<PAGE>
Two World Trade Center,
New York, New York 10048
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Letter to the Shareholders October 31, 2000
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
The U.S. economy continued to register solid economic growth over the 12-month
period ended October 31, 2000. Unemployment reached a 30-year low and real
personal consumption accelerated. The tightening labor market and rising oil
prices led to increased concern that inflationary pressures would surface. In
response, the Federal Reserve Board increased the federal funds rate 100 basis
points in three moves between February and May. The federal funds rate
currently stands at a nine-year high of 6.50 percent. The Fed's shift toward a
tighter monetary policy, which began last year, caused long-term interest rates
to increase in 1999. Early this year, however, the U.S. Treasury announced its
plans to utilize a growing federal budget surplus to reduce its debt. This
announcement precipitated a rally in the bond market. By the end of October
2000, long-term interest rates had declined significantly. Vigilance by the
Federal Reserve in controlling inflation and signs of moderating economic
activity also contributed to more favorable bond market conditions.
MUNICIPAL MARKET CONDITIONS
The long-term insured municipal index, which stood at 6.03 percent at the end
of October 1999, reached a high of 6.19 percent in mid January before declining
to 5.65 percent at the end of October 2000. Because bond prices move inversely
to changes in interest rates, bond prices declined in 1999 but improved this
year. The municipal yield curve flattened 79 basis points during the year and
the pickup for extending maturities from one to 30 years declined from 225
basis points in October 1999 to 146 basis points at the end of this October.
The ratio of municipal yields as a percentage of Treasury yields has
historically been used as a measure of relative value. A rising yield ratio
indicates weaker relative performance by municipals, a declining ratio stronger
performance. Over the past 12 months, this ratio has averaged 98 percent.
Long-term municipal yields have generally followed the trend of U.S. Treasury
yields. For the past three years the high and low ratios have been 100 percent
and 83 percent, respectively.
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Letter to the Shareholders October 31, 2000, continued
During the first 10 months of 2000, municipal underwriting was 17 percent below
the same period last year. Refunding activity, the most interest-rate-sensitive
component of supply, dropped nearly 60 percent. Approximately 40 percent of the
underwritings were enhanced with bond insurance, versus an average of 50
percent in the previous three years.
30-YEAR BOND YIELDS 1994-2000
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%
11/30/98 5.00 5.06 98.81%
12/31/98 5.05 5.10 99.02%
01/31/99 5.00 5.09 98.23%
02/28/99 5.10 5.58 91.40%
03/31/99 5.15 5.63 91.47%
04/30/99 5.20 5.66 91.87%
05/31/99 5.30 5.83 90.91%
06/30/99 5.47 5.96 91.78%
07/31/99 5.55 6.10 90.98%
08/31/99 5.75 6.06 94.88%
09/30/99 5.85 6.05 96.69%
10/31/99 6.03 6.16 97.89%
11/30/99 6.00 6.29 95.39%
12/31/99 5.97 6.48 92.13%
01/31/00 6.18 6.49 95.22%
02/29/00 6.04 6.14 98.37%
03/31/00 5.82 5.83 99.83%
04/30/00 5.91 5.96 99.16%
05/31/00 5.91 6.01 98.34%
06/30/00 5.84 5.90 98.98%
07/31/00 5.73 5.78 99.13%
08/31/00 5.62 5.67 99.12%
09/30/00 5.74 5.89 97.45%
10/31/00 5.65 5.79 97.58%
Source: Municipal Market Data - A Division of Thomson Financial Group and
Bloomberg L.P.
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
During the 12-month period ended October 31, 2000, the net asset value (NAV) of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust (IQI) increased from
$14.88 to $15.22 per share. Based on this change, plus a reinvestment of
tax-free dividends totaling $0.925 per share, the Trust's total NAV return was
9.46 percent. IQI's value on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) increased from
$13.25 to $13.3125 per share during this period. Based on this change plus
reinvestment of tax-free dividends, IQI's total market return was 7.51 percent.
As of October 31, 2000, IQI's share price was at a 12.53 percent discount to
its NAV.
2
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Letter to the Shareholders October 31, 2000, continued
Monthly dividends for the fourth quarter of 2000 were declared in September.
Beginning with the October payment, the monthly dividend was reduced from
$0.0775 to $0.0725 per share. The new dividend reflects current earnings and
the Trust's level of undistributed net investment income which was $0.082 per
share on October 31, 2000, versus $0.090 per share 12 months earlier.
