<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALL- TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER, NEW
CAP FUND YORK, NEW YORK 10048
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS MAY 31, 1998
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
The fiscal year ended May 31, 1998 saw some exciting changes for Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund. On December 1, 1997, Morgan Stanley
Asset Management Inc. (an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.)
began acting as sub-advisor to the Fund. In addition, the management agreement
with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. was amended to reduce the overall
annual management fee charged to the Fund from 1.25 percent of the Fund's daily
net assets to 1.15 percent of the Fund's daily net assets.
In conjunction with these positive changes, the Fund's performance has improved
dramatically. Since the sub-advisor change on December 1 through the fiscal
year-end, the Fund's Class B shares have returned 12.39 percent. Positive market
trends in recent months contributed to the Fund's improved performance. For the
past few years, international small-cap stocks have underperformed their
larger-cap counterparts. However, during the first five months of 1998 this
trend seems to have reversed itself. From the beginning of the calendar year
through May 31 the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe,
Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Small Cap Index outperformed the MSCI EAFE Large
Cap Index by 3.4 percent.
PERFORMANCE
Although performance rebounded during the second half of the fiscal year, its
first-half performance dampened the Fund's fiscal-year-end numbers. During the
fiscal year ended May 31, 1998, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International
SmallCap Fund's Class B shares returned (1.35) percent versus (11.74) percent
for the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, (0.85) percent for the NatWest Markets
Euro-Pacific Small Cap Index and 16.04 percent for the Lipper International
Small Cap Fund Average. The Fund's underperformance against its Lipper peer
group during this reporting period can be attributed to the Fund's low exposure,
relative to the Lipper universe, to the Italian stock market,
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
which performed extremely well during the period under review, and our
overweighting in the Australian stock market, which underperformed.
From their inceptions on July 28, 1997 through May 31, 1998, the Fund's Class A,
C and D shares posted total returns of (1.23) percent, (1.79) percent and (1.00)
percent, respectively. The performance of the Fund's four share classes varies
because of differing expenses. For the same time period, the MSCI EAFE Small Cap
Index returned (10.14) percent,* the NatWest Index returned (0.22) percent and
the Lipper Average returned 12.67 percent.*
The accompanying chart illustrates the growth of a hypothetical $10,000
investment in the Fund's Class B shares from inception (July 29, 1994) through
the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998, versus similar investments in the issues
that comprise the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, the NatWest Index and the Lipper
Average.
PORTFOLIO STRATEGY
The Fund's investment-decision-making process involves top-down geographical
allocation combined with bottom-up stock picking. Since assuming its subadvisory
responsibilities, Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. has repositioned the
portfolio to be underweighted in the Southeast Asian and Japanese markets,
because of concerns regarding the macroeconomic and political outlook in these
countries. This strategy has paid off: during the last three months, the Fund
has clearly benefited from its underweightings in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and
Singapore, as these markets were down 23.0 percent, 16.8 percent, 37.2 percent
and 32.3 percent, respectively. At the same time, European stock markets were
overweighted in light of the improving macroeconomic outlook for continental
Europe. Individual stock selection contributed positively to the Fund's
performance in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore but dampened overall performance
in Australia and Germany.
LOOKING AHEAD
We are confident that the changes the Fund has made will continue to positively
affect its performance going forward. In addition, we believe that the recent
outperformance of the international small-cap markets relative to the larger-cap
markets bodes well for the Fund over the coming fiscal year.
2
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
LETTER TO THE SHAREHOLDERS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
We appreciate your ongoing support of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International
SmallCap Fund and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve your
investment needs.
Sincerely,
[SIGNATURE]
CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
* These numbers represent the period from July 31, 1997 through May 31, 1998.
3
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALL-
CAP FUND
FUND PERFORMANCE MAY 31, 1998
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Growth of $10,000 -- Class B
Shares
($ in Thousands)
Fund NATWEST IX(5) Lipper(6) EAFE(4)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
July-1994 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
May-1995 $ 8,540 $ 9,475 $ 9,361 $8,998
May-1996 $10,280 $10,791 $11,202 $9,968
May-1997 $9,302 $10,148 $12,312 $8,211
May-1998 $9,001(3) $10,061 $14,287 $8,129
</TABLE>
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE RETURNS. PERFORMANCE FOR CLASS
A, CLASS C AND CLASS D SHARES WILL VARY FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF CLASS B
SHARES SHOWN ABOVE DUE TO DIFFERENCES IN SALES CHARGES AND EXPENSES.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B** CLASS A+
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 Year (1.35)%(1) (6.28)%(2) Since Inception (7/28/97) (1.23)(1) (6.41)(2)
Since Inception (7/29/94) (2.21)(1) (2.71)(2)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C++ CLASS D+++
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Since Inception (7/28/97) (1.79)%(1) (2.77)%(2) Since Inception (7/28/97) (1.00)(1)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and does not reflect
the deduction of any sales charges.
