those Funds and five
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Money Market Funds. No compensation was paid to the
Fund's Independent Trustees by Discover Brokerage Index Series for the calendar
year ended December 31, 1998.
CASH COMPENSATION FROM MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS AND TCW/DW FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL CASH
FOR SERVICE AS COMPENSATION
DIRECTOR OR FOR SERVICES
TRUSTEE AND FOR SERVICE AS TO 86 MORGAN
COMMITTEE MEMBER TRUSTEE AND STANLEY DEAN
OF 86 MORGAN COMMITTEE MEMBER WITTER FUNDS
NAME OF STANLEY DEAN OF 11 TCW/DW AND 11 TCW/
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR WITTER FUNDS FUNDS DW FUNDS
- --------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Bozic.............. $120,150 -- $120,150
Edwin J. Garn.............. 132,450 -- 132,450
Wayne E. Hedien............ 132,350 -- 132,350
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson...... 128,900 62,331 190,731
Michael E. Nugent.......... 132,450 62,131 194,581
John L. Schroeder.......... 132,450 64,731 197,181
</TABLE>
As of the date of this STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, 55 of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds, including the Fund, have adopted a retirement program
under which an independent director/ trustee who retires after serving for at
least five years (or such lesser period as may be determined by the Board) as an
independent director/trustee of any Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund that has
adopted the retirement program (each such Fund referred to as an "ADOPTING FUND"
and each such director/trustee referred to as an "ELIGIBLE DIRECTOR") is
entitled to retirement payments upon reaching the eligible retirement age
(normally, after attaining age 72). Annual payments are based upon length of
service.
Currently, upon retirement, each Eligible Director is entitled to receive
from the Adopting Fund, commencing as of his or her retirement date and
continuing for the remainder of his or her life, an annual retirement benefit
(the "REGULAR BENEFIT") equal to 29.41% of his or her Eligible Compensation plus
0.5036667% of such Eligible Compensation for each full month of service as an
Independent Director or Trustee of any Adopting Fund in excess of five years up
to a maximum of 58.82% after ten years of service. The foregoing percentages may
be changed by the Board.(1) "ELIGIBLE COMPENSATION" is one-fifth of the total
compensation earned by such Eligible Director for service to the Adopting Fund
in the five year period prior to the date of the Eligible Director's retirement.
Benefits under the retirement program are not secured or funded by the Adopting
Funds.
19
<PAGE>
The following table illustrates the retirement benefits accrued to the
Fund's Independent Trustees by the Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998 and by the 55 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds (including the Fund) for the
year ended December 31, 1998, and the estimated retirement benefits for the
Independent Trustees, to commence upon their retirement, from the 55 Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds as of December 31, 1998.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS FROM ALL MORGAN STANLEY
DEAN WITTER FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RETIREMENT BENEFITS ESTIMATED ANNUAL
FOR ALL ADOPTING FUNDS ACCRUED AS BENEFITS
------------------------------------ EXPENSES UPON RETIREMENT
ESTIMATED CREDITED ESTIMATED ------------------------ --------------------------
YEARS OF SERVICE AT PERCENTAGE OF BY ALL FROM ALL
RETIREMENT (MAXIMUM ELIGIBLE ADOPTING FROM THE ADOPTING
NAME OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR 10) COMPENSATION BY THE FUND FUNDS FUND FUNDS
- ------------------------------- ------------------- --------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Bozic.................. 10 60.44% $ 420 $ 22,377 $ 1,058 $ 52,250
Edwin J. Garn.................. 10 60.44 642 35,225 1,058 52,250
Wayne E. Hedien................ 9 51.37 785 41,979 899 44,413
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson.......... 10 60.44 257 14,047 1,058 52,250
Michael E. Nugent.............. 10 60.44 454 25,336 1,058 52,250
John L. Schroeder.............. 8 50.37 851 45,116 885 44,343
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
1 An Eligible Director may elect alternative payments of his or her retirement
benefits based upon the combined life expectancy of the Eligible Director
and his or her spouse on the date of such Eligible Director's retirement.
The amount estimated to be payable under this method, through the remainder
of the later of the lives of the Eligible Director and spouse, will be the
actuarial equivalent of the Regular Benefit. In addition, the Eligible
Director may elect that the surviving spouse's periodic payment of benefits
will be equal to either 50% or 100% of the previous periodic amount, an
election that, respectively, increases or decreases the previous periodic
amounts so that the resulting payments will be the actuarial equivalent of
the Regular Benefit.
2 Based on current levels of compensation. Amount of annual benefits also
varies depending on the Director's elections described in Footnote 2 above.
IV. CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[The following owned 5% or more............................................]
As of the date of this STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, the aggregate
number of shares of common stock of the Fund owned by the Fund's officers and
Trustees as a group was less than 1% of the Fund's shares of common stock
outstanding.
20
<PAGE>
V. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. INVESTMENT MANAGER
The Investment Manager to the Fund is Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors
Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is Two World Trade Center, New York,
New York 10048. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSDW, a
Delaware corporation. MSDW is a preeminent global financial services firm that
maintains leading market positions in each of its three primary businesses:
securities, asset management and credit services.
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement (the "MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT")
with the Investment Manager, the Fund has retained the Investment Manager to
provide administrative services, manage its business affairs and supervise the
investment of the Fund's assets. The Fund pays the Investment Manager monthly
compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual rates to the net
assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day: As full
compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund and expenses
of the Fund assumed by the Investment Manager, the Fund pays the Investment
Manager monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual
rates to the daily net assets of the Fund: 0.65% of the portion of the daily net
assets not exceeding $500, 0.55% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.525% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.50%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2.5 billion; 0.475% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion
but not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.45% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $3.5 billion but not exceeding $5 billion; and 0.425% of the portion
of the net assets exceeding $5 billion. The management fee is allocated among
the Classes pro rata based on the net assets of the Fund attributable to each
Class. The management fee is allocated among the Classes pro rata based on the
net assets of the Fund attributable to each Class. The Fund accrued total
compensation to the Investment Manager of $15,787,095, $13,037,906 and
$13,749,432, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively.
The Investment Manager has retained its wholly-owned subsidiary, MSDW
Services Company, to perform administrative services for the Fund.
B. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
The Fund's principal underwriter is the Distributor (which has the same
address as the Investment Manager). In this capacity, the Fund's shares are
distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor has entered into a selected
dealer agreement with Dean Witter Reynolds, which through its own sales
organization sells shares of the Fund. In addition, the Distributor may enter
into similar agreements with other selected broker-dealers. The Distributor, a
Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSDW.
The Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the
current Distribution Agreement appointing the Distributor as exclusive
distributor of the Fund's shares and providing for the Distributor to bear
distribution expenses not borne by the Fund. By its terms, the Distribution
Agreement had an initial term ending April 30, 1998 and will remain in effect
from year to year thereafter if approved by the Trustees. At their meeting held
on April 30, 1998, the Trustees of the Fund, including a majority of the
Independent Trustees, approved the continuation of the Distribution Agreement
until April 30, 1999.
The Distributor bears all expenses it may incur in providing services under
the Distribution Agreement. These expenses include the payment of commissions
for sales of the Fund's shares and incentive compensation to Financial Advisors.
The Distributor also pays certain expenses in connection with the distribution
of the Fund's shares, including the costs of preparing, printing and
distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the costs of printing and
distributing prospectuses and supplements thereto used in connection with the
offering and sale of the Fund's shares. The Fund bears the costs of initial
21
<PAGE>
typesetting, printing and distribution of prospectuses and supplements thereto
to shareholders. The Fund also bears the costs of registering the Fund and its
shares under federal and state securities laws and pays filing fees in
accordance with state securities laws.
The Fund and the Distributor have agreed to indemnify each other against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Under the
Distribution Agreement, the Distributor uses its best efforts in rendering
services to the Fund, but in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations, the Distributor is
not liable to the Fund or any of its shareholders for any error of judgment or
mistake of law or for any act or omission or for any losses sustained by the
Fund or its shareholders.
C. SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE INVESTMENT MANAGER AND FUND EXPENSES PAID BY THIRD
PARTIES
The Investment Manager supervises the investment of the Fund's assets. The
Investment Manager obtains and evaluates the information and advice relating to
the economy, securities markets, and specific securities as it considers
necessary or useful to continuously oversee the management of the assets of the
Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Investment Manager also
maintains certain of the Fund's books and records and furnishes, at its own
expense, the office space, facilities, equipment, clerical help, bookkeeping and
certain legal services as the Fund may reasonably require in the conduct of its
business, including the preparation of prospectuses, proxy statements and
reports required to be filed with federal and state securities commissions
(except insofar as the participation or assistance of independent accountants
and attorneys is, in the opinion of the Investment Manager, necessary or
desirable). In addition, the Investment Manager pays the salaries of all
personnel, including officers of the Fund, who are employees of the Investment
Manager. The Investment Manager also bears the cost of telephone service, heat,
light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
Expenses not expressly assumed by the Investment Manager under the
Management Agreement or by the Distributor, will be paid by the Fund. These
expenses will be allocated among the four Classes of shares pro rata based on
the net assets of the Fund attributable to each Class, except as described
below. Such expenses include, but are not limited to: expenses of the Plan of
Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1; charges and expenses of any registrar,
custodian, stock transfer and dividend disbursing agent; brokerage commissions;
taxes; engraving and printing share certificates; registration costs of the Fund
and its shares under federal and state securities laws; the cost and expense of
printing, including typesetting, and distributing prospectuses of the Fund and
supplements thereto to the Fund's shareholders; all expenses of shareholders'
and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing of proxy
statements and reports to shareholders; fees and travel expenses of Trustees or
members of any advisory board or committee who are not employees of the
Investment Manager or any corporate affiliate of the Investment Manager; all
expenses incident to any dividend, withdrawal or redemption options; charges and
expenses of any outside service used for pricing of the Fund's shares; fees and
expenses of legal counsel, including counsel to the Trustees who are not
interested persons of the Fund or of the Investment Manager (not including
compensation or expenses of attorneys who are employees of the Investment
Manager); fees and expenses of the Fund's independent accountants; membership
dues of industry associations; interest on Fund borrowings; postage; insurance
premiums on property or personnel (including officers and Trustees) of the Fund
which inure to its benefit; extraordinary expenses (including, but not limited
to, legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification
relating thereto); and all other costs of the Fund's operation. The 12b-1 fees
relating to a particular Class will be allocated directly to that Class. In
addition, other expenses associated with a particular Class (except advisory or
custodial fees) may be allocated directly to that Class, provided that such
expenses are reasonably identified as specifically attributable to that Class
and the direct allocation to that Class is approved by the Trustees.
22
<PAGE>
The Management Agreement provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations thereunder, the Investment Manager is not liable to the Fund or any
of its investors for any act or omission by the Investment Manager or for any
losses sustained by the Fund or its investors.
The Management Agreement has an initial term ending April 30, 1999 and will
remain in effect from year to year thereafter, provided continuance of the
Management Agreement is approved at least annually by the vote of the holders of
a majority, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the outstanding shares
of the Fund, or by the Trustees; provided that in either event such continuance
is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not
parties to the Management Agreement or are "Independent Trustees," which votes
must be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval.
D. DEALER REALLOWANCES
Upon notice to selected broker-dealers, the Distributor may reallow up to
the full applicable front-end sales charge during periods specified in such
notice. During periods when 90% or more of the sales charge is reallowed, such
selected broker-dealers may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined
in the Securities Act.
E. RULE 12b-1 PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act (the "PLAN") pursuant to which each Class, other than
Class D, pays the Distributor compensation accrued daily and payable monthly at
the following annual rates: 0.25% and 1.0% of the average daily net assets of
Class A and Class C, respectively, and, with respect to Class B, 1.0% of the
lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B
shares since the inception of the Fund (not including reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset
value of the Fund's Class B shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon
which a contingent deferred sales charge has been imposed or upon which such
charge has been waived; or (b) the Fund's average daily net assets of Class B.
The Distributor also receives the proceeds of front-end sales charges
("FSCS") and of contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCS") imposed on certain
redemptions of shares, which are separate and apart from payments made pursuant
to the Plan. The Distributor has informed the Fund that it and/or Dean Witter
Reynolds received the proceeds of CDSCs and FSCs, for the last three fiscal
years ended December 31, in approximate amounts as provided in the table below
(the Distributor did not retain any of these amounts).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A............................ FSCs:(4) $ 55,642 FSCs: $ 16,377 FSCs: N/A(5)
CDSCs: $ 45 CDSCs: $ 0 CDSCs: N/A(5)
Class B............................ CDSCs: $ 1,585,359 CDSCs: $ 3,924,730 CDSCs: $ 5,371,000
Class C............................ CDSCs: $ 4,685 CDSCs: $ 0 CDSCs: N/A(5)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
4 FSCs apply to Class A only.
5 This Class commenced operations on July 28, 1997.
The Distributor has informed the Fund that the entire fee payable by Class A
and a portion of the fees payable by each of Class B and Class C each year
pursuant to the Plan equal to 0.25% of such Class' average daily net assets are
currently each characterized as a "service fee" under the Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (of which the Distributor is a member).
The "service fee" is a payment made for personal service and/or the maintenance
of shareholder accounts. The remaining portion of the Plan fees payable by a
Class, if any, is characterized as an "asset-based sales charge" as such is
defined by the Rules of the Association.
Under the Plan and as required by Rule 12b-1, the Trustees receive and
review promptly after the end of each calendar quarter a written report provided
by the Distributor of the amounts expended under
23
<PAGE>
the Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. Class B shares
of the Fund accrued amounts payable to the Distributor under the Plan, during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, of $24,988,369. This amount is equal to
1.00% of the average daily aggregate gross sales of Class B shares since the
inception of the Fund (not including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset value of Class B
shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a contingent deferred
sales charge has been imposed or waived. This 12b-1 fee is treated by the Fund
as an expense in the year it is accrued. For the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998, Class A and Class C shares of the Fund accrued payments under the Plan
amounting to $14,369 and $33,092, respectively, which amounts are equal to 0.25%
and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class A and Class C, respectively,
for the fiscal year.
The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund's
method of distribution. Under this distribution method the Fund offers four
Classes, each with a different distribution arrangement.
With respect to Class A shares, Dean Witter Reynolds compensates its
Financial Advisors by paying them, from proceeds of the FSC, commissions for the
sale of Class A shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 5.0% of the
amount sold (except as provided in the following sentence) and an annual
residual commission, currently a residual of up to 0.25% of the current value of
the respective accounts for which they are the Financial Advisors or dealers of
record in all cases. On orders of $1 million or more (for which no sales charge
was paid) or net asset value purchases by employer-sponsored employee benefit
plans, whether or not qualified under the Internal Revenue Code, for which the
Transfer Agent serves as Trustee or Dean Witter Reynolds Retirement Plan
Services serves as recordkeeper pursuant to a written Recordkeeping Services
Agreement ("MSDW ELIGIBLE PLANS"), the Investment Manager compensates Financial
Advisors by paying them, from its own funds, a gross sales credit of 1.0% of the
amount sold.
With respect to Class B shares, Dean Witter Reynolds compensates its
Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own funds, commissions for the sale
of Class B shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 5.0% of the amount
sold (except as provided in the following sentence) and an annual residual
commission, currently a residual of up to 0.25% of the current value (not
including reinvested dividends or distributions) of the amount sold in all
cases. In the case of Class B shares purchased by MSDW Eligible Plans, Dean
Witter Reynolds compensates its Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own
funds, a gross sales credit of 3.0% of the amount sold.
With respect to Class C shares, Dean Witter Reynolds compensates its
Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own funds, commissions for the sale
of Class C shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 1.0% of the amount
sold and an annual residual commission, currently up to 1.0% of the current
value of the respective accounts for which they are the Financial Advisors of
record.
With respect to Class D shares other than shares held by participants in the
Investment Manager's mutual fund asset allocation program, the Investment
Manager compensates Dean Witter Reynolds's Financial Advisors by paying them,
from its own funds, commissions for the sale of Class D shares, currently a
gross sales credit of up to 1.0% of the amount sold. There is a chargeback of
100% of the amount paid if the Class D shares are redeemed in the first year and
a chargeback of 50% of the amount paid if the Class D shares are redeemed in the
second year after purchase. The Investment Manager also compensates Dean Witter
Reynolds's Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own funds, an annual
residual commission, currently up to 0.10% of the current value of the
respective accounts for which they are the Financial Advisors of record (not
including accounts of participants in the Investment Manager's mutual fund asset
allocation program).
The gross sales credit is a charge which reflects commissions paid by Dean
Witter Reynolds to its Financial Advisors and Dean Witter Reynolds's
Fund-associated distribution-related expenses, including sales compensation, and
overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses including (a) the
expenses of operating Dean Witter Reynolds's branch offices in connection with
the sale of Fund shares, including lease costs, the salaries and employee
benefits of operations and sales support
24
<PAGE>
personnel, utility costs, communications costs and the costs of stationery and
supplies; (b) the costs of client sales seminars; (c) travel expenses of mutual
fund sales coordinators to promote the sale of Fund shares; and (d) other
expenses relating to branch promotion of Fund sales.
The distribution fee that the Distributor receives from the Fund under the
Plan, in effect, offsets distribution expenses incurred under the Plan on behalf
of the Fund and, in the case of Class B shares, opportunity costs, such as the
gross sales credit and an assumed interest charge thereon ("CARRYING CHARGE").
In the Distributor's reporting of the distribution expenses to the Fund, in the
case of Class B shares, such assumed interest (computed at the "BROKER'S CALL
RATE") has been calculated on the gross credit as it is reduced by amounts
received by the Distributor under the Plan and any contingent deferred sales
charges received by the Distributor upon redemption of shares of the Fund. No
other interest charge is included as a distribution expense in the Distributor's
calculation of its distribution costs for this purpose. The broker's call rate
is the interest rate charged to securities brokers on loans secured by
exchange-listed securities.
The Fund is authorized to reimburse expenses incurred or to be incurred in
promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class A and Class C shares and in
servicing shareholder accounts. Reimbursement will be made through payments at
the end of each month. The amount of each monthly payment may in no event exceed
an amount equal to a payment at the annual rate of 0.25%, in the case of Class
A, and 1.0%, in the case of Class C, of the average net assets of the respective
Class during the month. No interest or other financing charges, if any, incurred
on any distribution expenses on behalf of Class A and Class C will be
reimbursable under the Plan. With respect to Class A, in the case of all
expenses other than expenses representing the service fee, and, with respect to
Class C, in the case of all expenses other than expenses representing a gross
sales credit or a residual to Financial Advisors and other authorized financial
representatives, such amounts shall be determined at the beginning of each
calendar quarter by the Trustees, including, a majority of the Independent
Trustees. Expenses representing the service fee (for Class A) or a gross sales
credit or a residual to Financial Advisors and other authorized financial
representatives (for Class C) may be reimbursed without prior determination. In
the event that the Distributor proposes that monies shall be reimbursed for
other than such expenses, then in making quarterly determinations of the amounts
that may be reimbursed by the Fund, the Distributor will provide and the
Trustees will review a quarterly budget of projected distribution expenses to be
incurred on behalf of the Fund, together with a report explaining the purposes
and anticipated benefits of incurring such expenses. The Trustees will determine
which particular expenses, and the portions thereof, that may be borne by the
Fund, and in making such a determination shall consider the scope of the
Distributor's commitment to promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class A and
Class C shares.
Each Class paid 100% of the amounts accrued under the Plan with respect to
that Class for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 to the Distributor. The
Distributor and Dean Witter Reynolds estimate that they have spent, pursuant to
the Plan, $324,078,035 on behalf of Class B since the inception of the Fund. It
is estimated that this amount was spent in approximately the following ways: (i)
1.56% ($5,051,698)--advertising and promotional expenses; (ii) 0.16%
($505,149)--printing of prospectuses for distribution to other than current
shareholders; and (iii) 98.28% ($318,521,188)--other expenses, including the
gross sales credit and the carrying charge, of which 11.19% ($35,650,403)
represents carrying charges, 36.32% ($115,694,151) represents commission credits
to Dean Witter Reynolds branch offices and other selected broker-dealers for
payments of commissions to Financial Advisors and other selected broker-dealer
representatives, and 52.49% ($167,176,634) represents overhead and other branch
office distribution-related expenses. The amounts accrued by Class A and Class C
for distribution during the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999 were for
expenses which relate to compensation of sales personnel and associated overhead
expenses.
In the case of Class B shares, at any given time, the expenses of
distributing shares of the Fund may be more or less than the total of (i) the
payments made by the Fund pursuant to the Plan; and (ii) the proceeds of CDSCs
paid by investors upon redemption of shares. For example, if $1 million in
expenses in distributing Class B shares of the Fund had been incurred and
$750,000 had been received as described in (i) and (ii) above, the excess
expense would amount to $250,000. The Distributor has
25
<PAGE>
advised the Fund that in the case of Class B shares the excess distribution
expenses, including the carrying charge designed to approximate the opportunity
costs incurred by Dean Witter Reynolds which arise from it having advanced
monies without having received the amount of any sales charges imposed at the
time of sale of the Fund's Class B shares, totaled $53,504,895 as of December
31, 1998 (the end of the Fund's fiscal year), which was equal to 1.9% of the net
assets of Class B on such date. Because there is no requirement under the Plan
that the Distributor be reimbursed for all distribution expenses with respect to
Class B shares or any requirement that the Plan be continued from year to year,
this excess amount does not constitute a liability of the Fund. Although there
is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay expenses incurred in excess of
payments made to the Distributor under the Plan and the proceeds of CDSCs paid
by investors upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is
terminated, the Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat
such expenses. Any cumulative expenses incurred, but not yet recovered through
distribution fees or CDSCs, may or may not be recovered through future
distribution fees or CDSCs.
In the case of Class A and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to the
Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily net
assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the Fund
through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing a
gross sales commission credited to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors
and other authorized broker-dealer representatives at the time of sale may be
reimbursed in the subsequent calendar year. The Distributor has advised the Fund
that unreimbursed expenses representing a gross sales commission credited to
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors and other authorized broker-dealer
representatives at the time of sale totaled $13,403 in the case of Class C at
December 31, 1998 (the end of the calendar year), which amount was equal to
0.21% of the net assets of Class C on such date, and that there were no such
expenses that may be reimbursed in the subsequent year in the case of Class A on
such date. No interest or other financing charges will be incurred on any Class
A or Class C distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor under the Plan or
on any unreimbursed expenses due to the Distributor pursuant to the Plan.
No interested person of the Fund nor any Independent Trustee has any direct
financial interest in the operation of the Plan except to the extent that the
Distributor, the Investment Manager, Dean Witter Reynolds, MSDW Services Company
or certain of their employees may be deemed to have such an interest as a result
of benefits derived from the successful operation of the Plan or as a result of
receiving a portion of the amounts expended thereunder by the Fund.
