<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003 Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS September 30, 1999
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
For the 6-month period ended September 30, 1999, the net asset value of TCW/DW
Term Trust 2003 decreased from $10.36 to $10.06 per share. Based on this
change, and including reinvestment of dividends totaling approximately $0.32
per share, the Trust's total return for the period was 0.42 percent. Over the
same period, the market price of the Trust's shares on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE) decreased from $9.375 to $9.125 per share. Based on this change
and including reinvestment of dividends, the Trust's total return for the
period was 0.65 percent.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Interest rates moved steadily higher during most of the period under review,
making the first three quarters of 1999 the second worst such period in terms
of the total return of the Lehman Aggregate Index since the inception of that
index. The U.S. economy has experienced robust economic growth and a tight
labor market, suggesting the potential of increased inflation. As a preemptive
strike, the Federal Reserve Bank raised rates at the end of June and then again
in late August. The mortgage sector was the top performing high-grade
fixed-income asset class for the past 12 months. By early August, yield spreads
particularly between U.S. Treasury securities and other bond sectors, including
mortgage-backed securities, had widened to the same levels seen during last
year's global financial crisis. (Yield spreads are the difference between the
yields of different fixed-income securities.) Spreads also widened in response
to the heavy volume of new issuance in corporate securities and due to other
technical factors.
The mortgage sector faced some unique problems of its own. Investor activity
and trading volume was light for most of the summer. Banks and agencies, which
once accounted for approximately 50 percent of mortgage market activity, were
less active participants in the market. Banks began accumulating cash reserves
to cover the unknown liquidity demands of Y2K and other year-end events.
However, the decision of the Federal
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS September 30, 1999, continued
Reserve Board to accept mortgage pass-throughs as collateral in repurchase
transactions over year-end was seen as an indication of the Fed's willingness
to facilitate year-end market liquidity, and as such, should reduce the banking
sector's need to hold large cash reserves.
TCW believes that the performance of the mortgage sector could remain choppy
over the next several months, due to thin trading volume and liquidity
restrictions. Furthermore, changes in the composition of the mortgage market
have reduced its coupon diversification, resulting in an increase in the
overall interest rate risk of the sector. The entire fixed-income market faces
considerable uncertainty due to lingering Y2K concerns, a heavy new-issue
calendar, a weakening dollar and inflation worries. Investors remain
understandably concerned about the possibility of another rate hike by the
Federal Reserve later this year. TCW believes that the mortgage sector is
fundamentally sound however, and mortgages are cheap relative to historical
valuations. For the first time in almost five years the incentive for an
adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) borrower to switch from adjustable- to
fixed-rate financing has turned negative, indicating an extremely low level of
prepayment risk. This fundamental shift combined with very wide yield spreads
has increased the relative attractiveness of the ARM sector. TCW continues to
recommend an overweight in the mortgage sector overall, with a strategy of
acquiring bonds on weakness in the market. Today's relatively higher yield
levels combined with TCW's continued focus on security structure also foster
its positive outlook on the mortgage sector.
THE PORTFOLIO
Approximately 72 percent of the Trust's portfolio is invested in mortgage
pass-through securities issued by agencies of the U.S. government or AAA-rated
collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) with durations, average lives or
expected maturity dates that correspond closely to the termination date of the
Trust. An additional 16 percent of the portfolio is invested in inverse
floating-rate CMOs issued by U.S. government agencies. Inverse floaters have
coupons that reset by a multiple in a direction opposite to that of a specified
index. Approximately 12 percent of the portfolio is invested in AAA-rated
municipal bonds and short-term investments. The municipal bond holdings play an
important role as the Trust seeks to achieve its objective of returning the
original $10 per share offering price to shareholders at maturity. As of
September 30, 1999 the Trust's degree of leverage (the ratio of debt to assets)
was 30 percent of total portfolio assets.
The Trust's net asset value and NYSE market values will continue to fluctuate
in response to changes in market conditions and interest rates. As stated in
the Trust's original prospectus, the Trust's income and dividends are expected
to decline to some extent over the term of the Trust and as the Trust
approaches its termination date.
