<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Two World Trade Center,
Municipal Bond Trust New York, New York 10048
Letter to the Shareholders April 30, 2000
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
The U.S. economy continued its unprecedented expansion into the new year.
Strong growth pushed the unemployment rate to a 30-year low. Rising commodity
prices heightened concern about inflation. The price of oil moved above $30 per
barrel prior to ending April at $25 per barrel. Between June 1999 and March
2000, the Federal Reserve Board raised the federal funds rate in five, 25
basis-point moves to reach 6.00 percent. The Fed subsequently demonstrated its
resistance to inflation by raising the federal funds rate another 50 basis
points to 6.50 percent in May. Economic growth and a less accommodative
monetary policy caused long-term interest rates to increase throughout 1999. In
February, the U.S. Treasury announced plans to retire debt with the federal
budget surplus. This precipitated a 50-75 basis-point rally in longer Treasury
maturities.
MUNICIPAL MARKET CONDITIONS
The long-term insured municipal index began 1999 near a record low yield of
5.05 percent but increased to 5.97 percent by calendar year-end. This index
reached a high of 6.18 percent in January 2000 before ending April at 5.93
percent. Because bond prices move inversely to changes in interest rates,
higher yields caused bond prices to decline significantly last year and improve
modestly in the first four months of 2000.
The ratio of municipal yields as a percentage of Treasury yields has been used
historically as a measure of relative value. Over the past five years the ratio
has ranged between an average high of 93 percent and an average low of 85
percent. The increase in the ratio from 92 percent at the end of 1999 to 99
percent at the end of April 2000 was primarily the result of the magnitude of
the rally in long Treasuries. A rising yield ratio indicates weaker relative
performance by municipals.
Higher interest rates reduced municipal market underwriting in 1999. New-issue
volume declined 20 percent last year. Refunding activity, the most
interest-rate-sensitive component of supply, was down more than 50 percent. In
the first four months of this year, volume was 30 percent lower than in the
same period last year.
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Letter to the Shareholders April 30, 2000, continued
30-YEAR BOND YIELDS 1994-2000
AAA AAA
Date Ins Tsy % Relationship Date Ins Tsy % Relationship
12/31/93 5.40% 6.34% 85.17% 03/31/97 5.90 7.10 83.10%
01/31/94 5.40 6.24 86.54% 04/30/97 5.75 6.94 82.85%
02/28/94 5.80 6.66 87.09% 05/30/97 5.65 6.91 81.77%
03/31/94 6.40 7.09 90.27% 06/30/97 5.60 6.78 82.60%
04/29/94 6.35 7.32 86.75% 07/30/97 5.30 6.30 84.13%
05/31/94 6.25 7.43 84.12% 08/31/97 5.50 6.61 83.21%
06/30/94 6.50 7.61 85.41% 09/30/97 5.40 6.40 84.38%
07/29/94 6.25 7.39 84.57% 10/31/97 5.35 6.15 86.99%
08/31/94 6.30 7.45 84.56% 11/30/97 5.30 6.05 87.60%
09/30/94 6.55 7.81 83.87% 12/31/97 5.15 5.92 86.99%
10/31/94 6.75 7.96 84.80% 01/31/98 5.15 5.80 88.79%
11/30/94 7.00 8.00 87.50% 02/28/98 5.20 5.92 87.84%
12/30/94 6.75 7.88 85.66% 03/31/98 5.25 5.93 88.53%
01/31/95 6.40 7.70 83.12% 04/30/98 5.35 5.95 89.92%
02/28/95 6.15 7.44 82.66% 05/29/98 5.20 5.80 89.66%
03/31/95 6.15 7.43 82.77% 06/30/98 5.20 5.65 92.04%
04/28/95 6.20 7.34 84.47% 07/31/98 5.18 5.71 90.72%
05/31/95 5.80 6.66 87.09% 08/31/98 5.03 5.27 95.45%
06/30/95 6.10 6.62 92.15% 09/30/98 4.95 5.00 99.00%
07/31/95 6.10 6.86 88.92% 10/31/98 5.05 5.16 97.87%
08/31/95 6.00 6.66 90.09% 11/30/98 5.00 5.06 98.81%
09/29/95 5.95 6.48 91.82% 12/31/98 5.05 5.10 99.02%
10/31/95 5.75 6.33 90.84% 01/31/99 5.00 5.09 98.23%
11/30/95 5.50 6.14 89.58% 02/28/99 5.10 5.58 91.40%
12/29/95 5.35 5.94 90.07% 03/31/99 5.15 5.63 91.47%
01/31/96 5.40 6.03 89.55% 04/30/99 5.20 5.66 91.87%
02/29/96 5.60 6.46 86.69% 05/31/99 5.30 5.83 90.91%
03/29/96 5.85 6.66 87.84% 06/30/99 5.47 5.96 91.78%
04/30/96 5.95 6.89 86.36% 07/31/99 5.55 6.10 90.98%
