<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 1998
Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
We are pleased to present the annual report on the operations of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust (IMB) for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1998.
On December 21, 1998, after the close of the period under review, the Trust
changed its name from InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust to Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust. Information on the name
change was mailed to shareholders in mid-December under separate cover.
Since our last report six months ago, global financial turmoil, including the
Russian currency crisis, has continued to affect the securities markets. This
led to a flight-to-quality rally for U.S. Treasury bonds, with yields falling
to 30-year lows. Municipal bond yields declined but lagged the downward trend
of Treasury yields.
The deflationary impact of the international financial crisis began to temper
U.S. economic growth prior to the summer's tumultuous market activity. Lower
commodity prices, cheaper imports and improved
[THE NARRATIVE AND/OR TABULAR INFORMATION BELOW IS A FAIR AND ACCURATE
DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC OR IMAGE MATERIAL OMITTED FOR THE
PURPOSE OF EDGAR FILING.]
[THE NARRATIVE AND/OR TABULAR INFORMATION BELOW IS A FAIR AND
ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC OR IMAGE MATERIAL OMITTED FOR
THE PURPOSE OF EDGAR FILING.]
Date AAA Ins Tsy % Relationship
- ---- ------- --- --------------
12/31/93 5.40% 6.34% 85.17%
01/31/94 5.40% 6.24% 86.54%
02/28/94 5.80% 6.66% 87.09%
03/31/94 6.40% 7.09% 90.27%
04/29/94 6.35% 7.32% 86.75%
05/31/94 6.25% 7.43% 84.12%
06/30/94 6.50% 7.61% 85.41%
07/29/94 6.25% 7.39% 84.57%
08/31/94 6.30% 7.45% 84.56%
09/30/94 6.55% 7.81% 83.87%
10/31/94 6.75% 7.96% 84.80%
11/30/94 7.00% 8.00% 87.50%
12/30/94 6.75% 7.88% 85.66%
01/31/95 6.40% 7.70% 83.12%
02/28/95 6.15% 7.44% 82.66%
03/31/95 6.15% 7.43% 82.77%
04/28/95 6.20% 7.34% 84.47%
05/31/95 5.80% 6.66% 87.09%
06/30/95 6.10% 6.62% 92.15%
07/31/95 6.10% 6.86% 88.92%
08/31/95 6.00% 6.66% 90.09%
09/29/95 5.95% 6.48% 91.82%
10/31/95 5.75% 6.33% 90.84%
11/30/95 5.50% 6.14% 89.58%
12/29/95 5.35% 5.94% 90.07%
01/31/96 5.40% 6.03% 89.55%
02/29/96 5.60% 6.46% 86.69%
03/29/96 5.85% 6.66% 87.84%
04/30/96 5.95% 6.89% 86.36%
05/31/96 6.05% 6.99% 86.55%
06/28/96 5.90% 6.89% 85.63%
07/31/96 5.85% 6.97% 83.93%
08/30/96 5.90% 7.11% 82.98%
09/30/96 5.70% 6.93% 82.25%
10/31/96 5.65% 6.64% 85.09%
11/29/96 5.50% 6.35% 86.61%
12/31/96 5.60% 6.63% 84.46%
01/31/97 5.70% 6.79% 83.95%
02/28/97 5.65% 6.80% 83.09%
03/31/97 5.90% 7.10% 83.10%
04/30/97 5.75% 6.94% 82.85%
05/30/97 5.65% 6.91% 81.77%
06/30/97 5.60% 6.78% 82.60%
07/30/97 5.30% 6.30% 84.13%
08/31/97 5.50% 6.61% 83.21%
09/30/97 5.40% 6.40% 84.38%
10/31/97 5.35% 6.15% 86.99%
11/30/97 5.30% 6.05% 87.60%
12/31/97 5.15% 5.92% 86.99%
01/31/98 5.15% 5.80% 88.79%
02/28/98 5.20% 5.92% 87.84%
03/31/98 5.25% 5.93% 88.53%
04/30/98 5.35% 5.95% 89.92%
05/29/98 5.20% 5.80% 89.66%
06/30/98 5.20% 5.65% 92.04%
07/31/98 5.18% 5.71% 90.72%
08/31/98 5.03% 5.27% 95.45%
09/30/98 4.95% 5.00% 99.00%
10/31/98 5.05% 5.16% 97.87%
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 1998, continued
productivity offset the potential inflationary impact of strong domestic
employment. With inflation held in check, the Federal Reserve Board provided
liquidity to the markets by lowering short-term interest rates. Since the end
of September, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee cut the federal funds
rate 75 basis points from 5.50 percent to 4.75 percent in three separate moves.