2
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS September 30, 1999, continued
We would like to remind you that the Trustees have approved a procedure whereby
the Trust may attempt, when appropriate, to reduce or eliminate a market value
discount from net asset value by repurchasing shares in the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions at a price not above market value or net
asset value, whichever is lower at the time of purchase. During the period
under review, the Trust purchased 1,544,200 shares of common stock at a
weighted average market discount of 7.87 percent.
We appreciate your ongoing support of TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 and look forward
to continuing to serve your investment needs and objectives.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo /s/ Mitchell M. Merin
- -------------------------- ----------------------
CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO MITCHELL M. MERIN
Chairman of the Board President
3
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ----------- -------------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (124.4%)
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (89.2%)
$ 2,943 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1409 S (PAC) ................ 11.375+% 11/15/07 $ 2,855,191
70,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1465 G (PAC)++ .............. 7.00 12/15/07 70,869,785
21,675 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1507 L ++ ................... 7.00 10/15/22 20,843,291
9,700 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1522 K ...................... 6.50 12/15/22 9,173,154
905 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1524 SA ..................... 8.50 + 05/15/08 906,496
9,424 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1535 B ++ ................... 7.00 01/15/23 9,022,306
3,831 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1539 SA ..................... 8.755+ 06/15/08 3,585,292
42,385 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1542 N (PAC) ++ ............. 7.00 01/15/22 41,849,135
38,223 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1543 UG (PAC) ++ ............ 7.00 01/15/23 37,329,684
17,005 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1544 M ...................... 8.45 + 07/15/08 14,778,144
2,261 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1556 SA ..................... 10.466+ 08/15/13 2,186,366
12,360 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1563 SA ..................... 8.775+ 08/15/08 11,730,382
5,339 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1565 IB (TAC) ............... 5.925+ 08/15/08 5,214,109
9,061 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1576 SA ..................... 6.069+ 09/15/08 7,787,024
32,363 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1602 PW ..................... 6.50 12/15/21 32,193,981
5,015 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1604 S ...................... 6.097+ 11/15/08 4,785,084
4,433 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1606 KD (PAC) ............... 7.473+ 11/15/08 4,268,111
17,224 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1970 PC (PAC) ............... 6.75 11/15/21 17,283,942
75,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 2143 CH (PAC) ............... 6.00 02/15/19 73,500,000
39,760 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. G 15 PA ++ .................. 7.00 12/25/21 38,751,134
6,710 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-101 SA (TAC) ........... 9.227+ 06/25/08 6,743,490
6,394 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-101 SB (TAC) ........... 12.552+ 06/25/08 6,612,262
4,217 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-114 SC ................. 9.00 + 7/25/08 4,065,576
32,200 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-121 B ++ ............... 7.00 03/25/23 30,911,829
19,250 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-135 S .................. 6.499+ 07/25/08 16,308,215
3,168 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-135 SB ................. 6.685+ 06/25/08 2,702,602
26,400 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-141 B .................. 7.00 04/25/23 25,482,925
1,415 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-141 SA ................. 10.00 + 03/25/23 1,424,337
31,579 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-165 SM (TAC) ........... 7.353+ 05/25/23 29,445,790
4,867 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-173 S .................. 6.225+ 09/25/08 4,252,110
71,000 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-21 H (PAC) ++ .......... 7.00 03/25/22 71,263,311
12,210 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-20 L ................... 7.00 12/25/22 11,688,450
26,250 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-206 N ++ ............... 6.50 11/25/23 25,039,046
3,451 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-233 J .................. 6.00 06/25/08 3,398,492
15,398 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-41 C ................... 7.00 03/25/21 15,313,268
7,060 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-63 SD (TAC) ............ 8.728+ 05/25/08 6,367,599
4,854 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-65 SC .................. 9.53 + 06/25/12 4,585,825
15,947 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-72 S ................... 8.376+ 05/25/08 14,207,483
12,823 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-72 SA .................. 8.75 + 05/25/08 12,662,910
3,725 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-86 SD .................. 11.20 + 05/25/08 3,698,281
9,019 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-93 SA .................. 11.36 + 05/25/08 9,038,911
9,087 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-95 SE .................. 11.566+ 06/25/08 9,421,566