05/31/96 6.05 6.99 86.55% 08/31/99 5.75 6.06 94.88%
06/28/96 5.90 6.89 85.63% 09/30/99 5.85 6.05 96.69%
07/31/96 5.85 6.97 83.93% 10/31/99 6.03 6.16 97.89%
08/30/96 5.90 7.11 82.98% 11/30/99 6.00 6.29 95.39%
09/30/96 5.70 6.93 82.25% 12/31/99 5.97 6.48 92.13%
10/31/96 5.65 6.64 85.09% 01/31/00 6.18 6.49 95.22%
11/29/96 5.50 6.35 86.61% 02/29/00 6.04 6.14 98.37%
12/31/96 5.60 6.63 84.46% 03/31/00 5.82 5.83 99.83%
01/31/97 5.70 6.79 83.95% 04/30/00 5.91 5.96 99.16%
02/28/97 5.65 6.80 83.09%
Source: Municipal Market Data -- A Division of Thomson Financial Municipal
Group and Bloomberg L.P.
PERFORMANCE
During the six-month period ended April 30, 2000, the net asset value (NAV) of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust (IMB) increased from
$14.09 to $14.13 per share. Based on this change, plus a reinvestment of
tax-free dividends totaling $0.435 per share, the Trust's total NAV return was
3.78 percent. IMB's value on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) increased from
$12.50 to $13.3125 per share during this period. Based on this change plus
reinvestment of tax-free dividends, IMB's total market return was 10.21
percent. On April 30, 2000, IMB's share price was at a 5.79 percent discount to
its NAV.
Monthly dividends for the second quarter of 2000, declared in March, were
unchanged at $0.0725 per share. The Trust's level of undistributed net
investment income was $0.101 per share on April 30, 2000, versus $0.104 per
share six months earlier.
2
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Letter to the Shareholders April 30, 2000, continued
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
The Trust's investments were diversified among 11 long-term sectors and 42
credits. At the end of April, the portfolio's average maturity was 19 years.
Average duration, a measure of sensitivity to interest rate changes, was 5.8
years. Issues in the refunded bond category comprised 12 percent of net assets.
These bonds have been refinanced and will be redeemed on the dates shown in the
portfolio. Current information on the portfolio's credit enhancements, sector
distribution and geographic diversification is provided in the accompanying
charts and tables. Optional call provisions, by year, with their respective
cost (book) yields are also shown.
THE IMPACT OF LEVERAGING
As discussed in previous shareholder 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 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. ARPS leverage also increases the price volatility of
common shares and has the effect of extending portfolio duration.
During the six-month period, ARPS leverage contributed approximately $0.04 per
share to common share earnings. The yield on the Trust's only ARPS for the
six-month period was 3.85 percent. In comparison, the yield on 1-year municipal
notes increased from 3.77 percent at the end of October 1999 to 4.23 percent at
the end of April. The ARPS series totaling $30 million represented 30 percent
of net assets.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Federal Reserve Board has expressed concern about consumer wealth and
rising prices. We anticipate that the central bank will continue to increase
short-term interest rates in an effort to slow the economy. We believe
municipal bonds continue to offer tax-conscious investors good long-term value.
The Trust's procedure for reinvestment of all dividends and distributions on
common shares is through purchases in the open market. This method helps
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
3
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Letter to the Shareholders April 30, 2000, continued
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.
During the six-month period ended April 30, 2000, the Trust purchased and
retired 3.3 percent of its common stock (169,100 shares) at a weighted average
market discount of 10.54 percent. The anti-dilutive effect of acquiring
treasury shares is reported in the table of Financial Highlights on page 17.