MUNICIPAL MARKET CONDITIONS
Municipal bond yields followed the downward trend of Treasury yields at a more
moderate pace. At the end of October, long-term insured municipal index yields
stood at 5.05 percent, index yields declined 30 basis points over the last 12
months. In contrast, 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yields fell 100 basis points
during the same period.
As municipals lagged the rally in Treasuries, the ratio of municipal yields to
Treasury yields rose sharply to 98 percent. (A rising ratio means that
municipals have underperformed Treasuries and have become more attractive on a
relative basis.) This increase was similar to the jump witnessed in 1986, when
tax-reform proposals threatened the favorable tax advantage of municipal bonds.
The overall decline in interest rates has led to a substantial increase in
new-issue municipal volume. Municipal issuance is on a pace to challenge 1993's
underwriting record of $292 billion. Year-to-date, total municipal volume of
$234 billion is up 32 percent. Half the underwriting volume was enhanced with
bond insurance. Refundings represented 30 percent of total new issuance.
PERFORMANCE
The Trust's net asset value (NAV) increased from $15.53 to $15.64 per share
during the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998. Based on this NAV change plus
reinvestment of tax-free dividends of $0.985 per share, the Trust's total NAV
return was 6.89 percent. IMB's price on the New York Stock Exchange moved from
$16.00 to $16.125 per share. Based on this change in market price plus
reinvestment of dividends, the Trust's total market return was 7.03 percent. On
October 31, 1998, the Trust traded at a 3.10 percent premium to NAV.
Monthly dividends for the fourth quarter of 1998 were declared in September.
Beginning with the October 1998 dividend, the monthly dividend was reduced from
$0.0825 per share to $0.0775 per share, to more closely reflect the Trust's
anticipated income. The level of undistributed net investment income declined
from $0.137 to $0.133 per share.
2
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 1998, continued
[THE NARRATIVE AND/OR TABULAR INFORMATION BELOW IS A FAIR AND ACCURATE
DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC OR IMAGE MATERIAL OMITTED FOR THE
PURPOSE OF EDGAR FILING.]
LARGEST SECTORS (PIE CHART):
CATAGORY
- --------
Mortgage 27%
Refunded 23%
Transportation 12%
Education 9%
Water & Sewer 9%
IDR/PCR* 7%
Electric 6%
All Other 7%
Total 100%
- ------------
* Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue.
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
CREDIT ENHANCEMENTS:
MBIA 43%
FGIC 27%
FSA 16%
GNMA 8%
AMBAC 6%
Total 100%
As measured by Moody's Investors Service Inc
or Standard & Poor's Corp.
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
CALL STRUCTURE (BAR GRAPH):
Call Dates
- ----------
1998 0%
1999 2%
2000 22%
2001 42%
2002 5%
2003 2%
2004 0%
2005 6%
2006 12%
2007 0%
2008 6%
2009+ 3%
100%
Portfolio structure is subject to change
WEIGHTED AVERAGE CALL PROTECTION: 4 YEARS
3
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 1998, continued
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
The Trust remained fully invested in long-term municipal bonds during the
fiscal year. Investments were diversified among 11 long-term sectors and 39
credits. As illustrated in the accompanying chart, the distribution of call
dates in the portfolio produced 4 years of weighted average call protection.
At the time of issuance, municipal bonds generally have 10 years of protection
from the municipality's option to call bonds for redemption. Interest rates
have declined since the Trust's inception and we anticipate that most municipal
issuers will use their optional call provisions to refinance portfolio holdings
at lower yields. In fact, the bonds in the refunded category have been
refinanced and the call dates have been announced.
The Trust's weighted average maturity was 19 years. Average duration (a measure
of price volatility to interest rate changes) was 4 years. To assure the timely
payment of principal and interest, each position in the portfolio was backed by
triple "A" rated bond insurance or an escrow or trust account containing
sufficient U.S. government guaranteed securities.