10,000 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-98 N ................... 7.00 06/25/23 9,896,800
9,385 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-196 SA ................. 9.403+ 10/25/08 8,748,315
30,552 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-26 A ................... 7.00 07/25/23 29,196,404
------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
(Identified Cost $786,208,965) ....................................................... 771,388,408
------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited) continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRIVATE ISSUES (35.2%)
$ 7,165 Bear Stearns Mortgage Securities Inc. 1993-6 A7 (PAC) ......................... 7.10 % 06/25/24 $ 7,132,678
14,026 Bear Stearns Mortgage Securities Inc. 1993-8 A7 (PAC) ......................... 7.50 08/25/24 14,192,252
54,416 Bear Stearns Mortgage Securities Inc. 1993-8 A11 (TAC)++ ...................... 7.50 08/25/24 53,296,554
25,800 Chase Mortgage Finance Corp. 1993-G A10 (PAC) ................................. 7.00 05/25/24 25,525,746
4,784 First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. 1993-5 A15 ............................. 7.30 03/25/09 4,754,100
36,683 General Electric Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. 1994-1 A8 .................... 6.50 01/25/24 33,656,396
14,252 Prudential Home Mortgage Securities 1993-23 A12 (PAC) ......................... 6.50 07/25/08 13,658,299
25,034 Prudential Home Mortgage Securities 1993-35 A12 ............................... 6.75 09/25/08 24,088,465
18,000 Prudential Home Mortgage Securities 1993-60 A3 (PAC) .......................... 6.75 12/25/23 17,195,411
10,000 Resolution Funding Mortgage Securities I 1997-S 12 A12 (PAC) .................. 6.75 08/25/27 9,984,551
36,408 Resolution Funding Mortgage Securities I 1993-S 40 A8 (TAC) ................... 6.75 11/25/23 35,237,195
5,315 Ryland Mortgage Securities Corp. 1993-3 7 (PAC) ............................... 6.712 08/25/08 5,034,505
28,218 Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII Inc. 1993-3 A7C ...................... 7.20 08/25/23 28,041,638
32,114 Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII Inc. 1993-5 A4 ....................... 7.298* 10/25/18 32,043,456
--------------
TOTAL PRIVATE ISSUES (Identified Cost $309,618,136) ............................................. 303,841,246
--------------
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
(Identified Cost $1,095,827,101) ................................................................ 1,075,229,654
--------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES (1.2%)
6,605 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. PC Gold ++ ................................... 6.00 06/01/08 6,359,019
1,570 Federal National Mortgage Assoc.++ ............................................ 5.50 02/01/09 1,478,880
2,044 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. .............................................. 7.00 08/01/08 2,042,737
--------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $10,151,848) ................................................................... 9,880,636
--------------
TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (15.8%)
Educational Facilities Revenue (3.7%)
5,000 Maricopa County Unified School District # 41, Arizona, Gilbert Refg (FGIC) 0.00 01/01/03 4,315,200
6,000 Maricopa County Unified School District # 28, Arizona, Kyrene Elementary
Refg Ser 1993 B (FGIC) ........................................................ 0.00 07/01/04 4,815,780
11,445 Houston Independent School District, Texas, Refg .............................. 0.00 08/15/04 9,103,811
Spring Independent School District, Texas,
8,205 Refg Ser 1993 ................................................................. 0.00 02/15/03 7,025,859
8,100 Refg Ser 1993 ................................................................. 0.00 02/15/04 6,596,154
--------------
31,856,804
--------------
Electric Revenue (4.6%)
12,840 Austin, Texas, Combined Ser A (MBIA) .......................................... 0.00 11/15/02 11,166,177
3,915 Lower Colorado River Authority, Texas, Jr Lien 4th Ser (AMBAC) ................ 0.00 01/01/04 3,210,457
San Antonio, Texas,
12,700 Electric & Gas Refg Ser A (AMBAC) ............................................. 0.00 02/01/03 10,894,441
17,500 Electric & Gas Refg Ser A (AMBAC) ............................................. 0.00 02/01/04 14,276,850
--------------
39,547,925
--------------
General Obligation (5.2%)
19,650 North Slope Boro, Alaska, Ser 1992 A (MBIA) ................................... 0.00 06/30/02 17,377,281
5,000 Scottsdale, Arizona, Refg (Secondary MBIA) .................................... 0.00 07/01/04 4,013,150
Port of Oakland, California,
3,000 Refg Ser 1993 F (MBIA) ........................................................ 0.00 11/01/03 2,523,300
3,500 Refg Ser 1993 F (MBIA) ........................................................ 0.00 11/01/04 2,806,370
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited) continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ----------- ---------- ---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 6,500 New Orleans, Louisiana, Refg (AMBAC) ............................ 0.00% 09/01/04 $ 5,169,515
16,000 Pennsylvania, Second Ser 1992 (Secondary MBIA) .................. 0.00 07/01/04 12,806,240
--------------
44,695,856
--------------
Hospital Revenue (0.9%)
10,000 California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
UniHealth Ser A (AMBAC) ......................................... 0.00 10/01/04 8,031,600
--------------
Other Revenue (0.5%)
5,460 Rosemont, Illinois, Tax Increment Ser C-3 (FGIC) ................ 0.00 12/01/03 4,502,207
--------------
Water & Sewer Revenue (0.9%)
10,000 Houston Texas, Water & Sewer Jr Lien Ser C (AMBAC) .............. 0.00 12/01/03 8,255,900