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,
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] [GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO MITCHELL M. MERIN
Chairman of the Board President
4
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Letter to the Shareholders April 30, 2000, continued
LARGEST SECTORS AS OF APRIL 30, 2000
(% OF NET ASSETS)
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
TRANSPORTATION 21%
WATER & SEWER 18%
MORTGAGE 13%
REFUNDED 12%
EDUCATION 9%
IDR/PCR* 8%
ELECTRIC 8%
HOSPITAL 5%
* INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT/POLLUTION CONTROL REVENUE
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
CREDIT ENHANCEMENTS AS OF APRIL 30, 2000
(% OF TOTAL LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO)
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
FGIC 36%
MBIA 37%
FSA 14%
AMBAC 8%
GNMA 5%
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
GEOGRAPHIC SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
BASED ON MARKET VALUE AS A PERCENT OF NET ASSETS
APRIL 30, 2000
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ARIZONA ................ 2.0%
CALIFORNIA ............. 8.5
FLORIDA ................ 2.3
HAWAII ................. 4.3
ILLINOIS ............... 8.3
INDIANA ................ 3.7
KANSAS ................. 1.6
MAINE .................. 4.9
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MASSACHUSETTS .......... 6.2%
MICHIGAN ............... 5.5
MISSOURI ............... 6.9
NEBRASKA ............... 3.4
NEW HAMPSHIRE .......... 8.5
NEW JERSEY ............. 0.0
NEW MEXICO ............. 3.9
NEW YORK ............... 9.3
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NORTH CAROLINA ......... 1.3%
OREGON ................. 1.6
PENNSYLVANIA ........... 2.9
SOUTH CAROLINA ......... 6.8
TEXAS .................. 1.6
VIRGINIA ............... 4.0
WASHINGTON ............. 2.0
----
TOTAL .................. 99.5%
====
</TABLE>
-----------------
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
5
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Letter to the Shareholders April 30, 2000, continued
CALL AND COST (BOOK) YIELD STRUCTURE
APRIL 30, 2000
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
PERCENT CALLABLE* CALL PROTECTION: 5 YEARS
10% 32% 5% 2% 0% 6% 13% 0% 6% 16% 10%
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010+
YEARS BONDS CALLABLE
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
COST (BOOK) YIELD** BOOK YIELD: 6.4%
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
7.4% 7.0% 6.6% 6.2% 6.1% 6.3% 5.4% 5.5% 5.8%
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010+
* % BASED ON LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO.
** COST OR "BOOK" YIELD IS THE ANNUAL INCOME EARNED ON A PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT
BASED ON ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE BEFORE TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES. FOR
EXAMPLE, THE TRUST EARNED A BOOK YIELD OF 6.6% ON 5% OF THE BONDS IN THE
LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO THAT ARE CALLABLE IN 2002.
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
6
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Portfolio of Investments April 30, 2000 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------- ---------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.6%)
General Obligation (1.6%)
$ 2,000 California, Refg Dtd 10/01/98 (MBIA) ........................................ 4.50% 10/01/28 $ 1,586,900
--------- -----------
Educational Facilities Revenue (9.2%)
6,000 Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Boston University
1991 Ser K & L (MBIA) ..................................................... 6.66 10/01/31 6,208,200
2,000 New York State Dormitory Authority, St John's University Ser 1996 (MBIA)..... 5.70 07/01/26 1,939,040
1,000 Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Duquesne University
--------- Refg Ser A of 1991 (MBIA) ................................................. 6.75 04/01/20 1,016,280
-----------
9,000 9,163,520
--------- -----------
Electric Revenue (7.6%)
4,000 Long Island Power Authority, New York, Ser 2000 A (FSA) (WI) ................ 0.00 06/01/20 1,219,600
3,000 Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, South Carolina, 1991 Refg Ser (FGIC) ....... 6.50 01/01/11 3,095,790
1,500 South Carolina Public Service Authority, 1997 Refg Ser A (MBIA) ............. 5.00 01/01/29 1,266,990
2,000 Snohomish County Public Utility District #1, Washington, 1993 Ser (FGIC)..... 6.00 01/01/18 2,013,540
--------- -----------
10,500 7,595,920
--------- -----------
Hospital Revenue (5.3%)
2,000 Mesa Industrial Development Authority, Arizona, Discovery Health
Ser 1999 A (MBIA) ......................................................... 5.875 01/01/16 2,029,120
2,000 University of Missouri, Health Ser 1996 A (AMBAC) ........................... 5.50 11/01/16 1,938,860
1,500 University of North Carolina, Hospitals at Chapel Hill Ser 1999 (AMBAC) ..... 5.00 02/15/24 1,307,670
--------- -----------
5,500 5,275,650
--------- -----------
Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue (7.8%)
2,500 Jasper County, Indiana, Northern Indiana Public Service Co Collateralized
Ser 1991 (MBIA) ........................................................... 7.10 07/01/17 2,605,100
1,000 Rockport, Indiana, Indiana & Michigan Power Co Ser B (Secondary FGIC) ....... 7.60 03/01/16 1,040,100
1,000 Burlington, Kansas, Kansas Gas & Electric Co Ser 1991 (MBIA) ................ 7.00 06/01/31 1,040,090
3,000 New Hampshire Industrial Development Authority, Canal Electric Co (AMT)
--------- (FGIC) .................................................................... 7.375 12/01/20 3,100,140