On an annual basis, the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent
Trustees, consider whether the Plan should be continued. Prior to approving the
last continuation of the Plan, the Trustees requested and received from the
Distributor and reviewed all the information which they deemed necessary to
arrive at an informed determination. In making their determination to continue
the Plan, the Trustees considered: (1) the Fund's experience under the Plan and
whether such experience indicates that the Plan is operating as anticipated; (2)
the benefits the Fund had obtained, was obtaining and would be likely to obtain
under the Plan, including that: (a) the Plan is essential in order to give Fund
investors a choice of alternatives for payment of distribution and service
charges and to enable the Fund to continue to grow and avoid a pattern of net
redemptions which, in turn, are essential for effective investment management;
and (b) without the compensation to individual brokers and the reimbursement of
distribution and account maintenance expenses of Dean Witter Reynolds's branch
offices made possible by the 12b-1 fees, Dean Witter Reynolds could not
establish and maintain an effective system for distribution, servicing of Fund
shareholders and maintenance of shareholder accounts; and (3) what services had
been provided and were continuing to be provided under the Plan to the Fund and
its shareholders. Based upon their review, the Trustees, including each of the
Independent Trustees, determined that continuation of the Plan would be in the
best interest of the Fund and would have a reasonable likelihood of continuing
to benefit the Fund and its shareholders. In the Trustees' quarterly review of
the Plan, they will consider its continued appropriateness and the level of
compensation provided therein.
26
<PAGE>
The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent
for the services described therein without approval by the shareholders of the
affected Class or Classes of the Fund, and all material amendments to the Plan
must also be approved by the Directors in the manner described above. The Plan
may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a
majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company
Act) on not more than thirty days' written notice to any other party to the
Plan. So long as the Plan is in effect, the election and nomination of
Independent Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent
Trustees.
F. OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
(1) TRANSFER AGENT/DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB is the Transfer Agent for the Fund's
shares and the Dividend Disbursing Agent for payment of dividends and
distributions on Fund shares and Agent for shareholders under various investment
plans. The principal business address of the Transfer Agent is Harborside
Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311.
(2) CUSTODIAN AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Bank of New York, New York, New York 10288 is the Custodian of the
Fund's assets. The Custodian has contracted with various foreign banks and
depositaries to hold portfolio securities of non-U.S. issuers on behalf of the
Fund. Any of the Fund's cash balances with the Custodian in excess of $100,000
are unprotected by federal deposit insurance. These balances may, at times, be
substantial.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York,
10036, serves as the independent accountants of the Fund. The independent
accountants are responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the
Fund.
(3) AFFILIATED PERSONS
The Transfer Agent is an affiliate of the Investment Manager, and of the
Distributor. As Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, the Transfer
Agent's responsibilities include maintaining shareholder accounts, disbursing
cash dividends and reinvesting dividends, processing account registration
changes, handling purchase and redemption transactions, mailing prospectuses and
reports, mailing and tabulating proxies, processing share certificate
transactions, and maintaining shareholder records and lists. For these services,
the Transfer Agent receives a per shareholder account fee from the Fund.
VI. BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS
Subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, the Investment Manager
is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, the
selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions, and the negotiation
of brokerage commissions, if any. Purchases and sales of secu-rities on a stock
exchange are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their
services. In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a
"net" basis with non-affiliated dealers acting as principal for their own
accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually
includes a profit to the dealer. The Fund also expects that securities will be
purchased at times in underwritten offerings where the price includes a fixed
amount of compensation, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or
discount. Options and futures transactions will usually be effected through a
broker and a commission will be charged. On occasion, the Fund may also purchase
certain money market instruments directly from an issuer, in which case no
commissions or discounts are paid.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Fund paid a
total of $522,394, $834,417 and $476,585, respectively, in brokerage
commissions.
27
<PAGE>
B. COMMISSIONS
Pursuant to an order of the SEC, the Fund may effect principal transactions
in certain money market instruments with Dean Witter Reynolds. The Fund will
limit its transactions with Dean Witter Reynolds to U.S. Government and
government agency securities, bank money instruments (i.e., certificates of
deposit and bankers' acceptances) and commercial paper. The transactions will be
effected with Dean Witter Reynolds only when the price available from Dean
Witter Reynolds is better than that available from other dealers.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the Fund did
not effect any principal transactions with Dean Witter Reynolds.
Consistent with the policy described above, brokerage transactions in
securities listed on exchanges or admitted to unlisted trading privileges may be
effected through Dean Witter Reynolds, Morgan Stanley & Co. and other affiliated
brokers and dealers. In order for an affiliated broker or dealer to effect any
portfolio transactions on an exchange for the Fund, the commissions, fees or
other remuneration received by the affiliated broker or dealer must be
reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid
to other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar
securities being purchased or sold on an exchange during a comparable period of
time. This standard would allow the affiliated broker or dealer to receive no
more than the remuneration which would be expected to be received by an
unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arm's-length transaction. Furthermore, the
Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, have adopted procedures which are
reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration
paid to an affiliated broker or dealer are consistent with the foregoing
standard. The Fund does not reduce the management fee it pays to the Investment
Manager by any amount of the brokerage commissions it may pay to an affiliated
broker or dealer.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Fund
paid a total of $162,125, $279,015 and $79,500, respectively, in brokerage
commissions to Dean Witter Reynolds. During the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998, the brokerage commissions paid to Dean Witter Reynolds represented
approximately 17% of the total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund during the
year and were paid on account of transactions having an aggregate dollar value
equal to approximately 21% of the aggregate dollar value of all portfolio
transactions of the Fund during the year for which commissions were paid.
During the period June 1 through December 31, 1997 and during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998, the Fund paid a total of $2,000 and $3,250,
respectively, in brokerage commissions to Morgan Stanley & Co., which
broker-dealer became an affiliate of the Investment Manager on May 31, 1997 upon
consummation of the merger of Dean Witter, Discover & Co. with Morgan Stanley
Group Inc. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the brokerage
commissions paid to Morgan Stanley & Co. represented approximately 1% of the
total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for this period and were paid on
account of transactions having an aggregate dollar value equal to approximately
1% of the aggregate dollar value of all portfolio transactions of the Fund
during the year for which commissions were paid.
C. BROKERAGE SELECTION
The policy of the Fund regarding purchases and sales of securities for its
portfolio is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most
favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this
policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the
Fund's policy is to pay commissions which are considered fair and reasonable
without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in
all circumstances. The Fund believes that a requirement always to seek the
lowest possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and
preclude the Fund and the Investment Manager from obtaining a high quality of
28
<PAGE>
brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Investment Manager relies
upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by
various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage and research
services received from the broker effecting the transaction. These
determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, as in most cases an
exact dollar value for those services is not ascertainable.
In seeking to implement the Fund's policies, the Investment Manager effects
transactions with those brokers and dealers who the Investment Manager believes
provide the most favorable prices and are capable of providing efficient
executions. If the Investment Manager believes the prices and executions are
obtainable from more than one broker or dealer, it may give consideration to
placing portfolio transactions with those brokers and dealers who also furnish
research and other services to the Fund or the Investment Manager. The services
may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following:
information as to the availability of securities for purchase or sale;
statistical or factual information or opinions pertaining to investment; wire
services; and appraisals or evaluations of portfolio securities. The information
and services received by the Investment Manager from brokers and dealers may be
of benefit to the Investment Manager in the management of accounts of some of
its other clients and may not in all cases benefit the Fund directly.
The Investment Manager currently serve as advisors to a number of clients,
including other investment companies, and may in the future act as investment
manager or advisor to others. It is the practice of the Investment Manager to
cause purchase and sale transactions to be allocated among the Fund and others
whose assets it manages in such manner as it deems equitable. In making such
allocations among the Fund and other client accounts, various factors may be
considered, including the respective investment objectives, the relative size of
portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of
cash for investment, the size of investment commitments generally held and the
opinions of the persons responsible for managing the portfolios of the Fund and
other client accounts. In the case of certain initial and secondary public
offerings, the Investment Manager utilizes a pro rata allocation process based
on the size of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds involved and the number of
shares available from the public offering.
D. DIRECTED BROKERAGE
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Fund paid $381,585 in
brokerage commissions in connection with transactions in the aggregate amount of
$240,309,703 to brokers because of research services provided.
E. REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Fund has not purchased
securities issued by brokers or dealers that were among the ten brokers or the
ten dealers which executed transactions for or with the Fund in the largest
dollar amounts during the year.
VII. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shareholders of the Fund are entitled to a full vote for each full share
of beneficial interest held. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of beneficial interest of the Fund
are of $0.01 par value and are equal as to earnings, assets and voting
privileges.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to authorized the
creation of additional series of shares (the proceeds of which would be invested
in separate, independently managed portfolios) and additional Classes of shares
within any series. The Trustees have not presently authorized any such
additional series or Classes of shares other than as set forth in the
Prospectus.
The Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and in
ordinary circumstances the Fund does not intend to hold such meetings. The
Trustees may call special meetings of shareholders for
29
<PAGE>
action by shareholder vote as may be required by the Investment Company Act or
the Declaration of Trust. Under certain circumstances, the Trustees may be
removed by action of the Trustees or by the shareholders.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain
limited circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations
of the Fund. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund, requires that notice
of such Fund obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for
indemnification out of the Fund's property for any shareholder held personally
liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder
incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to
circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations.
Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and the nature of
the Fund's assets and operations, the possibility of the Fund being unable to
meet its obligations is remote and thus, in the opinion of Massachusetts counsel
to the Fund, the risk to Fund shareholders of personal liability is remote.
All of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders of the Fund, most
recently at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on May 21, 1997. The Trustees
themselves have the power to alter the number and the terms of office of the
Trustees (as provided for in the Declaration of Trust), and they may at any time
lengthen or shorten their own terms or make their terms of unlimited duration
and appoint their own successors, provided that always at least a majority of
the Trustees has been elected by the shareholders of the Fund.
VIII. PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. PURCHASE OF SHARES
Information concerning how Fund shares are offered to the public (and how
they are redeemed and exchanged) is provided in the Fund's PROSPECTUS.
TRANSFER AGENT AS AGENT. With respect to the redemption or repurchase of
Fund shares, the application of proceeds to the purchase of new shares in the
Fund or any other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and the general
administration of the exchange privilege, the Transfer Agent acts as agent for
the Distributor and for the shareholder's authorized broker-dealer, if any, in
the performance of such functions. With respect to exchanges, redemptions or
repurchases, the Transfer Agent shall be liable for its own negligence and not
for the default or negligence of its correspondents or for losses in transit.
The Fund shall not be liable for any default or negligence of the Transfer
Agent, the Distributor or any authorized broker-dealer.
The Distributor and any authorized broker-dealer have appointed the Transfer
Agent to act as their agent in connection with the application of proceeds of
any redemption of Fund shares to the purchase of shares of any other Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Fund and the general administration of the exchange
privilege. No commission or discounts will be paid to the Distributor or any
authorized broker-dealer for any transaction pursuant to the exchange privilege.
TRANSFERS OF SHARES. In the event a shareholder requests a transfer of Fund
shares to a new registration, the shares will be transferred without sales
charge at the time of transfer. With regard to the status of shares which are
either subject to the CDSC or free of such charge (and with regard to the length
of time shares subject to the charge have been held), any transfer involving
less than all of the shares in an account will be made on a pro rata basis (that
is, by transferring shares in the same proportion that the transferred shares
bear to the total shares in the account immediately prior to the transfer). The
transferred shares will continue to be subject to any applicable CDSC as if they
had not been so transferred.
30
<PAGE>
B. OFFERING PRICE
The Fund's Class B, Class C and Class D shares are offered at net asset
value per share and the Class A shares are offered at net asset value per share
plus any applicable FSC which is distributed among the Fund's Distributor, Dean
Witter Reynolds, and other authorized dealers as described in Section "V.
Investment Management and Other Services -- E. Rule 12b-1 Plan."
The price of Fund shares, called "NET ASSET VALUE," is based on the value of
the Fund's portfolio securities. Net asset value per share of each Class is
calculated by dividing the value of the portion of the Fund's securities and
other assets attributable to that Class, less the liabilities attributable to
that Class, by the number of shares of that Class outstanding. The assets of
each Class of shares are invested in a single portfolio. The net asset value of
each Class, however, will differ because the Classes have different ongoing
fees.
In the calculation of the Fund's net asset value: (1) an equity portfolio
security listed or traded on the New York or American Stock Exchange or other
stock exchange is valued at its latest sale price on that exchange, prior to the
time when assets are valued; if there were no sales that day, the security is
valued at the latest bid price (in cases where a security is traded on more than
one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary
market pursuant to procedures adopted by the Directors); and (2) all other
portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily
available are valued at the latest bid price. When market quotations are not
readily available, including circumstances under which it is determined by the
Investment Manager or the Sub-Advisor that sale or bid prices are not reflective
of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair
value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
general supervision of the Fund's Directors. For valuation purposes, quotations
of foreign portfolio securities, other assets and liabilities and forward
contracts stated in foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents
at the prevailing market rates prior to the close of the New York Stock
Exchange.
Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less
at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost, unless the Directors
determine such does not reflect the securities' market value, in which case
these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the
Directors.
Certain of the Fund's portfolio securities may be valued by an outside
pricing service approved by the Fund's Directors. The pricing service may
utilize a matrix system incorporating security quality, maturity and coupon as
the evaluation model parameters, and/or research evaluations by its staff,
including review of broker-dealer market price quotations in determining what it
believes is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such
pricing service.
Listed options on debt securities are valued at the latest sale price on the
exchange on which they are listed unless no sales of such options have taken
place that day, in which case they will be valued at the mean between their
latest bid and asked prices. Unlisted options on debt securities and all options
on equity securities are valued at the mean between their latest bid and asked
prices. Futures are valued at the latest sale price on the commodities exchange
on which they trade unless the Directors determine such price does not reflect
their market value, in which case they will be valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Directors.
Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as corporate bonds, U.S.
Government securities and money market instruments, is substantially completed
each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange. The
values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's
shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also
generally determined prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange.
Occasionally, events which may affect the values of such securities and such
exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and the
close of the New York Stock Exchange and will therefore not be reflected in the
computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events that may affect the value
of such securities occur during such period, then these securities may be valued
at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by
and under the supervision of the Directors.
31
<PAGE>
IX. TAXATION OF THE FUND AND SHAREHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund generally will make two basic types of distributions: ordinary
dividends and long-term capital gain distributions. These two types of
distributions are reported differently on a shareholder's income tax return and
they are also subject to different rates of tax. The tax treatment of the
investment activities of the Fund will affect the amount and timing and
character of the distributions made by the Fund. Tax issues relating to the Fund
are not generally a consideration for shareholders such as tax exempt entities
and tax-advantaged retirement vehicles such as an IRA or 401(k) plan.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals regarding specific
questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
INVESTMENT COMPANY TAXATION. The Fund intends to remain qualified as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on its net
investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it distributes
such income and capital gains to its shareholders.
The Fund generally intends to distribute sufficient income and gains so that
the Fund will not pay corporate income tax on its earnings. The Fund also
generally intends to distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year a
sufficient amount of ordinary income and capital gains to avoid the imposition
of a 4% excise tax. However, the Fund may instead determine to retain all or
part of any net long-term capital gains in any year for reinvestment. In such
event, the Fund will pay federal income tax (and possibly excise tax) on such
retained gains.
Gains or losses on sales of securities by the Fund will be long-term capital
gains or losses if the securities have a tax holding period of more than one
year. Gains or losses on the sale of securities with a tax holding period of one
year or less will be short-term gains or losses.
Gains or losses on the Fund's transactions in listed non-equity options,
futures and options on futures generally are treated as 60% long-term and 40%
short-term. When the Fund engages in options and futures transactions, various
tax rules may accelerate or defer recognition of certain gains and losses,
change the character of certain gains or losses, or alter the holding period of
other investments held by the Fund. The application of these rules would
therefore also affect the amount, timing and character of distributions made by
the Fund.
Under certain tax rules, the Fund may be required to accrue a portion of any
discount at which certain securities are purchased as income each year even
though the Fund receives no payments in cash on the security during the year. To
the extent that the Fund invests in such securities, it would be required to pay
out such accrued discount as an income distribution in each year in order to
avoid taxation at the Fund level. Such distributions will be made from the
available cash of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities if
necessary. If a distribution of cash necessitates the liquidation of portfolio
securities, the Investment Manager will select which securities to sell. The
Fund may realize a gain or loss from such sales. In the event the Fund realizes
net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger
capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such
transactions.
TAXATION OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Shareholders normally will have to
pay federal income taxes, and any state and/or local income taxes, on the
dividends and other distributions they receive from the Fund. Such dividends and
distributions, to the extent that they are derived from net investment income or
short-term capital gains, are taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income
regardless of whether the shareholder receives such payments in additional
shares or in cash.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of how long a shareholder has
held the Fund's shares and regardless of whether the distribution is received in
additional shares or in cash. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 reduced the
maximum tax on long-term capital gains applicable to individuals from 28% to
20%.
32
<PAGE>
Shareholders are generally taxed on any ordinary dividend or capital gain
distributions from the Fund in the year they are actually distributed. However,
if any such dividends or distributions are declared in October, November or
December and paid in January then such amounts will be treated for tax purposes
as received by the shareholders on December 31, to shareholders of record of
such month.
Shareholders who are not citizens or residents of the United States and
certain foreign entities may be subject to withholding of United States tax on
distributions made by the Fund of investment income and short term capital
gains.
After the end of each calendar year, shareholders will be sent full
information on their dividends and capital gain distributions for tax purposes,
including the portion taxable as ordinary income, the portion taxable as
long-term capital gains and the amount of any dividends eligible for the federal
dividends received deduction for corporations.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES OF FUND SHARES. Any dividend or
capital gains distribution received by a shareholder from any investment company
will have the effect of reducing the net asset value of the shareholder's stock
in that company by the exact amount of the dividend or capital gains
distribution. Furthermore, such dividends and capital gains distributions are
subject to federal income taxes. If the net asset value of the shares should be
reduced below a shareholder's cost as a result of the payment of dividends or
the distribution of realized long-term capital gains, such payment or
distribution would be in part a return of the shareholder's investment but
nonetheless would be taxable to the shareholder. Therefore, an investor should
consider the tax implications of purchasing Fund shares immediately prior to a
distribution record date.
In general, a sale of shares results in capital gain or loss, and for
individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length
of time the shares were held. A redemption of a shareholder's Fund shares is
normally treated as a sale for tax purposes. Fund shares held for a period of
one year or less will, for tax purposes, generally result in short-term gains or
losses and those held for more than one year generally result in long-term gain
or loss. Any loss realized by shareholders upon a redemption of shares within
six months of the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital
loss to the extent of any distributions of net long-term capital gains with
respect to such shares during the six-month period.
Gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares in the Fund is measured by
the difference between the amount received and the tax basis of the shares.
Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the tax
basis of their shares. Under certain circumstances a shareholder may compute and
use an average cost basis in determining the gain or loss on the sale or
redemption of shares.
Exchanges of Fund shares for shares of another fund, including shares of
other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, are also subject to similar tax
treatment. Such an exchange is treated for tax purposes as a sale of the
original shares in the first fund, followed by the purchase of shares in the
second fund.
If a shareholder realizes a loss on the redemption or exchange of a fund's
shares and reinvests in that fund's shares within 30 days before or after the
redemption or exchange, the transactions may be subject to the "wash sale"
rules, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for tax
purposes.
X. UNDERWRITERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's shares are offered to the public on a continuous basis. The
Distributor, as the principal underwriter of the shares, has certain obligations
under the Distribution Agreement concerning the distribution of the shares.
These obligations and the compensation the Distributor receives are described
above in the sections titled "Principal Underwriter" and "Rule 12b-1 Plans."
33
<PAGE>
XI. CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time, the Fund may quote its "total return" in advertisements
and sales literature. These figures are computed separately for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shares. The Fund's "average annual total return"
represents an annualization of the Fund's total return over a particular period
and is computed by finding the annual percentage rate which will result in the
ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of a one, five or ten year period, or for the period from the date of
commencement of operations, if shorter than any of the foregoing. The ending
redeemable value is reduced by any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at
the end of the one, five, ten year or other period. For the purpose of this
calculation, it is assumed that all dividends and distributions are reinvested.
The formula for computing the average annual total return involves a percentage
obtained by dividing the ending redeemable value by the amount of the initial
investment (which in the case of Class A shares is reduced by the Class A
initial sales charge), taking a root of the quotient (where the root is
equivalent to the number of years in the period) and subtracting 1 from the
result. The average annual total returns for Class B for the one year, five year
and ten year periods ended December 31, 1998 were 16.95%, 13.02% and 12.93%,
respectively. The average annual total returns of Class A for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998 and for the period July 28, 1997 (inception of the
Class) through December 31, 1998 were 16.41% and 24.97%, respectively. The
average annual total returns of Class C for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998 and for the period July 28, 1997 (inception of the Class) through December
31, 1998 were 20.92% and 28.79%, respectively. The average annual total returns
of Class D for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period July
28, 1997 (inception of the Class) through December 31, 1998 were 23.21% and
30.11%, respectively.
In addition, the Fund may advertise its total return for each Class over
different periods of time by means of aggregate, average, year-by-year or other
types of total return figures. These calculations may or may not reflect the
imposition of the maximum front-end sales charge for Class A or the deduction of
the CDSC for each of Class B and Class C which, if reflected, would reduce the
performance quoted. For example, the average annual total return of the Fund may
be calculated in the manner described above, but without deduction for any
applicable sales charge. Based on this calculation, the average annual total
returns of Class B for the one year, five year and ten year periods ended
December 31, 1998, were 21.95%, 13.26% and 12.93%, respectively. The average
annual total returns of Class A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and
for the period July 28, 1997 through December 31, 1998 were 22.86% and 29.79%,
respectively. The average annual total returns of Class C for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998 and for the period July 28, 1997 through December 31,
1998 were 21.92% and 28.79%, respectively. The average annual total returns of
Class D for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period July 28,
1997 through December 31, 1998 were 23.21% and 30.11%, respectively.
In addition, the Fund may compute its aggregate total return for each Class
for specified periods by determining the aggregate percentage rate which will
result in the ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the period. For the purpose of this calculation, it is assumed that
all dividends and distributions are reinvested. The formula for computing
aggregate total return involves a percentage obtained by dividing the ending
value (without reduction for any sales charge) by the initial $1,000 investment
and subtracting 1 from the result. Based on the foregoing calculation, the
aggregate total returns for Class B for the one year, five year and ten year
periods ended December 31, 1998, were 21.95%, 86.37 and 237.50%, respectively.
The total returns of Class A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and for
the period July 28, 1997 through December 31, 1998 were 22.86% and 45.05%,
respectively, and total returns of Class C for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1998 and for the period July 28, 1997 through December 31, 1998 were 21.92%
and 43.47%, respectively. The aggregate total returns of Class D for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period July 28, 1997 through December
31, 1998 were 23.21% and 45.56%, respectively.
The Fund may also advertise the growth of hypothetical investments of
$10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each Class of shares of the Fund by adding 1 to
the Fund's aggregate total return to date (expressed as a decimal and without
taking into account the effect of any applicable CDSC) and
34
<PAGE>
multiplying by $9,475, $48,000 and $97,000 in the case of Class A (investments
of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 adjusted for the initial sales charge) or by
$10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in the case of each of Class B, Class C and Class
D, as the case may be. Investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each
Class at inception of the Class would have grown to the following amounts at
December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT AT INCEPTION OF:
INCEPTION -------------------------------
CLASS DATE: $10,000 $50,000 $100,000
- ----------------------------------- -------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A............................ 7/28/97 $13,743 $69,624 $140,699
Class B............................ 4/29/88 36,418 182,090 364,180
Class C............................ 7/28/97 14,347 71,735 143,470
Class D............................ 7/28/97 14,556 72,780 145,560
</TABLE>
The Fund from time to time may also advertise its performance relative to
certain performance rankings and indexes compiled by independent organizations.
