<PAGE> 1
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
Two World Trade Center
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 2000 New York, New York 10048
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
<PAGE> 2
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 2000, continued
of U.S. Treasury yields. For the past three years the high and low ratios have
been 100 percent and 83 percent, respectively.
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
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Insured U.S. Insured Municipal Yields as a
Municipal Yields Treasury Yields Percentage of U.S. Treasury Yields
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1994 5.40% 6.34% 85.17%
5.40 6.24 86.54
5.80 6.66 87.09
6.40 7.09 90.27
6.35 7.32 86.75
6.25 7.43 84.12
6.50 7.61 85.41
6.25 7.39 84.57
6.30 7.45 84.56
6.55 7.81 83.87
6.75 7.96 84.80
7.00 8.00 87.50
6.75 7.88 85.66
1995 6.40 7.70 83.12
6.15 7.44 82.66
6.15 7.43 82.77
6.20 7.34 84.47
5.80 6.66 87.09
6.10 6.62 92.15
6.10 6.86 88.92
6.00 6.66 90.09
5.95 6.48 91.82
5.75 6.33 90.84
5.50 6.14 89.58
5.35 5.94 90.07
1996 5.40 6.03 89.55
5.60 6.46 86.69
5.85 6.66 87.84
5.95 6.89 86.36
6.05 6.99 86.55
5.90 6.89 85.63
5.85 6.97 83.93
5.90 7.11 82.98
5.70 6.93 82.25
5.65 6.64 85.09
5.50 6.35 86.61
5.60 6.63 84.46
1997 5.70 6.79 83.95
5.65 6.80 83.09
5.90 7.10 83.10
5.75 6.94 82.85
5.65 6.91 81.77
5.60 6.78 82.60
5.30 6.30 84.13
5.50 6.61 83.21
5.40 6.40 84.38
5.35 6.15 86.99
5.30 6.05 87.60
5.15 5.92 86.99
1998 5.15 5.80 88.79
5.20 5.92 87.84
5.25 5.93 88.53
5.35 5.95 89.92
5.20 5.80 89.66
5.20 5.65 92.04
5.18 5.71 90.72
5.03 5.27 95.45
4.95 5.00 99.00
5.05 5.16 97.87
5.00 5.06 98.81
5.05 5.10 99.02
1999 5.00 5.09 98.23
5.10 5.58 91.40
5.15 5.63 91.47
5.20 5.66 91.87
5.30 5.83 90.91
5.47 5.96 91.78
5.55 6.10 90.98
5.75 6.06 94.88
5.85 6.05 96.69
6.03 6.16 97.89
6.00 6.29 95.39
5.97 6.48 92.13
2000 6.18 6.49 95.22
6.04 6.14 98.37
5.82 5.83 99.83
5.91 5.96 99.16
5.91 6.01 98.34
5.84 5.90 98.98
5.73 5.78 99.13
5.62 5.67 99.12
5.74 5.89 97.45
5.65 5.79 97.58
5.55 5.61 98.93
</TABLE>
Source: Municipal Market Data -- A Division of Thomson Financial Municipal Group
and Bloomberg L.P.
PERFORMANCE
During the 12-month period ended October 31, 2000, the net asset value (NAV) of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Quality Municipal Securities (IQC)
increased from $12.89 to $13.96 per share. Based on this change, plus a
reinvestment of tax-free dividends totaling $0.77 per share, the Trust's total
NAV return was 15.25 percent. IQC's value on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
decreased from $12.1875 to $12.0625 per share during this period. Based on this
change plus reinvestment of tax-free dividends, IQC's total market return was
5.32 percent. As of October 31, 2000, IQC's share price was at a 13.59 percent
discount to its NAV.
2
<PAGE> 3
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
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 decreased from
$0.065 to $0.0575 per share. The new dividend reflects current earnings and the
Trust's level of undistributed net investment income which was $0.066 per share
on October 31, 2000, versus $0.119 per share 12 months earlier.
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
The Trust's investments were diversified among 12 long-term sectors and 42
credits. At the end of October, the portfolio's average maturity was 19 years.