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
The Trust's investments were diversified among 15 long-term sectors and 78
credits. Issues in the refunded bond category comprised 17 percent of net
assets. These bonds have been refinanced and will be redeemed on the dates
shown in the portfolio. At the end of October, the portfolio's average maturity
was 15 years. Average duration, a measure of portfolio sensitivity to interest
rates, was 5.1 years. Generally, bonds with longer durations have greater
volatility. The accompanying charts and tables provide current information on
the portfolio's credit quality, maturity distribution and sector
diversification. Optional call provisions and their respective cost (book)
yields by year 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 12-month period, ARPS leverage contributed approximately $0.11 per
share to common share earnings. The Trust's five ARPS series totaling $208
million represented 31 percent of net assets. The yield on the IQI's three
weekly ARPS series ranged between 3.20 and 5.30 percent. Yields on series with
rollovers in July and September 2001, are 4.48 percent and 4.40 percent,
respectively. In comparison, the yield on 1-year municipal notes increased from
3.77 percent at the end of October 1999 to 4.19 percent at the end of this
October.
3
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Letter to the Shareholders October 31, 2000, continued
LOOKING AHEAD
The slower pace of economic growth and moderate inflation have caused the bond
market to anticipate a shift by the Federal Reserve Board to a neutral bias in
its monetary policy and the possibility of easing in 2001. This should create a
favorable environment for municipal bonds.
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 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 fiscal period
ended October 31, 2000, the Trust purchased and retired 1,991,493 shares of
common stock at a weighted average market discount of 10.16 percent.
We appreciate your ongoing support of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality
Municipal Income Trust and look forward to continuing to serve your investment
needs.
Very truly yours,
/s/ CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO /s/ MITCHELL M. MERIN
-------------------------- ---------------------
CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO MITCHELL M. MERIN
Chairman of the Board President
4
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Letter to the Shareholders October 31, 2000, continued
LARGEST SECTORS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2000
(% OF NET ASSETS)
REFUNDED 17%
MORTGAGE 14%
GENERAL OBLIGATION 12%
WATER & SEWER 12%
TRANSPORTATION 10%
IDR/PCR* 8%
ELECTRIC 8%
* Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue.
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
CREDIT RATINGS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2000
(% OF TOTAL LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO)
Aaa OR AAA 50%
Ba OR BB 1%
Baa OR BBB 3%
A OR A 9%
Aa OR AA 37%
As measured by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. of Standard & Poor's Corp.
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
DISTRIBUTION BY MATURITY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
MATURITY 15 YEARS
UNDER 1 YEAR 4.5%
1-5 YEARS 13.5%
5-10 YEARS 5.6%
10-20 YEARS 46.0%
20-30 YEARS 25.6%
30+ YEARS 4.8%
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
5
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Letter to the Shareholders October 31, 2000, continued
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
CALL AND COST (BOOK) YIELD STRUCTURE
(BASED ON LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO)
OCTOBER 31, 2000
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
CALL PROTECTION: 4 YEARS
BONDS CALLABLE
2000 2%
2001 6%
2002 48%
2003 13%
2004 0%
2005 1%
2006 0%
2007 0%
2008 6%
2009 7%
2010+ 17%
YEARS BOND CALLABLE
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
BOOK YIELD: 6.3%
COST (BOOK) YIELD*
2000 6.7%
2001 7.0%
2002 6.6%
2003 6.5%
2004
2005 6.0%
2006
2007
2008 6.1%
2009 5.4%
2010+ 5.9%
* 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 is earning a book yield of 6.7% on 2% of the long-term
portfolio that is callable in 2000.
Portfolio structure is subject to change.
6
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Results of Annual Meeting (unaudited)
* * *
On October 24, 2000, an annual meeting of the Trust's shareholders was held for
the purpose of voting on four separate matters, the results of which were as
follows:
(1) ELECTION OF TRUSTEES BY ALL SHAREHOLDERS:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Wayne E. Hedien
For .............. 23,106,693
Withheld ......... 1,013,764
James F. Higgins
For .............. 23,082,081
Withheld ......... 1,038,376
John L. Schroeder
For .............. 23,081,144
Withheld ......... 1,039,313
</TABLE>
(2) ELECTION OF TRUSTEE BY PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
For ............... 3,623
Withheld .......... 5
</TABLE>
The following Trustees were not standing for reelection at this meeting:
Michael Bozic, Charles A. Fiumefreddo, Edwin J. Garn, Michael E. Nugent and
Philip J. Purcell.
(3) RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
For ............. 22,913,952
Against ......... 336,927
Abstain ......... 869,578
</TABLE>
In addition, a shareholder proposal to amend the Trust's Declaration of Trust
to require each Trustee, within 30 days of election, to become a shareholder of
the Trust failed to obtain the necessary quorum of a majority of each of the
common and preferred shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting.
