<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS - JUNE 28, 1999
REVISED AUGUST 18, 1999
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND
[COVER PHOTO]
A MUTUAL FUND THAT SEEKS BOTH CAPITAL
APPRECIATION AND CURRENT INCOME
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon
the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
<PAGE>
CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
The Fund Investment Objective.................................. 1
Principal Investment Strategies....................... 1
Principal Risks....................................... 2
Past Performance...................................... 4
Fees and Expenses..................................... 5
Additional Investment Strategy Information............ 6
Additional Risk Information........................... 7
Fund Management....................................... 8
Shareholder Information Pricing Fund Shares................................... 9
How to Buy Shares..................................... 9
How to Exchange Shares................................ 11
How to Sell Shares.................................... 12
Distributions......................................... 14
Tax Consequences...................................... 15
Share Class Arrangements.............................. 15
Financial Highlights ...................................................... 23
Our Family of Funds ...................................................... Inside Back Cover
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND. PLEASE READ
IT CAREFULLY AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
CAPITAL APPRECIATION AND CURRENT INCOME
AN INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE HAVING THE GOAL OF SELECTING SECURITIES WITH THE
POTENTIAL TO RISE IN PRICE AND PAY OUT INCOME.
[End Sidebar]
THE FUND
[ICON] INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund seeks both capital
appreciation and current income.
[ICON] PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund will normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in
common stock and other equity securities, and investment grade
fixed-income securities (including zero coupon securities) of
companies from around the world that are primarily engaged in the
utilities industry. These securities include common and preferred
stock and convertible securites. A company will be considered to be
primarily engaged in the utilities industry if it derives at least
50% of its revenues or earnings from the utilities industry or
devotes at least 50% of its assets to activities in the industry.
These may include companies involved in, among other areas:
telecommunications, computers and other new or emerging technology
companies, gas and electric energy, water distribution, the Internet
and Internet related services. The companies may be traditionally
regulated public utilities as well as fully or partially deregulated
and unregulated utility companies. The Fund's "Investment Manager,"
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., will shift the Fund's
assets between different types of utilities, among companies of
different countries, and between equity and fixed-income securities,
based on prevailing market, economic and financial conditions. This
portion of the Fund's investment portfolio, however, will be invested
in at least three countries. If the Fund holds any fixed-income
securities, the average weighted maturity of these investments is
normally expected to be greater than seven years.
In selecting common stock and other equity securities to buy, hold or
sell for the Fund, the Investment Manager considers earnings and cash
flow growth and a variety of valuations such as price/earnings. In
addition, the Investment Manager makes continuing assessments of
management, the prevailing regulatory, political and economic
framework and industry trends. Computer-based equity selection models
also may be used. If the Investment Manager believes favorable
conditions for capital growth of equity securities are not prevalent
at a particular time, it may allocate the Fund's assets predominantly
or exclusively to debt securities with the aim of obtaining current
income and thus benefitting long-term growth of capital.
Common stock is a share ownership or equity interest in a
corporation. It may or may not pay dividends, as some companies
reinvest all of their profits back into their businesses, while
others pay out some of their profits to shareholders as dividends.
Fixed-income securities include debt securities such as bonds, notes
and commercial paper. The issuer of a debt security borrows money
from the investor who buys the security. Most debt securities either
pay fixed or adjustable rates of interest at regular intervals until
they mature, at which point investors get their principal back. The
Fund's
1
<PAGE>
fixed-income investments may include zero coupon securities, which
are purchased at a discount and either (i) pay no interest, or (ii)
accrue interest, but make no payments until maturity.
In addition, the Fund may invest in options, futures and currency
forwards.
In pursuing the Fund's investment objectives, the Investment Manager
has considerable leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds
or sells on a day-to-day basis -- and which trading strategies it
uses. For example, the Investment Manager in its discretion may
determine to use some permitted trading strategies while not using
others.
[ICON] PRINCIPAL RISKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective. The Fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in the
market value of the Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund
shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and,
accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.
UTILITIES INDUSTRY. The Fund's investments in the utilities industry
are impacted by a host of risks particular to that industry. Changing
regulation constitutes one of the key industry-specific risks for the
Fund, especially with respect to its investments in traditionally
regulated public utilities and partially regulated utility companies.
State and other regulators monitor and control utility revenues and
costs, and therefore may limit utility profits and dividends paid to
investors. Regulatory authorities also may restrict a company's
access to new markets, thereby diminishing the company's long-term
prospects. Individual sectors of the utility market are subject to
additional risks. These risks apply to all utility companies --
regulated or fully or partially deregulated and unregulated. For
example, telecommunications companies have been affected by
technological developments leading to increased competition, as well
as changing regulation of local and long-distance telephone service
and other telecommunications businesses. Certain telecommunications
companies have not benefitted from the new competitive climate.
Electric utilities may be burdened by unexpected increases in fuel
and other operating costs. They are also adversely affected when
long-term interest rates rise. Long-term borrowings are used to
finance most utility investments, and rising interest rates lead to
higher financing costs and reduced earnings. There are also the
considerable costs associated with environmental compliance, nuclear
waste clean-up, and safety regulation. Increasingly, regulators are
calling upon electric utilities to bear these added costs, and there
is a risk that these costs will not be fully recovered through an
increase in revenues.
Among gas companies, there has been a move to diversify into oil and
gas exploration and development, making investment returns more
sensitive to energy prices. In the
2
<PAGE>
case of the water utility sector, the industry is highly fragmented,
and most water supply companies find themselves in mature markets,
although upgrading of fresh water and waste water systems is an
expanding business.
COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES. In general, stock and
other equity security values fluctuate in response to activities
specific to the company as well as general market, economic and
political conditions. The prices can fluctuate widely in response to
these factors. This can especially be the case for fully or partially
deregulated utility companies.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. All fixed-income securities are subject to
two types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk
refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will be
unable to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its
debt. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a
fixed-income security resulting from changes in the general level of
interest rates. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the
prices of most fixed-income securities go down. When the general
level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most fixed-income
securities go up. (Zero coupon securities are typically subject to
greater price fluctuations than comparable securities that pay
interest.) Some of the Fund's investment grade securities may have
speculative credit risk characteristics.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund's investments in foreign securities
(including depository receipts) involve risks that are in addition to
the risks associated with domestic securities. One additional risk is
currency risk. While the price of Fund shares is quoted in U.S.
dollars, the Fund generally converts U.S. dollars to a foreign
market's local currency to purchase a security in that market. If the
value of that local currency falls relative to the U.S. dollar, the
U.S. dollar value of the foreign security will decrease. This is true
even if the foreign security's local price remains unchanged.