Average duration, a measure of portfolio sensitivity to interest rates, was 8.2
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 $0.05 per
share to common share earnings. The Trust's ARPS series totaling $55 million
represented 27 percent of net assets. The yield on the IQC's three weekly ARPS
series ranged between 2.00 and 5.80 percent. 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> 4
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
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 363,000 shares of common
stock at a weighted average market discount of 7.60 percent.
We appreciate your ongoing support of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California
Quality Municipal Securities and look forward to continuing to serve your
investment needs.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Very truly yours,
/s/ CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO /s/ MITCHELL M. MERIN
CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO MITCHELL M. MERIN
Chairman of the Board President
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE> 5
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 2000, continued
LARGEST SECTORS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2000
(% OF NET ASSETS)
[LARGEST SECTORS PIE CHART]
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(% of Net Assets)
Water & Sewer 25%
Education 13%
Public Facilities 12%
Hospital 10%
Tax Allocation 9%
Transportation 9%
Electric 8%
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
CREDIT RATINGS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2000
(% OF TOTAL LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO)
[CREDIT RATINGS PIE CHART]
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aaa or AAA 48%
Aa or AA 36%
A or A 13%
Ba or BB 3%
</TABLE>
AS MEASURED BY MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. OR STANDARD & POOR'S CORP.
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
DISTRIBUTION BY MATURITY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
[DISTRIBUTION BY MATURITY TABLE]
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
MATURITY: 19 YEARS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Under 1 Year 0.9%
1-5 Years 0.0%
5-10 Years 4.0%
10-20 Years 53.1%
20-30 Years 37.2%
30+ Years 3.3%
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
5
<PAGE> 6
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS October 31, 2000, continued
[CALL AND COST BOOK YIELD BAR GRAPH]
CALL AND COST (BOOK) YIELD STRUCTURE
(BASED ON LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO)
OCTOBER 31, 2000
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
CALL PROTECTION: 4 YEARS
BONDS CALLABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS BONDS CALLABLE
<S> <C>
2000 0%
2001 0%
2002 6%
2003 60%
2004 17%
2005 0%
2006 1%
2007 3%
2008 4%
2009 1%
2010+ 8%
</TABLE>
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
BOOK YIELD: 5.5%
COST (BOOK) YIELD*
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2000 0.0%
2001 0.0%
2002 5.2%
2003 5.6%
2004 5.4%
2005 0.0%
2006 5.7%
2007 5.4%
2008 5.2%
2009 5.0%
2010+ 5.6%
</TABLE>
* COST OR "BOOK" YIELD IS THE ANNUAL INCOME EARNED ON A PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT
BASED ON ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE BEFORE FUND OPERATING EXPENSES. FOR
EXAMPLE, THE TRUST IS EARNING A BOOK YIELD OF 5.2% ON 6% OF THE BONDS IN THE
LONG-TERM PORTFOLIO THAT IS CALLABLE IN 2002.
PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
6
<PAGE> 7
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
RESULTS OF ANNUAL MEETING (unaudited)
* * *
On June 22, 2000, an annual meeting of the Trust's shareholders was held for the
purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:
(1) ELECTION OF TRUSTEES:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Edwin J. Garn
For......................................................... 8,969,996
Withheld.................................................... 216,367
Michael E. Nugent
For......................................................... 8,969,992
Withheld.................................................... 216,371
Philip J. Purcell
For......................................................... 8,969,898
Withheld.................................................... 216,465
</TABLE>
The following Trustees were not standing for reelection at this meeting:
Michael Bozic, Charles A. Fiumefreddo, Wayne E. Hedien, Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
and John L. Schroeder. Additionally, James F. Higgins was elected as a Trustee
of the Trust by the Board of Trustees effective July 25, 2000.