XII. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPERTS. The financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998 included in this STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and
incorporated by reference in the PROSPECTUS have been so included and
incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
*****
This STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and the PROSPECTUS do not contain
all of the information set forth in the REGISTRATION STATEMENT the Fund has
filed with the SEC. The complete REGISTRATION STATEMENT may be obtained from the
SEC.
35
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
COMMON STOCKS (86.8%)
ELECTRIC UTILITIES (41.5%)
165,000 AES Corp.*.......................................................................... $ 7,816,875
900,000 Allegheny Energy, Inc............................................................... 31,050,000
845,000 Ameren Corp......................................................................... 36,070,937
610,000 American Electric Power Co., Inc.................................................... 28,708,125
795,000 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co......................................................... 24,545,625
540,000 BEC Energy.......................................................................... 22,241,250
270,000 Carolina Power & Light Co........................................................... 12,706,875
520,000 Central & South West Corp........................................................... 14,267,500
1,004,470 CINergy Corp........................................................................ 34,528,656
599,000 CMS Energy Corp..................................................................... 29,014,062
700,000 Consolidated Edison, Inc............................................................ 37,012,500
910,000 Dominion Resources, Inc............................................................. 42,542,500
1,390,750 DPL, Inc............................................................................ 30,074,969
539,000 DQE, Inc............................................................................ 23,682,312
625,000 DTE Energy Co....................................................................... 26,796,875
768,862 Duke Energy Corp.................................................................... 49,255,222
1,024,500 Edison International................................................................ 28,557,937
1,015,000 Endesa S.A. (ADR) (Spain)........................................................... 27,405,000
500,000 Energy East Corp.................................................................... 28,250,000
380,000 Entergy Corp........................................................................ 11,827,500
565,000 FirstEnergy Corp.................................................................... 18,397,812
595,000 Florida Progress Corp............................................................... 26,663,437
527,000 FPL Group, Inc...................................................................... 32,476,375
903,000 GPU, Inc............................................................................ 39,901,312
1,200,000 Houston Industries, Inc............................................................. 38,550,000
600,000 Illinova Corp....................................................................... 15,000,000
660,000 Kansas City Power & Light Co........................................................ 19,552,500
135,000 Montana Power Co.................................................................... 7,635,937
936,000 New Century Energies, Inc........................................................... 45,630,000
705,000 New England Electric System......................................................... 33,928,125
1,495,000 NIPSCO Industries, Inc.............................................................. 45,504,062
670,000 Northern States Power Co............................................................ 18,592,500
690,500 PacifiCorp.......................................................................... 14,543,656
395,000 Peco Energy Co...................................................................... 16,441,875
185,000 PG & E Corp......................................................................... 5,827,500
793,000 Pinnacle West Capital Corp.......................................................... 33,603,375
435,000 Potomac Electric Power Co........................................................... 11,445,937
390,000 PP&L Resources, Inc................................................................. 10,871,250
590,000 Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc................................................ 23,600,000
340,000 Rochester Gas & Electric Corp....................................................... 10,625,000
810,000 SCANA Corp.......................................................................... 26,122,500
1,205,000 Southern Co......................................................................... 35,020,312
481,000 TECO Energy, Inc.................................................................... 13,558,187
811,000 Texas Utilities Co.................................................................. 37,863,563
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
36
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
484,000 Utilicorp United, Inc............................................................... $ 17,756,750
640,000 Washington Water Power Co........................................................... 12,320,000
--------------
1,157,786,685
--------------
NATURAL GAS (10.5%)
660,000 AGL Resources, Inc.................................................................. 15,221,250
330,000 Burlington Resources, Inc........................................................... 11,818,125
780,000 Coastal Corp........................................................................ 27,251,250
150,000 Columbia Energy Group............................................................... 8,662,500
315,000 Consolidated Natural Gas Co......................................................... 17,010,000
1,020,670 El Paso Energy Corp................................................................. 35,532,074
1,087,137 Enron Corp.......................................................................... 62,034,755
70,000 Exxon Corp.......................................................................... 5,118,750
425,200 Keyspan Energy...................................................................... 13,181,200
240,000 New Jersey Resources Corp........................................................... 9,480,000
904,511 Sempra Energy....................................................................... 22,951,967
285,000 Washington Gas Light Co............................................................. 7,730,625
1,866,000 Williams Companies, Inc............................................................. 58,195,875
--------------
294,188,371
--------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS (34.8%)
560,000 AirTouch Communications, Inc.*...................................................... 40,390,000
904,900 ALLTEL Corp......................................................................... 54,124,331
1,085,000 Ameritech Corp...................................................................... 68,761,875
360,000 AT&T Corp........................................................................... 27,090,000
939,000 BCE, Inc. (Canada).................................................................. 35,623,313
987,000 Bell Atlantic Corp.................................................................. 56,073,938
1,486,000 BellSouth Corp...................................................................... 74,114,250
115,000 British Telecommunications PLC (ADR) (United Kingdom)............................... 17,444,063
200,000 Cable & Wireless PLC (ADR) (United Kingdom)......................................... 7,350,000
742,500 Century Telephone Enterprises, Inc.................................................. 50,118,750
273,750 Cia de Telecomunicaciones de Chile S.A. (ADR) (Chile)............................... 5,663,203
500,000 Ericsson (L.M.) Telephone Co. (Class B) (ADR) (Sweden).............................. 11,937,500
152,500 France Telecom S.A. (ADR) (France).................................................. 12,037,969
590,000 Frontier Corp....................................................................... 20,060,000
688,000 GTE Corp............................................................................ 46,397,000
600,000 Hong Kong Telecommunications, Ltd. (ADR) (Hong Kong)................................ 10,537,500
258,810 Lucent Technologies Inc............................................................. 28,469,100
1,249,169 MCI WorldCom, Inc.*................................................................. 89,627,876
350,000 MediaOne Group, Inc.*............................................................... 16,450,000
278,901 Qwest Communications International, Inc.*........................................... 13,927,619
1,384,612 SBC Communications, Inc............................................................. 74,249,819
583,000 Sprint Corp. (FON Group)............................................................ 49,044,875
296,500 Sprint Corp. (PCS Group)*........................................................... 6,856,563
105,000 Tele-Communications, Inc. (Class A)*................................................ 5,807,813
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
37
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
455,000 Telecommunications Corp. New Zealand, Ltd. (ADR) (New Zealand)...................... $ 16,237,813
250,000 Telefonica de Argentina S.A. (ADR) (Argentina)...................................... 6,984,375
265,200 Telefonica de Espana S.A. (ADR) (Spain)............................................. 35,901,450
305,000 Telefonos de Mexico S.A. (Series L) (ADR) (Mexico).................................. 14,849,688
124,750 Telstra Corp. Ltd. (ADR) (Australia)*............................................... 11,570,563
645,241 U.S. West, Inc...................................................................... 41,698,700
145,000 Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) (United Kingdom)........................................... 23,363,125
--------------
972,763,071
--------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $1,206,939,882).................................................... 2,424,738,127
--------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE
- ------------ ------ --------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
CORPORATE BONDS (8.5%)
ELECTRIC UTILITIES (5.0%)
$ 1,499 AEP Generating Co......................................................... 9.81% 12/07/22 1,970,449
5,000 Arizona Public Service Co................................................. 7.25 08/01/23 5,217,050
6,000 Chugach Electric Co....................................................... 9.14 03/15/22 7,019,340
5,000 Cincinnati Gas & Electric Co.............................................. 7.20 10/01/23 5,243,650
5,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.................................................... 8.375 02/15/23 5,520,050
5,000 Consolidated Edison Inc................................................... 7.10 02/01/28 5,328,250
5,000 Consumers Energy Co....................................................... 7.375 09/15/23 5,194,400
5,757 DQU II Funding Corp....................................................... 8.70 06/01/16 6,543,003
5,000 Gulf States Utilities Co.................................................. 8.94 01/01/22 5,270,950
7,000 Indiantown Cogeneration LP................................................ 9.26 12/15/10 8,260,770
5,100 Long Island Lighting Co................................................... 8.20 03/15/23 5,639,529
5,250 National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp......................... 9.00 09/01/21 5,804,242
5,000 New York State Electric & Gas Corp........................................ 8.875 11/01/21 5,448,650
5,000 Niagara Mohawk Power Corp................................................. 7.75 05/15/06 5,528,200
5,204 Niagara Mohawk Power Corp................................................. 8.77 01/01/18 5,532,268
5,000 Niagara Mohawk Power Corp................................................. 9.50 03/01/21 5,323,150
2,000 Northern States Power Co.................................................. 6.50 03/01/28 2,111,180
10,250 Public Service Company of Colorado........................................ 8.75 03/01/22 11,485,228
5,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.......................................... 7.00 09/01/24 5,095,850
5,000 Salton Sea Funding Corp. - 144A**......................................... 7.475 11/30/18 4,990,650
5,000 Selkirk Cogen Funding Corp................................................ 8.98 06/26/12 5,810,300
5,000 Texas Utilities Electric Co............................................... 7.375 10/01/25 5,325,900
5,000 Virginia Electric Power Co................................................ 8.625 10/01/24 5,711,450
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
38
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 3,000 Western Resources Inc..................................................... 7.125% 08/01/09 $ 3,258,360
5,000 Wisconsin Power & Light Co................................................ 8.60 03/15/27 5,653,150
--------------
138,286,019
--------------
NATURAL GAS (1.6%)
5,000 ANR Pipeline Co........................................................... 9.625 11/01/21 6,477,450
10,000 Coastal Corp.............................................................. 9.625 05/15/12 12,853,300
5,000 Colorado Interstate Gas Co................................................ 10.00 06/15/05 6,045,450
4,750 Southwest Gas Corp........................................................ 8.00 08/01/26 5,364,888
5,000 Transco Energy Co......................................................... 9.875 06/15/20 6,456,500
5,000 Williams Companies, Inc................................................... 9.375 11/15/21 6,216,700
--------------
43,414,288
--------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS (1.9%)
4,000 Century Telephone Enterprises, Inc........................................ 8.25 05/01/24 4,480,600
5,000 GTE Corp.................................................................. 7.90 02/01/27 5,556,300
5,000 GTE Corp.................................................................. 6.94 04/15/28 5,403,850
5,000 Southwestern Bell Telephone Co............................................ 7.375 07/15/27 5,433,850
5,000 Sprint Capital Corp....................................................... 6.125 11/15/08 5,104,650
5,000 Sprint Capital Corp....................................................... 6.875 11/15/28 5,198,300
5,000 Sprint Corp............................................................... 9.25 04/15/22 6,499,150
5,000 Telephone & Data Systems, Inc............................................. 10.00 01/15/21 5,872,150
5,000 Telephone & Data Systems, Inc............................................. 9.58 11/19/21 5,487,450
5,000 WorldCom Inc.............................................................. 6.95 08/15/28 5,377,050
--------------
54,413,350
--------------
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(IDENTIFIED COST $211,929,520)............................................................... 236,113,657
--------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (0.4%)
5,000 Tennessee Valley Authority................................................ 6.875 12/15/43 5,225,200
5,000 U.S. Treasury Bond........................................................ 5.25 11/15/28 5,116,800
--------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
(IDENTIFIED COST $9,980,378)................................................................. 10,342,000
--------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (4.2%)
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (a) (4.1%)
14,800 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp........................................... 4.50 01/04/99 14,794,450
99,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp........................................... 5.07 01/08/99 98,902,403
--------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
(AMORTIZED COST $113,696,853)................................................................ 113,696,853
--------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
39
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN
THOUSANDS VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (0.1%)
$ 4,828 The Bank of New York 4.00% due 01/04/99
(dated 12/31/98; proceeds $4,829,926) (b)
(IDENTIFIED COST $4,827,781)...................................................... $ 4,827,781
--------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(IDENTIFIED COST $118,524,634)...................................................... 118,524,634
--------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(IDENTIFIED COST $1,547,374,414) (C).................................................... 99.9 % 2,789,718,418
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES................................................... 0.1 3,690,258
------ ---------------
NET ASSETS.............................................................................. 100.0 % $ 2,793,408,676
------ ---------------
------ ---------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
ADR American Depository Receipt.
* Non-income producing security.
** Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors.
(a) Securities were purchased on a discount basis. The interest rates shown
have been adjusted to reflect a money market equivalent yield.
(b) Collateralized by $4,873,320 U.S. Treasury Note 6.75% due 06/30/99 valued
at $4,924,336.
(c) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates identified
cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $1,247,115,963 and the
aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $4,771,959, resulting in net
unrealized appreciation of $1,242,344,004.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
40
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $1,547,374,414).......................................................... $2,789,718,418
Receivable for:
Dividends............................................................................... 5,736,633
Interest................................................................................ 4,605,090
Shares of beneficial interest sold...................................................... 2,182,881
Investments sold........................................................................ 1,095,014
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................................................... 166,864
--------------
TOTAL ASSETS........................................................................... 2,803,504,900
--------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Dividends and distributions to shareholders............................................. 4,683,992
Plan of distribution fee................................................................ 2,288,301
Shares of beneficial interest repurchased............................................... 1,687,178
Investment management fee............................................................... 1,248,612
Accrued expenses and other payables......................................................... 188,141
--------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES...................................................................... 10,096,224
--------------
NET ASSETS............................................................................. $2,793,408,676
--------------
--------------
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital............................................................................. $1,537,603,914
Net unrealized appreciation................................................................. 1,242,344,004
Accumulated undistributed net investment income............................................. 1,584,446
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain................................................. 11,876,312
--------------
NET ASSETS............................................................................. $2,793,408,676
--------------
--------------
CLASS A SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................. $10,357,110
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)................................... 538,780
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE.............................................................. $19.22
--------------
--------------
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE,
(NET ASSET VALUE PLUS 5.54% OF NET ASSET VALUE)...................................... $20.28
--------------
--------------
CLASS B SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................. $2,751,599,532
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)................................... 142,843,802
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE.............................................................. $19.26
--------------
--------------
CLASS C SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................. $6,532,279
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)................................... 339,079
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE.............................................................. $19.26
--------------
--------------
CLASS D SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................. $24,919,755
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)................................... 1,297,501
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE.............................................................. $19.21
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
41
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
INCOME
Dividends (net of $898,864 foreign withholding tax)........................................... $ 76,740,673
Interest...................................................................................... 21,299,339
------------
TOTAL INCOME............................................................................. 98,040,012
------------
EXPENSES
Plan of distribution fee (Class A shares)..................................................... 14,369
Plan of distribution fee (Class B shares)..................................................... 24,988,369
Plan of distribution fee (Class C shares)..................................................... 33,092
Investment management fee..................................................................... 13,749,432
Transfer agent fees and expenses.............................................................. 2,169,256
Shareholder reports and notices............................................................... 150,741
Registration fees............................................................................. 127,325
Custodian fees................................................................................ 114,457
Professional fees............................................................................. 40,115
Trustees' fees and expenses................................................................... 19,917
Other......................................................................................... 37,409
------------
TOTAL EXPENSES........................................................................... 41,444,482
------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME.................................................................... 56,595,530
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:
Net realized gain............................................................................. 132,906,441
Net change in unrealized appreciation......................................................... 323,997,946
------------
NET GAIN................................................................................. 456,904,387
------------
NET INCREASE.................................................................................. $513,499,917
------------
------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
42
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998 DECEMBER 31, 1997*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income............................................ $ 56,595,530 $ 75,091,782
Net realized gain................................................ 132,906,441 199,367,128
Net change in unrealized appreciation............................ 323,997,946 261,162,998
----------------- ----------------------
NET INCREASE................................................ 513,499,917 535,621,908
----------------- ----------------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A shares............................................... (195,162) (150,922 )
Class B shares............................................... (56,213,582) (73,193,086 )
Class C shares............................................... (82,276) (6,635 )
Class D shares............................................... (680,717) (344,827 )
Net realized gain
Class A shares............................................... (481,447) (252,328 )
Class B shares............................................... (139,042,766) (194,864,905 )
Class C shares............................................... (285,747) (57,955 )
Class D shares............................................... (1,268,629) (1,198,655 )
----------------- ----------------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS........................... (198,250,326) (270,069,313 )
----------------- ----------------------
Net increase (decrease) from transactions in shares of beneficial
interest....................................................... 25,796,333 (490,134,824 )
----------------- ----------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)..................................... 341,045,924 (224,582,229 )
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.............................................. 2,452,362,752 2,676,944,981
----------------- ----------------------
END OF PERIOD
(INCLUDING UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME OF $1,584,446
AND $2,160,653, RESPECTIVELY)................................ $ 2,793,408,676 $ 2,452,362,752
----------------- ----------------------
----------------- ----------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Class A, Class C and Class D shares were issued July 28, 1997.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
43
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund (the "Fund"), formerly Dean Witter
Utilities Fund, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "Act"), as a diversified, open-end management investment company.
The Fund's investment objective is to provide current income and long-term
growth of income and capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by
investing primarily in equity and fixed income securities of companies engaged
in the public utilities industry. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts
business trust on December 8, 1987 and commenced operations on April 29, 1988.
On July 28, 1997, the Fund commenced offering three additional classes of
shares, with the then current shares, other than shares held by certain employee
benefit plans established by Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and its affiliate, SPS
Transaction Services, Inc., designated as Class B shares. Shares held by those
employee benefit plans prior to July 28, 1997 have been designated Class D
shares.
The Fund offers Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D
shares. The four classes are substantially the same except that most Class A
shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase and some
Class A shares, and most Class B shares and Class C shares are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge imposed on shares redeemed within one year, six
years and one year, respectively. Class D shares are not subject to a sales
charge. Additionally, Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares incur
distribution expenses.
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 -- (1) an equity security listed or traded on the
New York, American or other domestic or foreign stock exchange is valued at its
latest sale price on that exchange prior to the time when assets are valued; if
there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the latest bid price (in
cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange; the securities are
valued on the exchange designated as the primary market pursuant to the
procedures adopted by the Trustees); (2) all other portfolio securities for
which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the
latest available bid price prior to the time of valuation; (3) when market
quotations are not readily available, including circumstances under which it is
determined by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors, Inc. (the "Investment
Manager"), formerly Dean Witter InterCapital
44
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
Inc., that sale or bid prices are not reflective of a security's market value,
portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith
under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the
Trustees (valuation of debt securities for which market quotations are not
readily available may be based upon current market prices of securities which
are comparable in coupon, rating and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing
similar factors); (4) certain of the Fund's portfolio securities may be valued
by an outside pricing service approved by the Trustees. The pricing service may
utilize a matrix system incorporating security quality, maturity and coupon as
the evaluation model parameters, and/or research and evaluations by its staff,
including review of broker-dealer market price quotations, if available, in
determining what it believes is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities
valued by such pricing service; and (5) 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 amortized over the life of the respective securities. Dividend
income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest
income is accrued daily.
C. MULTIPLE CLASS ALLOCATIONS -- Investment income, expenses (other than
distribution fees), and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated
to each class of shares based upon the relative net asset value on the date such
items are recognized. Distribution fees are charged directly to the respective
class.
D. 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 income to its shareholders.
Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.
E. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Fund records dividends and
distributions to its shareholders on the record 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
45
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
are permanent in 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 MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement with the Investment Manager, the
Fund pays the Investment Manager a management fee, accrued daily and payable
monthly, by applying the annual rate of 0.65% to the portion of daily net assets
not exceeding $500 million; 0.55% to the portion of daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.525% to the portion of daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.50% to the portion
of daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion;
0.475% to the portion of daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but not
exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.45% to the portion of daily net assets exceeding $3.5
billion but not exceeding $5 billion; and 0.425% to the portion of daily net
assets exceeding $5 billion.
Under the terms of the Agreement, in addition to managing the Fund's
investments, the Investment Manager 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 Investment
Manager. The Investment Manager also bears the cost of telephone services, heat,
light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
3. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors
Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager. The Fund has
adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Act. The Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee which is
accrued daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates: (i) Class A -- up
to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A; (ii) Class B -- 1.0% of the
lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Class B shares
since the inception of the Fund (not including reinvestment of dividend or
capital gain distributions) less the average daily aggregate net
46
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
asset value of the Class B shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which
a contingent deferred sales charge has been imposed or waived; or (b) the
average daily net assets of Class B; and (iii) Class C -- up to 1.0% of the
average daily net assets of Class C. In the case of Class A shares, amounts paid
under the Plan are paid to the Distributor for services provided. In the case of
Class B and Class C shares, amounts paid under the Plan are paid to the
Distributor for (1) services provided and the expenses borne by it and others in
the distribution of the shares of these Classes, including the payment of
commissions for sales of these Classes and incentive compensation to, and
expenses of, the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors and others who
engage in or support distribution of the shares or who service shareholder
accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; (2) printing and
distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of
these shares to other than current shareholders; and (3) preparation, printing
and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. In addition, the
Distributor may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plan, in the case of Class B
shares, to compensate Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), an affiliate of the
Investment Manager and Distributor, and other selected broker-dealers for their
opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the
form of a carrying charge on any unreimbursed expenses.
In the case of Class B shares, provided that the Plan continues in effect, any
cumulative expenses incurred by the Distributor but not yet recovered may be
recovered through the payment of future distribution fees from the Fund pursuant
to the Plan and contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon
redemption of Class B shares. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund
to pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the
Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors
upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the
Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses.
The Distributor has advised the Fund that such excess amounts, including
carrying charges, totaled $53,504,895 at December 31, 1998.
In the case of Class A shares and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to
the Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily
net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the
Fund through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing
a gross sales credit to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors or other
selected broker-dealer representatives may be reimbursed in the subsequent
calendar year. For the year ended December 31, 1998, the distribution fee was
accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.25% and
1.0%, respectively.
47
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the year ended December 31, 1998,
it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the
Fund's Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares of $45, $1,585,359 and
$4,685, respectively and received $55,642 in front-end sales charges from sales
of the Fund's Class A shares. The respective shareholders pay such charges which
are not an expense of 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 December 31, 1998 aggregated
$156,377,720 and $374,661,253, respectively. Included in the aforementioned are
purchases and sales of U.S. Government securities of $22,804,464 and
$20,347,391, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, the Fund incurred $79,500 in brokerage
commissions with DWR for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the Fund.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions of
$3,250 with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Manager
and Distributor, for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the Fund.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Manager and
Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent. At December 31, 1998, the Fund had
transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $15,000.
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 December 31, 1998
included in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted
to $6,162. At December 31, 1998, the Fund had an accrued pension liability of
$52,195 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities.