Foreign securities also have risks related to economic and political
developments abroad, including expropriations, confiscatory taxation,
exchange control regulation, limitations on the use or transfer of
Fund assets and any effects of foreign social, economic or political
instability. In particular, adverse political or economic
developments in a geographic region or a particular country in which
the Fund invests could cause a substantial decline in value of the
portfolio. Foreign companies, in general, are not subject to the
regulatory requirements of U.S. companies and, as such, there may be
less publicly available information about these companies. Moreover,
foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
generally are different from those applicable to U.S. companies.
Finally, in the event of a default of any foreign debt obligations,
it may be more difficult for the Fund to obtain or enforce a judgment
against the issuers of the securities.
Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid than comparable
securities of U.S. issuers and, as such, their price changes may be
more volatile. Furthermore, foreign exchanges and broker-dealers are
generally subject to less government and exchange scrutiny and
regulation than their U.S. counterparts.
3
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
THIS CHART SHOWS HOW THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND'S CLASS B SHARES HAS VARIED
FROM YEAR TO YEAR OVER THE PAST 4 CALENDAR YEARS.
[End Sidebar]
OTHER RISKS. The performance of the Fund also will depend on whether
the Investment Manager is successful in pursuing the Fund's
investment strategy. The Fund is also subject to other risks from its
permissible investments including the risks associated with options,
futures and currency forwards. For more information about these
risks, see the "Additional Risk Information" section.
Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or
insured by the FDIC or any other government agency.
[ICON] PAST PERFORMANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of
investing in the Fund. The Fund's past performance does not indicate
how the Fund will perform in the future.
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS - CALENDAR YEARS
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1995 14.32%
96 13.22%
97 18.76%
98 37.57%
</TABLE>
The bar chart reflects the performance of Class B shares; the performance of the
other Classes will differ because the Classes have different ongoing fees. The
performance information in the bar chart does not reflect the deduction of sales
charges; if these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than shown.
During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a
calendar quarter was 19.69% (quarter ended March 31, 1998) and the
lowest return for a calendar quarter was -5.44% (quarter ended
September 30, 1998). Year-to-date total return as of March 31, 1999
was 0.18%.
4
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURNS
THIS TABLE COMPARES THE FUND'S AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS WITH THOSE OF A BROAD
MEASURE OF MARKET PERFORMANCE OVER TIME, AS WELL AS AN INDEX OF FUNDS WITH
SIMILAR INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES. THE FUND'S RETURNS INCLUDE THE MAXIMUM APPLICABLE
SALES CHARGE FOR EACH CLASS AND ASSUME YOU SOLD YOUR SHARES AT THE END OF EACH
PERIOD.
SHAREHOLDER FEES
THESE FEES ARE PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT.
ANNUAL FUND
OPERATING EXPENSES
THESE EXPENSES ARE DEDUCTED FROM THE FUND'S ASSETS AND ARE BASED ON EXPENSES
PAID FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1999.
[End Sidebar]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
LIFE OF FUND
(SINCE
PAST 1 YEAR 5/31/94)
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A(1) 31.16% --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 32.57% 17.59%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C(1) 36.41% --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D(1) 38.80% --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
MSCI World(2) 24.80% 16.72%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Lipper Utility Fund Index(3) 18.40% 16.79%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1 Classes A, C and D commenced operations on July 28, 1997.
2 The Morgan Stanley Capital International World Total Return Index (MSCI)
measures performance for a diverse range of global stock markets including
the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East. The
Index does not include any expenses, fees or charges. The Index is
unmanaged and should not be considered an investment.
3 The Lipper Utility Funds Index is an equally-weighted performance index of
the largest qualifying funds (based on net assets) in the Lipper Utility
Funds objective. The Index, which is adjusted for capital gains
distributions and income dividends, is unmanaged and should not be
considered an investment. There are currently 30 funds represented in this
Index.
[ICON] FEES AND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The table below briefly describes the fees and expenses that you may
pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The Fund offers four
Classes of shares: Classes A, B, C and D. Each Class has a different
combination of fees, expenses and other features. The Fund does not
charge account or exchange fees. See the "Share Class Arrangements"
section for further fee and expense information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER FEES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a
percentage of offering price) 5.25%(1) None None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage based
on the lesser of the offering price or net asset value at
redemption) None(2) 5.00%(3) 1.00%(4) None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% 0.65%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.25% 0.86% 1.00% None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.20% 0.20% 0.20% 0.20%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.10% 1.71% 1.85% 0.85%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1 Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over.
2 Investments that are not subject to any sales charge at the time of
purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of
1.00% that will be imposed if you sell your shares within one year after
purchase, except for certain specific circumstances.
3 The CDSC is scaled down to 1.00% during the sixth year, reaching zero
thereafter. See "Share Class Arrangements" for a complete discussion of the
CDSC.
4 Only applicable if you sell your shares within one year after purchase.
5
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
This example shows what expenses you could pay over time. The example
assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a 5%
return each year, and the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the tables below
show your costs at the end of each period based on these assumptions
depending upon whether or not you sell your shares at the end of each
period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU SOLD YOUR SHARES: IF YOU HELD YOUR SHARES:
----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS A $631 $856 $1099 $1795 $631 $856 $1099 $1795
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS B $674 $839 $1128 $2019 $174 $539 $ 928 $2019
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS C $288 $582 $1001 $2169 $188 $582 $1001 $2169
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
CLASS D $ 87 $271 $ 471 $1049 $ 87 $271 $ 471 $1049
- ---------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Long-term shareholders of Class B and Class C may pay more in sales
charges, including distribution fees, than the economic equivalent of
the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by the National
Association of Securities Dealers.
[ICON] ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information relating to the Fund's
principal strategies.
FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS. The Fund's investments also may include
forward currency contracts, which involve the purchase or sale of a
specific amount of foreign currency at the current price with
delivery at a specified future date. The Fund may use these contracts
to hedge against adverse price movements in its portfolio securities
and the currencies in which they are denominated or to gain exposure
to currencies underlying various securities or financial instruments
held in its portfolio.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES. The Fund may invest in put and call options and
futures with respect to the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies.
Options and futures may be used to seek to protect against a decline
in securities or currency prices or an increase in prices of
securities or currencies that may be purchased.
DEFENSIVE INVESTING. The Fund may take temporary "defensive"
positions in attempting to respond to adverse market conditions. The
Fund may invest any amount of its assets in cash or money market
instruments in a defensive posture when the Investment Manager
believes it is advisable to do so. Although taking a defensive
posture is designed to protect the Fund from an anticipated market
downturn, it could have the effect of reducing the benefit from any
upswing in the market.
6
<PAGE>
The percentage limitations relating to the composition of the Fund's
portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment and refer
to the Fund's net assets unless otherwise noted. Subsequent
percentage changes that result from market fluctuations will not
require the Fund to sell any portfolio security. The Fund may change
its principal investment strategies without shareholder approval;
however, you would be notified of any changes.