7
<PAGE> 8
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.7%)
General Obligation (2.6%)
California,
$ 1,375 Dtd 04/01/93............................................... 5.90 % 04/01/23 $ 1,402,596
4,000 Dtd 09/01/00 (FGIC)........................................ 5.25 09/01/30 3,888,160
-------- ------------
5,375 5,290,756
-------- ------------
Educational Facilities Revenue (12.5%)
California Educational Facilities Authority,
5,000 Carnegie Institute of Washington 1993 Ser A................ 5.60 10/01/23 5,044,550
1,500 Culinary Institute of America Ser 1993 (Connie Lee)........ 5.30 10/01/23 1,459,200
2,500 Pepperdine University 1993 Ser A (MBIA).................... 5.50 06/01/19 2,523,025
8,000 California Public Works Board, University of California Ser
1993 B..................................................... 5.50 06/01/14 8,194,560
University of California,
5,000 UCLA Central Chiller/Cogeneration Refg Ser 1993 COPs....... 5.50 11/01/14 5,074,100
3,000 UCLA Central Chiller/Cogeneration Refg Ser 1993 COPs....... 5.60 11/01/20 3,009,840
-------- ------------
25,000 25,305,275
-------- ------------
Electric Revenue (8.2%)
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power,
3,000 Issue of 1992.............................................. 6.375 02/01/20 3,118,140
4,000 Issue of 1993 (Secondary Ambac)............................ 5.375 09/01/23 3,971,080
5,000 Northern California Transmission Agency, California Oregon
Transmission Refg Ser 1993 A (MBIA)........................ 5.25 05/01/20 4,939,900
5,000 Southern California Public Power Authority, Mead - Phoenix
1994 Ser A (Ambac)......................................... 4.875 07/01/20 4,621,250
-------- ------------
17,000 16,650,370
-------- ------------
Hospital Revenue (9.5%)
3,000 Alameda County, Alameda County Medical Center Ser 1998
(MBIA)..................................................... 5.00 06/01/23 2,844,360
4,000 Anaheim, Anaheim Memorial Hospital Association COPs
(Ambac).................................................... 5.00 05/15/13 4,065,640
California Health Facilities Financing Authority,
3,000 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Ser 1997 A (MBIA).............. 5.25 08/01/27 2,896,950
5,000 Kaiser Permanente Ser 1985................................. 5.55 08/15/25 4,732,050
2,000 California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Ser 1993 COPs (MBIA).... 6.00 06/01/13 2,246,800
2,500 Central California Joint Powers Health Financing Authority,
Community Hospitals of Central California Ser 2000 COPs.... 6.00 02/01/30 2,472,525
-------- ------------
19,500 19,258,325
-------- ------------
Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue (2.5%)
5,000 California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Pacific
-------- Gas & Electric Co
1993 Ser B (AMT)........................................... 5.85 % 12/01/23 5,072,650
------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8
<PAGE> 9
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 2000, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mortgage Revenue - Single Family (4.2%)
$ 8,305 California Housing Finance Agency, Home 1993 Ser B.......... 5.65 08/01/14 $ 8,494,686
-------- ------------
Public Facilities Revenue (11.9%)
7,000 California Public Works Board, Corrections 1993 Ser D....... 5.375 06/01/12 7,163,520
4,000 Irvine Unified School District - Community Facilities
District #86-1, Special Tax Ser 1998 (Ambac)............... 5.00 11/01/19 3,880,680
5,000 Los Angeles Convention & Exhibition Center Authority, 1993
Refg Ser A (MBIA).......................................... 5.125 08/15/13 5,062,000
5,000 Los Angeles County Public Works Financing Authority, Proj IV
(MBIA)..................................................... 5.25 12/01/16 5,033,000
3,000 Redding Joint Powers Financing Authority, 1993 Ser A........ 5.50 01/01/13 3,029,280
-------- ------------
24,000 24,168,480
-------- ------------
Recreational Facilities Revenue (0.9%)
2,000 California Statewide Communities Development Authority, The
-------- J Paul Getty Trust COPs.................................... 5.00 10/01/23 1,897,960
------------
Tax Allocation Revenue (8.6%)
6,870 Garden Grove Community Development Agency, Refg Issue of
1993....................................................... 5.875 10/01/23 6,839,635