THE IMPACT OF LEVERAGING
As discussed in previous reports, the total income available for distribution
to common shareholders includes incremental income provided by the Trust's
outstanding Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS). ARPS dividends reflect
prevailing short-term interest rates on maturities normally ranging from one
week to one year. Incremental income to common shareholders depends on two
factors. The first factor is the amount of ARPS outstanding, while the second
is the spread between the portfolio's cost yield and ARPS expenses (ARPS
auction rate and expenses). The greater the spread and the amount of ARPS
outstanding, the greater the amount of incremental income available for
distribution to common shareholders. The level of net investment income
available for distribution to common shareholders varies with the level of
short-term interest rates.
During the 12-month period, ARPS leverage contributed approximately $0.13 per
share to common share earnings. The yield on the Trust's only ARPS series
ranged between 3.65 and 3.73 percent. The series totaled $30 million and
represented 27 percent of net assets.
LOOKING AHEAD
Global economic conditions seem likely to keep inflationary pressures under
control and have contributed to lower interest rates. The fixed-income markets
have also begun to anticipate the possibility of additional monetary easing by
the Fed. With the municipal relationship to Treasuries more favorable than
4
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 1998, continued
it has been in the last 10 years, the outlook for municipal bonds is positive.
We anticipate that the portfolio's average duration will be extended as older,
higher-yielding investments, including refunded issues, are replaced.
The Trust's procedure for reinvestment of all dividends and distributions on
common shares is through purchases in the open market. This method helps to
support the market value of the Trust's shares. In addition, we would like to
remind you that the Trustees have approved a procedure whereby the Trust may,
when appropriate, purchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated
transactions at a price not above market value or net asset value, whichever is
lower at the time of purchase. The Trust may also utilize procedures to reduce
or eliminate the amount of outstanding ARPS, including their purchase in the
open market or in privately negotiated transactions.
We appreciate your ongoing support of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured
Municipal Bond Trust and look forward to continuing to serve your investment
needs.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo
CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO
Chairman of the Board
5
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
RESULTS OF ANNUAL MEETING (unaudited)
* * *
On October 20, 1998, an annual meeting of the Trust's shareholders was held for
the purpose of voting on three separate matters, the results of which were as
follows:
(1) ELECTION OF TRUSTEE BY ALL SHAREHOLDERS:
Michael Bozic
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
For .............. 3,561,634
Withheld ......... 67,246
</TABLE>
(2) ELECTION OF TRUSTEE BY PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS:
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
For .............. 351
Withheld ......... 0
</TABLE>
The following Trustees were not standing for reelection at this meeting: Edwin
J. Garn, John R. Haire, Wayne E. Hedien, Dr. Manuel H. Johnson, Michael E.
Nugent, Philip J. Purcell and John L. Schroeder.
(3) RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE TRUST'S
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
For ............. 3,535,583
Against ......... 6,873
Abstain ......... 86,424
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.9%)
General Obligation (1.7%)
$ 2,000 California, Refg Dtd 10/01/98 (MBIA) .......................................... 4.50% 10/01/28 $ 1,857,260
-------- ------------
Educational Facilities Revenue (8.8%)
6,000 Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Boston University
Ser 1991 Ser K & L (MBIA) ..................................................... 6.66 10/01/31 6,525,180
2,000 New York State Dormitory Authority, St John's University Ser 1996 (MBIA) . 5.70 07/01/26 2,150,940
1,000 Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Duquesne University
-------- Refg Ser A of 1991 (MBIA) ..................................................... 6.75 04/01/20 1,063,920
------------
9,000 9,740,040
-------- ------------
Electric Revenue (6.2%)
3,000 Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, South Carolina, 1991 Refg Ser (FGIC) ......... 6.50 01/01/11 3,216,390
1,500 South Carolina Public Service Authority, Santee Cooper 1997 Refg Ser A
(MBIA) ........................................................................ 5.00 01/01/29 1,476,915
2,000 Snohomish County Public Utility District #1, Washington, 1993 Ser (FGIC) ...... 6.00 01/01/18 2,177,920
-------- ------------
6,500 6,871,225
-------- ------------
Hospital Revenue (1.9%)
2,000 University of Missouri, Health Ser 1996 A (AMBAC) ............................. 5.50 11/01/16 2,098,840
-------- ------------
Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue (7.4%)
2,500 Jasper County, Indiana, Northern Indiana Public Service Co Collateralized
Ser 1991 (MBIA) ............................................................... 7.10 07/01/17 2,734,825
1,000 Rockport, Indiana, Indiana & Michigan Power Co Ser B (Secondary FGIC) ......... 7.60 03/01/16 1,096,550
1,000 Burlington, Kansas, Kansas Gas & Electric Co Ser 1991 (MBIA) .................. 7.00 06/01/31 1,092,030
3,000 New Hampshire Industrial Development Authority, Canal Electric Co (AMT)