7
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Results of Annual Meeting (unaudited) continued
Although no quorum was obtained, the following represents the total of the
shares whose votes were returned to the Trust prior to the meeting.
VOTE:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Number of Common Shares
For ................... 3,194,953
Against ............... 11,238,823
Abstain ............... 1,935,031
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Number of Preferred Shares
For ...................... 63
Against .................. 467
Abstain .................. 12
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Portfolio of Investments October 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (95.5%)
General Obligation (12.3%)
$ 3,500 Denver City & County School Dist No 1, Colorado, Ser 1999 (FGIC) .......... 5.25 % 12/01/16 $ 3,473,575
Hawaii,
5,000 1992 Ser BZ .............................................................. 6.00 10/01/10 5,419,500
8,000 1992 Ser BZ .............................................................. 6.00 10/01/11 8,659,360
4,000 Cook County, Illinois, Ser 1992 C (FGIC) .................................. 6.00 11/15/09 4,339,400
10,000 Massachusetts, Ser 2000 C (WI) ............................................ 5.75 10/01/15 10,492,600
South Carolina,
14,000 Highway Ser 1999 A ....................................................... 4.60 05/01/18 12,499,900
10,000 Highway Ser 1999 A ....................................................... 4.60 05/01/19 8,874,000
5,000 Houston Independent School District, Texas, PSF Gtd School & Refg
Ser 1999 A ............................................................... 5.25 02/15/18 4,850,400
9,035 San Antonio, Texas, Refg Ser 1992 ......................................... 5.75 08/01/13 9,131,313
15,000 Washington, Ser 1993 A .................................................... 5.75 10/01/17 15,219,299
--------- ------------
83,535 82,959,347
--------- ------------
Educational Facilities Revenue (2.0%)
2,500 University of Illinois, Auxilliary Ser 1991 ............................... 5.75 04/01/22 2,509,350
5,000 Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Brandeis
University, 1998 Ser I (MBIA) ............................................ 4.75 10/01/28 4,310,700
Scranton-Lackawanna Health & Welfare Authority, Pennsylvania,
3,000 University of Scranton 1992 Ser A ........................................ 6.40 03/01/07 3,114,180
3,300 University of Scranton 1992 Ser A ........................................ 6.50 03/01/13 3,424,146
--------- ------------
13,800 13,358,376
--------- ------------
Electric Revenue (7.7%)
3,000 Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, California, Issue of 1992 ........ 6.375 02/01/20 3,118,140
9,000 Orlando Utilities Commission, Florida, Ser 1991 A ......................... 5.50 10/01/26 8,889,300
10,000 Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Power 1992 Ser B
(Secondary MBIA) ......................................................... 6.375 01/01/16 10,483,201
5,000 Hastings, Nebraska, Refg Ser 1992 ......................................... 6.30 01/01/19 5,165,750
10,000 Long Island Power Authority, New York, Ser 2000 A (FSA) ................... 0.00 06/01/16 4,286,900
10,000 Hamilton!, Ohio, Refg 1992 Ser A (FGIC) ................................... 6.00 10/15/23 10,189,500
Grant County Public Utility District #2, Washington,
8,220 Priest Rapids Hydro Second Ser 1992 A .................................... 5.00 01/01/23 7,481,104
2,645 Wanapum Hydro Second Ser 1992 B (AMT) .................................... 6.75 01/01/23 2,749,292
--------- ------------
57,865 52,363,187
--------- ------------
Hospital Revenue (6.4%)
5,000 Birmingham-Carraway Special Care Facilities Financing Authority,
Alabama, Carraway Methodist Health Ser 1995 A (Connie Lee) ............... 5.875 08/15/15 5,130,150
9,250 Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Massachusetts
General Hospital Ser F (Ambac) ........................................... 6.00 07/01/15 9,490,778
10,000 Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Health Midwest
Ser 1992 B (MBIA) ........................................................ 6.25 02/15/22 10,200,800
4,500 Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cleveland Clinic Foundation Refg Ser 1992 .......... 5.50 11/15/11 4,541,985
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
9
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Portfolio of Investments October 31, 2000, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 5,000 Dauphin County General Authority, Pennsylvania, HAPSO Group Inc/
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital Refg 1992 Ser A (MBIA) .................... 6.25 % 07/01/16 $ 5,495,250
3,000 Philadelphia Hospitals & Higher Education Facilities Authority,
Pennsylvania, Chestnut Hill Hospital Ser of 1992 ............................ 6.375 11/15/11 2,927,400
5,000 South Dakota Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Queen of Peace
Hospital Ser 1992 (MBIA) .................................................... 6.70 07/01/17 5,225,150
--------- ------------
41,750 43,011,513
--------- ------------
Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue (7.8%)
6,000 California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Keller Cannon Landfill Co/
Browning-Ferris Industries Inc Ser 1992 (AMT) ............................... 6.875 11/01/27 5,923,920