--------------
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS
(Identified Cost $132,075,288) ............................................................ 136,890,292
--------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (1.2%)
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY (a) (0.6%)
5,500 Federal National Mortgage Assoc.
(Amortized Cost $5,496,847) ..................................... 5.16 10/05/99 5,496,847
--------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (0.6%)
5,000 The Bank of New York (dated 09/30/99; proceeds $5,000,694) (b)
(Identified Cost $5,000,000) .................................... 5.00 10/01/99 5,000,000
--------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Identified Cost $10,496,847) ................................ 10,496,847
--------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Identified Cost $1,248,551,084) (c) ................... 142.6% 1,232,497,429
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF CASH AND OTHER ASSETS ........................... (42.6) (368,105,873)
--------------
NET ASSETS ............................................................... 100.0% $ 864,391,556
==============
</TABLE>
- ---------------
PC Participation Certificate.
PAC Planned Amortization Class.
TAC Targeted Amortization Class.
+ Inverse floater: interest rate moves inversely to a designated index, such
as LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) or COFI (Cost of Funds Index),
typically at a multiple of the changes of the relevant index rate.
++ Some or all of these securities are pledged in connection with reverse
repurchase agreements.
* Floating rate security. Rate shown is the rate in effect at September
30, 1999.
(a) Security was purchased on a discount basis. The interest rate shown has
been adjusted to reflect a money market equivalent yield.
(b) Collateralized by $5,174,748 U.S. Treasury Note 5.25% due 08/15/03 valued
at $5,102,000.
(c) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates identified
cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $7,339,931 and the
aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $23,393,586, resulting in net
unrealized depreciation of $16,053,655.
Bond Insurance:
- ---------------
AMBAC AMBAC Assurance Corporation.
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.
MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
September 30, 1999 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $1,248,551,084) ......... $1,232,497,429
Cash ........................................ 1,581,290
Receivable for:
Interest ............................... 6,366,969
Investment sold ........................ 1,056,720
Prepaid expenses ............................ 19,724
--------------
TOTAL ASSETS ........................... 1,241,522,132
--------------
LIABILITIES:
Reverse repurchase agreements ............... 374,545,000
Payable for:
Interest .............................. 1,268,376
Shares of beneficial interest
repurchased ......................... 619,180
Management fee ......................... 315,337
Investment advisory fee ................ 210,225
Accrued expenses ............................ 172,458
Contingencies (Note 9) ...................... --
--------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES ...................... 377,130,576
--------------
NET ASSETS ............................. $ 864,391,556
==============
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital ............................. $ 831,980,241
Net unrealized depreciation ................. (16,053,655)
Accumulated undistributed net investment
income ................................... 51,687,736
Accumulated net realized loss ............... (3,222,766)
--------------
NET ASSETS ............................. $ 864,391,556
==============
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE,
85,923,340 shares outstanding
(unlimited shares authorized of $.01 par
value) ................................... $ 10.06
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the six months ended September 30, 1999 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME ............................... $ 46,618,172
------------
EXPENSES
Management fee ................................ 1,725,448
Investment advisory fee ....................... 1,150,299
Transfer agent fees and expenses ............. 162,592
Shareholder reports and notices ............... 61,024
Insurance expenses ............................ 41,030
Registration fees ............................. 37,641
Professional fees ............................. 37,090
Custodian fees ................................ 39,425
Trustees' fees and expenses ................... 11,819
Other ......................................... 33,102
------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES ................. 3,299,470
Interest expense .............................. 9,759,105
------------
TOTAL EXPENSES ........................... 13,058,571
Less: expense offset .......................... (15,763)
------------
NET EXPENSES ............................. 13,042,812
------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME .................... 33,575,360
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized gain ............................. 41,609
Net change in unrealized appreciation ......... (33,231,813)
------------
NET LOSS ................................. (33,190,204)
------------
NET INCREASE .................................. $ 385,156
============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR
MONTHS ENDED ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 MARCH 31, 1999
-------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
(unaudited)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income .................................. $ 33,575,360 $ 64,490,181
Net realized gain ...................................... 41,609 --