[ICON] ADDITIONAL RISK INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information relating to the
principal risks of investing in the Fund.
FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS. The Fund's participation in forward
currency contracts also involves risks. If the Investment Manager
employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the Fund's
investments or the currencies in which the investments are
denominated, currency contracts could result in a loss. The contracts
also may increase the Fund's volatility and may involve a significant
risk.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES. If the Fund invests in options and/or futures,
its participation in these markets would subject the Fund's portfolio
to certain risks. The Investment Manager's predictions of movements
in the direction of the securities, currency or interest rate markets
may be inaccurate, and the adverse consequences to the Fund (e.g., a
reduction in the Fund's net asset value or a reduction in the amount
of income available for distribution) may leave the Fund in a worse
position if these strategies were not used. Other risks inherent in
the use of options and futures include, for example, the possible
imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures
contracts and movements in the prices of the securities being hedged,
and the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any
particular instrument. Certain options may be over-the-counter
options, which are options negotiated with dealers; there is no
secondary market for these investments.
YEAR 2000. The Fund could be adversely affected if the computer
systems necessary for the efficient operation of the Investment
Manager, the Fund's other service providers and the markets and
corporate and governmental issuers in which the Fund invests do not
properly process and calculate date-related information from and
after January 1, 2000. While year 2000-related computer problems
could have a negative effect on the Fund, the Investment Manager and
its affiliates are working hard to avoid any problems and to obtain
assurances from their service providers that they are taking similar
steps.
7
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS INC.
THE INVESTMENT MANAGER IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS A LEADER IN THE MUTUAL FUND
INDUSTRY AND TOGETHER WITH MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER SERVICES COMPANY INC., ITS
WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY, HAS MORE THAN $134 BILLION IN ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
OR ADMINISTRATION AS OF MAY 31, 1999.
[End Sidebar]
In addition, it is possible that the markets for securities in which
the Fund invests may be detrimentally affected by computer failures
throughout the financial services industry beginning January 1, 2000.
Improperly functioning trading systems may result in settlement
problems and liquidity issues. Corporate and governmental data
processing errors also may result in production problems for
individual companies and overall economic uncertainties. Earnings of
individual issuers will be affected by remediation costs, which may
be substantial and may be reported inconsistently in U.S.
and foreign financial statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments
may be adversely affected.
[ICON] FUND MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has retained the Investment Manager -- Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. -- to provide administrative services, manage
its business affairs and invest its assets, including the placing of
orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. The
Investment Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co., a preeminent global financial services firm that
maintains leading market positions in each of its three primary
businesses: securities, asset management and credit services. Its
main business office is located at Two World Trade Center, New York,
New York 10048.
The Fund's portfolio is managed within the Investment Manager's
Income and Growth Group. Edward F. Gaylor, a Senior Vice President of
the Investment Manager, has been the primary portfolio manager of the
Fund since it commenced operations in May 1994 and a portfolio
manager with the Investment Manager for over five years.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a monthly management fee as full
compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund,
and for Fund expenses assumed by the Investment Manager. The fee is
based on the Fund's average daily net assets. For the fiscal year
ended February 28, 1999, the Fund accrued total compensation to the
Investment Manager amounting to 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.
8
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
CONTACTING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR
IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FAMILY OF FUNDS AND WOULD LIKE
TO CONTACT A FINANCIAL ADVISOR, CALL (800) THE-DEAN FOR THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF
THE MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER OFFICE NEAREST YOU. YOU MAY ALSO ACCESS OUR
OFFICE LOCATOR ON OUR INTERNET SITE AT:
WWW.DEANWITTER.COM/FUNDS
[End Sidebar]
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
[ICON] PRICING FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The price of Fund shares (excluding sales charges), called "net asset
value," is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
While the assets of each Class are invested in a single portfolio of
securities, the net asset value of each Class will differ because the
Classes have different ongoing distribution fees.
The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once daily at
4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day that the New York Stock Exchange
is open (or, on days when the New York Stock Exchange closes prior to
4:00 p.m., at such earlier time). Shares will not be priced on days
that the New York Stock Exchange is closed.
The value of the Fund's portfolio securities is based on the
securities' market price when available. When a market price is not
readily available, including circumstances under which the Investment
Manager determines that a security's market price is not accurate, a
portfolio security is valued at its fair value, as determined under
procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees. In these
cases, the Fund's net asset value will reflect certain portfolio
securities' fair value rather than their market price. In addition,
if the Fund holds securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges,
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when
you will not be able to purchase or sell your shares.
An exception to the Fund's general policy of using market prices
concerns its short-term debt portfolio securities. Debt securities
with remaining maturities of sixty days or less at the time of
purchase are valued at amortized cost. However, if the cost does not
reflect the securities' market value, these securities will be valued
at their fair value.
[ICON] HOW TO BUY SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may open a new account to buy Fund shares or buy additional Fund
shares for an existing account by contacting your Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative. Your Financial Advisor will assist you, step-by-step,
with the procedures to invest in the Fund. You may also purchase
shares directly by calling the Fund's transfer agent and requesting
an application.
Because every investor has different immediate financial needs and
long-term investment goals, the Fund offers investors four Classes of
shares: Classes A, B, C and D. Class D shares are only offered to a
limited group of investors. Each Class of shares offers a distinct
structure of sales charges, distribution and service fees, and other
features that are designed to address a variety of needs. Your
Financial Advisor or other authorized financial representative can
help you decide which Class may be most appropriate for you. When
purchasing Fund shares, you must specify which Class of shares you
wish to purchase.
9
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
EASYINVEST-SM-
A PURCHASE PLAN THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRANSFER MONEY AUTOMATICALLY FROM YOUR
CHECKING OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT OR FROM A MONEY MARKET FUND ON A SEMI-MONTHLY,
MONTHLY OR QUARTERLY BASIS. CONTACT YOUR MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FINANCIAL
ADVISOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SERVICE.
[End Sidebar]
When you buy Fund shares, the shares are purchased at the next share
price calculated (less any applicable front-end sales charge for
Class A shares) after we receive your purchase order. Your payment is
due on the third business day after you place your purchase order. We
reserve the right to reject any order for the purchase of Fund
shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
---------------------
INVESTMENT OPTIONS INITIAL ADDITIONAL
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular Accounts $1,000 $100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual Retirement
Accounts: Regular IRAs $1,000 $100
Education IRAs $500 $100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EASYINVEST-SM- (Automatically from your checking
or savings account or Money Market
Fund) $100* $100*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Provided your schedule of investments totals $1,000 in twelve months.