5,000 Citrus County, Florida, Florida Power Corp Refg Ser 1992 B ................... 6.35 02/01/22 5,135,950
5,000 Washoe County, Nevada, Sierra Pacific Power Co Ser 1987 (AMT) (MBIA) ......... 6.65 06/01/17 5,240,100
15,000 Berkeley County, South Carolina, South Carolina Electric & Gas Co Ser 1984 6.50 10/01/14 15,744,300
10,000 Brazos River Authority, Texas, Houston Lighting & Power Co Ser 1992 B
(MBIA) ...................................................................... 6.375 04/01/12 10,477,000
10,000 Mason County, West Virginia, Appalachian Power Co Ser J ...................... 6.60 10/01/22 10,011,500
--------- ------------
51,000 52,532,770
--------- ------------
Mortgage Revenue - Multi-Family (6.3%)
7,000 Illinois Housing Development Authority, Ser I ................................ 6.625 09/01/12 7,217,770
15,705 Michigan Housing Development Authority, Rental 1992 Ser A
(Bifurcated FSA) ............................................................ 6.50 04/01/23 16,278,704
Missouri Housing Development Commission,
5,355 Federally Insured Mortgage Loans Refg Ser 11/15/92 .......................... 6.50 07/01/16 5,400,517
6,795 Federally Insured Mortgage Loans Refg Ser 11/15/92 .......................... 6.60 07/01/24 6,852,690
7,000 New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency, Home Buyer Ser 2000 CC
(MBIA) (AMT) ................................................................ 5.875 10/01/31 6,989,640
--------- ------------
41,855 42,739,321
--------- ------------
Mortgage Revenue - Single Family (7.5%)
16,495 Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, 1992 Ser B ............................ 6.70 11/15/12 17,202,470
5,105 Georgia Housing & Finance Authority, Home Ownership 1992 Ser C ............... 6.50 12/01/11 5,219,965
7,000 Idaho Housing & Finance Association, 2000 Ser E (AMT) ........................ 6.00 01/01/32 7,047,740
1,100 Idaho Housing Agency, 1992 Ser E (AMT) ....................................... 6.75 07/01/12 1,126,653
3,000 Maryland Community Development Administration, 2000 Ser D (AMT) .............. 6.25 09/01/32 3,074,880
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency,
2,730 Ser 1992 D-1 ................................................................ 6.50 01/01/17 2,785,419
5,905 Ser 1992 CD-1 (AMT) ......................................................... 6.75 07/01/23 6,013,357
2,000 Missouri Housing Development Commission, Homeownership Loan Program,
Ser 2000 B-1 (AMT) .......................................................... 6.25 03/01/31 2,046,180
6,300 Montana Board of Housing, 2000 Ser B (AMT) ................................... 6.00 12/01/29 6,336,099
--------- ------------
49,635 50,852,763
--------- ------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
10
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Portfolio of Investments October 31, 2000, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Nursing & Health Related Facilities Revenue (1.7%)
$ 11,250 Minneapolis & Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Minnesota,
--------- Group Health Plan Inc Ser 1992 ............................................. 6.90 % 10/15/22 $ 11,292,638
------------
Public Facilities Revenue (1.2%)
7,370 Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, Indiana, Ser 1992 D ......... 6.75 02/01/20 7,775,645
--------- ------------
Recreational Facilities Revenue (1.5%)
10,000 Atlanta Downtown Development Authority, Georgia, Underground Atlanta
--------- Refg Ser 1992 .............................................................. 6.25 10/01/16 10,363,600
------------
Resource Recovery Revenue (1.7%)
11,340 Broward County, Florida, Broward Waste Energy Co North Ser 1984 .............. 7.95 12/01/08 11,702,540
--------- ------------
Transportation Facilities Revenue (9.6%)
Dade County, Florida,
3,000 Aviation 1992 Ser B (AMT) (MBIA) ............................................ 6.55 10/01/13 3,144,150
5,000 Aviation 1992 Ser B (AMT) (MBIA) ............................................ 6.60 10/01/22 5,229,550
5,000 Atlanta, Georgia, Airport Ser 2000 A (FGIC) .................................. 5.50 01/01/26 4,945,850
13,000 Chicago, Illinois, Chicago-O'Hare Int'l Terminal Ser 1992 (AMT) (MBIA) ....... 6.75 01/01/12 13,474,889
4,000 Regional Transportation Authority, Illinois, Refg Ser 1999 (FSA) ............. 5.75 06/01/21 4,162,320
3,400 Maine Turnpike Authority, Ser 2000 (FGIC) .................................... 5.50 07/01/30 3,345,974
2,390 St Louis, Missouri, Lambert-St Louis Int'l Airport Ser 1992 (AMT) (FGIC) ..... 6.00 07/01/08 2,479,004
4,595 Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Las Vegas Monorail Project,
1st Tier Ser 2000 (Ambac) ................................................... 0.00 01/01/22 1,331,080
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority,
5,000 1998 Ser A (FSA) ............................................................ 4.50 06/15/19 4,380,300
5,000 1999 Ser A .................................................................. 5.75 06/15/20 5,234,600
6,000 Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, Refg Ser V ................... 6.625 07/01/12 6,264,900
Houston, Texas,
6,000 Airport Sub Lien Ser 2000 A (AMT) (FSA) (WI) ................................ 5.875 07/01/17 6,130,320
5,000 Airport Sub Lien Ser 2000 A (AMT) (FSA) (WI) ................................ 5.625 07/01/30 4,855,700
--------- ------------
67,385 64,978,637
--------- ------------