48
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
5. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998 DECEMBER 31, 1997+*
---------------------------- --------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES
Sold............................................................. 471,524 $ 8,460,496 772,410 $ 12,186,174
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions...................... 33,328 613,355 16,570 271,414
Redeemed......................................................... (176,648) (3,093,414) (578,404) (9,675,382)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net increase - Class A........................................... 328,204 5,980,437 210,576 2,782,206
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
CLASS B SHARES
Sold............................................................. 19,178,545 349,176,866 11,966,780 194,020,522
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions...................... 8,756,868 161,419,594 13,633,251 220,842,234
Redeemed......................................................... (27,729,620) (500,666,327) (57,908,671) (910,948,280)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) - Class B................................ 205,793 9,930,133 (32,308,640) (496,085,524)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
CLASS C SHARES
Sold............................................................. 315,427 5,761,324 79,155 1,330,983
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions...................... 17,427 321,582 3,294 54,114
Redeemed......................................................... (76,154) (1,373,522) (70) (1,121)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net increase - Class C........................................... 256,700 4,709,384 82,379 1,383,976
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
CLASS D SHARES...................................................
Sold............................................................. 442,423 8,058,763 128,367 2,102,719
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions...................... 103,737 1,906,622 94,075 1,539,246
Acquisition of Dean Witter Retirement Series - Utilities
Series.......................................................... 244,186 4,310,004 -- --
Redeemed......................................................... (499,814) (9,099,010) (113,508) (1,857,447)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net increase - Class D........................................... 290,532 5,176,379 108,934 1,784,518
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in Fund.................................. 1,081,229 $ 25,796,333 (31,906,751) $(490,134,824)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
+ On July 28, 1997, 898,035 shares representing $14,269,769 were transferred
to Class D.
* For Class A, C and D shares, for the period July 28, 1997 (issue date)
through December 31, 1997.
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
As of December 31, 1998, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily
attributable to capital loss deferrals on wash sales.
7. ACQUISITION OF DEAN WITTER RETIREMENT SERIES -- UTILITIES SERIES
As of the close of business on September 11, 1998, the Fund acquired all the net
assets of Dean Witter Retirement Series -- Utilities Series ("Retirement
Utilities") pursuant to a plan of
49
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1998, CONTINUED
reorganization (the "Plan") approved by the shareholders of Retirement Utilities
on August 19, 1998. The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of
244,186 Class D shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $17.65 per share for
411,249 shares of Retirement Utilities. The net assets of the Fund and
Retirement Utilities immediately before the acquisition were $2,422,836,927 and
$4,310,004, respectively, including unrealized appreciation of $694,594 for
Retirement Utilities. Immediately after the acquisition, the combined net assets
of the Fund amounted to $2,427,146,931.
50
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
1998++ 1997*++ 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS B SHARES
SELECTED PER
SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
beginning of
period.......... $ 17.04 $ 15.22 $ 15.15 $ 12.30 $ 14.34
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Income (loss)
from investment
operations:
Net investment
income........ 0.40 0.50 0.56 0.58 0.63
Net realized
and unrealized
gain (loss)... 3.25 3.28 0.16 2.85 (2.04)
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total income
(loss) from
investment
operations...... 3.65 3.78 0.72 3.43 (1.41)
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Less dividends
and
distributions
from:
Net investment
income........ (0.41) (0.51) (0.58) (0.58) (0.61)
Net realized
gain.......... (1.02) (1.45) (0.07) -- (0.02)
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total dividends
and
distributions... (1.43) (1.96) (0.65) (0.58) (0.63)
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net asset value,
end of period... $ 19.26 $ 17.04 $ 15.22 $ 15.15 $ 12.30
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
TOTAL RETURN+.... 21.95% 25.79% 4.99% 28.42% (9.90)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE
NET ASSETS:
Expenses......... 1.65%(1) 1.67% 1.64% 1.65% 1.64%
Net investment
income.......... 2.23%(1) 3.15% 3.63% 4.19% 4.67%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end
of period, in
millions........ $2,752 $2,430 $2,677 $3,321 $2,827
Portfolio
turnover rate... 6% 6% 7% 9% 11%
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund issued one class of shares. All shares of
the Fund held prior to that date, other than shares held by certain
employee benefit plans established by Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and its
affiliate, SPS Transaction Services, Inc., have been designated Class B
shares. Shares held by those employee benefit plans prior to July 28, 1997
have been designated Class D shares.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
51
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE
PERIOD
FOR THE JULY 28,
YEAR 1997*
ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER DECEMBER
31, 1998 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES++
SELECTED PER
SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
beginning of
period.......... $ 17.01 $ 15.89
--------- ----------
Income from
investment
operations:
Net investment
income........ 0.54 0.27
Net realized
and unrealized
gain.......... 3.24 2.52
--------- ----------
Total income from
investment
operations...... 3.78 2.79
--------- ----------
Less dividends
and
distributions
from:
Net investment
income........ (0.55) (0.35)
Net realized
gain.......... (1.02) (1.32)
--------- ----------
Total dividends
and
distributions... (1.57) (1.67)
--------- ----------
Net asset value,
end of period... $ 19.22 $ 17.01
--------- ----------
--------- ----------
TOTAL RETURN+.... 22.86% 18.06%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE
NET ASSETS:
Expenses......... 0.90%(3) 0.92%(2)
Net investment
income.......... 2.98%(3) 4.05%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL
DATA:
Net assets, end
of period, in
thousands....... $10,357 $3,581
Portfolio
turnover rate... 6% 6%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS C SHARES++
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
beginning of
period.......... $ 17.06 $ 15.89
--------- ----------
Income from
investment
operations:
Net investment
income........ 0.40 0.22
Net realized
and unrealized
gain.......... 3.25 2.51
--------- ----------
Total income from
investment
operations...... 3.65 2.73
--------- ----------
Less dividends
and
distributions
from:
Net investment
income........ (0.43) (0.24)
Net realized
gain.......... (1.02) (1.32)
--------- ----------
Total dividends
and
distributions... (1.45) (1.56)
--------- ----------
Net asset value,
end of period... $ 19.26 $ 17.06
--------- ----------
--------- ----------
TOTAL RETURN+.... 21.92% 17.67%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE
NET ASSETS:
Expenses......... 1.65%(3) 1.69%(2)
Net investment
income.......... 2.23%(3) 3.14%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL
DATA:
Net assets, end
of period, in
thousands....... $ 6,532 $ 1,405
Portfolio
turnover rate... 6% 6%
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
52
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE
PERIOD
FOR THE JULY 28,
YEAR 1997*
ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER DECEMBER
31, 1998 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS D SHARES++
SELECTED PER
SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
beginning of
period.......... $ 16.99 $ 15.89
--------- ----------
Income from
investment
operations:
Net investment
income........ 0.58 0.22
Net realized
and unrealized
gain.......... 3.25 2.58
--------- ----------
Total income from
investment
operations...... 3.83 2.80
--------- ----------
Less dividends
and
distributions
from:
Net investment
income........ (0.59) (0.38)
Net realized
gain.......... (1.02) (1.32)
--------- ----------
Total dividends
and
distributions... (1.61) (1.70)
--------- ----------
Net asset value,
end of period... $ 19.21 $ 16.99
--------- ----------
--------- ----------
TOTAL RETURN+.... 23.21% 18.13%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE
NET ASSETS:
Expenses......... 0.65%(3) 0.67%(2)
Net investment
income.......... 3.23%(3) 4.21%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end
of period, in
thousands....... $24,920 $17,106
Portfolio
turnover rate... 6% 6%
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* The date shares were first issued. Shareholders who held shares of the Fund
prior to July 28, 1997 (the date the Fund converted to a multiple class
share structure) should refer to the Financial Highlights of Class B to
obtain the historical per share data and ratio information of their shares.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the
period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
53
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
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 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Utilities Fund (the "Fund"), formerly Dean Witter Utilities Fund, at December
31, 1998, 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 periods presented, 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 December 31, 1998 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
FEBRUARY 5, 1999
1998 FEDERAL TAX NOTICE (UNAUDITED)
For the year ended December 31, 1998, the Fund paid to
shareholders $0.99 per share from long-term capital gains. For
such period, 100% of the income paid qualified for the dividends
received deduction available to corporations.
54
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
PART C OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. EXHIBITS
1. Form of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the
Registrant.
4. Form of Amended Investment Management Agreement between the
Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
5.(a) Form of Amended Distribution Agreement between the Registrant
and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
5.(b) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement.
8.(a) Form of Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service
Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB.
8.(b) Form of Amended Services Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services
Company Inc.
10. Consent of Independent Accountants.
14. Financial Data Schedules.
15. Amended Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All other exhibits were previously filed via EDGAR and are hereby incorporated
by reference.
Item 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND
None
Item 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust and under
Section 4.8 of the Registrant's By-Laws, the indemnification of the Registrant's
trustees, officers, employees and agents is permitted if it is determined that
they acted under the belief that their actions were in or not opposed to the
best interest of the Registrant, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding,
they had reasonable cause to believe their conduct was not unlawful. In
addition, indemnification is permitted only if it is determined that the actions
in question did not render them liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of their obligations and duties to the Registrant. Trustees,
officers, employees and agents will be indemnified for the expense of litigation
if it is determined that they are entitled to indemnification against any
liability established in such litigation. The Registrant may also advance money
for these expenses provided that they give their undertakings to repay the
Registrant unless their conduct is later determined to permit indemnification.
<PAGE>
Pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust and
paragraph 8 of the Registrant's Investment Management Agreement, neither the
Investment Manager nor any trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant
shall be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of bad
faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to
the Registrant.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a trustee, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant
in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted against the Registrant by such trustee, officer or controlling person
in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification
provision of its by-laws in a manner consistent with Release 11330 of the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, so
long as the interpretation of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remains in
effect.
Registrant, in conjunction with the Investment Manager, Registrant's
Trustees, and other registered investment management companies managed by the
Investment Manager, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of Registrant, or who is or was serving at
the request of Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of
another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against him and
incurred by him or arising out of his position. However, in no event will
Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which
Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him.
Item 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR
See "The Fund and Its Management" in the Prospectus regarding the business
of the investment advisor. The following information is given regarding
officers of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. ("MSDW Advisors"). MSDW
Advisors is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. The
principal address of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds is Two World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048.
The term "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds" refers to the following
registered investment companies:
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
(1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Insured Municipal Income Trust
(2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Quality Municipal Securities
(3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Government Income Trust
(4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust II
2
<PAGE>
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust III
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Securities Inc.
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured California Municipal Securities
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Income Trust
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Securities
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Trust
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust II
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust III
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust II
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust III
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Premium Income Trust
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Quality Municipal Securities
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Prime Income Trust
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Investment Trust
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Securities
OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
(1) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(2) Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(3) Active Assets Money Trust
(4) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS PORTFOLIO"
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
(25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
(27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
(30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
3
<PAGE>
(31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
(32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
(33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
(35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
(37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
(39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
(40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
(46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
(48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
(49) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
(50) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
(51) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(52) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(53) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(54) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
(55) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(56) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(57) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(58) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(59) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(60) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
(61) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(62) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
The term "TCW/DW Funds" refers to the following registered investment
companies:
OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
(1) TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust
(2) TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
(3) TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund
(4) TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
(5) TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
(6) TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
(7) TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
(8) TCW/DW Total Return Trust
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
(1) TCW/DW Term Trust 2000
(2) TCW/DW Term Trust 2002
(3) TCW/DW Term Trust 2003
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Mitchell M. Merin President and Chief Operating Officer of Asset
President, Chief Management of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
Executive Officer and ("MSDW); Chairman and Director of Morgan Stanley Dean
Director Witter Distributors Inc. ("MSDW Distributors") and Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW Trust"); President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Services Company Inc. ("MSDW Services");
Vice President of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Executive Vice President and Director of Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"); Director of various MSDW
subsidiaries.
Thomas C. Schneider Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic and
Executive Vice Administrative Officer of MSDW; Executive Vice
President and Chief President and Chief Financial Officer of MSDW Services;
Financial Officer Director of DWR and MSDW.
Joseph J. McAlinden Vice President of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds
Executive Vice President and Discover Brokerage Index Series; Director of MSDW Trust.
and Chief Investment
Officer
Ronald E. Robison Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Executive Vice President and Director of MSDW Services; Vice President of the Morgan
and Chief Administrative Stanley Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Officer Brokerage Index Series.
Edward C. Oelsner, III
Executive Vice President
Barry Fink Assistant Secretary of DWR; Senior Vice President,
Senior Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel and Director of MSDW
Secretary, General Services; Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
Counsel and Director Assistant General Counsel of MSDW Distributors; Vice
President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series.
Peter M. Avelar Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Mark Bavoso Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
5
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Rosalie Clough
Senior Vice President
and Director of Marketing
Richard Felegy
Senior Vice President
Edward F. Gaylor Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Robert S. Giambrone Senior Vice President of MSDW Services, MSDW
Senior Vice President Distributors and MSDW Trust and Director of MSDW Trust;
Vice President of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds,
the TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Rajesh K. Gupta Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Kenton J. Hinchliffe Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Kevin Hurley Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Margaret Iannuzzi
Senior Vice President
Jenny Beth Jones Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
John B. Kemp, III President of MSDW Distributors.
Senior Vice President
Anita H. Kolleeny Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Jonathan R. Page Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Ira N. Ross Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Guy G. Rutherfurd, Jr. Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Rochelle G. Siegel Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
6
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
James Solloway
Senior Vice President
Jayne M. Stevlingson Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Paul D. Vance Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Elizabeth A. Vetell
Senior Vice President
and Director of Shareholder
Communication
James F. Willison Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Douglas Brown
First Vice President
Frank Bruttomesso First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President Services; Assistant Secretary of the Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series.
Thomas F. Caloia First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of
First Vice President MSDW Services; Assistant Treasurer of MSDW
and Assistant Distributors; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the
Treasurer Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW
Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Thomas Chronert
First Vice President
Marilyn K. Cranney Assistant Secretary of DWR; First Vice President and
First Vice President Assistant Secretary of MSDW Services; Assistant
and Assistant Secretary Secretary of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds,
the TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Salvatore DeSteno Vice President of MSDW Services.
First Vice President
Michael Interrante First Vice President and Controller of MSDW Services;
First Vice President Assistant Treasurer of MSDW Distributors; First Vice
and Controller President and Treasurer of MSDW Trust.
David Johnson
First Vice President
Stanley Kapica
First Vice President
LouAnne D. McInnis First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President Services; Assistant Secretary of the Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series.
7
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Carsten Otto First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President Services; Assistant Secretary of the Morgan Stanley
and Assistant Secretary Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series.
Ruth Rossi First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President Services; Assistant Secretary of the Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage
Index Series.
James P. Wallin
First Vice President
Robert Zimmerman
First Vice President
Dale Albright
Vice President
Joan G. Allman
Vice President
Andrew Arbenz
Vice President
Joseph Arcieri Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Nancy Belza
Vice President
Maurice Bendrihem
Vice President and
Assistant Controller
Ronald Caldwell
Vice President
Joseph Cardwell
Vice President
Philip Casparius
Vice President
David Dineen
Vice President
Dale Boetcher
Vice President
8
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Michael Durbin
Vice President
Sheila Finnerty Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Prime Income Trust
Jeffrey D. Geffen
Vice President
Sandra Gelpieryn
Vice President
Michael Geringer
Vice President
Ellen Gold
Vice President
Stephen Greenhut
Vice President
Peter W. Gurman
Vice President
Matthew Haynes Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Peter Hermann Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
David Hoffman
Vice President
Christopher Jones
Vice President
Kevin Jung
Vice President
Carol Espejo Kane
Vice President
Michelle Kaufman Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Paula LaCosta Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
9
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Thomas Lawlor
Vice President
Todd Lebo Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
Vice President Services; Assistant Secretary of the Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series.
Gerard J. Lian Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Nancy Login
Vice President
Steven MacNamara
Vice President
Catherine Maniscalco Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural
Vice President Resource Development Securities Inc.
Albert McGarity
Vice President
Teresa McRoberts Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500
Vice President Select Fund.
Mark Mitchell
Vice President
Julie Morrone
Vice President
Mary Beth Mueller
Vice President
David Myers Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural
Vice President Resource Development Securities Inc.
Richard Norris
Vice President
George Paoletti Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information
Vice President Fund.
10
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Anne Pickrell Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Michael Roan
Vice President
John Roscoe
Vice President
Hugh Rose
Vice President
Robert Rossetti Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Carl F. Sadler
Vice President
Deborah Santaniello
Vice President
Howard A. Schloss Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal
Vice President Securities Trust.
Peter J. Seeley Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Robert Stearns
Vice President
Naomi Stein
Vice President
Michael Strayhorn
Vice President
Kathleen H. Stromberg Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Marybeth Swisher
Vice President
11
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Robert Vanden Assem
Vice President
Alice Weiss Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
John Wong
Vice President
</TABLE>
Item 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. ("MSDW Distributors"), a
Delaware corporation, is the principal underwriter of the Registrant. MSDW
Distributors is also the principal underwriter of the following investment
companies:
(1) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(2) Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(3) Active Assets Money Trust
(4) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS PORTFOLIO"
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
(25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
(27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
12
<PAGE>
(30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
(31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
(32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
(33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
(35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
(37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
(39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
(40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
(46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Prime Income Trust
(47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
(49) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
(50) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(51) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(52) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(53) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
(54) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(55) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(56) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(57) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(58) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(59) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
(60) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(61) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
(1) TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust
(2) TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
(3) TCW/DW Income and Growth
(4) TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
(5) TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
(6) TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
(7) TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
(8) TCW/DW Total Return Trust
13
<PAGE>
(b) The following information is given regarding directors and officers of MSDW
Distributors not listed in Item 26 above. The principal address of MSDW
Distributors is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Other
than Mr. Purcell, who is a Trustee of the Registrant, none of the following
persons has any position or office with the Registrant.
NAME POSITIONS AND OFFICE WITH MSDW DISTRIBUTORS
- ---- -------------------------------------------
Christine Edwards Executive Vice President, Secretary, Director and Chief
Legal Officer.
Michael T. Gregg Vice President and Assistant Secretary.
James F. Higgins Director
Fredrick K. Kubler Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief
Compliance Officer.
Philip J. Purcell Director
John Schaeffer Director
Charles Vidala Senior Vice President and Financial Principal.
Item 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder are
maintained by the Investment Manager at its offices, except records relating to
holders of shares issued by the Registrant, which are maintained by the
Registrant's Transfer Agent, at its place of business as shown in the
prospectus.
Item 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Registrant is not a party to any such management-related service contract.
Item 30. UNDERTAKINGS
None.
14
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it has duly caused
this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York
and State of New York on the 26th day of February, 1999.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
UTILITIES FUND
By /s/ Barry Fink
--------------------------------
Barry Fink
Vice President and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 has been signed below by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
(1) Principal Executive Officer President, Chief
Executive Officer,
Trustee and Chairman
By /s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo 02/26/99
-------------------------------
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
(2) Principal Financial Officer Treasurer and Principal
Accounting Officer
By /s/ Thomas F. Caloia 02/26/99
-------------------------------
Thomas F. Caloia
(3) Majority of the Trustees
Charles A. Fiumefreddo (Chairman)
Philip J. Purcell
By /s/ Barry Fink 02/26/99
-------------------------------
Barry Fink
Attorney-in-Fact
Michael Bozic Manuel H. Johnson
Edwin J. Garn Michael E. Nugent
John R. Haire John L. Schroeder
Wayne E. Hedien
By /s/ David M. Butowsky 02/26/99
-------------------------------
David M. Butowsky
Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
EXHIBIT INDEX
1. Form of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.
4. Form of Amended Investment Management Agreement between the
Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
5.(a) Form of Amended Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
5.(b) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement.
8.(a) Form of Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service
Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB.
8.(b) Form of Amended Services Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services
Company Inc.
10. Consent of Independent Accountants.
14. Financial Data Schedules.
15. Amended Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the Secretary of Dean Witter
Utilities Fund (the "Trust"), an unincorporated business trust organized under
the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that annexed hereto is an
Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Trust adopted by the Trustees of
the Trust on April 30, 1998 as provided in Section 9.3 of the said Declaration,
said Amendment to take effect on June 22, 1998, and I do hereby further certify
that such amendment has not been amended and is on the date hereof in full force
and effect.
Dated this 22nd day of June, 1998.
--------------------------------
Barry Fink
Secretary
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT
Dated: June 22, 1998
To be Effective: June 22, 1998
TO
DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
DECLARATION OF TRUST
DATED
DECEMBER 8, 1987
<PAGE>
Amendment dated June 22, 1998 to the Declaration of Trust
(the "Declaration") of Dean Witter Utilities Fund (the "Trust")
dated December 8, 1987
WHEREAS, the Trust was established by the Declaration on the date
hereinabove set forth under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Trust have deemed it advisable to change the
name of the Trust to "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund," such change to
be effective on June 22, 1998;
NOW, THEREFORE:
1. Section 1.1 of Article I of the Declaration is hereby amended so that
that Section shall read in its entirety as follows:
"Section 1.1. NAME. The name of the Trust created hereby is the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund and so far as may be
practicable the Trustees shall conduct the Trust's activities, execute
all documents and sue or be sued under that name, which name (and the
word "Trust" whenever herein used) shall refer to the Trustees as
Trustees, and not as individuals, or personally, and shall not refer
to the officers, agents, employees or Shareholders of the Trust.
Should the Trustees determine that the use of such name is not
advisable, they may use such other name for the Trust as they deem
proper and the Trust may hold its property and conduct its activities
under such other name."
2. Subsection (o) of Section 1.2 of Article I of the Declaration is hereby
amended so that that subsection shall read in its entirety as follows:
"Section 1.2. DEFINITIONS...
"(o) "TRUST" means the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund."
3. Section 11.7 of Article XI of the Declaration is hereby amended so that
that section shall read as follows:
"Section 11.7. USE OF THE NAME "MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER." Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter & Co. ("MSDW") has consented to the use by the
Trust of the identifying name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter," which is a
property right of MSDW. The Trust will only use the name "Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter" as a component of its name and for no other
purpose, and will not purport to grant to any
<PAGE>
third party the right to use the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" for
any purpose. MSDW, or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, may use or
grant to others the right to use the name "Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter," or any combination or abbreviation thereof, as all or a
portion of a corporate or business name or for any commercial purpose,
including a grant of such right to any other investment company. At
the request of MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, the Trust will
take such action as may be required to provide its consent to the use
of the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter," or any combination or
abbreviation thereof, by MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, or
by any person to whom MSDW or a corporate affiliate of MSDW shall have
granted the right to such use. Upon the termination of any investment
advisory agreement into which a corporate affiliate of MSDW and the
Trust may enter, the Trust shall, upon request of MSDW or any
corporate affiliate of MSDW, cease to use the name "Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter" as a component of its name, and shall not use the name,
or any combination or abbreviation thereof, as part of its name or for
any other commercial purpose, and shall cause its officers, Trustees
and Shareholders to take any and all actions which MSDW or any
corporate affiliate of MSDW may request to effect the foregoing and to
reconvey to MSDW any and all rights to such name."
4. The Trustees of the Trust hereby reaffirm the Declaration, as amended,
in all respects.
5. This Amendment may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same document.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, the Trustees of the Trust, have executed
this instrument this 22nd day of June, 1998.
/s/ Michael Bozic /s/ Manuel H. Johnson
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Michael Bozic, as Trustee Manuel H. Johnson, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
c/o Levitz Furniture Corp. c/o Johnson Smick International Inc.
6111 Broken Sound Parkway, NW 1133 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487 Washington, D.C. 20036
/s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo /s/ Michael E. Nugent
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Charles A. Fiumefreddo, as Trustee Michael E. Nugent, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
Two World Trade Center c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.