-------- (FGIC) ........................................................................ 7.375 12/01/20 3,257,190
------------
7,500 8,180,595
-------- ------------
Mortgage Revenue - Multi-Family (2.9%)
2,955 New York State Housing Finance Agency, 1996 Ser A Refg (FSA) .................. 6.10 11/01/15 3,222,339
-------- ------------
Mortgage Revenue - Single Family (23.8%)
1,605 District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency, GNMA Collateralized
Ser 1988 E (AMT) .............................................................. 7.70 12/01/22 1,665,685
100 Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation, Ser 1989 A (AMT)
(Bifurcated FSA) .............................................................. 7.70 07/01/29 103,031
870 Sedgwick & Shawnee County, Kansas, GNMA Collateralized 1990 Ser B
(AMT) (AMBAC) ................................................................. 7.80 06/01/22 916,127
5,000 Maine Housing Authority, Ser 1991 A (Bifurcated FSA) .......................... 7.40 11/15/22 5,303,300
4,720 Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, Ser 14 (Bifurcated FSA) ................. 7.60 12/01/14 5,013,206
1,725 Missouri Housing Development Commission, GNMA-Backed 1991 Ser A
(AMT) ......................................................................... 7.375 08/01/23 1,819,220
4,400 Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, GNMA-Backed 1990 Ser 1 & 2
(AMT) ......................................................................... 7.631 09/10/30 4,649,480
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 620 New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Home Buyer Ser E
(MBIA) .......................................................................... 7.65% 10/01/16 $ 646,331
1,910 Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Homeownership Issue S (AMT)
(Secondary MBIA) ................................................................ 7.625 07/01/22 2,031,763
3,935 Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority, Homeownership
-------- 1991 Ser A (Bifurcated FSA) ..................................................... 7.50 09/01/17 4,143,555
------------
24,885 26,291,698
-------- ------------
Transportation Facilities Revenue (12.0%)
3,000 Hawaii, Airports Second Ser 1990 (AMT) (FGIC) ................................... 7.50 07/01/20 3,227,910
2,000 Wayne County, Michigan, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Sub Lien Ser 1991 B (AMT) (MBIA) ................................................ 6.75 12/01/21 2,185,180
5,000 New Hampshire, Turnpike 1991 Refg Ser B & C (FGIC) .............................. 6.805 11/01/17 5,862,700
2,000 North Texas Tollway Authority, Dallas North Tollway Ser 1998 (FGIC) ............. 4.75 01/01/29 1,904,480
-------- ------------
12,000 13,180,270
-------- ------------
Water & Sewer Revenue (8.7%)
2,000 East Bay Municipal Utility District, California, Water Ser 1998 (MBIA) .......... 4.75 06/01/34 1,910,780
2,250 Broward County, Florida, Utility Ser 1991 (FGIC) ................................ 6.00 10/01/20 2,374,200
1,000 New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, 1999 Ser A
(FGIC) .......................................................................... 4.75 06/15/31 952,210
4,000 Norfolk, Virginia, Water Ser 1995 (MBIA) ........................................ 5.875 11/01/20 4,351,000
-------- ------------
9,250 9,588,190
-------- ------------
Other Revenue (1.9%)
2,000 Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ser 1995 (AMT) (MBIA) ................................... 5.50 12/01/15 2,084,660
-------- ------------
Refunded (22.6%)
5,000 Eastern Municipal Water District, California, Water & Sewer Ser 1991
COPs (FGIC) ..................................................................... 6.50 07/01/01+ 5,479,400
2,000 Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Yale-New Haven
Hospital Ser F (MBIA) ........................................................... 7.10 07/01/00+ 2,156,460
3,000 Jacksonville Health Facilities Authority, Florida, New Children's Hospital at
Baptist Medical Center Ser 1991 (MBIA) .......................................... 7.00 06/01/01+ 3,305,880
5,000 Cook County, Illinois, Ser 1992 A (MBIA) ........................................ 6.60 11/15/02+ 5,626,450
3,000 Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Memorial Medical Center Ser 1989
(MBIA) .......................................................................... 6.75 10/01/00+ 3,237,840
1,425 Port of Portland, Oregon, Portland International Airport Ser Seven B
(AMT) (MBIA) .................................................................... 7.10 07/01/12+ 1,771,589
3,000 Bucks County Industrial Development Authority, Pennsylvania, Grand View
-------- Hospital Ser of 1991 (AMBAC) .................................................... 7.00 07/01/01+ 3,310,140
------------
22,425 24,887,759
-------- ------------
100,515
--------
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (Identified Cost $99,208,126) ..................................... 108,002,876
------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL OBLIGATION (0.3%)
$ 300 Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Washington University
- -------- Ser 1996 D (Demand 11/02/98) (Identified Cost $300,000) ................. 3.70*% 09/01/30 $ 300,000
------------
$100,815 TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Identified Cost $99,508,126 ) (a)................................ 98.2% 108,302,876
========
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES ................................... 1.8 2,037,818
----- ------------
NET ASSETS ......................................................................... 100.0% $110,340,694
===== ============
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax.