7,000 Rosemead Redevelopment Agency, Proj # 1 Ser 1993 A.......... 5.60 10/01/33 6,741,350
4,000 San Jose Redevelopment Agency, Merged Area Ser 1993
(MBIA)..................................................... 5.00 08/01/20 3,839,640
-------- ------------
17,870 17,420,625
-------- ------------
Transportation Facilities Revenue (8.6%)
2,000 Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, Sr Lien Ser 1999
A (MBIA)................................................... 5.25 10/01/21 1,974,920
5,000 Long Beach, Harbor Ser 1993 (AMT)........................... 5.00 05/15/10 5,045,600
2,000 Los Angeles, Harbor Issue of 1996 Ser B (AMT) (MBIA)........ 5.375 11/01/19 1,959,220
7,000 Los Angeles, County Metropolitan Transportation Authority,
Sales Tax Refg Ser 1993-A (MBIA)........................... 5.625 07/01/18 7,124,180
1,500 San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Sales Tax Ser
1998 (Ambac)............................................... 4.75 07/01/23 1,346,190
-------- ------------
17,500 17,450,110
-------- ------------
Water & Sewer Revenue (24.7%)
8,000 California Department of Water Resources, Central Valley Ser
L.......................................................... 5.50 12/01/23 8,025,680
5,000 Eastern Municipal Water District, Ser 1993 A COPs (FGIC).... 5.25 07/01/23 4,902,250
5,000 Los Angeles, Wastewater Refg Ser 1993-D (FGIC).............. 5.20 11/01/21 4,887,600
5,000 Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Financing Authority,
1993 Ser A................................................. 5.25 10/01/19 4,929,050
3,000 Marin County Municipal Water District, Ser 1993............. 5.65 07/01/23 3,030,330
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9
<PAGE> 10
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 2000, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California,
$ 5,000 Issue of 1992.............................................. 5.50 % 07/01/13 $ 5,109,300
3,000 Waterworks Ser C........................................... 5.25 07/01/15 3,051,570
6,000 Moulton-Niguel Water District, 1993 COPs (Ambac)............ 5.30 09/01/23 5,921,340
2,500 Rancho Water District Financing Authority, Refg Ser 1994
(Ambac).................................................... 5.00 08/15/14 2,506,050
8,000 San Diego Public Facilities Authority, Sewer Ser 1993 A..... 5.25 05/15/20 7,894,000
-------- ------------
50,500 50,257,170
-------- ------------
Refunded (3.5%)
4,000 Sacramento County Sanitation Districts Financing Authority,
Ser 1993 (ETM)............................................. 5.00 12/01/16 4,012,280
3,000 Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority, 2000 Ser A
(ETM)...................................................... 5.50 10/01/32 3,003,270
-------- ------------
7,000 7,015,550
-------- ------------
199,050 TOTAL CALIFORNIA TAX-EXEMPT MUNICIPAL BONDS (Cost $196,129,297)................ 198,281,957
-------- ------------
CALIFORNIA TAX-EXEMPT SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATION (0.8%)
1,700 Newport Beach, Hoag Memorial Hospital/Presbyterian Ser 1992
-------- (Demand 11/01/00) (Cost $1,700,000)........................ 4.50* 10/01/22 1,700,000
------------
$200,750 TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $197,829,297) (a)............................ 98.5% 199,981,957
========
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES.................................. 1.5 3,114,788
---- ------------
NET ASSETS............................................................ 100.0% $203,096,745
====== ============
</TABLE>
---------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax.
COPs Certificates of Participation.
ETM Escrowed to maturity.
* Current coupon of variable rate demand obligation.
(a) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes
approximates the aggregate cost for book purposes. The
aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $3,399,422 and
the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $1,246,762,
resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $2,152,660.
<CAPTION>
Bond Insurance:
---------------
<S> <C>
Ambac Ambac Assurance Corporation.
Connie Lee Connie Lee Insurance Company - a wholly owned subsidiary of
Ambac Assurance Corporation.
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.
MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation.