New York, NY 10048 237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
/s/ Edwin J. Garn /s/ Philip J. Purcell
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Edwin J. Garn, as Trustee Philip J. Purcell, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
c/o Huntsman Corporation 1585 Broadway
500 Huntsman Way New York, NY 10036
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
/s/ John R. Haire /s/ John L. Schroeder
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
John R. Haire, as Trustee John L. Schroeder, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
Two World Trade Center c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen
New York, NY 10048 Shalov & Wein
Counsel to the Independent Trustees
114 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
/s/ Wayne E. Hedien
- -----------------------------------
Wayne E. Hedien, as Trustee
and not individually
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen
Shalov & Wein
Counsel to the Independent Trustees
114 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
<PAGE>
STATE OF NEW YORK )
)ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
On this 22nd day of June, 1998, MICHAEL BOZIC, CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO, EDWIN
J. GARN, JOHN R. HAIRE, WAYNE E. HEDIEN, MANUEL H. JOHNSON, MICHAEL E.
NUGENT, PHILIP J. PURCELL and JOHN L. SCHROEDER, known to me to be the
individuals described in and who executed the foregoing instrument,
personally appeared before me and they severally acknowledged the foregoing
instrument to be their free act and deed.
/s/ Marilyn K. Cranney
----------------------
Notary Public
MARILYN K. CRANNEY
NOTARY PUBLIC, State of New York
No. 24-4795538
Qualified in Kings County
Commission Expires May 31, 1999
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 31st day of May, 1997, and amended as of April 30,
1998, by and between Dean Witter Utilities Fund, an unincorporated business
trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (hereinafter
called the "Fund"), and Dean Witter InterCapital Inc., a Delaware corporation
(hereinafter called the "Investment Manager"):
WHEREAS, The Fund is engaged in business as an open-end management
investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, The Investment Manager is registered as an investment adviser under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and engages in the business of acting as
investment adviser; and
WHEREAS, The Fund desires to retain the Investment Manager to render
management and investment advisory services in the manner and on the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, The Investment Manager desires to be retained to perform services
on said terms and conditions:
Now, Therefore, this Agreement
W I T N E S S E T H:
that in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter
contained, the Fund and the Investment Manager agree as follows:
1. The Fund hereby retains the Investment Manager to act as investment
manager of the Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Trustees, to
supervise the investment activities of the Fund as hereinafter set forth.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Manager shall
obtain and evaluate such information and advice relating to the economy,
securities and commodities markets and securities and commodities as it deems
necessary or useful to discharge its duties hereunder; shall continuously manage
the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with the investment objectives and
policies of the Fund; shall determine the securities and commodities to be
purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of by the Fund and the timing of such
purchases, sales and dispositions; and shall take such further action, including
the placing of purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Fund, as the Investment
Manager shall deem necessary or appropriate. The Investment Manager shall also
furnish to or place at the disposal of the Fund such of the information,
evaluations, analyses and opinions formulated or obtained by the Investment
Manager in the discharge of its duties as the Fund may, from time to time,
reasonably request.
2. The Investment Manager shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff
and employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it
shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to the performance
of its obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of the Investment Manager shall be deemed to
include persons employed or otherwise retained by the Investment Manager to
furnish statistical and other factual data, advice regarding economic factors
and trends, information with respect to technical and scientific developments,
and such other information, advice and assistance as the Investment Manager may
desire. The Investment Manager shall, as agent for the Fund, maintain the Fund's
records and books of account (other than those maintained by the Fund's transfer
agent, registrar, custodian and other agencies). All such books and records so
maintained shall be the property of the Fund and, upon request therefor, the
Investment Manager shall surrender to the Fund such of the books and records so
requested.
3. The Fund will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make available to
the Investment Manager such financial reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund as the Investment
Manager may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations
hereunder.
4. The Investment Manager shall bear the cost of rendering the investment
management and supervisory services to be performed by it under this Agreement,
and shall, at its own expense, pay the compensation of the officers and
employees, if any, of the Fund who are also directors, officers or employees of
the Investment Manager, and provide such office space, facilities and equipment
and such clerical help and
<PAGE>
bookkeeping services as the Fund shall reasonably require in the conduct of its
business. The Investment Manager shall also bear the cost of telephone service,
heat, light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
5. The Fund assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all other expenses of
the Fund, including without limitation: fees pursuant to any plan of
distribution that the Fund may adopt; the charges and expenses of any registrar,
any custodian or depository appointed by the Fund for the safekeeping of its
cash, portfolio securities or commodities and other property, and any stock
transfer or dividend agent or agents appointed by the Fund; brokers' commissions
chargeable to the Fund in connection with portfolio transactions to which the
Fund is a party; all taxes, including securities or commodities issuance and
transfer taxes, and fees payable by the Fund to federal, state or other
governmental agencies; the cost and expense of engraving or printing
certificates representing shares of the Fund; all costs and expenses in
connection with the registration and maintenance of registration of the Fund and
its shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission and various states and
other jurisdictions (including filing fees and legal fees and disbursements of
counsel); the cost and expense of printing, including typesetting, and
distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information of the Fund
and supplements thereto to the Fund's shareholders; all expenses of
shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing
proxy statements and reports to shareholders; fees and travel expenses of
Trustees or members of any advisory board or committee who are not employees of
the Investment Manager or any corporate affiliate of the Investment Manager; all
expenses incident to the payment of any dividend, distribution, withdrawal or
redemption, whether in shares or in cash; charges and expenses of any outside
service used for pricing of the Fund's shares; charges and expenses of legal
counsel, including counsel to the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested
persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund or the Investment Manager, and of
independent accountants, in connection with any matter relating to the Fund;
membership dues of industry associations; interest payable on Fund borrowings;
postage; insurance premiums on property or personnel (including officers and
Trustees) of the Fund which inure to its benefit; extraordinary expenses
(including but not limited to legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs
and any indemnification related thereto); and all other charges and costs of the
Fund's operation unless otherwise explicitly provided herein.
6. For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the
expenses assumed by the Investment Manager, the Fund shall pay to the Investment
Manager monthly compensation determined by applying the following annual rates
to the Fund's daily net assets: 0.65% of daily net assets up to $500 million;
0.55% of the next $500 million; 0.525% of the next $500 million; 0.50% of the
next $1 billion; 0.475% of the next $1 billion; 0.45% of the next $1.5 billion;
and 0.425% of daily net assets over $5 billion. Except as hereinafter set forth,
compensation under this Agreement shall be calculated and accrued daily and the
amounts of the daily accruals shall be paid monthly. Such calculations shall be
made by applying 1/365ths of the annual rates to the Fund's net assets each day
determined as of the close of business on that day or the last previous business
day. If this Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month
or shall terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for that part of
the month this Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent
with the calculation of the fees as set forth above.
Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 hereof, payment of the Investment
Manager's compensation for the preceding month shall be made as promptly as
possible after completion of the computations contemplated by paragraph 7
hereof.
7. In the event the operating expenses of the Fund, including amounts
payable to the Investment Manager pursuant to paragraph 6 hereof, for any fiscal
year ending on a date on which this Agreement is in effect, exceed the expense
limitations applicable to the Fund imposed by state securities laws or
regulations thereunder, as such limitations may be raised or lowered from time
to time, the Investment Manager shall reduce its management fee to the extent of
such excess and, if required, pursuant to any such laws or regulations, will
reimburse the Fund for annual operating expenses in excess of any expense
limitation that may be applicable; provided, however, there shall be excluded
from such expenses the amount of any interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
distribution fees and extraordinary expenses (including but not limited to legal
claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification related
thereto) paid or payable by the Fund. Such reduction, if any, shall be computed
and accrued daily, shall be settled on a
2
<PAGE>
monthly basis, and shall be based upon the expense limitation applicable to the
Fund as at the end of the last business day of the month. Should two or more
such expense limitations be applicable as at the end of the last business day of
the month, that expense limitation which results in the largest reduction in the
Investment Manager's fee shall be applicable.
For purposes of this provision, should any applicable expense limitation be
based upon the gross income of the Fund, such gross income shall include, but
not be limited to, interest on debt securities in the Fund's portfolio accrued
to and including the last day of the Fund's fiscal year, and dividends declared
on equity securities in the Fund's portfolio, the record dates for which fall on
or prior to the last day of such fiscal year, but shall not include gains from
the sale of securities.
8. The Investment Manager will use its best efforts in the supervision and
management of the investment activities of the Fund, but in the absence of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations hereunder, the Investment Manager shall not be liable to the Fund or
any of its investors for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act
or omission by the Investment Manager or for any losses sustained by the Fund or
its investors.
9. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Investment Manager
or any affiliated person of the Investment Manager from acting as investment
adviser or manager for any other person, firm or corporation and shall not in
any way bind or restrict the Investment Manager or any such affiliated person
from buying, selling or trading any securities or commodities for their own
accounts or for the account of others for whom they may be acting. Nothing in
this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any Trustee, officer or
employee of the Investment Manager to engage in any other business or to devote
his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any
other business whether of a similar or dissimilar nature.
10. This Agreement shall remain in effect until April 30, 1999 and from year
to year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually by
the vote of holders of a majority, as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Act"), of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund
or by the Trustees of the Fund; provided that in either event such continuance
is also approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund
who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the
Act) of any such party, which vote must be cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval; provided, however, that (a) the Fund
may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty, terminate this
Agreement upon thirty days' written notice to the Investment Manager, either by
majority vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund; (b) this Agreement shall immediately
terminate in the event of its assignment (to the extent required by the Act and
the rules thereunder) unless such automatic terminations shall be prevented by
an exemptive order of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (c) the
Investment Manager may terminate this Agreement without payment of penalty on
thirty days' written notice to the Fund. Any notice under this Agreement shall
be given in writing, addressed and delivered, or mailed post-paid, to the other
party at the principal office of such party.
11. This Agreement may be amended by the parties without the vote or consent
of the shareholders of the Fund to supply any omission, to cure, correct or
supplement any ambiguous, defective or inconsistent provision hereof, or if they
deem it necessary to conform this Agreement to the requirements of applicable
federal laws or regulations, but neither the Fund nor the Investment Manager
shall be liable for failing to do so.
12. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York and the applicable provisions of the Act. To the extent the
applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein,
conflicts with the applicable provisions of the Act, the latter shall control.
13. The Investment Manager and the Fund each agree that the name "Dean
Witter," which comprises a component of the Fund's name, is a property right of
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. The Fund agrees and consents that (i) it will only use
the name "Dean Witter" as a component of its name and for no other purpose, (ii)
it will not purport to grant to any third party the right to use the name "Dean
Witter" for any purpose, (iii) the Investment Manager or its parent, Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter & Co., or any corporate
3
<PAGE>
affiliate of the Investment Manager's parent, may use or grant to others the
right to use the name "Dean Witter," or any combination or abbreviation thereof,
as all or a portion of a corporate or business name or for any commercial
purpose, including a grant of such right to any other investment company, (iv)
at the request of the Investment Manager or its parent, the Fund will take such
action as may be required to provide its consent to the use of the name "Dean
Witter," or any combination or abbreviation thereof, by the Investment Manager
or its parent or any corporate affiliate of the Investment Manager's parent, or
by any person to whom the Investment Manager or its parent or any corporate
affiliate of the Investment Manager's parent shall have granted the right to
such use, and (v) upon the termination of any investment advisory agreement into
which the Investment Manager and the Fund may enter, or upon termination of
affiliation of the Investment Manager with its parent, the Fund shall, upon
request by the Investment Manager or its parent, cease to use the name "Dean
Witter" as a component of its name, and shall not use the name, or any
combination or abbreviation thereof, as a part of its name or for any other
commercial purpose, and shall cause its officers, Trustees and shareholders to
take any and all actions which the Investment Manager or its parent may request
to effect the foregoing and to reconvey to the Investment Manager or its parent
any and all rights to such name.
14. The Declaration of Trust establishing Dean Witter Utilities Fund, dated
December 8, 1987, a copy of which, together with all amendments thereto (the
"Declaration"), is on file in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, provides that the name Dean Witter Utilities Fund refers to the
Trustees under the Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals
or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of Dean
Witter Utilities Fund shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort
be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim
or otherwise, in connection with the affairs of said Dean Witter Utilities Fund,
but the Trust Estate only shall be liable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on April 30, 1998 in New York, New York.
DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND
By: /s/ BARRY FINK
---------------------------------
Attest:
/s/ FRANK BRUTTOMESSO
- --------------------------------------
DEAN WITTER INTERCAPITAL INC.
By: /s/ CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO
---------------------------------
Attest:
/s/ MARILYN K. CRANNEY
- --------------------------------------
4
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of this 28th day of July, 1997, and amended as of June 22,
1998, between each of the open-end investment companies to which Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Advisors Inc. acts as investment manager, that are listed on
Schedule A, as may be amended from time to time (each, a "Fund" and
collectively, the "Funds"), and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Distributor").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, each Fund is registered as an open-end investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and it is in the
interest of each Fund to offer its shares for sale continuously, and
WHEREAS, each Fund and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement with
each other with respect to the continuous offering of each Fund's transferable
shares, of $0.01 par value (the "Shares"), to commence on the date listed above,
in order to promote the growth of each Fund and facilitate the distribution of
its shares.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR.
(a) Each Fund hereby appoints the Distributor as the principal underwriter
and distributor of the Fund to sell Shares to the public on the terms set forth
in this Agreement and that Fund's prospectus and the Distributor hereby accepts
such appointment and agrees to act hereunder. Each Fund, during the term of this
Agreement, shall sell Shares to the Distributor upon the terms and conditions
set forth herein.
(b) The Distributor agrees to purchase Shares, as principal for its own
account, from each Fund and to sell Shares as principal to investors, and
securities dealers, including Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), an affiliate of
the Distributor, upon the terms described herein and in that Fund's prospectus
(the "Prospectus") and statement of additional information included in the
Fund's registration statement (the "Registration Statement") most recently filed
from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and
effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the
1940 Act or as the Prospectus may be otherwise amended or supplemented and filed
with the SEC pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act.
SECTION 2. EXCLUSIVE NATURE OF DUTIES. The Distributor shall be the
exclusive principal underwriter and distributor of each Fund, except that the
exclusive rights granted to the Distributor to sell the Shares shall not apply
to Shares issued by each Fund: (i) in connection with the merger or
consolidation of any other investment company or personal holding company with
the Fund or the acquisition by purchase or otherwise of all (or substantially
all) the assets or the outstanding shares of any such company by the Fund; (ii)
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions; or (iii)
pursuant to the reinstatement privilege afforded redeeming shareholders.
SECTION 3. PURCHASE OF SHARES FROM EACH FUND. The Shares are offered in
four classes (each, a "Class"), as described in the Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented from time to time.
(a) The Distributor shall have the right to buy from each Fund the Shares of
the particular class needed, but not more than the Shares needed (except for
clerical errors in transmission), to fill unconditional orders for Shares of the
applicable class placed with the Distributor by investors or securities dealers.
The price which the Distributor shall pay for the Shares so purchased from the
Fund shall be the net asset value, determined as set forth in the Prospectus,
used in determining the public offering price on which such orders were based.
(b) The Shares are to be resold by the Distributor at the public offering
price of Shares of the applicable class as set forth in the Prospectus, to
investors or to securities dealers, including DWR, who
1
<PAGE>
have entered into selected dealer agreements with the Distributor upon the terms
and conditions set forth in Section 7 hereof ("Selected Dealers").
(c) Each Fund shall have the right to suspend the sale of the Shares at
times when redemption is suspended pursuant to the conditions set forth in
Section 4(f) hereof. Each Fund shall also have the right to suspend the sale of
the Shares if trading on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended,
if a banking moratorium shall have been declared by federal or New York
authorities, or if there shall have been some other extraordinary event which,
in the judgment of a Fund, makes it impracticable to sell its Shares.
(d) Each Fund, or any agent of a Fund designated in writing by the Fund,
shall be promptly advised of all purchase orders for Shares received by the
Distributor. Any order may be rejected by a Fund; provided, however, that a Fund
will not arbitrarily or without reasonable cause refuse to accept orders for the
purchase of Shares. The Distributor will confirm orders upon their receipt, and
each Fund (or its agent) upon receipt of payment therefor and instructions will
deliver share certificates for such Shares or a statement confirming the
issuance of Shares. Payment shall be made to the Fund in New York Clearing House
funds. The Distributor agrees to cause such payment and such instructions to be
delivered promptly to the Fund (or its agent).
(e) With respect to Shares sold by any Selected Dealer, the Distributor is
authorized to direct each Fund's transfer agent to receive instructions directly
from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor as to registration of
Shares in the names of investors and to confirm issuance of the Shares to such
investors. The Distributor is also authorized to instruct the transfer agent to
receive payment directly from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor,
for prompt transmittal to each Fund's custodian, of the purchase price of the
Shares. In such event the Distributor shall obtain from the Selected Dealer and
maintain a record of such registration instructions and payments.
SECTION 4. REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES.
(a) Any of the outstanding Shares of a Fund may be tendered for redemption
at any time, and each Fund agrees to redeem its Shares so tendered in accordance
with the applicable provisions set forth in its Prospectus. The price to be paid
to redeem the Shares shall be equal to the net asset value determined as set
forth in the Prospectus less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC"). Upon any redemption of Shares the Fund shall pay the total amount of
the redemption price in New York Clearing House funds in accordance with
applicable provisions of the Prospectus.
(b) The redemption by a Fund of any of its Class A Shares purchased by or
through the Distributor will not affect the applicable front-end sales charge
secured by the Distributor or any Selected Dealer in the course of the original
sale, except that if any Class A Shares are tendered for redemption within seven
business days after the date of the confirmation of the original purchase, the
right to the applicable front-end sales charge shall be forfeited by the
Distributor and the Selected Dealer which sold such Shares.
(c) The proceeds of any redemption of Class A, Class B or Class C Shares
shall be paid by each Fund as follows: (i) any applicable CDSC shall be paid to
the Distributor or to the Selected Dealer, or, when applicable, pursuant to the
Rules of the Association of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"), retained by the Fund and (ii) the balance shall be paid to the
redeeming shareholders, in each case in accordance with applicable provisions of
its Prospectus in New York Clearing House funds. The Distributor is authorized
to direct a Fund to pay directly to the Selected Dealer any CDSC payable by a
Fund to the Distributor in respect of Class A, Class B, or Class C Shares sold
by the Selected Dealer to the redeeming shareholders.
(d) The Distributor is authorized, as agent for the Fund, to repurchase
Shares, represented by a share certificate which is delivered to any office of
the Distributor in accordance with applicable provisions set forth in each
Fund's Prospectus. The Distributor shall promptly transmit to the transfer agent
of the Fund for redemption all Shares so delivered. The Distributor shall be
responsible for the accuracy of instructions transmitted to the Fund's transfer
agent in connection with all such repurchases.
2
<PAGE>
(e) The Distributor is authorized, as agent for each Fund, to repurchase
Shares held in a shareholder's account with a Fund for which no share
certificate has been issued, upon the telephonic request of the shareholders, or
at the discretion of the Distributor. The Distributor shall promptly transmit to
the transfer agent of the Fund, for redemption, all such orders for repurchase
of Shares. Payment for Shares repurchased may be made by a Fund to the
Distributor for the account of the shareholder. The Distributor shall be
responsible for the accuracy of instructions transmitted to the Fund's transfer
agent in connection with all such repurchases.
(f) Redemption of its Shares or payment by a Fund may be suspended at times
when the New York Stock Exchange is closed, when trading on said Exchange is
restricted, when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by a Fund of
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for a Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or
during any other period when the SEC, by order, so permits.
(g) With respect to its Shares tendered for redemption or repurchase by any
Selected Dealer on behalf of its customers, the Distributor is authorized to
instruct the transfer agent of a Fund to accept orders for redemption or
repurchase directly from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor and to
instruct the Fund to transmit payments for such redemptions and repurchases
directly to the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor for the account of
the shareholder. The Distributor shall obtain from the Selected Dealer, and
shall maintain, a record of such orders. The Distributor is further authorized
to obtain from the Fund, and shall maintain, a record of payment made directly
to the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF THE FUND.
(a) Each Fund shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information,
financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably
request for use in connection with the distribution of its Shares, including one
certified copy, upon request by the Distributor, of all financial statements
prepared by the Fund and examined by independent accountants. Each Fund shall,
at the expense of the Distributor, make available to the Distributor such number
of copies of its Prospectus as the Distributor shall reasonably request.
(b) Each Fund shall take, from time to time, but subject to the necessary
approval of its shareholders, all necessary action to fix the number of its
authorized Shares and to register Shares under the 1933 Act, to the end that
there will be available for sale such number of Shares as investors may
reasonably be expected to purchase.
(c) Each Fund shall use its best efforts to pay the filing fees for an
appropriate number of its Shares to be sold under the securities laws of such
states as the Distributor and the Fund may approve. Any qualification to sell
its Shares in a state may be withheld, terminated or withdrawn by a Fund at any
time in its discretion. As provided in Section 8(c) hereof, such filing fees
shall be paid by the Fund. The Distributor shall furnish any information and
other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by a
Fund in connection with the sale of its Shares in any state.
(d) Each Fund shall, at the expense of the Distributor, furnish, in
reasonable quantities upon request by the Distributor, copies of its annual and
interim reports.
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF THE DISTRIBUTOR.
(a) The Distributor shall sell shares of each Fund through DWR and may sell
shares through other securities dealers and its own Financial Advisors, and
shall devote reasonable time and effort to promote sales of the Shares, but
shall not be obligated to sell any specific number of Shares. The services of
the Distributor hereunder are not exclusive and it is understood that the
Distributor may act as principal underwriter for other registered investment
companies, so long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is not
impaired thereby. It is also understood that Selected Dealers, including DWR,
may also sell shares for other registered investment companies.
3
<PAGE>
(b) Neither the Distributor nor any Selected Dealer shall give any
information or make any representations, other than those contained in the
Registration Statement or related Prospectus and any sales literature
specifically approved by the appropriate Fund.
(c) The Distributor agrees that it will at all times comply with the
applicable terms and limitations of the Rules of the Association of the NASD.
SECTION 7. SELECTED DEALERS AGREEMENTS.
(a) The Distributor shall have the right to enter into selected dealer
agreements with Selected Dealers for the sale of Shares. In making agreements
with Selected Dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as
agent for a Fund. Shares sold to Selected Dealers shall be for resale by such
dealers only at the public offering price set forth in the Prospectus. With
respect to Class A Shares, in such agreement the Distributor shall have the
right to fix the portion of the applicable front-end sales charge which may be
allocated to the Selected Dealers.
(b) Within the United States, the Distributor shall offer and sell Shares
only to Selected Dealers that are members in good standing of the NASD.
(c) The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures, as approved by each
Fund, for the confirmation of sales of its Shares to investors and Selected
Dealers, the collection of amounts payable by investors and Selected Dealers on
such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be necessary
to comply with the requirements of the NASD, as such requirements may from time
to time exist.
SECTION 8. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.
(a) Each Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the Fund, including fees
and disbursements of legal counsel including counsel to the Directors/Trustees
of each Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
Fund or the Distributor, and independent accountants, in connection with the
preparation and filing of any required Registration Statements and Prospectuses
and all amendments and supplements thereto, and the expense of preparing,
printing, mailing and otherwise distributing prospectuses and statements of
additional information, annual or interim reports or proxy materials to
shareholders.