There is no minimum investment amount if you purchase Fund shares
through: (1) the Investment Manager's mutual fund asset allocation
plan, (2) a program, approved by the Fund's distributor, in which you
pay an asset-based fee for advisory, administrative and/ or brokerage
services, or (3) employer-sponsored employee benefit plan accounts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER
INVESTORS/CLASS D SHARES. To be eligible to purchase Class D shares,
you must qualify under one of the investor categories specified in
the "Share Class Arrangements" section of this PROSPECTUS.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS SENT DIRECTLY TO THE FUND. In addition to
buying additional Fund shares for an existing account by contacting
your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor, you may send a
check directly to the Fund. To buy additional shares in this manner:
- Write a "letter of instruction" to the Fund specifying the name(s)
on the account, the account number, the social security or tax
identification number, the Class of shares you wish to purchase and
the investment amount (which would include any applicable front-end
sales charge). The letter must be signed by the account owner(s).
- Make out a check for the total amount payable to: Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund.
- Mail the letter and check to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
at P.O. Box 1040, Jersey City, NJ 07303.
10
<PAGE>
[ICON] HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERMISSIBLE FUND EXCHANGES. You may exchange shares of any Class of
the Fund for the same Class of any other continuously offered
Multi-Class Fund, or for shares of a No-Load Fund, a Money Market
Fund, North American Government Income Trust or Short-Term U.S.
Treasury Trust, without the imposition of an exchange fee. See the
inside back cover of this PROSPECTUS for each Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund's designation as a Multi-Class Fund, No-Load Fund or
Money Market Fund. If a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund is not
listed, consult the inside back cover of that Fund's PROSPECTUS for
its designation. For purposes of exchanges, shares of FSC Funds
(subject to a front-end sales charge) are treated as Class A shares
of a Multi-Class Fund.
Exchanges may be made after shares of the Fund acquired by purchase
have been held for thirty days. There is no waiting period for
exchanges of shares acquired by exchange or dividend reinvestment.
The current PROSPECTUS for each Fund describes its investment
objective(s), policies and investment minimums, and should be read
before investment.
EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. You can process an exchange by contacting your
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized
financial representative. Otherwise, you must forward an exchange
privilege authorization form to the Fund's transfer agent -- Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB -- and then write the transfer agent or
call (800) 869-NEWS to place an exchange order. You can obtain an
exchange privilege authorization form by contacting your Financial
Advisor or other authorized financial representative or by calling
(800) 869-NEWS. If you hold share certificates, no exchanges may be
processed until we have received all applicable share certificates.
An exchange to any Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund (except a Money
Market Fund) is made on the basis of the next calculated net asset
values of the Funds involved after the exchange instructions are
accepted. When exchanging into a Money Market Fund, the Fund's shares
are sold at their next calculated net asset value and the Money
Market Fund's shares are purchased at their net asset value on the
following business day.
The Fund may terminate or revise the exchange privilege upon required
notice. Certain services normally available to shareholders of Money
Market Funds, including the check writing privilege, are not
available for Money Market Fund shares you acquire in an exchange.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGES. For your protection when calling Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Trust FSB, we will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that exchange instructions communicated over the telephone
are genuine. These procedures may include requiring various forms of
personal identification such as name, mailing address, social
security or other tax identification number. Telephone instructions
also may be recorded.
Telephone instructions will be accepted if received by the Fund's
transfer agent between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on any
day the New York Stock Exchange is open
11
<PAGE>
for business. During periods of drastic economic or market changes,
it is possible that the telephone exchange procedures may be
difficult to implement, although this has not been the case with the
Fund in the past.
MARGIN ACCOUNTS. If you have pledged your Fund shares in a margin
account, contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or
other authorized financial representative regarding restrictions on
the exchange of such shares.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF EXCHANGES. If you exchange shares of the Fund
for shares of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund there are
important tax considerations. For tax purposes, the exchange out of
the Fund is considered a sale of Fund shares -- and the exchange into
the other Fund is considered a purchase. As a result, you may realize
a capital gain or loss.
You should review the "Tax Consequences" section and consult your own
tax professional about the tax consequences of an exchange.
FREQUENT EXCHANGES. A pattern of frequent exchanges may result in the
Fund limiting or prohibiting, at its discretion, additional purchases
and/or exchanges. The Fund will notify you in advance of limiting
your exchange privileges.
CDSC CALCULATIONS ON EXCHANGES. See the "Share Class Arrangements"
section of this PROSPECTUS for a discussion of how applicable
contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs) are calculated for shares
of one Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund that are exchanged for shares
of another.
For further information regarding exchange privileges, you should
contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or call
(800) 869-NEWS.
[ICON] HOW TO SELL SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can sell some or all of your Fund shares at any time. If you sell
Class A, Class B or Class C shares, your net sale proceeds are
reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC. Your shares will be
sold at the next share price calculated after we receive your order
to sell as described below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS PROCEDURES
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact your To sell your shares, simply call your Morgan Stanley Dean
Financial Advisor Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative.
------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Payment will be sent to the address to which the account is
registered or deposited in your brokerage account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Letter You can also sell your shares by writing a "letter of
instruction" that includes:
[ICON] - your account number;
- the dollar amount or the number of shares you wish to
sell;
- the Class of shares you wish to sell; and
- the signature of each owner as it appears on the account.
------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS PROCEDURES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
By Letter, If you are requesting payment to anyone other than the
continued registered owner(s) or that payment be sent to any address
other than the address of the registered owner(s) or
pre-designated bank account, you will need a signature
guarantee. You can obtain a signature guarantee from an
eligible guarantor acceptable to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trust FSB. (You should contact Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trust FSB at (800) 869-NEWS for a determination as to
whether a particular institution is an eligible guarantor.)
A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
Additional documentation may be required for shares held by
a corporation, partnership, trustee or executor.
------------------------------------------------------------
Mail the letter to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at
P.O. Box 983, Jersey City, NJ 07303. If you hold share
certificates, you must return the certificates, along with
the letter and any required additional documentation.
------------------------------------------------------------
A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address in which
the account is registered, or otherwise according to your
instructions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Systematic If your investment in all of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Withdrawal Plan Family of Funds has a total market value of at least
[ICON] $10,000, you may elect to withdraw amounts of $25 or more,
or in any whole percentage of a Fund's balance (provided the
amount is at least $25), on a monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual basis, from any Fund with a balance of
at least $1,000. Each time you add a Fund to the plan, you
must meet the plan requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------
Amounts withdrawn are subject to any applicable CDSC. A CDSC
may be waived under certain circumstances. See the Class B
waiver categories listed in the "Share Class Arrangements"
section of this PROSPECTUS.