Water & Sewer Revenue (12.1%)
4,000 Birmingham, Alabama, Water & Sewer Ser 1998 A ................................ 4.75 01/01/21 3,531,920
6,000 Tampa Bay Water, Florida, Utility Ser 1998 B (FGIC) .......................... 4.75 10/01/27 5,227,440
10,000 Augusta, Georgia, Water and Sewerage Ser 2000 (FSA) .......................... 5.25 10/01/30 9,578,100
5,000 Douglasville-Douglas County Water & Sewer Authority, Georgia,
Ser 1998 (FGIC) ............................................................. 4.50 06/01/23 4,222,800
5,000 Louisville & Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, Kentucky,
Ser 1999 A (FGIC) ........................................................... 5.75 05/15/33 5,052,800
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority,
5,000 Refg 1992 Ser B ............................................................. 5.50 11/01/15 5,049,950
10,000 1998 Ser A (FSA) ............................................................ 4.50 08/01/22 8,443,500
5,000 2000 Ser A (FGIC) ........................................................... 5.75 08/01/39 5,026,650
3,000 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Water & Wastewater Refg Ser 1999 (Ambac) ............. 5.25 05/15/19 2,899,890
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
11
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Portfolio of Investments October 31, 2000, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------- ----------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York,
$ 20,000 Ser 1993 A ............................................................... 6.00 % 06/15/17 $ 20,415,000
3,000 Ser 2000 B ............................................................... 6.00 06/15/33 3,121,680
7,045 Houston, Texas, Water & Sewer Jr Lien Refg Ser 1991 C (Ambac) ............. 6.375 12/01/17 7,308,694
2,000 Fairfax County Water Authority, Virginia, Refg Ser 1992 ................... 6.00 04/01/22 2,087,060
--------- ------------
85,045 81,965,484
--------- ------------
Other Revenue (0.7%) 5.25 07/01/17 2,941,050
3,000 Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gross Receipts Refg Ser 1999 C ................... 5.00 07/01/28 1,797,140
2,000 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gas Works First Ser 1998 B (FSA) .............. ------------
--------- 4,738,190
5,000 ------------
---------
Refunded (17.0%)
7,500 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Gen Hsg 1992 Ser A .................... 6.60 12/01/02+ 7,750,650
20,000 Jefferson County School District #R-1, Colorado, Ser 1992 (Ambac)** ....... 6.00 12/15/02+ 20,810,400
10,000 District of Columbia, Howard University Refg Ser 1992 A ................... 6.75 10/01/02+ 10,605,200
20,000 Illinois Toll Highway Authority, Priority 1992 Ser A** .................... 6.375 01/01/03+ 21,106,399
14,285 Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust, MWRA Loan
Ser 1998 A (ETM) ......................................................... 4.75 08/01/18 13,201,483
19,700 Clark County, Nevada, Las Vegas - McCarran Int'l Airport Passenger
Facility Charge 1992 Ser B (AMT) ......................................... 6.25 07/01/02+ 20,569,755
10,000 New York State Medical Care Facilities Agency, The Mount Sinai
Hospital - FHA Insured Mortgage 1992 Ser C ............................... 5.75 08/15/02+ 10,653,600
10,000 Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority, Pennsylvania,
Presbyterian University Health Ser 1992 A (MBIA) ......................... 6.25 11/01/02+ 10,344,700
---------
111,485 ------------
--------- 115,042,187
648,315 TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (Cost $616,076,689) .................... ------------
--------- 645,676,198
------------
SHORT-TERM TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS (4.5%)
9,800 Orlando, Florida, Cap Impr Refg Ser 1992 .................................. 6.00 10/01/01+ 10,132,710
5,000 Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Cox Health System
Ser 1997 (MBIA) (Demand 11/01/00) ........................................ 4.60* 06/01/15 5,000,000
3,900 Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Industrial Development Authority
(Demand 11/01/00) ........................................................ 4.60* 12/01/09 3,900,000
3,100 Harris County Health Facilities Development Corporation, Texas,
Methodist Hospital Ser 1994 (Demand 11/01/00) ............................ 4.60* 12/01/25 3,100,000
7,500 Fredericksburg Industrial Development Authority, Virginia, MWH
---------
Medicorp Ser 1991 A & B (FGIC) ............................................ 8.586++ 08/15/01+ 8,025,000
---------- ------------
29,300 TOTAL SHORT-TERM TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS (Cost $28,767,580) ................................ 30,157,710
--------- ------------
$ 677,615 TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $644,844,269) (a) ................................................... 100.0% 675,833,908
=========
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES ....................................................... 0.0 40,761
----- ------------
NET ASSETS ................................................................................. 100.0% $675,874,669
===== ============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
12
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Portfolio of Investments October 31, 2000, continued
---------------
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax.