(b) The Distributor shall bear all expenses incurred by it in connection
with its duties and activities under this Agreement including the payment to
Selected Dealers of any sales commissions, service fees and other expenses for
sales of a Fund's Shares (except such expenses as are specifically undertaken
herein by a Fund) incurred or paid by Selected Dealers, including DWR. The
Distributor shall bear the costs and expenses of preparing, printing and
distributing any supplementary sales literature used by the Distributor or
furnished by it for use by Selected Dealers in connection with the offering of
the Shares for sale. Any expenses of advertising incurred in connection with
such offering will also be the obligation of the Distributor. It is understood
and agreed that, so long as a Fund's Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1 Plan") continues in effect, any expenses
incurred by the Distributor hereunder may be paid in accordance with the terms
of such Rule 12b-1 Plan.
(c) Each Fund shall pay the filing fees, and, if necessary or advisable in
connection therewith, bear the cost and expense of qualifying each Fund as a
broker or dealer, in such states of the United States or other jurisdictions as
shall be selected by the Fund and the Distributor pursuant to Section 5(c)
hereof and the cost and expenses payable to each such state for continuing to
offer Shares therein until the Fund decides to discontinue selling Shares
pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof.
SECTION 9. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Each Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each
person, if any, who controls the Distributor against any loss, liability, claim,
damage or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending
any alleged loss, liability, claim, damage or expense and reasonable counsel
fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring
any Shares, which may be based upon the 1933 Act, or on any other statute or at
common law, on the ground that the Registration Statement or related Prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information, as from time to time amended
4
<PAGE>
and supplemented, or the annual or interim reports to shareholders of a Fund,
includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance
upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Fund in connection
therewith by or on behalf of the Distributor; provided, however, that in no case
(i) is the indemnity of a Fund in favor of the Distributor and any such
controlling persons to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any such
controlling persons thereof against any liability to a Fund or its security
holders to which the Distributor or any such controlling persons would otherwise
be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of its duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under this Agreement; or (ii) is a Fund to be liable
under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any
claim made against the Distributor or any such controlling persons, unless the
Distributor or any such controlling persons, as the case may be, shall have
notified the Fund in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other
first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have
been served upon the Distributor or uch controlling persons (or after the
Distributor or such controlling persons shall have received notice of such
service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any such
claim shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to the person
against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity
agreement contained in this paragraph. Each Fund will be entitled to participate
at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense,
of any such suit brought to enforce any such liability, but if a Fund elects to
assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and
satisfactory to the Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant
or defendants in the suit. In the event the Fund elects to assume the defense of
any such suit and retain such counsel, the Distributor or such controlling
person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by them, but, in case the Fund does
not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, it will reimburse the
Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in
the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
Each Fund shall promptly notify the Distributor of the commencement of any
litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or
Directors/Trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of the Shares.
(b) (i) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Fund and each
of its Directors/ Trustees and officers and each person, if any, who controls
the Fund against any loss, liability, claim, damage, or expense described in the
indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, but only with respect to
statements or omissions made in reliance upon, and in conformity with,
information furnished to a Fund in writing by or on behalf of the Distributor
for use in connection with the Registration Statement or related Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as from time to time amended, or the annual
or interim reports to shareholders.
(ii) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Fund and
each Fund's transfer agent, individually and in its capacity as the Fund's
transfer agent, from and against any claims, damages and liabilities which arise
as a result of actions taken pursuant to instructions from, or on behalf of, the
Distributor to: (1) redeem all or a part of shareholder accounts in the Fund
pursuant to Section 4(g) hereof and pay the proceeds to, or as directed by, the
Distributor for the account of each shareholder whose Shares are so redeemed;
and (2) register Shares in the names of investors, confirm the issuance thereof
and receive payment therefor pursuant to Section 3(e) hereof.
(iii) In case any action shall be brought against a Fund or any person
so indemnified by this Section 9(b) in respect of which indemnity may be sought
against the Distributor, the Distributor shall have the rights and duties given
to a Fund, and the Fund and each person so indemnified shall have the rights and
duties given to the Distributor, by the provisions of subsection (a) of this
Section 9.
(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable or
insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b)
above in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof) referred to herein, then each indemnifiying party
shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a
result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in
respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on the other
from the
5
<PAGE>
offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately
preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying
party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party
in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits
but also the relative fault of a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on the
other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect
thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative
benefits received by a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on the other
shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the
offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Fund bear to the total
compensation received by the Distributor, in each case as set forth in the
Prospectus. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by a Fund or the Distributor and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission. Each Fund and the Distributor agree that it would not be
just and equitable ifcontribution were determined by pro rata allocation or by
any other method of allocation which does not take into account the equitable
considerations referred to above. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified
party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any
legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with investigating or defending any such claim. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this subsection (c), the Distributor shall not be required to
contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which
the Shares distributed by it to the public were offered to the public exceeds
the amount of any damages which it has otherwise been required to pay by reason
of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No
person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
SECTION 10. DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT. This Agreement
shall remain in force until April 30, 1999, and thereafter, but only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board of
Directors/Trustees of each Fund, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund, cast in person or by proxy, and (ii) a majority
of those Directors/ Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested
persons of any such party and who have no direct or indirect financial interest
in this Agreement or in the operation of the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan or in any
agreement related thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting upon such approval.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any
penalty, by the Directors/ Trustees of a Fund, by a majority of the
Directors/Trustees of a Fund who are not interested persons of the Fund and who
have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, or by the Distributor,
on sixty days' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,"
"assignment" and "interested person," when used in this Agreement, shall have
the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act.
SECTION 11. AMENDMENTS OF THIS AGREEMENT. This Agreement may be amended by
the parties only if such amendment is specifically approved by (i) the
Directors/Trustees of a Fund, or by the vote of a majority of outstanding voting
securities of a Fund, and (ii) a majority of those Directors/Trustees of a Fund
who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party
and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement or in
any Agreement related to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
SECTION 12. ADDITIONAL FUNDS. If at any time another Fund desires to
appoint the Distributor as its principal underwriter and distributor under this
Agreement, it shall notify the Distributor in writing. If the Distributor is
willing to serve as the Fund's principal underwriter and distributor under this
Agreement, it shall notify the Fund in writing, whereupon such other Fund shall
become a Fund hereunder.
SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the law of the State of New York and the applicable provisions of the 1940
Act. To the extent the applicable law of the
6
<PAGE>
State of New York, or any of the provisions herein, conflicts with the
applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
SECTION 14. PERSONAL LIABILITY. With respect to any Fund that is organized
as an unincorporated business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, its Declaration of the Trust (each, a "Declaration") is on file
in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each
Declaration provides that the name of the Fund refers to the Trustees under the
Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and
no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of any Fund shall be held to
any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private property for
the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise, in connection with the
affairs of any Fund, but the Trust Estate only shall be liable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on June 22, 1998 in New York, New York.
ON BEHALF OF THE FUNDS SET FORTH ON
SCHEDULE A, ATTACHED HERETO
By: ..................................
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
DISTRIBUTORS INC.
By: ..................................
7
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE A
AT DECEMBER 2, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund
9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER DISTRIBUTORS INC.
OMNIBUS SELECTED DEALER AGREEMENT
Dear Sir or Madam:
We, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor") have
a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with each of the
open-end investment companies listed in Schedule A attached hereto (each, a
"Fund"), pursuant to which we act as the Distributor for the sale of each
Fund's shares of common stock or beneficial interest, as the case may be,
(the "Shares"). Under the Distribution Agreement, we have the right to
distribute Shares for resale.
Each Fund is an open-end management investment company registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Shares being offered
to the public are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"). You have received a copy of the Distribution
Agreements between us and each Fund and reference is made herein to certain
provisions of such Distribution Agreements. The terms used herein, including
"Prospectus" and "Registration Statement" of each Fund and "Selected Dealer"
shall have the same meaning in this Agreement as in the Distribution
Agreements. As principal, we offer to sell Shares to your customers, upon the
following terms and conditions:
1. In all sales of Shares to the public you shall act on behalf of your
customers which for purposes of this Agreement are limited to customers for
which Nations Banc Investments, Inc. is the Introducing Broker, and in no
transaction shall you have any authority to act as agent for a Fund, for us
or for any Selected Dealer.
2. Orders received from you will be accepted through us or on our behalf
only at the public offering price applicable to each order, as set forth in
the applicable current Prospectus. The procedure relating to the handling of
orders shall be subject to written instructions which we or the applicable
Fund shall forward from time to time to you. All orders are subject to
acceptance or rejection by us or a Fund in the sole discretion of either. The
Distributor of the Fund will promptly notify you in writing of any such
rejection.
3. You shall not place orders for any Shares unless you have already
received purchase orders for such Shares at the applicable public offering
price and subject to the terms hereof and of the applicable Distribution
Agreement and Prospectus. In connection herewith, you agree to abide by the
terms of the applicable Distribution Agreement and Prospectus to the extent
required hereunder. Furthermore, you agree that (i) you will offer or sell
any of the Shares only under circumstances that will result in compliance
with all applicable Federal and state securities laws; (ii) you will not
furnish or cause to be furnished to any person any information relating to
the Shares which is inconsistent in any respect with the information
contained in the applicable Prospectus (as then amended or supplemented) or
cause any advertisements to be published by radio or television or in any
newspaper or posted in any public place or use any sales promotional material
without our consent and the consent of the applicable Fund; and (iii) you
will endeavor to obtain proxies from purchasers of Shares. You also agree
that you will be liable to Distributor for payment of the purchase price for
Shares purchased by customers and that you shall make payment for such shares
when due.
4. We will compensate you for sales of shares of the Funds and personal
services to Fund shareholders by paying you a sales charge and/or other
commission (which may be in the form of a gross sales credit and/or an annual
residual commission) and/or a service fee, each as separately agreed by you
and us with respect to each Fund.
5. If any Shares sold to your customers under the terms of this Agreement
are repurchased by us for the account of a Fund or are tendered for
redemption within seven business days after the date of the confirmation of
the original purchase by you, it is agreed that you shall forfeit your right
to, and refund to us, any commission received by you with respect to such
Shares.
6. No person is authorized to make any representations concerning the
Shares or the Funds except those contained in the current applicable
Prospectus and in such printed information subsequently issued by us or a
Fund as information supplemental to such Prospectus. In selling Shares, you
shall rely solely on the representations contained in the applicable
Prospectus and supplemental information mentioned above. Any printed
information which we furnish you other than the Prospectus and the Funds'
periodic reports and
<PAGE>
proxy solicitation materials are our sole responsibility and not the
responsibility of the Funds, and you agree that the Funds shall have no
liability or responsibility to you in these respects unless expressly assumed
in connection therewith.
7. You are hereby authorized (i) to place orders directly with a Fund or
its agent for shares of the Fund to be sold by us subject to the applicable
terms and conditions governing the placement of orders for the purchase of
Fund Shares, as set forth in the Distribution Agreement, and (ii) to tender
Shares directly to the Fund or its agent for redemption subject to the
applicable terms and conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement. We
will provide you with copies of any updates to the Distribution Agreement.
8. We reserve the right in our discretion, without notice, to suspend
sales or withdraw the offering of Shares entirely. Each party hereto has the
right to cancel this agreement with respect to one or more Funds upon fifteen
days prior written notice to the other party.
9. I. You shall indemnify and hold us harmless from and against any and
all losses, costs, (including reasonable attorney's fees) claims, damages and
liabilities which arise as a result of action taken pursuant to instructions
from you, or on your behalf to: (a)(i) place orders for Shares of a Fund with
the Fund's transfer agent or direct the transfer agent to receive
instructions for the order of Shares, and (ii) accept monies or direct that
the transfer agent accept monies as payment for the order of such Shares, all
as contemplated by and in accordance with Section 3 of the applicable
Distribution Agreement; (b)(i) place orders for the redemption of Shares of a
Fund with the Fund's transfer agent or direct the transfer agent to receive
instruction for the redemption of such Shares and (ii) to pay redemption
proceeds or to direct that the transfer agent pay redemption proceeds in
connection with orders for the redemption of Shares, all as contemplated by
and in accordance with Section 4 of the applicable Distribution Agreement;
Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless you and your affiliates,
officers, directors, control persons and employees from and against any and
all losses, costs (including reasonable attorney's fees), claims, damages and
liabilities which arise as a result of Distributor's failure to fulfill its
obligations hereunder and from any alleged inaccuracy, omission or
misrepresentation contained in any prospectus or any advertising, or sales
literature prepared by Distributor or the Fund provided, however, that in no
case, (i) is this indemnity in favor of you or us and any of other party's
such controlling persons to be deemed to protect us or any such controlling
persons against any liability to which we or any such controlling persons
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of our duties or by reason of reckless
disregard of our obligations and duties under this Agreement or the
applicable Distribution Agreement; or (ii) are you to be liable under the
indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim
made against us or any such controlling persons, unless we or any such
controlling persons, as the case may be, shall have notified you in writing
within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process
giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon us
or such controlling persons (or after we or such controlling persons shall
have received notice of such service on any designated agent),
notwithstanding the failure to notify you of any such claim shall not relieve
you from any liability which you may have to the person against whom such
action is brought otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph.
II. You will be entitled to participate at your own expense in the
defense, or, if you so elect, to assume the defense, of any suit brought to
enforce any such liability, but if you elect to assume the defense, such
defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by you and reasonably
satisfactory to us or such controlling person or persons, defendant or
defendants in the suit. In the event you elect to assume the defense of any
such suit and retain such counsel, we or such controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any
additional counsel retained by them, but, in case you do not elect to assume
the defense of any such suit, you will reimburse us or such controlling
person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable
fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. Each party shall promptly
notify the other party to this Agreement of the commencement of any
litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in
connection with the issuance or sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement.
2
<PAGE>
III. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable
or insufficient to hold harmless the Distributor, as provided above in
respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions
in respect thereof) referred to herein, then you shall contribute to the
amount paid or payable by us as a result of such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as
is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by you on the one
hand and us on the other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the
allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by
applicable law, then you shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by
such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not
only such relative benefits but also your relative fault on the one hand and
our relative fault on the other, in connection with the statements or
omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. You and we agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation or by any
other method of allocation which does not take into account the equitable
considerations referred to above. The amount paid or payable by us as a
result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in
respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred by us in connection with investigating or
defending any such claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection
(III), you shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the
amount by which the total price at which the Shares distributed by you to the
public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which you
have otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
IV. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (I), (II) and (III), we
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless you and your officers, directors,
employees, affiliates, agents, successors and assigns from and against any
and all claims and all related losses, expenses, damages, cost and
liabilities including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in
investigation or defense, arising out of or related to any breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant by us contained in Section 15 of this
Agreement.
11. We shall have full authority to take such action as we may deem
advisable in respect of all matters pertaining to the distribution and
redemption of Shares. Neither party shall be under any liability to the other
party except for lack of good faith and for obligations expressly assumed
herein. Nothing contained in this paragraph is intended to operate as, and
the provisions of this paragraph shall not in any way whatsoever constitute,
a waiver by you of compliance with any provision of the Securities Act, or of
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued
thereunder.
12. Each party represents that it is a member in good standing of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and, with respect to any
sales in the United States, each party hereby agrees to abide by the Rules of
Fair Practice of such Association relating to the performance of the
obligations hereunder.
13. We will inform you in writing as to the states in which we believe
the Shares have been qualified for sale under, or are exempt from the
requirements of, the respective securities laws of such states, but we assume
no responsibility or obligation as to your right to sell Shares in any
jurisdiction.
14. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, we represent and warrant that the names and addresses of your
customers (or customers of your affiliates) which have or which may come to
our attention in connection with this Agreement are confidential and are your
exclusive property and shall not be utilized by us except in connection with
the functions performed by us in connection with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, should a customer request, that we or an
organization affiliated with us, provide services to such customer, we or
such affiliated organization shall in no way violate this representation and
warranty, nor be considered in breach of this Agreement.
15. We represent, warrant, and covenant to you that the marketing
materials, any communications distributed to the public and training
materials designed by us or our agents relating to the product sold under
this Agreement are true and accurate and do not omit to state a fact
necessary to make the
3
<PAGE>
information contained therein not misleading and comply with applicable
federal and state laws. We further represent, warrant, and covenant to you
that the performance by us of our obligations under this Agreement in no way
constitutes an infringement on or other violation of copyright, trade secret,
trademark, proprietary information or non-disclosure rights of any other
party.
16. We shall maintain a contingency disaster recovery plan, and, in the
event you are so required by any regulatory or governmental agency, we shall
make such plan available to you for inspection at your office upon reasonable
advance notice by you. Each party agrees that it will at all times conduct
its activities under this Agreement in an equitable, legal and professional
manner.
17. We understand that the performance of your and our obligations under
this Agreement is subject to examination during business hours by your
authorized representatives and auditors and by federal and state regulatory
agencies, and we agree that upon being given reasonable notice and proper
identification we shall submit or furnish at a reasonable time and place to
any such representative or regulatory agency reports, information, or other
data relating to this Agreement as may reasonably be required or requested by
you. We shall maintain and make available to you upon reasonable notice all
material, data, files, and records relating to this Agreement for a period of
not less than three years after the termination of this Agreement.
18. The sales, advertising and promotional materials designed by either
party or its agents relating to products sold under this Agreement shall
comply with applicable federal and state laws. Each party agrees that the
sales, advertising and promotional materials shall be made available to the
other party prior to distribution to your employees or customers.
19. Any controversy or claim between or among the parties hereto arising
out of or relating to this Agreement, including any claim based on or arising
from an alleged tort, shall be determined by binding arbitration in
accordance with the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction. Any party to this Agreement may bring an action, including a
summary or expedited proceeding, to compel arbitration of any controversy or
claim to which this Agreement applies in any court having jurisdiction over
such action.
20. All notices or other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and given as follows:
If to us: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
Attn: Barry Fink,
Two World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
If to you: National Financial
Services Corporation
Attn: [Illegible]
4201 Congress Street, Suite 245
Boston, MA
or such other address as the parties may hereafter specify in writing. Each
such notice to any party shall be either hand-delivered or transmitted,
postage prepaid, by registered or certified United States mail with return
receipt requested, and shall be deemed effective only upon receipt.
4
<PAGE>
21. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of your acceptance
hereof, provided that you return to us promptly a signed and dated copy.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
DISTRIBUTORS INC.
By
-----------------------------------
(Authorized Signature)
Please return one signed copy
of this agreement to:
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Accepted:
Firm Name: National Filing Service by
----------------------------
By:
----------------------------------
Address: 200 Liberty Street
------------------------------
New York, New York
- --------------------------------------
Date: October 17, 1998
------------------------------
5
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "Best Ideas" Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
</TABLE>
A-1
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
with
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
[open-end funds]
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
Article 1 Terms of Appointment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Article 2 Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Article 3 Representations and Warranties of MSDW TRUST. . . . . . . . 6
Article 4 Representations and Warranties of the Fund. . . . . . . . . 7
Article 5 Duty of Care and Indemnification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Article 6 Documents and Covenants of the Fund and MSDW TRUST. . . . . 10
Article 7 Duration and Termination of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Article 8 Assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Article 9 Affiliations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Article 10 Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Article 11 Applicable Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Article 12 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Article 13 Merger of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Article 14 Personal Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
</TABLE>
-i-
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT made as of the 22nd day of June, 1998
by and between each of the Funds listed on the signature pages hereof, each of
such Funds acting severally on its own behalf and not jointly with any of such
other Funds (each such Fund hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), each such
Fund having its principal office and place of business at Two World Trade
Center, New York, New York, 10048, and MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
("MSDW TRUST"), a federally chartered savings bank, having its principal office
and place of business at Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City,
New Jersey 07311.
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint MSDW TRUST as its transfer agent,
dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent and MSDW TRUST desires
to accept such appointment;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1 TERMS OF APPOINTMENT; DUTIES OF MSDW TRUST
1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the Fund hereby employs and appoints MSDW TRUST to act as, and MSDW
TRUST agrees to act as, the transfer agent for each series and class of shares
of the Fund, whether now or hereafter authorized or issued ("Shares"), dividend
disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent
-1-
<PAGE>
in connection with any accumulation, open-account or similar plans provided to
the holders of such Shares ("Shareholders") and set out in the currently
effective prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") of
the Fund, including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic
withdrawal program.
1.2 MSDW TRUST agrees that it will perform the following
services:
(a) In accordance with procedures established from time to
time by agreement between the Fund and MSDW TRUST, MSDW TRUST shall:
(i) Receive for acceptance, orders for the purchase of
Shares, and promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation therefor to
the custodian of the assets of the Fund (the "Custodian");
(ii) Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number
of Shares and issue certificates therefor or hold such Shares in book form in
the appropriate Shareholder account;
(iii) Receive for acceptance redemption requests and redemption
directions and deliver the appropriate documentation therefor to the Custodian;
(iv) At the appropriate time as and when it receives monies
paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, pay over or cause to
be paid over in the appropriate manner such monies as instructed by the
redeeming Shareholders;
-2-
<PAGE>
(v) Effect transfers of Shares by the registered owners
thereof upon receipt of appropriate instructions;
(vi) Prepare and transmit payments for dividends and
distributions declared by the Fund;
(vii) Calculate any sales charges payable by a Shareholder on
purchases and/or redemptions of Shares of the Fund as such charges may be
reflected in the prospectus;
(viii) Maintain records of account for and advise the Fund and
its Shareholders as to the foregoing; and
(ix) Record the issuance of Shares of the Fund and maintain
pursuant to Rule 17Ad-10(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934
Act") a record of the total number of Shares of the Fund which are authorized,
based upon data provided to it by the Fund, and issued and outstanding. MSDW
TRUST shall also provide to the Fund on a regular basis the total number of
Shares that are authorized, issued and outstanding and shall notify the Fund in
case any proposed issue of Shares by the Fund would result in an overissue. In
case any issue of Shares would result in an overissue, MSDW TRUST shall refuse
to issue such Shares and shall not countersign and issue any certificates
requested for such Shares. When recording the issuance of Shares, MSDW TRUST
shall have no obligation to take cognizance of any Blue Sky laws relating to the
issue of sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility
of the Fund.
(b) In addition to and not in lieu of the services set forth
in the above paragraph (a), MSDW TRUST shall:
-3-
<PAGE>
(i) perform all of the customary services of a transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, shareholder servicing agent
in connection with dividend reinvestment, accumulation, open-account or similar
plans (including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic
withdrawal program), including but not limited to, maintaining all Shareholder
accounts, preparing Shareholder meeting lists, mailing proxies, receiving and
tabulating proxies, mailing shareholder reports and prospectuses to current
Shareholders, withholding taxes on U.S. resident and non-resident alien
accounts, preparing and filing appropriate forms required with respect to
dividends and distributions by federal tax authorities for all Shareholders,
preparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account to
Shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other confirmable
transactions in Shareholder accounts, preparing and mailing activity statements
for Shareholders and providing Shareholder account information;
(ii) open any and all bank accounts which may be necessary or
appropriate in order to provide the foregoing services; and
(iii) provide a system that will enable the Fund to monitor the
total number of Shares sold in each State or other jurisdiction.