COPs Certificates of Participation.
+ Prerefunded to call date shown.
* Current coupon of variable rate demand obligation.
(a) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates
identified cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is
$8,884,043 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is
$89,293, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $8,794,750.
Bond Insurance:
- ---------------
AMBAC AMBAC Indemnity Corporation.
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.
FSA Financial Security Assurance Inc.
MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation.
GEOGRAPHIC SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
Based on Market Value as a Percent of Net Assets
October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
California .................. 8.4%
Connecticut .................. 2.0
District of Columbia ......... 1.5
Florida ...................... 5.1
Hawaii ....................... 3.0
Illinois .................... 8.0
Indiana .................... 3.5
Kansas ..................... 1.8
Maine ...................... 4.8
Massachusetts ............... 10.5%
Michigan ..................... 2.0
Missouri ..................... 3.8
Nebraska ..................... 4.2
New Hampshire ................ 8.3
New Jersey .................. 0.6
New Mexico ................... 1.9
New York .................... 5.7
Oregon ....................... 1.6
Pennsylvania ................. 4.0%
South Carolina ............... 4.3
Tennessee .................... 1.8
Texas ...................... 1.7
Virginia .................... 3.9
Washington ................. 2.0
Wisconsin .................... 3.8
----
Total ....................... 98.2%
====
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $99,508,126)......................................... $108,302,876
Cash ................................................................... 170,815
Interest receivable .................................................... 2,007,003
Prepaid expenses ....................................................... 89,768
------------
TOTAL ASSETS ........................................................ 110,570,462
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Dividends to preferred shareholders ................................. 91,248
Investment management fee ........................................... 38,236
Accrued expenses ....................................................... 100,284
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES ................................................... 229,768
------------
NET ASSETS .......................................................... $110,340,694
============
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Preferred shares of beneficial interest (1,000,000 shares authorized of
non-participating $.01 par value, 600 shares outstanding)............. $ 30,000,000
------------
Common shares of beneficial interest (unlimited shares authorized of
$.01 par value, 5,137,563 shares outstanding) ........................ 70,937,933
Net unrealized appreciation ............................................ 8,794,750
Accumulated undistributed net investment income ........................ 683,779
Accumulated net realized loss .......................................... (75,768)
------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS ........................ 80,340,694
------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS .................................................... $110,340,694
============
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($80,340,694 divided by 5,137,563 common shares outstanding).......... $ 15.64
============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME ............................... $6,833,558
----------
EXPENSES
Investment management fee ..................... 386,216
Auction commission fees ....................... 112,500
Professional fees ............................. 95,615
Transfer agent fees and expenses .............. 29,064
Trustees' fees and expenses ................... 18,448
Registration fees ............................. 16,577
Auction agent fees ............................ 7,919
Shareholder reports and notices ............... 7,695
Custodian fees ................................ 5,155
Other ......................................... 17,275
----------
TOTAL EXPENSES ............................. 696,464
Less: expense offset .......................... (5,136)
----------
NET EXPENSES ............................... 691,328
----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ...................... 6,142,230
----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:
Net realized gain ............................. 209,427
Net change in unrealized appreciation ......... 347,409
----------
NET GAIN ................................... 556,836
----------
NET INCREASE .................................. $6,699,066
==========
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1998 OCTOBER 31, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income .............................. $ 6,142,230 $ 6,179,031
Net realized gain (loss) ........................... 209,427 (27,561)
Net change in unrealized appreciation .............. 347,409 847,032
------------ ------------
NET INCREASE .................................... 6,699,066 6,998,502
------------ ------------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM NET INVESTMENT
INCOME:
Preferred .......................................... (1,103,850) (1,131,150)
Common ............................................. (5,060,382) (4,947,971)
------------ ------------
TOTAL ........................................... (6,164,232) (6,079,121)
------------ ------------
Decrease from transactions in common shares of
beneficial interest .............................. -- (345,471)