------------------------------------------------------------
To sign up for the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, contact your
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or call (800)
869-NEWS. You may terminate or suspend your plan at any
time. Please remember that withdrawals from the plan are
sales of shares, not Fund "distributions," and ultimately
may exhaust your account balance. The Fund may terminate or
revise the plan at any time.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PAYMENT FOR SOLD SHARES. After we receive your complete instructions
to sell, as described above, a check will be mailed to you within
seven days, although we will attempt to make payment within one
business day. Payment may also be sent to your brokerage account.
Payment may be postponed or the right to sell your shares suspended
under unusual circumstances. If you request to sell shares that were
recently purchased by check, payment of the sale proceeds may be
delayed for the minimum time needed to verify that the check has been
honored (not more than fifteen days from the time we receive the
check).
TAX CONSIDERATIONS. Normally, your sale of Fund shares is subject to
federal and state income tax. You should review the "Tax
Consequences" section of this PROSPECTUS and consult your own tax
professional about the tax consequences of a sale.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. If you sell Fund shares and have not
previously exercised the reinstatement privilege, you may, within 35
days after the date of sale, invest any portion of the proceeds in
the same Class of Fund shares at their net asset value and receive a
pro rata credit for any CDSC paid in connection with the sale.
13
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
TARGETED DIVIDENDS-SM-
YOU MAY SELECT TO HAVE YOUR FUND DISTRIBUTIONS AUTOMATICALLY INVESTED IN OTHER
CLASSES OF FUND SHARES OR CLASSES OF ANOTHER MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUND
THAT YOU OWN. CONTACT YOUR MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SERVICE.
[End Sidebar]
INVOLUNTARY SALES. The Fund reserves the right, on sixty days'
notice, to sell the shares of any shareholder (other than shares held
in an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account) whose shares, due to sales by
the shareholder, have a value below $100, or in the case of an
account opened through EasyInvest-SM-, if after 12 months the
shareholder has invested less than $1,000 in the account.
However, before the Fund sells your shares in this manner, we will
notify you and allow you sixty days to make an additional investment
in an amount that will increase the value of your account to at least
the required amount before the sale is processed. No CDSC will be
imposed on any involuntary sale.
MARGIN ACCOUNTS. If you have pledged your Fund shares in a margin
account, contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or
other authorized financial representative regarding restrictions on
the sale of such shares.
[ICON] DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund passes substantially all of its earnings from income and
capital gains along to its investors as "distributions." The Fund
earns income from stocks and interest from fixed-income investments.
These amounts are passed along to Fund shareholders as "income
dividend distributions." The Fund realizes capital gains whenever it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them. These
amounts may be passed along as "capital gain distributions."
The Fund declares income dividends separately for each Class.
Distributions paid on Class A and Class D shares will usually be
higher than for Class B and Class C because distribution fees that
Class B and Class C pay are higher. Normally, income dividends are
distributed to shareholders quarterly. Capital gains, if any, are
usually distributed in June and December. The Fund, however, may
retain and reinvest any long-term capital gains. The Fund may at
times make payments from sources other than income or capital gains
that represent a return of a portion of your investment.
Distributions are reinvested automatically in additional shares of
the same Class and automatically credited to your account, unless you
request in writing that all distributions be paid in cash. If you
elect the cash option, the Fund will mail a check to you no later
than seven business days after the distribution is declared. No
interest will accrue on uncashed checks. If you wish to change how
your distributions are paid, your request should be received by the
Fund's transfer agent, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, at least
five business days prior to the record date of the distributions.
14
<PAGE>
[ICON] TAX CONSEQUENCES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment
will be taxed. The tax information in this PROSPECTUS is provided as
general information. You should consult your own tax professional
about the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
Unless your investment in the Fund is through a tax-deferred
retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA, you need to be
aware of the possible tax consequences when:
- The Fund makes distributions; and
- You sell Fund shares, including an exchange to another Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Fund.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Your distributions are normally subject to
federal and state income tax when they are paid, whether you take
them in cash or reinvest them in Fund shares. A distribution also may
be subject to local income tax. Any income dividend distributions and
any short-term capital gain distributions are taxable to you as
ordinary income. Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable
as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned shares
in the Fund.
Every January, you will be sent a statement (IRS Form 1099-DIV)
showing the taxable distributions paid to you in the previous year.
The statement provides full information on your dividends and capital
gains for tax purposes.
TAXES ON SALES. Your sale of Fund shares normally is subject to
federal and state income tax and may result in a taxable gain or loss
to you. A sale also may be subject to local income tax. Your exchange
of Fund shares for shares of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund
is treated for tax purposes like a sale of your original shares and a
purchase of your new shares. Thus, the exchange may, like a sale,
result in a taxable gain or loss to you and will give you a new tax
basis for your new shares.
When you open your Fund account, you should provide your social
security or tax identification number on your investment application.
By providing this information, you will avoid being subject to a
federal backup withholding tax of 31% on taxable distributions and
redemption proceeds. Any withheld amount would be sent to the IRS as
an advance tax payment.
[ICON] SHARE CLASS ARRANGEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers several Classes of shares having different
distribution arrangements designed to provide you with different
purchase options according to your investment needs. Your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative can help you decide which Class may be appropriate for
you.
15
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE OR FSC
AN INITIAL SALES CHARGE YOU PAY WHEN PURCHASING CLASS A SHARES THAT IS BASED ON
A PERCENTAGE OF THE OFFERING PRICE. THE PERCENTAGE DECLINES BASED UPON THE
DOLLAR VALUE OF CLASS A SHARES YOU PURCHASE. WE OFFER THREE WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR
CLASS A SALES CHARGES - THE COMBINED PURCHASE PRIVILEGE, RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION
AND LETTER OF INTENT.
[End Sidebar]
The general public is offered three Classes: Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares, which differ principally in terms of sales
charges and ongoing expenses. A fourth Class, Class D shares, is
offered only to a limited category of investors. Shares that you
acquire through reinvested distributions will not be subject to any
front-end sales charge or CDSC -- contingent deferred sales charge.
Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling each
Class of shares. The sales charges applicable to each Class provide
for the distribution financing of shares of that Class.
The chart below compares the sales charge and maximum annual 12b-1
fee applicable to each Class:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAXIMUM ANNUAL
CLASS SALES CHARGE 12b-1 FEE
<S> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Maximum 5.25% initial sales charge reduced for purchase of
$25,000 or more; shares sold without an initial sales charge
are generally subject to a 1.0% CDSC during the first year 0.25%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B Maximum 5.0% CDSC during the first year decreasing to 0%
after six years 1.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC during the first year 1.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D None None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
CLASS A SHARES Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an
initial sales charge of up to 5.25%. The initial sales charge is
reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more according to the schedule
below. Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to an initial
sales charge, but are generally subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge, or CDSC, of 1.0% on sales made within one year after the last
day of the month of purchase. The CDSC will be assessed in the same
manner and with the same CDSC waivers as with Class B shares. Class A
shares are also subject to a distribution (12b-1) fee of up to 0.25% of
the average daily net assets of the Class.