ETM Escrowed to maturity.
WI Security purchased on a "when-issued" basis.
+ Prerefunded to call date shown.
++ Current coupon rate for residual interest bond. This rate resets
periodically as the auction rate on the related short-term securities
fluctuates.
* Current coupon of variable rate demand obligation.
** All or a portion of these securities have been segregated in
connection with the purchase of "when-issued" securities.
(a) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates
the aggregate cost for book purposes. The aggregate gross
unrealized appreciation is $33,369,758 and the aggregate gross
unrealized depreciation is $2,380,119, resulting in net
unrealized appreciation of $30,989,639.
Bond Insurance:
Ambac Ambac Assurance Corporation.
Connie Lee Connie Lee Insurance Company - a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac
Assurance 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
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Alabama ....................... 1.3%
Alaska ........................ 1.1
California .................... 1.3
Colorado ...................... 3.6
Connecticut ................... 2.6
District of Columbia .......... 1.6
Florida ....................... 7.3
Georgia ....................... 6.6
Hawaii ........................ 2.1
Idaho ......................... 1.2
Illinois ...................... 7.8
Indiana ....................... 1.1
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Kentucky ...................... 0.7%
Maine ......................... 0.5
Maryland ...................... 0.5
Massachusetts ................. 8.3
Michigan ...................... 2.4
Minnesota ..................... 3.0
Missouri ...................... 4.7
Montana ....................... 0.9
Nebraska ...................... 0.8
Nevada ........................ 4.0
New Jersey .................... 2.4
New Mexico .................... 0.9
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
New York ...................... 5.7%
Ohio .......................... 2.2
Pennsylvania .................. 4.6
Puerto Rico ................... 0.9
South Carolina ................ 5.5
South Dakota .................. 0.8
Texas ......................... 6.8
Virginia ...................... 1.5
Washington .................... 3.8
West Virginia ................. 1.5
-----
Total ......................... 100.0%
=====
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
13
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Financial Statements
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS:
<S> <C>
Investments in securities, at value
(cost $644,844,269) .......................... $675,833,908
Cash ............................................ 10,475,104
Receivable for:
Interest ................................... 10,700,221
Investments sold ........................... 845,000
Prepaid expenses ................................ 326,421
------------
TOTAL ASSETS ............................... 698,180,654
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Investments purchased ...................... 21,405,133
Dividends to preferred shareholders ........ 408,721
Investment management fee .................. 207,317
Common shares of beneficial interest
repurchased ............................. 167,666
Accrued expenses ................................ 117,148
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES .......................... 22,305,985
------------
NET ASSETS ................................. $675,874,669
============
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Preferred shares of beneficial interest
(1,000,000 shares authorized of
non-participating $.01 par value, 4,160
shares outstanding) .......................... $208,000,000
------------
Common shares of beneficial interest
(unlimited shares authorized of $.01 par
value, 30,738,920 shares outstanding) ........ 430,512,889
Net unrealized appreciation ..................... 30,989,639
Accumulated undistributed net investment
income ....................................... 2,529,092
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain ..... 3,843,049
------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS ............................... 467,874,669
------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS ........................... $675,874,669
============
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($467,874,669 divided by 30,738,920
common shares outstanding) ..................... $ 15.22
============
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended October 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
<S> <C>
INTEREST INCOME .............................. $40,488,840
-----------
EXPENSES
Investment management fee ..................... 2,384,156
Auction commission fees ....................... 682,475
Transfer agent fees and expenses .............. 120,164
Professional fees ............................. 114,578
Shareholder reports and notices ............... 67,046
Auction agent fees ............................ 40,113
Registration fees ............................. 32,926
Custodian fees ................................ 31,791
Trustees' fees and expenses ................... 16,472
Other ......................................... 46,008
-----------
TOTAL EXPENSES ........................... 3,535,729
Less: expense offset ......................... (31,734)
-----------
NET EXPENSES ............................. 3,503,995
-----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME .................... 36,984,845
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:
Net realized gain ............................. 4,965,229
Net change in unrealized appreciation ......... 2,723,226
-----------