Net change in unrealized appreciation .................. (33,231,813) 10,409,007
------------- -------------
NET INCREASE ........................................ 385,156 74,899,188
Dividends from net investment income ................... (27,357,235) (56,607,800)
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial
interest ............................................. (14,415,262) (47,493,623)
------------- -------------
NET DECREASE ........................................ (41,387,341) (29,202,235)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period .................................... 905,778,897 934,981,132
------------- -------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment income of
$51,687,736 and $45,469,611, respectively) .......... $ 864,391,556 $ 905,778,897
============= =============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the six months ended September 30, 1999 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH:
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net investment income .................................................. $ 33,575,360
Adjustments to reconcile net investment income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Decrease in receivables and other assets related to operations ......... 42,003
Decrease in payables related to operations ............................. (52,383)
Net amortization of discount/premium ................................... (5,640,173)
-------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES ........................... 27,924,807
-------------
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of investments ............................................... (75,480,469)
Principal prepayments/sales of investments ............................. 56,683,238
Net sales of short-term investments .................................... 3,014,109
-------------
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES .............................. (15,783,122)
-------------
CASH FLOWS USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net payments for shares of beneficial interest repurchased ............. (13,919,160)
Net proceeds for issuance of reverse repurchase agreements ............. 30,716,000
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income ................... (27,357,235)
-------------
NET CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES .............................. (10,560,395)
-------------
NET INCREASE IN CASH ................................................... 1,581,290
-------------
CASH BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD .................................... --
-------------
CASH BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD .......................................... $ 1,581,290
=============
Cash paid during the period for interest ............................... $ 9,828,142
=============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (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 a high level of current
income and return $10 per share to shareholders on the termination date. The
Trust seeks to achieve its objective by investing in high quality fixed-income
securities. The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
January 20, 1993 and commenced operations on April 29, 1993. The Trust will
distribute substantially all of its net assets on or about December 31, 2003
and will then terminate.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
A. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS -- (1) portfolio securities for which
over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the
latest available bid price prior to the time of valuation; (2) when market
quotations are not readily available, including circumstances under which it is
determined by TCW Funds Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") that sale and bid
prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities
are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures
established by and under the general supervision of the Trustees; (3) certain
portfolio securities may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by
the Trustees. The pricing service may utilize a matrix system incorporating
security quality, maturity and coupon as the evaluation model parameters,
and/or research and evaluations by its staff, including review of broker-dealer
market price quotations, if available, in determining what it believes is the
fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such pricing service; and
(4) 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.
10
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited) continued
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 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 record date. The amount of
dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital
gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which
may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax"
differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the
extent these differences 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. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to a Management Agreement, the Trust pays Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Services Company Inc., (the "Manager") a management fee, accrued weekly and
payable monthly, by applying the annual rate of 0.39% to the Trust's weekly net
assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager maintains certain of
the Trust's books and records and furnishes, at its own expense, office space,
facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and certain legal services and
pays the salaries of all personnel, including officers of the Trust who are
employees of the Manager. The Manager also bears the cost of telephone
services, heat, light, power and other utilities provided to the Trust.