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10
<PAGE> 11
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 2000
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(cost $197,829,297)........................................ $199,981,957
Cash........................................................ 26,053
Interest receivable......................................... 3,324,032
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................... 19,089
------------
TOTAL ASSETS............................................ 203,351,131
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Shares of beneficial interest repurchased............... 86,054
Investment management fee............................... 62,286
Accrued expenses and other payables......................... 106,046
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES....................................... 254,386
------------
NET ASSETS.............................................. $203,096,745
============
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Preferred shares of beneficial interest (1,000,000 shares
authorized of non-participating $.01 par value, 1,100
shares outstanding)........................................ $ 55,000,000
------------
Common shares of beneficial interest (unlimited shares
authorized of $.01 par value, 10,610,913 shares
outstanding)............................................... 152,743,069
Net unrealized appreciation................................. 2,152,660
Accumulated undistributed net investment income............. 696,677
Accumulated net realized loss............................... (7,495,661)
------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS............ 148,096,745
------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS........................................ $203,096,745
============
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($148,096,745 divided by 10,610,913 common shares
outstanding)............................................... $13.96
============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11
<PAGE> 12
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended October 31, 2000
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME............................................. $10,919,714
-----------
EXPENSES
Investment management fee................................... 695,491
Auction commission fees..................................... 159,217
Professional fees........................................... 101,701
Shareholder reports and notices............................. 34,798
Transfer agent fees and expenses............................ 27,847
Auction agent fees.......................................... 26,475
Registration fees........................................... 24,683
Trustees' fees and expenses................................. 14,837
Custodian fees.............................................. 11,005
Other....................................................... 21,829
-----------
TOTAL EXPENSES.......................................... 1,117,883
Less: expense offset........................................ (10,983)
-----------
NET EXPENSES............................................ 1,106,900
-----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME................................... 9,812,814
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized loss........................................... (177,742)
Net change in unrealized depreciation....................... 11,830,021
-----------
NET GAIN................................................ 11,652,279
-----------
NET INCREASE................................................ $21,465,093
===========
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12
<PAGE> 13
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
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............................ $ 9,812,814 $ 9,968,405
Net realized gain (loss)......................... (177,742) 118,579
Net change in unrealized depreciation............ 11,830,021 (19,564,913)
------------ ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)...................... 21,465,093 (9,477,929)
------------ ------------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
Preferred........................................ (2,101,017) (1,863,338)
Common........................................... (8,315,971) (8,306,745)
------------ ------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS.............................. (10,416,988) (10,170,083)
------------ ------------
Decrease from transactions in common shares of
beneficial interest............................. (4,412,532) (841,902)
------------ ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)...................... 6,635,573 (20,489,914)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.............................. 196,461,172 216,951,086
------------ ------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment
income of $696,677 and $1,300,851,
respectively)............................... $203,096,745 $196,461,172
============ ============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
13
<PAGE> 14
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2000
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Quality Municipal Securities (the "Trust")
is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Trust's
investment objective is to provide current income which is exempt from both
federal and California income taxes. The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts
business trust on March 3, 1993 and commenced operations on September 29, 1993.
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.
14
<PAGE> 15
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2000, continued
D. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Trust records dividends
and distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of
dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital
gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may
differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax"
differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the
extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified
within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment;
temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and
distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains
for 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
$9,300,195 and $14,680,340, respectively.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Manager, is
the Trust's transfer agent.
The Trust has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
all independent Trustees of the Trust who will have served as independent
Trustees for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this
plan are based on years of service and compensation during the last five years
of service. Aggregate pension costs for the year ended October 31, 2000 included
in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted to
$5,369. At October 31, 2000, the Trust had an accrued pension liability of
$38,484 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities.
15
<PAGE> 16
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2000, continued
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 3 Auction Rate
Preferred Shares ("Preferred Shares") which have a liquidation value of $50,000
per share plus the redemption premium, if any, plus accumulated but unpaid
dividends, whether or not declared, thereon to the date of distribution. The
Trust may redeem such shares, in whole or in part, at the original purchase
price of $50,000 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, whether or not
declared, thereon to the date of redemption.