(c) In addition, the Fund shall:
(i) identify to MSDW TRUST in writing those transactions and
assets to be treated as exempt from Blue Sky reporting for each State; and
-4-
<PAGE>
(ii) verify the inclusion on the system prior to activation of
each State in which Fund shares may be sold and thereafter monitor the daily
purchases and sales for shareholders in each State. The responsibility of MSDW
TRUST for the Fund's status under the securities laws of any State or other
jurisdiction is limited to the inclusion on the system of each State as to which
the Fund has informed MSDW TRUST that shares may be sold in compliance with
state securities laws and the reporting of purchases and sales in each such
State to the Fund as provided above and as agreed from time to time by the Fund
and MSDW TRUST.
(d) MSDW TRUST shall provide such additional services and
functions not specifically described herein as may be mutually agreed between
MSDW TRUST and the Fund. Procedures applicable to such services may be
established from time to time by agreement between the Fund and MSDW TRUST.
Article 2 FEES AND EXPENSES
2.1 For performance by MSDW TRUST pursuant to this Agreement,
each Fund agrees to pay MSDW TRUST an annual maintenance fee for each
Shareholder account and certain transactional fees, if applicable, as set out in
the respective fee schedule attached hereto as Schedule A. Such fees and
out-of-pocket expenses and advances identified under Section 2.2 below may be
changed from time to time subject to mutual written agreement between the Fund
and MSDW TRUST.
2.2 In addition to the fees paid under Section 2.1 above, the
Fund agrees to reimburse MSDW TRUST for out of pocket expenses in connection
with the services rendered
-5-
<PAGE>
by MSDW TRUST hereunder. In addition, any other expenses incurred by MSDW TRUST
at the request or with the consent of the Fund will be reimbursed by the Fund.
2.3 The Fund agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses
within a reasonable period of time following the mailing of the respective
billing notice. Postage for mailing of dividends, proxies, Fund reports and
other mailings to all Shareholder accounts shall be advanced to MSDW TRUST by
the Fund upon request prior to the mailing date of such materials.
Article 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MSDW TRUST
MSDW TRUST represents and warrants to the Fund that:
3.1 It is a federally chartered savings bank whose principal
office is in New Jersey.
3.2 It is and will remain registered with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as a Transfer Agent pursuant to the requirements
of Section 17A of the 1934 Act.
3.3 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its charter
and By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
3.4 All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to
authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.
3.5 It has and will continue to have access to the necessary
facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under
this Agreement.
-6-
<PAGE>
Article 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND
The Fund represents and warrants to MSDW TRUST that:
4.1 It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in
good standing under the laws of Delaware or Maryland or a trust duly organized
and existing and in good standing under the laws of Massachusetts, as the case
may be.
4.2 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles
of Incorporation or Declaration of Trust, as the case may be, and under its
By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.3 All corporate proceedings necessary to authorize it to
enter into and perform this Agreement have been taken.
4.4 It is an investment company registered with the SEC under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
4.5 A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933
(the "1933 Act") is currently effective and will remain effective, and
appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be
made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale.
Article 5 DUTY OF CARE AND INDEMNIFICATION
5.1 MSDW TRUST shall not be responsible for, and the Fund
shall indemnify and hold MSDW TRUST harmless from and against, any and all
losses, damages, costs,
-7-
<PAGE>
charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or
attributable to:
(a) All actions of MSDW TRUST or its agents or subcontractors
required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such actions are
taken in good faith and without negligence or willful misconduct.
(b) The Fund's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of
this Agreement, or which arise out of the Fund's lack of good faith, negligence
or willful misconduct or which arise out of breach of any representation or
warranty of the Fund hereunder.
(c) The reliance on or use by MSDW TRUST or its agents or
subcontractors of information, records and documents which (i) are received by
MSDW TRUST or its agents or subcontractors and furnished to it by or on behalf
of the Fund, and (ii) have been prepared and/or maintained by the Fund or any
other person or firm on behalf of the Fund.
(d) The reliance on, or the carrying out by MSDW TRUST or its
agents or subcontractors of, any instructions or requests of the Fund.
(e) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of any
requirement under the federal securities laws or regulations or the securities
or Blue Sky laws of any State or other jurisdiction that notice of offering of
such Shares in such State or other jurisdiction or in violation of any stop
order or other determination or ruling by any federal agency or any State or
other jurisdiction with respect to the offer or sale of such Shares in such
State or other jurisdiction.
-8-
<PAGE>
5.2 MSDW TRUST shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless
from or against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees,
payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to any action or
failure or omission to act by MSDW TRUST as a result of the lack of good faith,
negligence or willful misconduct of MSDW TRUST, its officers, employees or
agents.
5.3 At any time, MSDW TRUST may apply to any officer of the
Fund for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel to the Fund, with
respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed by
MSDW TRUST under this Agreement, and MSDW TRUST and its agents or subcontractors
shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Fund for any action taken or
omitted by it in reliance upon such instructions or upon the opinion of such
counsel. MSDW TRUST, its agents and subcontractors shall be protected and
indemnified in acting upon any paper or document furnished by or on behalf of
the Fund, reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been signed by the
proper person or persons, or upon any instruction, information, data, records or
documents provided to MSDW TRUST or its agents or subcontractors by machine
readable input, telex, CRT data entry or other similar means authorized by the
Fund, and shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any
person, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Fund. MSDW TRUST, its
agents and subcontractors shall also be protected and indemnified in recognizing
stock certificates which are reasonably believed to bear the proper manual or
facsimile signature of the officers of the Fund, and the proper countersignature
of any former transfer agent or registrar, or of a co-transfer agent or
co-registrar.
-9-
<PAGE>
5.4 In the event either party is unable to perform its
obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, strikes,
equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or
other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for
damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or
otherwise from such causes.
5.5 Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the
other party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement or
for any act or failure to act hereunder.
5.6 In order that the indemnification provisions contained in
this Article 5 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party
may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall
promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other
party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party
who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the
party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim. The party seeking
indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any
case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the
other party's prior written consent.
Article 6 DOCUMENTS AND COVENANTS OF THE FUND AND MSDW TRUST
6.1 The Fund shall promptly furnish to MSDW TRUST the
following, unless previously furnished to Dean Witter Trust Company, the prior
transfer agent of the Fund:
-10-
<PAGE>
(a) If a corporation:
(i) A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Fund authorizing the appointment of MSDW TRUST and the
execution and delivery of this Agreement;
(ii) A certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws of the Fund and all amendments thereto;
(iii) Certified copies of each vote of the Board of Directors
designating persons authorized to give instructions on behalf of the Fund and
signature cards bearing the signature of any officer of the Fund or any other
person authorized to sign written instructions on behalf of the Fund;
(iv) A specimen of the certificate for Shares of the Fund in
the form approved by the Board of Directors, with a certificate of the Secretary
of the Fund as to such approval;
(b) If a business trust:
(i) A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund authorizing the appointment of MSDW TRUST and the execution
and delivery of this Agreement;
(ii) A certified copy of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
of the Fund and all amendments thereto;
-11-
<PAGE>
(iii) Certified copies of each vote of the Board of Trustees
designating persons authorized to give instructions on behalf of the Fund and
signature cards bearing the signature of any officer of the Fund or any other
person authorized to sign written instructions on behalf of the Fund;
(iv) A specimen of the certificate for Shares of the Fund in
the form approved by the Board of Trustees, with a certificate of the Secretary
of the Fund as to such approval;
(c) The current registration statements and any amendments
and supplements thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the
1933 Act or the 1940 Act;
(d) All account application forms or other documents relating
to Shareholder accounts and/or relating to any plan, program or service offered
or to be offered by the Fund; and
(e) Such other certificates, documents or opinions as MSDW
TRUST deems to be appropriate or necessary for the proper performance of its
duties.
6.2 MSDW TRUST hereby agrees to establish and maintain
facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Fund for safekeeping of
Share certificates, check forms and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if
any; and for the preparation or use, and for keeping account of, such
certificates, forms and devices.
-12-
<PAGE>
6.3 MSDW TRUST shall prepare and keep records relating to the
services to be performed hereunder, in the form and manner as it may deem
advisable and as required by applicable laws and regulations. To the extent
required by Section 31 of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations
thereunder, MSDW TRUST agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by
MSDW TRUST relating to the services performed by MSDW TRUST hereunder are the
property of the Fund and will be preserved, maintained and made available in
accordance with such Section 31 of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations
thereunder, and will be surrendered promptly to the Fund on and in accordance
with its request.
6.4 MSDW TRUST and the Fund agree that all books, records,
information and data pertaining to the business of the other party which are
exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this
Agreement shall remain confidential and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to
any other person except as may be required by law or with the prior consent of
MSDW TRUST and the Fund.
6.5 In case of any request or demands for the inspection of
the Shareholder records of the Fund, MSDW TRUST will endeavor to notify the Fund
and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Fund as to such
inspection. MSDW TRUST reserves the right, however, to exhibit the Shareholder
records to any person whenever it is advised by its counsel that it may be held
liable for the failure to exhibit the Shareholder records to such person.
Article 7 DURATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
7.1 This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect
until August 1,
-13-
<PAGE>
2000 and from year-to-year thereafter unless terminated by either party as
provided in Section 7.2 hereof.
7.2 This Agreement may be terminated by the Fund on 60 days
written notice, and by MSDW TRUST on 90 days written notice, to the other party
without payment of any penalty.
7.3 Should the Fund exercise its right to terminate, all
out-of-pocket expenses associated with the movement of records and other
materials will be borne by the Fund. Additionally, MSDW TRUST reserves the
right to charge for any other reasonable fees and expenses associated with such
termination.
Article 8 ASSIGNMENT
8.1 Except as provided in Section 8.3 below, neither this
Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either
party without the written consent of the other party.
8.2 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
8.3 MSDW TRUST may, in its sole discretion and without
further consent by the Fund, subcontract, in whole or in part, for the
performance of its obligations and duties hereunder with any person or entity
including but not limited to companies which are affiliated with MSDW TRUST;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such person or entity has and maintains the
qualifications, if any, required to perform such obligations and duties, and
that MSDW TRUST
-14-
<PAGE>
shall be as fully responsible to the Fund for the acts and omissions of any
agent or subcontractor as it is for its own acts or omissions under this
Agreement.
Article 9 AFFILIATIONS
9.1 MSDW TRUST may now or hereafter, without the consent of
or notice to the Fund, function as transfer agent and/or shareholder servicing
agent for any other investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940
Act and for any other issuer, including without limitation any investment
company whose adviser, administrator, sponsor or principal underwriter is or may
become affiliated with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. or any of its direct or
indirect subsidiaries or affiliates.
9.2 It is understood and agreed that the Directors or
Trustees (as the case may be), officers, employees, agents and shareholders of
the Fund, and the directors, officers, employees, agents and shareholders of the
Fund's investment adviser and/or distributor, are or may be interested in MSDW
TRUST as directors, officers, employees, agents and shareholders or otherwise,
and that the directors, officers, employees, agents and shareholders of MSDW
TRUST may be interested in the Fund as Directors or Trustees (as the case may
be), officers, employees, agents and shareholders or otherwise, or in the
investment adviser and/or distributor as directors, officers, employees, agents,
shareholders or otherwise.
Article 10 AMENDMENT
10.1 This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written
agreement executed by both parties and authorized or approved by a resolution of
the Board of Directors or the Board of Trustees (as the case may be) of the
Fund.
-15-
<PAGE>
Article 11 APPLICABLE LAW
11.1 This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions
thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York.
Article 12 MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 In the event that one or more additional investment
companies managed or administered by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. or
any of its affiliates ("Additional Funds") desires to retain MSDW TRUST to act
as transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and/or shareholder servicing agent,
and MSDW TRUST desires to render such services, such services shall be provided
pursuant to a letter agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto,
between MSDW TRUST and each Additional Fund.
12.2 In the event of an alleged loss or destruction of any
Share certificate, no new certificate shall be issued in lieu thereof, unless
there shall first be furnished to MSDW TRUST an affidavit of loss or non-receipt
by the holder of Shares with respect to which a certificate has been lost or
destroyed, supported by an appropriate bond satisfactory to MSDW TRUST and the
Fund issued by a surety company satisfactory to MSDW TRUST, except that MSDW
TRUST may accept an affidavit of loss and indemnity agreement executed by the
registered holder (or legal representative) without surety in such form as MSDW
TRUST deems appropriate indemnifying MSDW TRUST and the Fund for the issuance of
a replacement certificate, in cases where the alleged loss is in the amount of
$1,000 or less.
12.3 In the event that any check or other order for payment of
money on the
-16-
<PAGE>
account of any Shareholder or new investor is returned unpaid for any reason,
MSDW TRUST will (a) give prompt notification to the Fund's distributor
("Distributor") (or to the Fund if the Fund acts as its own distributor) of such
non-payment; and (b) take such other action, including imposition of a
reasonable processing or handling fee, as MSDW TRUST may, in its sole
discretion, deem appropriate or as the Fund and, if applicable, the Distributor
may instruct MSDW TRUST.
12.4 Any notice or other instrument authorized or required by this
Agreement to be given in writing to the Fund or to MSDW TRUST shall be
sufficiently given if addressed to that party and received by it at its office
set forth below or at such other place as it may from time to time designate in
writing.
To the Fund:
[Name of Fund]
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Attention: General Counsel
To MSDW TRUST:
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
Attention: President
Article 13 MERGER OF AGREEMENT
13.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the
subject matter hereof whether oral or written.
-17-
<PAGE>
Article 14 PERSONAL LIABILITY
14.1 In the case of a Fund organized as a Massachusetts
business trust, a copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund is on file with
the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given
that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Fund
as Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of this instrument are
not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders individually but are
binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund; provided, however, that
the Declaration of Trust of the Fund provides that the assets of a particular
Series of the Fund shall under no circumstances be charged with liabilities
attributable to any other Series of the Fund and that all persons extending
credit to, or contracting with or having any claim against, a particular Series
of the Fund shall look only to the assets of that particular Series for payment
of such credit, contract or claim.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amended and
Restated Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and
through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above
written.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
1. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
2. Active Assets Money Trust
3. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
4. Active Assets Government Securities Trust
5. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
6. Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
7. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
8. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
9. Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
-18-
<PAGE>
EQUITY FUNDS
10. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
11. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
12. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
13. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
14. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
15. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
16. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
17. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
18. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
19. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
20. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
21. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
22. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
23. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
24. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
25. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
26. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
27. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
28. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
29. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
30. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
31. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
32. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
33. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
34. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund
35. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
36. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
37. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
38. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
BALANCED FUNDS
39. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
40. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Trust
ASSET ALLOCATION FUNDS
41. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
42. Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation Fund
-19-
<PAGE>
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
43. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
44. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Securities
45. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
46. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
47. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
48. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
49. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
50. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
51. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
52. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
53. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
54. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust
55. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
56. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
57. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
58. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
59. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
60. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
61. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS
62. Dean Witter Retirement Series
63. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
64. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
TCW/DW FUNDS
65. TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
66. TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
67. TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund
68. TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
69. TCW/DW Total Return Trust
-20-
<PAGE>
70. TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
71. TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
72. TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust
By:
-----------------------------------
Barry Fink
Vice President and General Counsel
ATTEST:
- -----------------------------------
Assistant Secretary
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
By:
-----------------------------------
John Van Heuvelen
President
ATTEST:
- -----------------------------------
Executive Vice President
-21-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, NJ 07311
Gentlemen:
The undersigned, (inset name of investment company) a (Massachusetts
business trust/Maryland corporation) (the "Fund"), desires to employ and appoint
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW TRUST") to act as transfer agent for
each series and class of shares of the Fund, whether now or hereafter authorized
or issued ("Shares"), dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent,
registrar and agent in connection with any accumulation, open-account or similar
plan provided to the holders of Shares, including without limitation any
periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal plan.
The Fund hereby agrees that, in consideration for the payment by the
Fund to MSDW TRUST of fees as set out in the fee schedule attached hereto as
Schedule A, MSDW TRUST shall provide such services to the Fund pursuant to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
annexed hereto, as if the Fund was a signatory thereto.
-22-
<PAGE>
Please indicate MSDW TRUST's acceptance of employment and appointment
by the Fund in the capacities set forth above by so indicating in the space
provided below.
Very truly yours,
(Name of fund)
By:
------------------------------------
Barry Fink
Vice President and General Counsel
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
By:
-----------------------
Its:
----------------------
Date:
---------------------
-23-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
Fund: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
Fees: (1) Annual maintenance fee of $12.65 per shareholder account, payable
monthly.
(2) A fee equal to 1/12 of the fee set forth in (1) above, for
providing Forms 1099 for accounts closed during the year, payable
following the end of the calendar year.
(3) Out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with Section 2.2 of the
Agreement.
(4) Fees for additional services not set forth in this Agreement
shall be as negotiated between the parties.
-24-
<PAGE>
SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 17th day of April, 1995, and amended as of June 22,
1998, by and between Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., a Delaware
corporation (herein referred to as "MSDW Advisors"), and Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Services Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (herein referred to as
"MSDW Services").
WHEREAS, MSDW Advisors has entered into separate agreements (each such
agreement being herein referred to as an "Investment Management Agreement") with
certain investment companies as set forth on Schedule A (each such investment
company being herein referred to as a "Fund" and, collectively, as the "Funds")
pursuant to which MSDW Advisors is to perform, or supervise the performance of,
among other services, administrative services for the Funds (and, in the case of
Funds with multiple portfolios, the Series or Portfolios of the Funds (such
Series and Portfolio being herein individually referred to as "a Series" and,
collectively, as "the Series"));
WHEREAS, MSDW Advisors desires to retain MSDW Services to perform the
administrative services as described below; and
WHEREAS, MSDW Services desires to be retained by MSDW Advisors to perform
such administrative services:
Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of
the parties hereto as herein set forth, the parties covenant and agree as
follows:
1. MSDW Services agrees to provide administrative services to each Fund as
hereinafter set forth. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, MSDW
Services shall (i) administer the Fund's business affairs and supervise the
overall day-to-day operations of the Fund (other than rendering investment
advice); (ii) provide the Fund with full administrative services, including the
maintenance of certain books and records, such as journals, ledger accounts and
other records required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), the notification to the Fund and MSDW Advisors of available funds for
investment, the reconciliation of account information and balances among the
Fund's custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent and MSDW
Advisors, and the calculation of the net asset value of the Fund's shares; (iii)
provide the Fund with the services of persons competent to perform such
supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide
effective operation of the Fund; (iv) oversee the performance of administrative
and professional services rendered to the Fund by others, including its
custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, as well as accounting,
auditing and other services; (v) provide the Fund with adequate general office
space and facilities; (vi) assist in the preparation and the printing of the
periodic updating of the Fund's registration statement and prospectus (and, in
the case of an open-end Fund, the statement of additional information), tax
returns, proxy statements, and reports to its shareholders and the Securities
and Exchange Commission; and (vii) monitor the compliance of the Fund's
investment policies and restrictions.
In the event that MSDW Advisors enters into an Investment Management
Agreement with another investment company, and wishes to retain MSDW Services to
perform administrative services hereunder, it shall notify MSDW Services in
writing. If MSDW Services is willing to render such services, it shall notify
MSDW Advisors in writing, whereupon such other Fund shall become a Fund as
defined herein.
2. MSDW Services shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and employ
or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall from
time to time determine to be necessary or useful to the performance of its
obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of MSDW Services shall be deemed to include
officers of MSDW Services and persons employed or otherwise retained by MSDW
Services (including officers and employees of MSDW Advisors, with the consent of
MSDW Advisors) to furnish services, statistical and other factual data,
information with respect to technical and scientific developments, and such
other information, advice and assistance as MSDW Services may desire. MSDW
Services shall maintain each Fund's records and books of account
1
<PAGE>
(other than those maintained by the Fund's transfer agent, registrar, custodian
and other agencies). All such books and records so maintained shall be the
property of the Fund and, upon request therefor, MSDW Services shall surrender
to MSDW Advisors or to the Fund such of the books and records so requested.
3. MSDW Advisors will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make
available to MSDW Services such financial reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund as MSDW Services
may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations to the
Fund under this Agreement or to comply with any applicable law and regulation or
request of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund.
4. For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the
expenses assumed by MSDW Services, MSDW Advisors shall pay to MSDW Services
monthly compensation calculated daily (in the case of an open-end Fund) or
weekly (in the case of a closed-end Fund) by applying the annual rate or rates
set forth on Schedule B to the net assets of each Fund. Except as hereinafter
set forth, (i) in the case of an open-end Fund, compensation under this
Agreement shall be calculated by applying 1/365th of the annual rate or rates to
the Fund's or the Series' daily net assets determined as of the close of
business on that day or the last previous business day and (ii) in the case of a
closed-end Fund, compensation under this Agreement shall be calculated by
applying the annual rate or rates to the Fund's average weekly net assets
determined as of the close of the last business day of each week. If this
Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month or shall
terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for that part of the
month this Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with
the calculation of the fees as set forth on Schedule B. Subject to the
provisions of paragraph 5 hereof, payment of MSDW Services' compensation for the
preceding month shall be made as promptly as possible after completion of the
computations contemplated by paragraph 5 hereof.
5. In the event the operating expenses of any open-end Fund and/or any
Series thereof, or of InterCapital Income Securities Inc., including amounts
payable to MSDW Advisors pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, for
any fiscal year ending on a date on which this Agreement is in effect, exceed
the expense limitations applicable to the Fund and/or any Series thereof imposed
by state securities laws or regulations thereunder, as such limitations may be
raised or lowered from time to time, or, in the case of InterCapital Income
Securities Inc. or Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series or any
Series thereof, the expense limitation specified in the Fund's Investment
Management Agreement, the fee payable hereunder shall be reduced on a pro rata
basis in the same proportion as the fee payable by the Fund under the Investment
Management Agreement is reduced.
6. MSDW Services shall bear the cost of rendering the administrative
services to be performed by it under this Agreement, and shall, at its own
expense, pay the compensation of the officers and employees, if any, of the Fund
employed by MSDW Services, and such clerical help and bookkeeping services as
MSDW Services shall reasonably require in performing its duties hereunder.
7. MSDW Services will use its best efforts in the performance of
administrative activitives on behalf of each Fund, but in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations hereunder, MSDW Services shall not be liable to the Fund or any of
its investors for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission by MSDW Services or for any losses sustained by the Fund or its
investors. It is understood that, subject to the terms and conditions of the
Investment Management Agreement between each Fund and MSDW Advisors, MSDW
Advisors shall retain ultimate responsibility for all services to be performed
hereunder by MSDW Services. MSDW Services shall indemnify MSDW Advisors and hold
it harmless from any liability that MSDW Advisors may incur arising out of any
act or failure to act by MSDW Services in carrying out its responsibilities
hereunder.
8. It is understood that any of the shareholders, Directors/Trustees,
officers and employees of the Fund may be a shareholder, director, officer or
employee of, or be otherwise interested in, MSDW Services, and in any person
controlling, controlled by or under common control with MSDW Services, and that
MSDW Services and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control
with MSDW
2
<PAGE>
Services may have an interest in the Fund. It is also understood that MSDW
Services and any affiliated persons thereof or any persons controlling,
controlled by or under common control with MSDW Services have and may have
advisory, management, administration service or other contracts with other
organizations and persons, and may have other interests and businesses, and
further may purchase, sell or trade any securities or commodities for their own
accounts or for the account of others for whom they may be acting.