3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement the Trust pays the Adviser an
advisory fee, accrued weekly and payable monthly, by applying the annual rate
of 0.26% to the Trust's weekly net assets.
Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trust has retained
the Adviser to invest the Trust's assets, including placing orders for the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities. The Adviser obtains and evaluates
such information and advice relating to the economy, securities markets and
specific securities as it considers necessary or useful to continuously manage
the assets of the Trust in a manner
11
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited) continued
consistent with its investment objective. In addition, the Adviser pays the
salaries of all personnel, including officers of the Trust, who are employees
of the Adviser.
4. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales/prepayments of portfolio
securities, excluding short-term investments, for the six months ended
September 30, 1999 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES/
PURCHASES PREPAYMENTS
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. Government Agencies .................................. $75,480,469 $45,967,986
Private Issue Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ......... -- 10,715,252
Municipal Bonds ........................................... -- 1,015,111
</TABLE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Manager, is the
Trust's transfer agent. At September 30, 1999, the Trust had transfer agent
fees and expenses payable of approximately $3,000.
5. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
PAID IN
PAR VALUE EXCESS OF
SHARES OF SHARES PAR VALUE
--------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, March 31, 1998 ................................................. 92,510,340 $ 925,103 $ 892,964,023
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 9.33%)* (5,042,800) (50,428) (47,443,195)
---------- --------- -------------
Balance, March 31, 1999 ................................................. 87,467,540 874,675 845,520,828
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 7.87%)* (1,544,200) (15,442) (14,399,820)
---------- --------- -------------
Balance, September 30, 1999 ............................................. 85,923,340 $ 859,233 $ 831,121,008
========== ========= =============
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* The Trustees have voted to retire the shares purchased.
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
At March 31, 1999 the Trust had a net capital loss carryover of approximately
$3,264,000 which will be available to offset future capital gains to the extent
provided by regulations. To the extent that this carryover loss is used to
offset future capital gains, it is probable that the gains offset will not be
distributed to shareholders.
12
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited) continued
7. REVERSE REPURCHASE AND DOLLAR ROLL AGREEMENTS
Reverse repurchase and dollar roll agreements involve the risk that the market
value of the securities the Trust is obligated to repurchase under the
agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of
securities under a reverse repurchase or dollar roll agreement files for
bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Trust's use of proceeds may be restricted
pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether
to enforce the Trust's obligation to repurchase the securities.
Reverse repurchase agreements are collateralized by Trust securities with a
market value in excess of the Trust's obligation under the contract. At
September 30, 1999, securities valued at $391,261,308, were pledged as
collateral.
At September 30, 1999, the reverse repurchase agreements outstanding were
$374,545,000 with a weighted interest rate of 5.41% maturing within 61 days.
The maximum and average daily amounts outstanding during the period were
$402,227,000 and $380,233,727 respectively. The weighted average interest rate
during the period was 5.05%.
8. DIVIDENDS
The Trust declared the following dividends from net investment income:
DECLARATION AMOUNT PER RECORD PAYABLE
DATE SHARE DATE DATE
- -------------------- ------------ ------------------- -------------------
September 28, 1999 $ 0.0525 October 8, 1999 October 22, 1999
October 26, 1999 $ 0.0525 November 5, 1999 November 19, 1999
9. LITIGATION
Four purported class actions have been filed in the Superior Court for the
State of California, County of Orange, against some of the Trust's Trustees and
officers, one of its underwriters, the lead representative of its underwriters,
the Adviser, the Manager and other defendants -- but not against the Trust --
by certain shareholders of the Trust and other trusts for which the defendants
act in similar capacities. These plaintiffs generally allege violations of
state statutory and common law in connection with the marketing of the Trust to
customers of one of the underwriters. Damages, including punitive damages, are
sought in an unspecified amount. On or about October 20, 1995, the plaintiffs
filed an amended complaint consolidating these four actions. The defendants
thereafter filed answers and affirmative defenses to the consolidated amended
complaint. The defendants' answers deny all of the material allegations of the
plaintiffs' complaint. In 1996, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed, without
prejudice, their claims against two defendants who were independent Trustees of
the Trust. In March 1997, all of the
13
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS September 30, 1999 (unaudited) continued
remaining defendants in the litigation filed motions for judgment on the
pleadings, seeking dismissal of all of the claims asserted against them. The
defendants' motions were fully briefed by all parties and were the subject of a
hearing before the Court on April 18, 1997. In July 1997, the Court denied the
motion for judgment on the pleadings. In August, 1997, plaintiffs filed a
motion for class certification. In their motion, the plaintiffs requested
certification of a "nationwide" class of Term Trust purchasers. On June 1,
1998, the Court granted in part and denied in part the plaintiff's motion for
class certification. The Court ruled that plaintiff's motion was "granted as to
[a California] statewide class," but was "denied as to a nationwide class." On
October 13, 1998, three separate class actions alleging similar claims on
behalf of the residents of the states of Florida, New Jersey and New York were
filed in the state courts of those states. The defendants removed the Florida
action to federal court and the plaintiffs' motion to remand the action to
state court was denied. Motions to dismiss were filed by the defendants in the
Florida action on August 30, 1999, in the New Jersey action on July 26, 1999
and in the New York action on September 10, 1999. The New Jersey motion was
denied by the court on September 27, 1999 and the defendants have filed a
motion to vacate. The motions to dismiss in Florida and New York are pending.