The offering price of Class A shares includes a sales charge (expressed as a
percentage of the offering price) on a single transaction as shown in the
following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE
------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT OF PERCENTAGE OF PUBLIC APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE OF
SINGLE TRANSACTION OFFERING PRICE NET AMOUNT INVESTED
<S> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $25,000 5.25% 5.54%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 but less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.00% 4.17%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.00% 3.09%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but less than $1 million 2.00% 2.04%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1 million and over 0 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
The reduced sales charge schedule is applicable to purchases of Class
A shares in a single transaction by:
- A single account (including an individual, trust or fiduciary
account).
- Family member accounts (limited to husband, wife and children under
the age of 21).
- Pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit plans of
companies and their affiliates.
- Tax-exempt organizations.
- Groups organized for a purpose other than to buy mutual fund
shares.
COMBINED PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. You also will have the benefit of
reduced sales charges by combining purchases of Class A shares of the
Fund in a single transaction with purchases of Class A shares of
other Multi-Class Funds and shares of FSC Funds.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION. You also may benefit from a reduction of sales
charges if the cumulative net asset value of Class A shares of the
Fund purchased in a single transaction, together with shares of other
Funds you currently own which were previously purchased at a price
including a front-end sales charge (including shares acquired through
reinvestment of distributions), amounts to $25,000 or more. Also, if
you have a cumulative net asset value of all your Class A and Class D
shares equal to at least $5 million (or $25 million for certain
employee benefit plans), you are eligible to purchase Class D shares
of any Fund subject to the Fund's minimum initial investment
requirement.
You must notify your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or
other authorized financial representative (or Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB if you purchase directly through the Fund), at the
time a purchase order is placed, that the purchase qualifies for the
reduced charge under the Right of Accumulation. Similar notification
must be made in writing when an order is placed by mail. The reduced
sales charge will not be granted if: (i) notification is not
furnished at the time of the order; or (ii) a review of the records
of Dean Witter Reynolds or other authorized dealer of Fund shares or
the Fund's transfer agent does not confirm your represented holdings.
LETTER OF INTENT. The schedule of reduced sales charges for larger
purchases also will be available to you if you enter into a written
"letter of intent." A letter of intent provides for the purchase of
Class A shares of the Fund or other Multi-Class Funds or shares of
FSC Funds within a thirteen-month period. The initial purchase under
a letter of intent must be at least 5% of the stated investment goal.
To determine the applicable sales charge reduction, you may also
include: (1) the cost of shares of other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Funds which were previously purchased at a price including a
front-end sales charge during the 90-day period prior to the
distributor receiving the letter of intent, and (2) the cost of
shares of other Funds you currently own acquired in exchange for
shares of Funds purchased during that period at a price including a
front-end sales
17
<PAGE>
charge. You can obtain a letter of intent by contacting your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative or by calling (800) 869-NEWS. If you do not achieve
the stated investment goal within the thirteen-month period, you are
required to pay the difference between the sales charges otherwise
applicable and sales charges actually paid, which may be deducted
from your investment.
OTHER SALES CHARGE WAIVERS. In addition to investments of $1 million
or more, your purchase of Class A shares is not subject to a
front-end sales charge (or CDSC upon sale) if your account qualifies
under one of the following categories:
- A trust for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB provides
discretionary trustee services.
- Persons participating in a fee-based investment program (subject to
all of its terms and conditions, including mandatory sale or
transfer restrictions on termination) approved by the Fund's
distributor pursuant to which they pay an asset-based fee for
investment advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services.
- Employer-sponsored employee benefit plans, whether or not qualified
under the Internal Revenue Code, for which Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB serves as trustee or Dean Witter Reynolds'
Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper under a written
Recordkeeping Services Agreement ("MSDW Eligible Plans") which have
at least 200 eligible employees.
- A MSDW Eligible Plan whose Class B shares have converted to Class A
shares, regardless of the plan's asset size or number of eligible
employees.
- A client of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor who
joined us from another investment firm within six months prior to
the date of purchase of Fund shares, and you used the proceeds from
the sale of shares of a proprietary mutual fund of that Financial
Advisor's previous firm that imposed either a front-end or deferred
sales charge to purchase Class A shares, provided that: (1) you
sold the shares not more than 60 days prior to the purchase of Fund
shares, and (2) the sale proceeds were maintained in the interim in
cash or a money market fund.
- Current or retired Directors/Trustees of the Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds, such persons' spouses and children under the age of
21, and trust accounts for which any of such persons is a
beneficiary.
- Current or retired directors, officers and employees of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter & Co. and any of its subsidiaries, such
persons' spouses and children under the age of 21, and trust
accounts for which any of such persons is a beneficiary.
18
<PAGE>
[Sidebar]
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
CHARGE OR CDSC
A FEE YOU PAY WHEN YOU SELL SHARES OF CERTAIN MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
PURCHASED WITHOUT AN INITIAL SALES CHARGE. THIS FEE DECLINES THE LONGER YOU HOLD
YOUR SHARES AS SET FORTH IN THE TABLE.
[End Sidebar]
CLASS B SHARES Class B shares are offered at net asset value with no
initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge, or CDSC, as set forth in the table below. For the purpose of
calculating the CDSC, shares are deemed to have been purchased on the
last day of the month during which they were purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE OF AMOUNT REDEEMED
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------
First 5.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Second 4.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Third 3.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Fourth 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Fifth 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Sixth 1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Seventh and thereafter None
- --------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Each time you place an order to sell or exchange shares, shares with
no CDSC will be sold or exchanged first, then shares with the lowest
CDSC will be sold or exchanged next. For any shares subject to a
CDSC, the CDSC will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of
the current market value or the cost of the shares being sold.
CDSC WAIVERS. A CDSC, if otherwise applicable, will be waived in the
case of:
- Sales of shares held at the time you die or become disabled (within
the definition in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code
which relates to the ability to engage in gainful employment), if
the shares are: (i) registered either in your name (not a trust) or
in the names of you and your spouse as joint tenants with right of
survivorship; or (ii) held in a qualified corporate or
self-employed retirement plan, IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account,
provided in either case that the sale is requested within one year
of your death or initial determination of disability.
- Sales in connection with the following retirement plan
"distributions": (i) lump-sum or other distributions from a
qualified corporate or self-employed retirement plan following
retirement (or, in the case of a "key employee" of a "top heavy"
plan, following attainment of age 59 1/2); (ii) distributions from
an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account following attainment of age 59
1/2; or (iii) a tax-free return of an excess IRA contribution (a
"distribution" does not include a direct transfer of IRA, 403(b)
Custodial Account or retirement plan assets to a successor
custodian or trustee).