-----------
7,500 7,785,430
--------- -----------
Mortgage Revenue - Multi-Family (3.0%)
2,955 New York State Housing Finance Agency, 1996 Ser A Refg (FSA) ................ 6.10 11/01/15 3,016,819
--------- -----------
Mortgage Revenue - Single Family (10.1%)
40 Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation, Ser 1989 A (AMT)
(Bifurcated FSA) .......................................................... 7.70 07/01/29 40,409
560 Sedgwick & Shawnee County, Kansas, GNMA Collateralized 1990 Ser B
(AMT) (AMBAC) ............................................................. 7.80 06/01/22 575,047
4,715 Maine Housing Authority, Ser 1991 A (Bifurcated FSA) ........................ 7.40 11/15/22 4,839,523
1,185 Missouri Housing Development Commission, GNMA-Backed 1991 Ser A
(AMT) ..................................................................... 7.375 08/01/23 1,212,125
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
7
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Portfolio of Investments April 30, 2000 (unaudited) continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 3,300 Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, GNMA-Backed 1990 Ser 1 & 2
(AMT) .................................................................. 7.631% 09/10/30 $ 3,383,259
20 New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Home Buyer Ser E
-------- (MBIA) ................................................................. 7.65 10/01/16 20,266
-----------
9,820 10,070,629
-------- -----------
Transportation Facilities Revenue (20.6%)
3,000 Hawaii, Airports Second Ser 1990 (AMT) (FGIC) ............................ 7.50 07/01/20 3,072,690
3,000 Illinois Toll Highway Authority, Priority Refg 1998 Ser A (FSA) .......... 5.50 01/01/15 2,981,850
Wayne County, Michigan, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
2,000 Sub Lien Ser 1991 B (AMT) (MBIA) ......................................... 6.75 12/01/21 2,086,440
2,000 Ser 1998 B (MBIA) ........................................................ 4.875 12/01/23 1,688,960
5,000 New Hampshire, Turnpike 1991 Refg Ser B & C (FGIC)** ..................... 6.806 11/01/17 5,375,050
2,000 New York State Thruway Authority, Highway & Bridge Ser 1999 B (FGIC)...... 5.00 04/01/19 1,785,860
2,000 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Ser A 1999 (FGIC) .... 5.25 03/01/18 1,870,140
2,000 North Texas Tollway Authority, Dallas North Tollway Ser 1998 (FGIC) ...... 4.75 01/01/29 1,629,300
-------- -----------
21,000 20,490,290
-------- -----------
Water & Sewer Revenue (18.3%)
2,000 East Bay Municipal Utility District, California, Water Ser 1998 (MBIA) ... 4.75 06/01/34 1,625,740
2,250 Broward County, Florida, Utility Ser 1991 (FGIC) ......................... 6.00 10/01/20 2,257,785
1,200 Honolulu City & County, Hawaii, Wastewater Junior Ser 1998 (FGIC) ........ 5.25 07/01/17 1,125,012
1,750 Detroit, Michigan, Water Supply Ser 1999 A (FGIC) ........................ 5.75 07/01/26 1,717,345
2,000 St Louis, Missouri, Water Refg Ser 1998 (AMBAC) .......................... 4.75 07/01/14 1,789,840
2,070 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Water & Wastewater Refg Ser 1999 (AMBAC) ......... 5.25 05/15/17 1,947,704
1,500 New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, 1999 Ser B
(FSA) .................................................................. 5.00 06/15/29 1,285,425
3,000 Charleston, South Carolina, Refg Cap Impr Ser 1998 (Secondary FGIC) ...... 4.50 01/01/24 2,396,220
4,000 Norfolk, Virginia, Water Ser 1995 (MBIA) ................................. 5.875 11/01/20 4,015,600
-------- -----------
19,770 18,160,671
-------- -----------
Other Revenue (1.9%)
2,000 Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ser 1995 (AMT) (MBIA) ............................ 5.50 12/01/15 1,936,860
-------- -----------
Refunded (12.2%)
5,000 Eastern Municipal Water District, California, Ser 1991 COPs (FGIC) ....... 6.50 07/01/01+ 5,222,400
5,000 Cook County, Illinois, Ser 1992 A (MBIA) ................................. 6.60 11/15/02+ 5,299,350
1,425 Port of Portland, Oregon, Portland International Airport Ser Seven B
-------- (AMT) (MBIA) ........................................................... 7.10 07/01/12+ 1,627,307
-----------
11,425 12,149,057
-------- -----------
101,470 TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (Identified Cost $96,016,579) ................................... 97,231,746
-------- -----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
8
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Portfolio of Investments April 30, 2000 (unaudited) continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL OBLIGATION (1.9%)
$ 1,900 Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Washington University
======== Ser D (Demand 05/01/00) (Identified Cost $1,900,000) .................. 5.80*% 09/01/30 $ 1,900,000
-----------
$103,370 TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Identified Cost $97,916,579) (a).................................... 99.5% 99,131,746
========
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES ................................................. 0.5 475,628
----- -----------
NET ASSETS ............................................................................ 100.0% $99,607,374
===== ===========
</TABLE>
---------------
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax.
COPs Certificates of Participation.
WI Security purchased on a "when-issued" basis.
+ Prerefunded to call date shown.
* Current coupon of variable rate demand obligation.
** A portion of this security is segregated in connection with the
purchase of a "when-issued" security.
(a) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates
identified cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is
$3,275,799 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is
$2,060,632, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of
$1,215,167.
Bond Insurance:
AMBAC AMBAC Assurance Corporation.
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.
FSA Financial Security Assurance Inc.
MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation.
See Notes to Financial Statements
9
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Financial Statements
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
April 30, 2000 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $97,916,579) ......................................... $99,131,746
Cash .................................................................... 66,599
Receivable for:
Interest ............................................................. 1,829,604
Investments sold ..................................................... 15,000
Prepaid expenses ........................................................ 37,919
------------
TOTAL ASSETS ......................................................... 101,080,868
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Investments purchased ................................................ 1,254,360
Dividends to preferred shareholders .................................. 88,602
Investment management fee ............................................ 28,951
Shares of beneficial interest repurchased ............................ 9,240
Accrued expenses ........................................................ 92,341
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES .................................................... 1,473,494
------------
NET ASSETS .............................................................. $99,607,374
============
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, 4,926,463 shares outstanding) ......................... 68,278,225
Net unrealized appreciation ............................................. 1,215,167
Accumulated undistributed net investment income ......................... 496,485
Accumulated net realized loss ........................................... (382,503)
------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS ......................... 69,607,374
------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS ..................................................... $99,607,374
============
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($69,607,374 divided by 4,926,463 common shares outstanding) .......... $ 14.13
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
10
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Financial Statements, continued
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the six months ended April 30, 2000 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME ............................... $3,054,948
----------
EXPENSES
Investment management fee ..................... 175,462
Professional fees ............................. 58,500
Auction commission fees ....................... 56,096
Transfer agent fees and expenses .............. 11,891
Shareholder reports and notices ............... 8,932
Registration fees ............................. 8,262
Trustees' fees and expenses ................... 7,649
Custodian fees ................................ 7,015
Auction agent fees ............................ 4,015
Other ......................................... 6,602
----------
TOTAL EXPENSES ............................. 344,424
Less: expense offset .......................... (7,006)
----------
NET EXPENSES ............................... 337,418
----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ......................... 2,717,530
----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS:
Net realized loss ............................. (12,308)
Net change in unrealized appreciation ......... (4,228)
----------
NET LOSS ................................... (16,536)
----------
NET INCREASE .................................. $2,700,994
==========
</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 SIX FOR THE YEAR
MONTHS ENDED ENDED
APRIL 30, 2000 OCTOBER 31, 1999
---------------- -----------------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income .............................. $ 2,717,530 $ 5,716,936
Net realized loss .................................. (12,308) (294,427)
Net change in unrealized appreciation .............. (4,228) (7,575,355)
------------ ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) ......................... 2,700,994 (2,152,846)
------------ ------------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
Preferred .......................................... (575,922) (1,118,346)
Common ............................................. (2,175,429) (4,752,063)
------------ ------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS ................................. (2,751,351) (5,870,409)
------------ ------------
Decrease from transactions in common shares of
beneficial interest .............................. (2,127,785) (531,923)
------------ ------------
NET DECREASE .................................... (2,178,142) (8,555,178)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period ................................ 101,785,516 110,340,694
------------ ------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment income of
$496,485 and $530,306, respectively) ............ $99,607,374 $101,785,516
=========== ============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
12
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Notes to Financial Statements April 30, 2000 (unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust (the "Trust") 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.