9. This Agreement shall continue until April 30, 1999, and thereafter shall
continue automatically for successive periods of one year unless terminated by
either party by written notice delivered to the other party within 30 days of
the expiration of the then-existing period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Agreement may be terminated at any time, by either party on 30 days' written
notice delivered to the other party. In the event that the Investment Management
Agreement between any Fund and MSDW Advisors is terminated, this Agreement will
automatically terminate with respect to such Fund.
10. This Agreement may be amended or modified by the parties in any manner
by written agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.
11. This Agreement may be assigned by either party with the written consent
of the other party.
12. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on June 22, 1998 in New York, New York.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS INC.
By: -----------------------------------------
Attest:
- ---------------------------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER SERVICES COMPANY
INC.
By: -----------------------------------------
Attest:
- ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
AS AMENDED AS OF DECEMBER 2, 1998
OPEN-END FUNDS
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1. Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
2. Active Assets Government Securities Trust
3. Active Assets Money Trust
4. Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
5. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
6. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
7. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
8. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
9. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
10. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
11. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
12. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
13. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS" Portfolio
14. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
15. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
16. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
17. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
18. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
19. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
20. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
21. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
22. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(i) Domestic Portfolio
(ii) International Portfolio
23. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
24. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
25. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
26. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
27. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
28. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
29. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
30. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
31. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
32. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
33. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
34. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
35. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
36. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
37. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
38. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
39. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
40. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
41. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
42. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
43. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
</TABLE>
A-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
44. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
45. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
46. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
47. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
48. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
(i) American Value Portfolio
(ii) Balanced Growth Portfolio
(iii) Developing Growth Portfolio
(iv) Diversified Income Portfolio
(v) Dividend Growth Portfolio
(vi) Emerging Markets Portfolio
(vii) Global Equity Portfolio
(viii) Growth Portfolio
(ix) Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio
(x) Money Market Portfolio
(xi) North American Government Securities Portfolio
(xii) Utilities Portfolio
(xiii) Value-Added Market Portfolio
49. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
50. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
51. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
52. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
53. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
54. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
55. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
56. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
57. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
58. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
59. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
60. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
61. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
62. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
63. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(i) Capital Appreciation Portfolio
(ii) Capital Growth Portfolio
(iii) Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" Portfolio
(iv) Dividend Growth Portfolio
(v) Equity Portfolio
(vi) European Growth Portfolio
(vii) Global Dividend Growth Portfolio
(viii) High Yield Portfolio
(ix) Income Builder Portfolio
(x) Money Market Portfolio
(xi) Quality Income Plus Portfolio
(xii) Pacific Growth Portfolio
(xiii) S&P 500 Index Portfolio
(xiv) Strategist Portfolio
(xv) Utilities Portfolio
64. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
65. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLOSED-END FUNDS
<C> <S>
66. High Income Advantage Trust
67. High Income Advantage Trust II
68. High Income Advantage Trust III
69. InterCapital Income Securities Inc.
70. Dean Witter Government Income Trust
71. InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust
72. InterCapital Insured Municipal Trust
73. InterCapital Insured Municipal Income Trust
74. InterCapital California Insured Municipal Income Trust
75. InterCapital Insured Municipal Securities
76. InterCapital Insured California Municipal Securities
77. InterCapital Quality Municipal Investment Trust
78. InterCapital Quality Municipal Income Trust
79. InterCapital Quality Municipal Securities
80. InterCapital California Quality Municipal Securities
81. InterCapital New York Quality Municipal Securities
</TABLE>
A-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER SERVICES COMPANY INC.
SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
AS AMENDED AS OF DECEMBER 2, 1998
Monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual rates
to a fund's daily net assets:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.050% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.25 billion; and
0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.25
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $750
million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of the portion
of the daily net assets of the exceeding $1 billion but not
exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2 billion;
0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2
billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.0425% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.050% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.045% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $7.5 billion;
0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $7.5
billion but not exceeding $10 billion; 0.0375% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding
$12.5 billion; and 0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $12.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc. 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc. 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.0325%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but
not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of daily net
assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.040% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (10 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Series)
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series-- 0.039% of the daily net assets.
North American Government Securities Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund 0.070% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.25 billion;
.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.25
billion.
</TABLE>
B-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.045% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2 billion; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.040% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0375% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $7.5 billion;
0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $7.5
billion but not exceeding $10 billion; 0.0325% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding
$12.5 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $12.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series--High Yield 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Portfolio million; and 0.0425% of the daily net assets exceeding $500
million.
Quality Income Plus Portfolio 0.050% of the portion of the daily the net assets up to $500
million; and 0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeds $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets up to $250 million;
0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $250
million but not exceeding $500 million; 0.050% of the portion of
the daily net assets of the exceeding $500 million but not
exceeding $750 million; 0.040% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
EQUITY FUNDS
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $250
million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$250 million but not exceeding $2.25 billion; 0.0475% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.25 billion but not
exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.0450% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $3.5 billion but not exceeding $4.5 billion; and
0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $4.5
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.055% of the portion exceeding $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; and
0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS" 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1.5
Portfolio billion; and 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc. 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $250
million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$250 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $2
billion; 0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; 0.0425% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion but not exceeding $4
billion; 0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$4 billion but not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0375% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $6
billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$6 billion but not exceeding $8 billion; 0.0325% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $8 billion but not exceeding
$10 billion; 0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding $15 billion; and 0.0275%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $15 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.051% of the daily net assets.
Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc. 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $2 billion; and 0.051% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds-
Domestic Portfolio None
International Portfolio None
</TABLE>
B-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.070% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2.5 billion; 0.0675% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2.5 billion but not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.0650% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3.5 billion but
not exceeding $4.5 billion; and 0.0625% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $4.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund 0.048% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $750
million; 0.045% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $750
million but not exceeding $1.5 billion; and 0.042% of the portion
of daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust 0.10% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.095% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding
$500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund 0.075% of the portion of the net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0725% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding
$500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund 0.069% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.057% of the daily net assets.
Japan Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund 0.0625% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075 of the daily net assets.
Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Mid-Cap Growth Fund million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $250
Securities Inc. million and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $250 million.
</TABLE>
B-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc. 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $2 billion; and 0.051% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and 0.080% of the daily net assets.
Minerals Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series--
American Value Portfolio 0.0625% of the daily net assets.
Balanced Growth Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Developing Growth Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Diversified Income Portfolio 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Emerging Markets Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Global Equity Portfolio 0.10% of the daily net assets.
Growth Portfolio 0.048% of the daily net assets.
Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets
Utilities Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Value-Added Market Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding
$1.5 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.0 billion; and 0.045%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.0 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.040% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Index Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Select Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0525% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding
$1.5 billion; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.0475% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.045% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $3.5 but not exceeding $5 billion; and
0.0425% of the daily net assets exceeding $5 billion.
</TABLE>
B-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.45% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0425% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion but not exceeding
$2.0 billion; and 0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series--
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Capital Growth Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion but
not exceeding $2.0 billion; and 0.045% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Equity Portfolio 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; and 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1 billion.
European Growth Portfolio 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Income Builder Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Pacific Growth Portfolio 0.057% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Index Portfolio 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Strategist Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Utilities Portfolio 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million and 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Active Assets Trusts: 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
(1) Active Assets Money Trust million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
(2) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
(3) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
(4) Active Assets Government Securities Trust exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
</TABLE>
B-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Income Trust million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc. 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.35 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.35
billion but not exceeding $1.75 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $1.75 billion but not exceeding
$2.15 billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2.15 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.025% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $15 billion; 0.0249% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $15 billion but not exceeding $17.5 billion;
and 0.0248% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$17.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
New York Municipal Money million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
Market Trust $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series--
Money Market Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
</TABLE>
B-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series-- Money 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Market Portfolio
</TABLE>
Monthly compensation calculated weekly by applying the following annual
rates to a fund's weekly net assets:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CLOSED-END FUNDS
Dean Witter Government Income Trust 0.060% of the average weekly net assets.
High Income Advantage Trust 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750
million; 0.040% of the portion of average weekly net assets
exceeding $750 million and not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.030% of the portion of average weekly net assets exceeding
$1 billion.
</TABLE>
B-9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CLOSED-END FUNDS
High Income Advantage Trust II 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750
million; 0.040% of the portion of average weekly net assets
exceeding $750 million and not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.030% of the portion of average weekly net assets exceeding
$1 billion.
High Income Advantage Trust III 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750
million; 0.040% of the portion of the average weekly net
assets exceeding $750 million and not exceeding $1 billion;
and 0.030% of the portion of average weekly net assets
exceeding $1 billion.
InterCapital Income Securities Inc. 0.050% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured Municipal Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured Municipal Income Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital California Insured Municipal Income Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Quality Municipal Investment Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital New York Quality Municipal Securities 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Quality Municipal Income Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Quality Municipal Securities 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital California Quality Municipal Securities 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured Municipal Securities 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured California Municipal Securities 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
</TABLE>
B-10
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated
February 5, 1999, relating to the financial statements and financial
highlights of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund, formerly Dean Witter
Utilities Fund, which appears in such Statement of Additional Information,
and to the incorporation by reference of our report into the Prospectus which
constitutes part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the
references to us under the headings "Custodian and Independent Accountants"
and "Experts" in such Statement of Additional Information and to the
reference to us under the heading "Financial Highlights" in such Prospectus.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- --------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
February 22, 1999
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN
PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3
INTRODUCTION
This plan (the "Plan") is adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3(d) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), effective as of
July 28, 1997, and amended as of June 22, 1998. The Plan relates to shares of
the open-end investment companies to which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors
Inc. acts as investment manager, that are listed on Schedule A, as may be
amended from time to time (each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). The
Funds are distributed pursuant to a system (the "Multiple Class System") in
which each class of shares (each, a "Class" and collectively, the "Classes") of
a Fund represents a pro rata interest in the same portfolio of investments of
the Fund and differs only to the extent outlined below.
I. DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
One or more Classes of shares of the Funds are offered for purchase by
investors with the sales load structures described below. In addition, pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Funds have each adopted a Plan of
Distribution (the "12b-1 Plan") under which shares of certain Classes are
subject to the service and/or distribution fees ("12b-1 fees") described below.
1. CLASS A SHARES
Class A shares are offered with a front-end sales load ("FESL"). The
schedule of sales charges applicable to a Fund and the circumstances under which
the sales charges are subject to reduction are set forth in each Fund's current
prospectus. As stated in each Fund's current prospectus, Class A shares may be
purchased at net asset value (without a FESL): (i) in the case of certain large
purchases of such shares; and (ii) by certain limited categories of investors,
in each case, under the circumstances and conditions set forth in each Fund's
current prospectus. Class A shares purchased at net asset value may be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") on redemptions made within one
year of purchase. Further information relating to the CDSC, including the manner
in which it is calculated, is set forth in paragraph 6 below. Class A shares are
also subject to payments under each Fund's 12b-1 Plan to reimburse Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), its
affiliates and other broker-dealers for distribution expenses incurred by them
specifically on behalf of the Class, assessed at an annual rate of up to 0.25%
of average daily net assets. The entire amount of the 12b-1 fee represents a
service fee within the meaning of National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. ("NASD") guidelines.
2. CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares are offered without a FESL, but will in most cases be subject
to a six-year declining CDSC which is calculated in the manner set forth in
paragraph 6 below. Class B shares purchased by certain qualified
employer-sponsored benefit plans are subject to a three-year declining CDSC
which is calculated in the manner set forth in paragraph 6 below. The schedule
of CDSC charges applicable to each Fund is set forth in each Fund's current
prospectus. With the exception of certain of the Funds which have a different
formula described below (Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund, Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Strategist Fund and Morgan
1
<PAGE>
Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.)(1), Class B shares are also
subject to a fee under each Fund's respective 12b-1 Plan, assessed at the annual
rate of up to 1.0% of either: (a) the lesser of (i) the average daily aggregate
gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not
including reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions), less the
average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares redeemed
since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or waived, or (ii)
the average daily net assets of Class B; or (b) the average daily net assets of
Class B. A portion of the 12b-1 fee equal to up to 0.25% of the Fund's average
daily net assets is characterized as a service fee within the meaning of the
NASD guidelines and the remaining portion of the 12b-1 fee, if any, is
characterized as an asset-based sales charge. Also, Class B shares have a
conversion feature ("Conversion Feature") under which such shares convert to
Class A shares after a certain holding period. Details of the Conversion Feature
are set forth in Section IV below.
3. CLASS C SHARES
Class C shares are offered without imposition of a FESL, but will in most
cases be subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within one year after
purchase. Further information relating to the CDSC is set forth in paragraph 6
below. In addition, Class C shares, under each Fund's 12b-1 Plan, are subject to
12b-1 payments to reimburse Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., DWR,
its affiliates and other broker-dealers for distribution expenses incurred by
them specifically on behalf of the Class, assessed at the annual rate of up to
1.0% of the average daily net assets of the Class. A portion of the 12b-1 fee
equal to up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets is characterized as
a service fee within the meaning of NASD guidelines. Unlike Class B shares,
Class C shares do not have the Conversion Feature.
4. CLASS D SHARES
Class D shares are offered without imposition of a FESL, CDSC or a 12b-1 fee
for purchases of Fund shares by (i) investors meeting an initial minimum
investment requirement and (ii) certain other limited categories of investors,
in each case, as may be approved by the Boards of Directors/Trustees of the
Funds and as disclosed in each Fund's current prospectus.
5. ADDITIONAL CLASSES OF SHARES
The Boards of Directors/Trustees of the Funds have the authority to create
additional Classes, or change existing Classes, from time to time, in accordance
with Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act.
- ------------
(1)The payments under the 12b-1 Plan for each of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
American Value Fund, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development
Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
are assessed at the annual rate of 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily
aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the
Fund's Plan (not including reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's
Class B shares redeemed since the Plan's inception upon which a contingent
deferred sales charge has been imposed or waived, or (b) the average daily net
assets of Class B attributable to shares issued, net of related shares redeemed,
since inception of the Plan. The payments under the 12b-1 Plan for the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund are assessed at the annual rate of: (i) 1%
of the lesser of (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class
B shares since the effectiveness of the first amendment of the Plan on November
8, 1989 (not including reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's
Class B shares redeemed since the effectiveness of the first amended Plan, upon
which a contingent deferred sales charge has been imposed or waived, or (b) the
average daily net assets of Class B attributable to shares issued, net of
related shares redeemed, since the effectiveness of the first amended Plan; plus
(ii) 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class B attributable to shares
issued, net of related shares redeemed, prior to effectiveness of the first
amended Plan.
2
<PAGE>
6. CALCULATION OF THE CDSC
Any applicable CDSC is calculated based upon the lesser of net asset value
of the shares at the time of purchase or at the time of redemption. The CDSC
does not apply to amounts representing an increase in share value due to capital
appreciation and shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions. The CDSC schedule applicable to a Fund and the
circumstances in which the CDSC is subject to waiver are set forth in each
Fund's prospectus.
II. EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS
Expenses incurred by a Fund are allocated among the various Classes of
shares pro rata based on the net assets of the Fund attributable to each Class,
except that 12b-1 fees relating to a particular Class are allocated directly to
that Class. In addition, other expenses associated with a particular Class
(except advisory or custodial fees), may be allocated directly to that Class,
provided that such expenses are reasonably identified as specifically
attributable to that Class and the direct allocation to that Class is approved
by the Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees.
III. CLASS DESIGNATION
All shares of the Funds held prior to July 28, 1997 (other than the shares
held by certain employee benefit plans established by DWR and its affiliate, SPS
Transaction Services, Inc., shares of Funds offered with a FESL, and shares of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund) have been designated Class B shares. Shares held prior to
July 28, 1997 by such employee benefit plans have been designated Class D
shares. Shares held prior to July 28, 1997 of Funds offered with a FESL have
been designated Class D shares. In addition, shares of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter American Value Fund purchased prior to April 30, 1984, shares of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund purchased prior to November 8, 1989 and
shares of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities
Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc. purchased
prior to July 2, 1984 (with respect to such shares of each Fund, including such
proportion of shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and capital
gains distributions as the total number of shares acquired prior to each of the
preceding dates in this sentence bears to the total number of shares purchased
and owned by the shareholder of that Fund) have been designated Class D shares.
Shares of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund and Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund held prior to July 28, 1997 have been
designated Class C shares except that shares of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Balanced Growth Fund and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund held
prior to July 28, 1997 that were acquired in exchange for shares of an
investment company offered with a CDSC have been designated Class B shares and
those that were acquired in exchange for shares of an investment company offered
with a FESL have been designated Class A shares.
IV. THE CONVERSION FEATURE
Class B shares held before May 1, 1997 will convert to Class A shares in
May, 2007, except that Class B shares which were purchased before July 28, 1997
by trusts for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW Trust") provides
discretionary trustee services converted to Class A shares on August 29, 1997
(the CDSC was not applicable to such shares upon the conversion). In all other
instances, Class B shares of each Fund will automatically convert to Class A
shares, based on the relative net asset values of the shares of the two Classes
on the conversion date, which will be approximately ten (10) years after the
date of the original purchase. Conversions will be effected once a month. The 10
year period will be calculated from the last day of the month in which the
shares were purchased or, in the case of Class B shares acquired through an
exchange or a series of exchanges, from the last day of the month in which the
original Class B shares were purchased, provided that shares originally
purchased before May 1, 1997 will convert to Class A shares in May, 2007. Except
as set forth below, the conversion of shares purchased on or after May 1, 1997
will take place in the month following the tenth anniversary of the purchase.
There will also be converted at that time such proportion of Class B shares
acquired through automatic reinvestment of dividends owned by the shareholder as
the total number of his or her Class B shares converting at the time bears to
the total number of outstanding Class B shares purchased and owned by the
shareholder. In the case of Class B shares held by a 401(k) plan or other plan
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") and
3
<PAGE>
for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or DWR's Retirement Plan Services serves
as recordkeeper pursuant to a written Recordkeeping Services Agreement, all
Class B shares will convert to Class A shares on the conversion date of the
first shares of a Fund purchased by that plan. In the case of Class B shares
previously exchanged for shares of an "Exchange Fund" (as such term is defined
in the prospectus of each Fund), the period of time the shares were held in the
Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day of the month in which the Exchange
Fund shares were acquired) is excluded from the holding period for conversion.
If those shares are subsequently re-exchanged for Class B shares of a Fund, the
holding period resumes on the last day of the month in which Class B shares are
reacquired.
Effectiveness of the Conversion Feature is subject to the continuing
availability of a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of
counsel to the effect that (i) the conversion of shares does not constitute a
taxable event under the Code; (ii) Class A shares received on conversion will
have a basis equal to the shareholder's basis in the converted Class B shares
immediately prior to the conversion; and (iii) Class A shares received on
conversion will have a holding period that includes the holding period of the
converted Class B shares. The Conversion Feature may be suspended if the Ruling
or opinion is no longer available. In such event, Class B shares would continue
to be subject to Class B fees under the applicable Fund's 12b-1 Plan.
V. EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
Shares of each Class may be exchanged for shares of the same Class of the
other Funds and for shares of certain other investment companies without the
imposition of an exchange fee as described in the prospectuses and statements of
additional information of the Funds. The exchange privilege of each Fund may be
terminated or revised at any time by the Fund upon such notice as may be
required by applicable regulatory agencies as described in each Fund's
prospectus.
VI. VOTING
Each Class shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter that relates
solely to its 12b-1 Plan, except that Class B shareholders will have the right
to vote on any proposed material increase in Class A's expenses, including
payments under the Class A 12b-1 Plan, if such proposal is submitted separately
to Class A shareholders. If the amount of expenses, including payments under the
Class A 12b-1 Plan, is increased materially without the approval of Class B
shareholders, the Fund will establish a new Class A for Class B shareholders
whose shares automatically convert on the same terms as applied to Class A
before the increase. In addition, each Class shall have separate voting rights
on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one Class
differ from the interests of any other Class.
4
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3
SCHEDULE A
AT DECEMBER 2, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund
9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
</TABLE>
5
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 011
<NAME> MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND - CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,547,374,414
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 2,789,718,418
<RECEIVABLES> 13,619,618
<ASSETS-OTHER> 166,864
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,803,504,900
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,537,603,914
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 538,780
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 210,576
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,584,446
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 11,876,312
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,242,344,004
<NET-ASSETS> 10,357,110
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 76,740,673
<INTEREST-INCOME> 21,299,339
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (41,444,482)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 56,595,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 132,906,441
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 323,997,946
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 513,499,917
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (195,162)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (481,447)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 471,524
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (176,648)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 33,328
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 341,045,924
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 2,160,653
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 19,854,215
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 13,749,432
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (41,444,482)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 5,844,994
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.01
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.54
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.24
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.55)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.00
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 19.22
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.90
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 012
<NAME> MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND - CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,547,374,414
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 2,789,718,418
<RECEIVABLES> 13,619,618
<ASSETS-OTHER> 166,864
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,803,504,900
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,537,603,914
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 142,843,802
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 142,638,009
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,584,446
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 11,876,312
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,242,344,004
<NET-ASSETS> 2,751,599,532
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 76,740,673
<INTEREST-INCOME> 21,299,339
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (41,444,482)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 56,595,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 132,906,441
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 323,997,946
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 513,499,917
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (56,213,582)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (139,042,766)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 19,178,545
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (27,729,620)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 8,756,868
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 341,045,924
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 2,160,653
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 19,854,215
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 13,749,432
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (41,444,482)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 2,498,836,865
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.04
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.40
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.25
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.41)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.00
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 19.26
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.65
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 013
<NAME> MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILTIES FUND - CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,547,374,414
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 2,789,718,418
<RECEIVABLES> 13,619,618
<ASSETS-OTHER> 166,864
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,803,504,900
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,537,603,914
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 339,079
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 82,379
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,584,446
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 11,876,312
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,242,344,004
<NET-ASSETS> 6,532,279
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 76,740,673
<INTEREST-INCOME> 21,299,339
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (41,444,482)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 56,595,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 132,906,441
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 323,997,946
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 513,499,917
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (82,276)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (285,747)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 315,427
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (76,154)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 17,427
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 341,045,924
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 2,160,653
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 19,854,215
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 13,749,432
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (41,444,482)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 3,309,166
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.06
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.40
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.25
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.43)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.00
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 19.26
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.65
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 014
<NAME> MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UTILITIES FUND - CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,547,374,414
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 2,789,718,418
<RECEIVABLES> 13,619,618
<ASSETS-OTHER> 166,864
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,803,504,900
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 10,096,224
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,537,603,914
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,297,501
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 1,006,969
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,584,446
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 11,876,312
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,242,344,004
<NET-ASSETS> 24,919,755
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 76,740,673
<INTEREST-INCOME> 21,299,339
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (41,444,482)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 56,595,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 132,906,441
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 323,997,946
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 513,499,917
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (680,717)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,268,629)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 442,423
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (499,814)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 103,737
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 341,045,924
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 2,160,653
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 19,854,215
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 13,749,432
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (41,444,482)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 19,643,656
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 16.99
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.58
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 3.25
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.59)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.02)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.00
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 19.21
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.65
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