NET GAIN ................................. 7,688,455
-----------
NET INCREASE .................................. $44,673,300
===========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
14
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Financial Statements, continued
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 2000 OCTOBER 31, 1999
------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................................. $ 36,984,845 $ 38,468,411
Net realized gain (loss) .............................. 4,965,229 (1,122,180)
Net change in unrealized appreciation ................. 2,723,226 (43,771,021)
------------- -------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) ............................ 44,673,300 (6,424,790)
------------- -------------
Dividends to preferred shareholders from net investment
income .............................................. (8,231,899) (7,437,084)
------------- -------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income ................................. (29,155,707) (30,960,584)
Net realized gain ..................................... -- (1,575,210)
------------- -------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS .................. (29,155,707) (32,535,794)
------------- -------------
Decrease from transactions in common shares of
beneficial interest ................................. (26,590,117) (8,751,946)
------------- -------------
NET DECREASE ....................................... (19,304,423) (55,149,614)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period ................................... 695,179,092 750,328,706
------------- -------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment income of
$2,529,092 and $2,931,853, respectively) ........... $ 675,874,669 $ 695,179,092
============= =============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
15
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Notes to Financial Statements October 31, 2000
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income 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 March 12, 1992 and
commenced operations on September 29, 1992.
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
16
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Notes to Financial Statements October 31, 2000, 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 tax purposes 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 the Investment Manager
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 year ended October 31, 2000
aggregated $96,721,701 and $108,150,183, respectively.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Manager,
is the Trust's transfer agent. At October 31, 2000, the Trust had transfer
agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $400.
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 year ended October 31, 2000
included in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted
to $4,996. At October 31, 2000, the Trust had an accrued pension liability of
$40,625 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 Series 1 through 5 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.
17
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Notes to Financial Statements October 31, 2000, continued
Dividends, which are cumulative, are reset through auction procedures.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT IN RESET RANGE OF
SERIES SHARES* THOUSANDS* RATE* DATE DIVIDEND RATES**
-------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 1,120 $56,000 4.40% 09/05/01 3.93% - 4.40%
2 400 20,000 4.13 11/02/00 3.20 - 5.00
3 1,120 56,000 4.48 07/05/01 3.65 - 4.48
4 1,120 56,000 4.13 11/02/00 3.35 - 5.00
5 400 20,000 4.13 11/03/00 3.25 - 5.30
</TABLE>
---------------
* As of October 31, 2000.
** For the year ended October 31, 2000.
Subsequent to October 31, 2000 and up through December 4, 2000, the Trust paid
dividends to each of the Series 1 through 5 at rates ranging from 3.84% to
4.48% in the aggregate amount of $1,193,989.
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
EXCESS OF
SHARES PAR VALUE PAR VALUE
-------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, October 31, 1998 ................................................ 33,362,113 $333,621 $465,521,331
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 8.66%)* . (631,700) (6,317) (8,745,629)
---------- -------- ------------
Balance, October 31, 1999 ................................................ 32,730,413 327,304 456,775,702
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 10.16%)* (1,991,493) (19,915) (26,570,202)
---------- -------- ------------
Balance, October 31, 2000 ................................................ 30,738,920 $307,389 $430,205,500
========== ======== ============
</TABLE>
---------------
* The Trustees have voted to retire the shares purchased.
18
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Notes to Financial Statements October 31, 2000, continued
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
During the year ended October 31, 2000, the Trust utilized its net capital loss
carryover of approximately $1,122,000.
7. DIVIDENDS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
On September 26, 2000, the Trust declared the following dividends from net
investment income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT
PER SHARE RECORD DATE PAYABLE DATE
-------------- --------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$ 0.0725 November 3, 2000 November 17, 2000
$ 0.0725 December 8, 2000 December 22, 2000
</TABLE>
8. EXPENSE OFFSET
The expense offset represents a reduction of the custodian fees for earnings on
cash balances maintained by the Trust.