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
13
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Notes to Financial Statements April 30, 2000 (unaudited) continued
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"), 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.
3. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities,
excluding short-term investments, for the six months ended April 30, 2000
aggregated $2,960,068 and $2,088,800, respectively.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Manager,
is the Trust's transfer agent.
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 years
of service. Aggregate pension costs for the six months ended April 30, 2000
included in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted
to $2,679. At April 30, 2000, the Trust had an accrued pension liability of
$43,676, 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.
14
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Notes to Financial Statements April 30, 2000 (unaudited) continued
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 3.85% 07/06/00 3.85%
</TABLE>
-----------------
* As of April 30, 2000.
** For the six months ended April 30, 2000.
Subsequent to April 30, 2000 and up through June 2, 2000, the Trust paid
dividends at a rate of 3.85% in the aggregate amount of $186,696.
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.
5. COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
PAID IN
PAR EXCESS OF
SHARES VALUE PAR VALUE
------------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, October 31, 1998 ................................................ 5,137,563 $ 51,376 $ 70,886,557
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 10.16%)* (42,000) (420) (531,503)
--------- -------- ------------
Balance, October 31, 1999 ................................................ 5,095,563 50,956 $ 70,355,054
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 10.54%)* (169,100) (1,691) (2,126,094)
--------- -------- ------------
Balance, April 30, 2000 .................................................. 4,926,463 $ 49,265 $ 68,228,960
========= ======== ============
</TABLE>
-----------------
* The Trustees have voted to retire the shares purchased.
15
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Notes to Financial Statements April 30, 2000 (unaudited) continued
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
At October 31, 1999, the Trust had a net capital loss carryover of
approximately $370,000, which may be used to offset future capital gains to the
extent provided by regulations, which will be available through October 31 of
the following years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS
-----------------------------
2004 2005 2007
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
$ 48 $28 $294
===== === ====
</TABLE>
7. DIVIDENDS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
On March 28, 2000, the Trust declared the following dividends from net
investment income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT RECORD PAYABLE
PER SHARE DATE DATE
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
$ 0.0725 May 5, 2000 May 19, 2000
$ 0.0725 June 9, 2000 June 23, 2000
</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 SIX
MONTHS ENDED
APRIL 30, 2000*
----------------------------
<S> <C>
(unaudited)
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period .................................... $ 14.09
------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income .................................................. 0.55
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ................................ (0.01)
---------------
Total income (loss) from investment operations .......................... 0.54
---------------
Less dividends from:
Net investment income .................................................. (0.43)
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred shareholders .... (0.12)
---------------
Total dividends ......................................................... (0.55)
---------------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares ....................... 0.05
---------------
Net asset value, end of period .......................................... $ 14.13
===============
Market value, end of period ............................................. $ 13.313
===============
TOTAL RETURN+ ........................................................... 10.21% (1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Total expenses .......................................................... 0.98%(2)(4)
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends .................. 7.74%(2)
Preferred stock dividends ............................................... 1.64%(2)
Net investment income available to common shareholders .................. 6.10%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ................................. $ 99,607
Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period ..................... 331%
Portfolio turnover rate ................................................. 2%(1)
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31*
----------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period .................................... $ 15.64 $ 15.53 $ 15.35
-------- ---------- ---------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income .................................................. 1.11 1.20 1.20
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ................................ (1.53) 0.11 0.16
-------- ---------- ---------
Total income (loss) from investment operations .......................... (0.42) 1.31 1.36
-------- ---------- ---------
Less dividends from:
Net investment income .................................................. (0.92) (0.99) (0.96)
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred shareholders (0.22) (0.21) (0.22)
-------- ---------- ---------