------------ ------------
NET INCREASE .................................... 534,834 573,910
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period ................................ 109,805,860 109,231,950
------------ ------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment income of
$683,779 and $705,781, respectively)............. $110,340,694 $109,805,860
============ ============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust (the "Trust"), formerly
InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust (the Trust changed its name effective
December 21, 1998), is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The
Trust's investment objective is to provide current income which is exempt from
federal income tax. The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust
on February 27, 1990 and commenced operations on February 28, 1991.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
A. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS -- Portfolio securities are valued by an outside
independent pricing service approved by the Trustees. The pricing service has
informed the Trust that in valuing the portfolio securities, it uses both a
computerized matrix of tax-exempt securities and evaluations by its staff, in
each case based on information concerning market transactions and quotations
from dealers which reflect the bid side of the market each day. The portfolio
securities are thus valued by reference to a combination of transactions and
quotations for the same or other securities believed to be comparable in
quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue, call provisions, trading
characteristics and other features deemed to be relevant. Short-term debt
securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at time of purchase
are valued on a mark-to-market basis until sixty days prior to maturity and
thereafter at amortized cost based on their value on the 61st day. Short-term
debt securities having a maturity date of sixty days or less at the time of
purchase are valued at amortized cost.
B. ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENTS -- Security transactions are accounted for on the
trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and
losses on security transactions are determined by the identified cost method.
The Trust amortizes premiums and accretes discounts over the life of the
respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily.
C. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS -- It is the Trust's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its taxable and nontaxable income to its
shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.
13
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
D. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Trust records dividends
and distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of
dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital
gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which
may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax"
differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the
extent these differences are permanent in 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 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Manager"), formerly Dean Witter InterCapital
Inc., the Trust pays a management fee, calculated weekly and payable monthly,
by applying the annual rate of 0.35% to the Trust's weekly net assets.
Under the terms of the Agreement, in addition to managing the Trust's
investments, the Investment Manager maintains certain of the Trust'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 Trust 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 Trust.
3. 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 October 31, 1998
aggregated $6,680,420 and $6,410,620, respectively.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Manager,
is the Trust's transfer agent. At October 31, 1998, the Trust had transfer
agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $200.
The Trust has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
all independent Trustees of the Trust 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
14
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
years of service. Aggregate pension costs for the year ended October 31, 1998
included in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted
to $5,101. At October 31, 1998, the Trust had an accrued pension liability of
$41,062 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets
and Liabilities.
4. PREFERRED SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Trust is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 non-participating preferred
shares of beneficial interest having a par value of $.01 per share, in one or
more series, with rights as determined by the Trustees, without approval of the
common shareholders. The Trust has issued Auction Rate Preferred Shares
("Preferred Shares") which have a liquidation value of $50,000 per share plus
the redemption premium, if any, plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, whether
or not declared, thereon to the date of distribution. The Trust may redeem such
shares, in whole or in part, at the original purchase price of $50,000 per
share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, thereon
to the date of redemption.
Dividends, which are cumulative, are reset through auction procedures.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT IN RESET RANGE OF
SHARES* THOUSANDS* RATE* DATE DIVIDEND RATES**
------- ---------- ----- ---- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
600 $30,000 3.65% 07/08/99 3.65% -- 3.73%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* As of October 31, 1998.