- Sales of shares held for you as a participant in a MSDW Eligible
Plan.
- Sales of shares in connection with the Systematic Withdrawal Plan
of up to 12% annually of the value of each Fund from which plan
sales are made. The percentage is determined on the date you
establish the Systematic Withdrawal Plan and based on the next
calculated share price. You may have this CDSC waiver applied in
amounts up to 1% per month, 3% per quarter, 6% semi-annually or 12%
annually. Shares with no
19
<PAGE>
CDSC will be sold first, followed by those with the lowest CDSC. As
such, the waiver benefit will be reduced by the amount of your
shares that are not subject to a CDSC. If you suspend your
participation in the plan, you may later resume plan payments
without requiring a new determination of the account value for the
12% CDSC waiver.
All waivers will be granted only following the Fund's distributor
receiving confirmation of your entitlement. If you believe you are
eligible for a CDSC waiver, please contact your Financial Advisor or
call (800) 869-NEWS.
DISTRIBUTION FEE. Class B shares are subject to an annual 12b-1 fee
of 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross
purchases by all shareholders of the Fund's Class B shares since the
inception of the Fund (not including reinvestments of dividends or
capital gains distributions), less the average daily aggregate net
asset value of the Fund's Class B shares sold by all shareholders
since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or
waived or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B.
CONVERSION FEATURE. After ten (10) years, Class B shares will convert
automatically to Class A shares of the Fund with no initial sales
charge. The ten year period runs from the last day of the month in
which the shares were purchased, or in the case of Class B shares
acquired through an exchange, from the last day of the month in which
the original Class B shares were purchased; the shares will convert
to Class A shares based on their relative net asset values in the
month following the ten year period. At the same time, an equal
proportion of Class B shares acquired through automatically
reinvested distributions will convert to Class A shares on the same
basis. (Class B shares held before May 1, 1997, however, will convert
to Class A shares in May 2007.)
In the case of Class B shares held in a MSDW Eligible Plan, the plan
is treated as a single investor and all Class B shares will convert
to Class A shares on the conversion date of the Class B shares of a
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund purchased by that plan.
Currently, the Class B share conversion is not a taxable event; the
conversion feature may be cancelled if it is deemed a taxable event
in the future by the Internal Revenue Service.
If you exchange your Class B shares for shares of a Money Market
Fund, a No-Load Fund, North American Government Income Trust or
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, the holding period for conversion is
frozen as of the last day of the month of the exchange and resumes on
the last day of the month you exchange back into Class B shares.
EXCHANGING SHARES SUBJECT TO A CDSC. There are special considerations
when you exchange Fund shares that are subject to a CDSC. When
determining the length of time you held the shares and the
corresponding CDSC rate, any period (starting at the end of the
month) during which you held shares of a fund that does NOT charge a
CDSC WILL NOT BE COUNTED. Thus, in effect the "holding period" for
purposes of calculating the CDSC is frozen upon exchanging into a
fund that does not charge a CDSC.
20
<PAGE>
For example, if you held Class B shares of the Fund for one year,
exchanged to Class B of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Multi-Class Fund for another year, then sold your shares, a CDSC rate
of 4% would be imposed on the shares based on a two year holding
period -- one year for each Fund. However, if you had exchanged the
shares of the Fund for a Money Market Fund (which does not charge a
CDSC) instead of the Multi-Class Fund, then sold your shares, a CDSC
rate of 5% would be imposed on the shares based on a one year holding
period. The one year in the Money Market Fund would not be counted.
Nevertheless, if shares subject to a CDSC are exchanged for a Fund
that does not charge a CDSC, you will receive a credit when you sell
the shares equal to the distribution (12b-1) fees, if any, you paid
on those shares while in that Fund up to the amount of any applicable
CDSC.
In addition, shares that are exchanged into or from a Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Fund subject to a higher CDSC rate will be subject to the
higher rate, even if the shares are re-exchanged into a Fund with a
lower CDSC rate.
CLASS C SHARES Class C shares are sold at net asset value with no
initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on sales made
within one year after the last day of the month of purchase. The CDSC
will be assessed in the same manner and with the same CDSC waivers as
with Class B shares.
DISTRIBUTION FEE. Class C shares are subject to an annual
distribution (12b-1) fee of up to 1.0% of the average daily net
assets of that Class. The Class C shares' distribution fee may cause
that Class to have higher expenses and pay lower dividends than Class
A or Class D shares. Unlike Class B shares, Class C shares have no
conversion feature and, accordingly, an investor that purchases Class
C shares may be subject to distribution (12b-1) fees applicable to
Class C shares for an indefinite period.
CLASS D SHARES Class D shares are offered without any sales charge on
purchases or sales and without any distribution (12b-1) fee. Class D
shares are offered only to investors meeting an initial investment
minimum of $5 million ($25 million for MSDW Eligible Plans) and the
following investor categories:
- Investors participating in the Investment Manager's mutual fund
asset allocation program (subject to all of its terms and
conditions, including mandatory sale or transfer restrictions on
termination) pursuant to which they pay an asset-based fee.
- Persons participating in a fee-based investment program (subject to
all of its terms and conditions, including mandatory sale or
transfer restrictions on termination) approved by the Fund's
distributor pursuant to which they pay an asset-based fee for
investment advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services.
21
<PAGE>
- Employee benefit plans maintained by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter &
Co. or any of its subsidiaries for the benefit of certain employees
of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. and its subsidiaries.
- Certain unit investment trusts sponsored by Dean Witter Reynolds.
- Certain other open-end investment companies whose shares are
distributed by the Fund's distributor.
- Investors who were shareholders of the Dean Witter Retirement
Series on September 11, 1998 for additional purchases for their
former Dean Witter Retirement Series accounts.
MEETING CLASS D ELIGIBILITY MINIMUMS. To meet the $5 million ($25
million for certain MSDW Eligible Plans) initial investment to
qualify to purchase Class D shares you may combine: (1) purchases in
a single transaction of Class D shares of the Fund and other Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds and/or (2) previous purchases
of Class A and Class D shares of Multi-Class Funds and shares of FSC
Funds you currently own, along with shares of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds you currently own that you acquired in exchange for
those shares.
NO SALES CHARGES FOR REINVESTED CASH DISTRIBUTIONS If you receive a
cash payment representing an income dividend or capital gain and you
reinvest that amount in the applicable Class of shares by returning the
check within 30 days of the payment date, the purchased shares would
not be subject to an initial sales charge or CDSC.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (RULE 12B-1 FEES) The Fund has adopted a Plan of
Distribution in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 with respect to the distribution of Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. The Plan allows the Fund to pay distribution fees for
the sale and distribution of these shares. It also allows the Fund to
pay for services to shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an
ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your
investment in these Classes and may cost you more than paying other
types of sales charges.