Dividends, which are cumulative, are reset through auction procedures.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT IN RESET RANGE OF
SERIES SHARES* THOUSANDS* RATE* DATE DIVIDEND RATES**
------ ------- ---------- ----- -------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 260 $13,000 4.13% 11/07/00 3.00% - 4.15%
2 240 12,000 3.84 11/02/00 3.00 - 4.40
3 600 30,000 4.13 11/07/00 2.00 - 5.80
</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 3 at rates ranging from 2.75% to 4.13%
in the aggregate amount of $190,544.
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.
16
<PAGE> 17
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2000, continued
5. COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
PAID IN
PAR EXCESS OF
SHARES VALUE PAR VALUE
---------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, October 31, 1998................................... 11,041,813 $110,418 $157,887,085
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average
discount 6.19%)*........................................... (67,900) (679) (841,223)
---------- -------- ------------
Balance, October 31, 1999................................... 10,973,913 109,739 157,045,862
Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average
discount 7.60%)*........................................... (363,000) (3,630) (4,408,902)
---------- -------- ------------
Balance, October 31, 2000................................... 10,610,913 $106,109 $152,636,960
========== ======== ============
</TABLE>
---------------------
* The Trustees have voted to retire the shares purchased.
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
At October 31, 2000, the Trust had a net capital loss carryover of approximately
$7,496,000 which may be used to offset future capital gains to the extent
provided by regulations, which is available through October 31 of the following
years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------------
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
------ ------ ---- ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$5,005 $1,012 $113 $1,188 $178
====== ====== ==== ====== ====
</TABLE>
7. DIVIDENDS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
On September 26, 2000, the Trust declared the following dividends from net
investment income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT RECORD PAYABLE
PER SHARE DATE DATE
--------- ---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
$0.0575 November 3, 2000 November 17, 2000
$0.0575 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.
17
<PAGE> 18
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 2000, continued
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 did not hold positions in residual interest
bonds.
18
<PAGE> 19
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
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 1998 1997 1996
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value beginning of period......................... $ 12.89 $ 14.67 $ 13.90 $ 13.08 $12.70
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income...................................... 0.91 0.90 0.91 0.91 0.89
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).................... 1.09 (1.77) 0.74 0.74 0.26
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Total income (loss) from investment operations.............. 2.00 (0.87) 1.65 1.65 1.15
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Less dividends from:
Net investment income...................................... (0.77) (0.75) (0.72) (0.69) (0.69)
Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred
shareholders............................................. (0.19) (0.17) (0.17) (0.17) (0.16)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Total dividends............................................. (0.96) (0.92) (0.89) (0.86) (0.85)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares........... 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.08
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Net asset value, end of period.............................. $ 13.96 $ 12.89 $ 14.67 $ 13.90 $13.08
======= ======= ======= ======= ======
Market value, end of period................................. $12.063 $12.188 $14.188 $12.688 $11.25
======= ======= ======= ======= ======
TOTAL RETURN+............................................... 5.32% (9.28)% 18.01% 19.60% 10.13%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Total expenses.............................................. 0.78%(1) 0.76%(1) 0.74%(1) 0.76% 0.78%(1)
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends...... 6.84% 6.35% 6.32% 6.82% 7.02%
Preferred stock dividends................................... 1.47% 1.19% 1.21% 1.26% 1.26%
Net investment income available to common shareholders...... 5.37% 5.16% 5.11% 5.56% 5.76%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands..................... $203,097 $196,461 $216,951 $209,990 $204,531
Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period......... 369% 357% 394% 382% 372%
Portfolio turnover rate..................................... 5% 3% 4% 6% --
</TABLE>
---------------------
* The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Total return is based upon the current market value on the last day of each
period reported. Dividends 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 expense offset of 0.01%.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
19
<PAGE> 20
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter California Quality Municipal Securities (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 8, 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.
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 California Quality Municipal Securities 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
20
<PAGE> 21
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
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.
21
<PAGE> 22
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER CALIFORNIA QUALITY MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
REVISED INVESTMENT POLICY
On January 26, 2000, the Trustees of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California
Quality Municipal Securities (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.
22
<PAGE> 23
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
23
<PAGE> 24
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 AUDITORS
----------------------------------
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
CALIFORNIA
QUALITY
MUNICIPAL
SECURITIES
Annual Report
October 31, 2000