** For the year ended October 31, 1998.
Subsequent to October 31, 1998 and up through December 21, 1998, the Trust paid
dividends at a rate of 3.65% in the aggregate amount of $182,496.
The Trust is subject to certain restrictions relating to the preferred shares.
Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the Trust from
declaring any distributions to common shareholders or purchasing common shares
and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of preferred shares at
liquidation value.
The preferred shares, which are entitled to one vote per share, generally vote
with the common shares but vote separately as a class to elect two Trustees and
on any matters affecting the rights of the preferred shares.
15
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
5. COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
PAID IN
EXCESS OF
SHARES PAR VALUE PAR VALUE
------ --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, October 31, 1996 ............................................... 5,161,563 $51,616 $71,231,788
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 6.52%)* (24,000) (240) (345,231)
--------- ------- -----------
Balance, October 31, 1997 and 1998 ...................................... 5,137,563 $51,376 $70,886,557
========= ======= ===========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* The Trustees have voted to retire the shares purchased.
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
During the year ended October 31, 1998, the Trust utilized approximately
$209,000 of its net capital loss carryover. At October 31, 1998, the Trust had
a net capital loss carryover of approximately $76,000, of which $48,000 will be
available through October 31, 2004 and $28,000 will be available through
October 31, 2005 to offset future capital gains to the extent provided by
regulations.
7. DIVIDENDS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
On September 29, 1998, the Trust declared the following dividends from net
investment income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT RECORD PAYABLE
PER SHARE DATE DATE
--------- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
$ 0.0775 November 6, 1998 November 20, 1998
$ 0.0775 December 4, 1998 December 18, 1998
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected ratios and per share data for a common share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31*
--------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period ........................... $15.53 $15.35 $15.41 $14.16 $16.75
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net investment income .......................................... 1.20 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.34
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ........................ 0.11 0.16 (0.17) 1.30 (2.49)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations ............................... 1.31 1.36 1.04 2.52 (1.15)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Less dividends from:
Net investment income ......................................... (0.99) (0.96) (0.90) (1.04) (1.21)
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred
shareholders ................................................. (0.21) (0.22) (0.22) (0.23) (0.23)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total dividends ................................................ (1.20) (1.18) (1.12) (1.27) (1.44)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares .............. -- -- 0.02 -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of period ................................. $ 15.64 $15.53 $15.35 $15.41 $14.16
======= ====== ====== ====== ======
Market value, end of period .................................... $16.125 $16.00 $14.125 $14.625 $12.875
======= ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+ ....................................... 7.03% 20.62% 3.06% 22.10% (22.37)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Total expenses ................................................. 0.87%(1) 0.89%(1) 0.92% 0.91%(1) 1.03%
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends ......... 7.65% 7.80% 7.85% 8.16% 8.68%
Preferred stock dividends ...................................... 1.37% 1.43% 1.41% 1.53% 1.49%
Net investment income available to common shareholders ......... 6.28% 6.37% 6.44% 6.63% 7.19%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ........................ $110,341 $109,806 $109,232 $110,718 $109,377
Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period ............ 367% 365% 363% 369% 312%
Portfolio turnover rate ........................................ 6% 2% 5% 6% 12%
</TABLE>
- -------------
* The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Total investment return is based upon the current market value on the
last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed
to be reinvested at the prices obtained under the Trust's dividend
reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage
commissions.
(1) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
17
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL BOND TRUST
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured
Municipal Bond Trust (the "Trust"), formerly InterCapital Insured Municipal
Bond Trust, at October 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 five years in
the period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter
referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Trust'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 October 31, 1998 by correspondence with the
custodian, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
December 21, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 FEDERAL TAX NOTICE (unaudited)
For the year ended October 31, 1998, all of the Trust's dividends from net
investment income received by both common and preferred shareholder classes
were exempt interest dividends, excludable from gross income for Federal income
tax purposes.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18
<PAGE>
TRUSTEES
Michael Bozic
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Edwin J. Garn
John R. Haire
Wayne E. Hedien
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
Michael E. Nugent
Philip J. Purcell
John L. Schroeder
OFFICERS
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Barry Fink
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
James F. Willison
Vice President
Thomas F. Caloia
Treasurer
TRANSFER AGENT
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center - Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
MORGAN STANLEY
DEAN WITTER
INSURED
MUNICIPAL
BOND TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 1998