22
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the past 5 fiscal years of the Fund. Certain
information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total
returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned or lost on
an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions).
This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report,
along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the annual report,
which is available upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 31, 1994*
THROUGH
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1999++ 1998++++ 1997 1996** FEBRUARY 28, 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.09 $12.66 $11.33 $9.80 $10.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income 0.12 0.15 0.10 0.18 0.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 4.01 3.05 1.35 1.64 (0.21)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total income (loss) from investment operations 4.13 3.20 1.45 1.82 (0.08)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.11) (0.15) (0.12) (0.16) (0.12)
Net realized gain (1.96) (0.62) -- (0.13) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (2.07) (0.77) (0.12) (0.29) (0.12)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $17.15 $15.09 $12.66 $11.33 $9.80
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 27.60% 26.06% 12.91% 18.76% (0.87)%(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.71%(3) 1.80% 1.82% 1.87% 1.97%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 0.69%(3) 1.08% 0.85% 1.66% 1.83%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $540,820 $396,483 $352,240 $360,347 $337,600
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 40% 14% 10% 16% 2%(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Commencement of operations.
** Year ended February 29.
++ Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund issued one class of shares. All shares held
prior to that date have been designated Class B shares.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
FEBRUARY FOR THE PERIOD JULY 28, 1997*
28, 1999 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES++
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.10 $13.77
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income 0.21 0.07
Net realized and unrealized gain 4.02 1.76
--------- ------
Total income from investment operations 4.23 1.83
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.21) (0.07)
Net realized gain (1.96) (0.43)
--------- ------
Total dividends and distributions (2.17) (0.50)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $17.16 $15.10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 28.37% 13.74%(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.10%(3) 1.18%(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 1.30%(3) 0.88%(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $4,892 $ 948
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 40% 14%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
24
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
FEBRUARY FOR THE PERIOD JULY 28, 1997*
28, 1999 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C SHARES++
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.07 $13.77
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income 0.07 0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain 4.02 1.76
--------- ------
Total income from investment operations 4.09 1.77
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.12) (0.04)
Net realized gain (1.96) (0.43)
--------- ------
Total dividends and distributions (2.08) (0.47)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $17.08 $15.07
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 27.36% 13.24%(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.85%(3) 1.93%(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 0.55%(3) 0.06%(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $3,386 $ 161
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 40% 14%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE PERIOD JULY 28, 1997*
FEBRUARY 28, 1999 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 1998
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS D SHARES++
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.11 $13.77
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income 0.25 0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain 4.03 1.76
------ ------
Total income from investment operations 4.28 1.85
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income (0.25) (0.08)
Net realized gain (1.96) (0.43)
------ ------
Total dividends and distributions (2.21) (0.51)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $17.18 $15.11
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 28.70% 13.90%(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 0.85%(3) 0.92%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 1.55%(3) 1.04%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $ 117 $ 14
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 40% 14%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the
period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
26
<PAGE>
NOTES
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27
<PAGE>
NOTES
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28
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
FAMILY OF FUNDS
The Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds offers investors a wide
range of investment choices. Come on in and meet the family!
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH FUNDS
- ---------------------------------
GROWTH FUNDS
Aggressive Equity Fund
American Opportunities Fund
Capital Growth Securities
Developing Growth Securities
Equity Fund
Growth Fund
Market Leader Trust
Mid-Cap Equity Trust
Small Cap Growth Fund
Special Value Fund
Value Fund
THEME FUNDS
Financial Services Trust
Health Sciences Trust
Information Fund
Natural Resource Development Securities
Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Competitive Edge Fund - "Best Ideas"
Portfolio
European Growth Fund
Fund of Funds - International Portfolio
International Fund
International SmallCap Fund
Japan Fund
Latin American Growth Fund
Pacific Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS
- ---------------------------------
Balanced Growth Fund
Balanced Income Fund
Convertible Securities Trust
Dividend Growth Securities
Fund of Funds - Domestic Portfolio
Income Builder Fund
Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
S&P 500 Index Fund
S&P 500 Select Fund
Strategist Fund
Total Return Trust
Value-Added Market Series/Equity Portfolio
THEME FUNDS
Global Utilities Fund
Real Estate Fund
Utilities Fund
GLOBAL FUNDS
Global Dividend Growth Securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FUNDS
- ---------------------------------
GOVERNMENT INCOME FUNDS
Federal Securities Trust
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
U.S. Government Securities Trust
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUNDS
Diversified Income Trust
CORPORATE INCOME FUNDS
High Yield Securities
Intermediate Income Securities
Short-Term Bond Fund (NL)
GLOBAL INCOME FUNDS
North American Government Income Trust
World Wide Income Trust
TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS
California Tax-Free Income Fund
Hawaii Municipal Trust (FSC)
Limited Term Municipal Trust (NL)
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (FSC)
New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
- ---------------------------------
TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Liquid Asset Fund (MM)
U.S. Government Money Market Trust (MM)
TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust (MM)
New York Municipal Money Market Trust (MM)
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust (MM)
There may be Funds created after this PROSPECTUS was published. Please consult
the inside front cover of a new Fund's prospectus for its designation, e.g.,
Multi-Class Fund or Money Market Fund.
Unless otherwise noted, each listed Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund, except for
North American Government Income Trust and Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, is a
Multi-Class Fund. A Multi-Class Fund is a mutual fund offering multiple Classes
of shares. The other types of funds are: NL - No-Load (Mutual) Fund; MM - Money
Market Fund; FSC - A mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge and a
distribution (12b-1) fee.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS - JUNE 28, 1999
REVISED AUGUST 18, 1999
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's
ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS. In the Fund's ANNUAL REPORT, you
will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. The
Fund's STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION also provides additional information
about the Fund. The STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION is incorporated herein
by reference (legally is part of this PROSPECTUS). For a free copy of any of
these documents, to request other information about the Fund, or to make
shareholder inquiries, please call:
(800) 869-NEWS
You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Financial Advisor or by visiting our Internet site at:
www.deanwitter.com/funds
Information about the Fund (including the STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
can be viewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information about the Reference Room's
operations may be obtained by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. Reports and
other information about the Fund are available on the SEC's Internet site
(www.sec.gov), and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a
duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington,
DC 20549-6009.
TICKER SYMBOLS:
CLASS A: GUTAX CLASS C: GUTCX
- -------------------- --------------------
CLASS B: GUTBX CLASS D: GUTDX
- -------------------- --------------------
(THE FUND'S INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. IS 811-7119)
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND
[BACK COVER PHOTO]
A MUTUAL FUND THAT SEEKS
BOTH CAPITAL APPRECIATION
AND CURRENT INCOME