9. RISKS RELATING TO CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Trust may invest a portion of its assets in residual interest bonds, which
are inverse floating rate municipal obligations. The prices of these securities
are subject to greater market fluctuations during periods of changing
prevailing interest rates than are comparable fixed rate obligations.
At October 31, 2000, the Trust held positions in residual interest bonds,
having a total value of $8,025,000, which represents 1.2% of the Trust's net
assets.
19
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income 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*
-----------------------------------
2000 1999
------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period ........................... $ 14.88 $ 16.26
-------- ----------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income ......................................... 1.17 1.16
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ....................... 0.26 (1.36)
-------- ----------
Total income (loss) from investment operations ................. 1.43 (0.20)
-------- ----------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ......................................... (0.93) (0.93)
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred
shareholders ................................................. (0.26) (0.22)
Net realized gain ............................................. - (0.05)
-------- ----------
Total dividends and distributions .............................. (1.19) (1.20)
-------- ----------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares .............. 0.10 0.02
-------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period ................................. $ 15.22 $ 14.88
======== ==========
Market value, end of period .................................... $13.313 $ 13.25
======== ==========
TOTAL RETURN+ ................................................. 7.51% (10.21)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Total expenses ................................................. 0.75%(1) 0.73 %
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends ......... 7.83% 7.32 %
Preferred stock dividends ...................................... 1.74% 1.42 %
Net investment income available to common shareholders ......... 6.09% 5.90 %
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ........................ $675,875 $695,179
Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period ............ 324% 333 %
Portfolio turnover rate ........................................ 15% 21 %
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31*
---------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period ........................... $ 15.91 $ 15.44 $ 15.33
---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income ......................................... 1.19 1.20 1.19
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ....................... 0.34 0.51 0.13
---------- ---------- ----------
Total income (loss) from investment operations ................. 1.53 1.71 1.32
---------- ---------- ----------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ......................................... (0.93) (0.99) (0.99)
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred
shareholders ................................................. (0.23) (0.23) (0.22)
Net realized gain ............................................. (0.03) (0.03) (0.04)
---------- ----------- -----------
Total dividends and distributions .............................. (1.19) (1.25) (1.25)
---------- ----------- -----------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares .............. 0.01 0.01 0.04
---------- ----------- -----------
Net asset value, end of period ................................. $ 16.26 $ 15.91 $ 15.44
========== =========== ===========
Market value, end of period .................................... $ 15.75 $ 14.875 $ 14.625
========== =========== ===========
TOTAL RETURN+ ................................................. 12.66% 8.84% 14.27%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Total expenses ................................................. 0.71%(1) 0.70%(1) 0.69%(1)
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends ......... 7.35% 7.68% 7.73%
Preferred stock dividends ...................................... 1.45% 1.47% 1.41%
Net investment income available to common shareholders ......... 5.90% 6.21% 6.32%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ........................ $750,329 $ 742,504 $ 734,799
Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period ............ 360% 356% 353%
Portfolio turnover rate ........................................ 2% 2% --
</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 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) Does not reflect the effect of the expense offset of 0.01%.
See Notes to Financial Statements
20
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Independent Auditors' Report
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER QUALITY MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust (the "Trust"), including the
portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2000, and the related statements of
operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the year
then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our
audit. The statement of changes in net assets for the year ended October 31,
1999 and the financial highlights for each of the respective stated periods
ended October 31, 1999 were audited by other independent accountants whose
report, dated December 9, 1999, expressed an unqualified opinion on that
statement and financial highlights.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation
of securities owned as of October 31, 2000, by correspondence with the
custodian and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust as of October 31,
2000, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets, and the
financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
December 8, 2000
2000 FEDERAL TAX NOTICE (unaudited)
For the year ended October 31, 2000, 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.
21
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Change in Independent Accountants
On July 1, 2000 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP resigned as independent accountants
of the Trust.
The reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on the financial statements of the
Trust for the past two fiscal years contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer
of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or
accounting principle.
In connection with its audits for the two most recent fiscal years and through
July 1, 2000, there have been no disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved
to the satisfaction of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP would have caused them to
make reference thereto in their report on the financial statements for such
years.
The Trust, with the approval of its Board of Trustees and its Audit Committee,
engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP as its new independent auditors as of July 1,
2000.
22
<PAGE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
Revised Investment Policy
On January 26, 2000, the Trustees of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality
Municipal Income 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.
23
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TRUSTEES
Michael Bozic
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Edwin J. Garn
Wayne E. Hedien
James F. Higgins
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
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Two World Financial Center
New York, New York 10281
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
MORGAN STANLEY
DEAN WITTER
QUALITY
MUNICIPAL
INCOME TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
October 31, 2000