Total dividends ......................................................... (1.14) (1.20) (1.18)
-------- ---------- ---------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares ....................... 0.01 - -
-------- ---------- ---------
Net asset value, end of period .......................................... $ 14.09 $ 15.64 $ 15.53
======== ========== =========
Market value, end of period ............................................. $ 12.50 $ 16.125 $ 16.00
======== ========== =========
TOTAL RETURN\^ .......................................................... (17.60)% 7.03% 20.62%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Total expenses .......................................................... 0.91 %(3) 0.87% (3) 0.89%(3)
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends .................. 7.36 % 7.65% 7.80%
Preferred stock dividends ............................................... 1.44 % 1.37% 1.43%
Net investment income available to common shareholders .................. 5.92 % 6.28% 6.37%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ................................. $101,786 $ 110,341 $ 109,806
Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period ..................... 338 % 367% 365%
Portfolio turnover rate ................................................. 29 % 6% 2%
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31*
----------------------------------
1996 1995
-------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period .................................... $ 15.41 $ 14.16
-------- ----------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income .................................................. 1.21 1.22
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ................................ (0.17) 1.30
-------- ----------
Total income (loss) from investment operations .......................... 1.04 2.52
-------- ----------
Less dividends from:
Net investment income .................................................. (0.90) (1.04)
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred shareholders (0.22) (0.23)
-------- ----------
Total dividends ......................................................... (1.12) (1.27)
-------- ----------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares ....................... 0.02 -
-------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period .......................................... $ 15.35 $ 15.41
======== ==========
Market value, end of period ............................................. $ 14.125 $ 14.625
======== ==========
TOTAL RETURN+ ........................................................... 3.06 % 22.10 %
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Total expenses .......................................................... 0.92 % 0.91 % (3)
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends .................. 7.85 % 8.16 %
Preferred stock dividends ............................................... 1.41 % 1.53 %
Net investment income available to common shareholders .................. 6.44 % 6.63 %
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ................................. $109,232 $ 110,718
Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period ..................... 363 % 369 %
Portfolio turnover rate ................................................. 5 % 6 %
</TABLE>
-------------
* The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Total 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
return does not reflect brokerage commissions.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.
(4) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.02%.
See Notes to Financial Statements
17
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Revised Investment Policy (unaudited)
On January 26, 2000, the Trustees of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured
Municipal Bond Trust (the "Trust") approved an investment policy whereby the
Trust would be permitted to invest up to 10% of its assets in inverse floating
rate municipal obligations. The inverse floating rate municipal obligations in
which the Trust will invest are typically created through a division of a fixed
rate municipal obligation into two separate instruments, a short-term
obligation and a long-term obligation. The interest rate on the short-term
obligation is set at periodic auctions. The interest rate on the long-term
obligation is the rate the issuer would have paid on the fixed income
obligation: (i) plus the difference between such fixed rate and the rate on the
short-term obligation, if the short-term rate is lower than the fixed rate; or
(ii) minus such difference if the interest rate on the short-term obligation is
higher than the fixed rate. The interest rates on these obligations generally
move in the reverse direction of market interest rates. If market interest
rates fall, the interest rate on the obligation will increase and if market
interest rates increase, the interest rate on the obligation will fall. Inverse
floating rate municipal obligations offer the potential for higher income than
is available from fixed rate obligations of comparable maturity and credit
rating. They also carry greater risks. In particular, the prices of inverse
floating rate municipal obligations are more volatile, i.e., they increase and
decrease in response to changes in interest rates to a greater extent than
comparable fixed rate obligations.
18
<PAGE>
TRUSTEES
Michael Bozic
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Edwin J. Garn
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
Mitchell M. Merin
President
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
The financial statements included herein have been taken from the records of
the Trust without examination by the independent accountants and accordingly
they do not express an opinion thereon.
MORGAN STANLEY
DEAN WITTER
INSURED
MUNICIPAL
BOND TRUST
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
SEMIANNUAL REPORT
APRIL 30, 2000