Certain of the defendants in these suits have asserted their right to
indemnification from the Trust. The ultimate outcome of these matters is not
presently determinable, and no provision has been made in the Trust's financial
statements for the effect, if any, of such matters.
14
<PAGE>
TCW/DW TERM TRUST 2003
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE SIX
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
-----------------------
(unaudited)
<S> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period ......... $ 10.36
---------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income ....................... 0.40
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ..... (0.39)
---------------
Total income (loss) from investment
operations .................................. 0.01
---------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ....................... (0.32)
Net realized gain ........................... --
---------------
Total dividends and distributions ............ (0.32)
---------------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury
shares ...................................... 0.01
---------------
Net asset value, end of period ............... $ 10.06
===============
Market value, end of period .................. $ 9.125
===============
TOTAL RETURN+ ................................ 0.65%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Operating expenses ........................... 0.75%(2)
Interest expense ............................. 2.21%(2)
Total expenses ............................... 2.96%(2)
Net investment income ........................ 7.61%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ...... $864,392
Portfolio turnover rate ...................... 5%(1)
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period ......... $ 10.11 $ 8.97 $ 8.88 $ 7.96 $ 8.81
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income ....................... 0.74 0.70 0.70 0.63 0.71
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ..... 0.09 1.01 (0.10) 0.76 (0.88)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Total income (loss) from investment
operations .................................. 0.83 1.71 0.60 1.39 (0.17)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ....................... (0.63) (0.63) (0.59) (0.54) (0.62)
Net realized gain ........................... -- -- -- -- (0.06)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total dividends and distributions ............ (0.63) (0.63) (0.59) (0.54) (0.68)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury
shares ...................................... 0.05 0.06 0.08 0.07 --
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Net asset value, end of period ............... $ 10.36 $ 10.11 $ 8.97 $ 8.88 $ 7.96
=========== =========== =========== ============ ============
Market value, end of period .................. $ 9.375 $ 9.063 $ 7.875 $ 7.25 $ 6.75
=========== =========== =========== ============ ============
TOTAL RETURN+ ................................ 10.56% 23.65% 17.22% 15.39% (17.00)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Operating expenses ........................... 0.74% 0.74% 0.74% 0.77% 0.76%
Interest expense ............................. 2.40% 2.54% 2.42% 2.36% 2.42%
Total expenses ............................... 3.14% 3.28% 3.16% 3.13% 3.18%
Net investment income ........................ 6.93% 6.97% 7.57% 6.98% 9.37%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands ...... $905,779 $934,981 $886,618 $933,698 $882,077
Portfolio turnover rate ...................... -- 2% -- 1% --++
</TABLE>
- -------------
+ Total return is based upon the current market value on the first 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.
++ Less than 0.5%.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
15
<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
Philip A. Barach
Vice President
Jeffrey E. Gundlach
Vice President
Frederick H. Horton
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
MANAGER
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
ADVISER
TCW Funds Management, Inc
865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.
TCW/DW
TERM TRUST
2003
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