(2) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and the deduction of
the maximum applicable sales charge. See the Fund's current prospectus for
complete details on fees and sales charges.
(3) Closing value after the deduction of a 2% CDSC, assuming a complete
redemption on May 31, 1998.
(4) The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia, Far
East (EAFE) SmallCap Index was specifically designed for use as a benchmark
for non-U.S. small-cap portfolios. The Index does not include any expenses,
fees or charges or reinvestment of dividends. The Index is unmanaged and
should not be considered an investment.
(5) The NatWest Markets Euro-Pacific Small Cap Index was specifically designed
for use as a benchmark for non-US small cap portfolios. The Index does not
include any expenses, fees or charges or reinvestment of dividends. The
Index is unmanaged and should not be considered an investment.
(6) The Lipper International Small-Cap Fund Average tracks the performance of
all funds which invest at least 65% of their assets in equity securities of
non-United States companies with market capitalization less than US $1
billion at time of purchase.
* For periods of less than one year, the Fund quotes its total return on a
non-annualized basis.
** The maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class B is 5.0%. The
CDSC declines to 0% after six years.
+ The maximum front-end sales charge for Class A is 5.25%.
++ The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for Class C is 1% for shares
redeemed within one year of purchase.
+++ Class D shares have no sales charge.
4
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS MAY 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS, RIGHTS AND WARRANTS (94.4%)
AUSTRALIA (5.1%)
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING
250,530 Futuris Corporation Ltd. ............................................................... $ 233,932
-----------
ELECTRONICS
1,567,400 E.R.G. Ltd.*............................................................................ 1,151,334
-----------
ENTERTAINMENT/GAMING & LODGING
460,900 Star City Holdings Ltd. ................................................................ 292,649
-----------
HOME BUILDING
1,127,214 Parbury Ltd. ........................................................................... 259,626
-----------
MEDICAL SERVICES
579,200 Australian Hospital Care Ltd. .......................................................... 530,011
-----------
METALS & MINING
347,400 Eltin Ltd............................................................................... 330,872
-----------
RETAIL - DEPARTMENT STORES
668,200 David Jones Ltd......................................................................... 811,111
-----------
TOTAL AUSTRALIA......................................................................... 3,609,535
-----------
CHINA (0.1%)
ELECTRIC
152,000 Beijing Datang Power Generation Co., Ltd.*.............................................. 53,453
-----------
DENMARK (1.4%)
BANKING
17,800 Sydbank A/S............................................................................. 1,007,498
-----------
FINLAND (6.2%)
MACHINERY
20,000 KCI Konecranes International PLC........................................................ 1,028,496
6,700 Kone Corp. (B Shares)................................................................... 975,596
44,900 Rauma Group............................................................................. 926,899
-----------
2,930,991
-----------
MANUFACTURING
43,300 Rautaruukki OY.......................................................................... 360,740
-----------
PAPER
63,000 Metsa Tissue Corp. ..................................................................... 708,335
-----------
PHARMACEUTICALS
56,100 Tamro OYJ............................................................................... 387,760
-----------
TOTAL FINLAND........................................................................... 4,387,826
-----------
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
FRANCE (6.8%)
ADVERTISING
2,209 Havas Advertising S.A. ................................................................. $ 466,734
2,209 Havas Advertising S.A. (Warrants due 05/14/01)*......................................... 1,199
-----------
467,933
-----------
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
2,140 Colas S.A. ............................................................................. 416,412
24,076 Groupe Legris Industries S.A............................................................ 1,346,738
-----------
1,763,150
-----------
MULTI-INDUSTRY
2,650 Chargeurs S.A. ......................................................................... 219,229
-----------
OIL RELATED
2,594 Compagnie Generale de Geophysique S.A................................................... 434,998
-----------
TELEVISION
6,700 Societe Television Francaise 1.......................................................... 944,497
-----------
TRANSPORTATION - MISCELLANEOUS
14,000 De Dietrich et Compagnie S.A............................................................ 1,017,187
-----------
TOTAL FRANCE............................................................................ 4,846,994
-----------
GERMANY (6.8%)
BUILDING MATERIALS
1,800 Dyckerhoff AG (Pref.)................................................................... 746,010
2,290 Plettac AG.............................................................................. 337,312
1,500 Sto AG (Pref.).......................................................................... 579,670
-----------
1,662,992
-----------
ENGINEERING
3,160 Philipp Holzmann AG..................................................................... 872,517
-----------
MACHINERY
1,700 KSB AG*................................................................................. 502,716
-----------
RETAIL
7,800 Hornbach Holding AG (Pref.)............................................................. 777,597
-----------
RETAIL - SPECIALTY
24,600 Moebel Walther AG (Pref.)............................................................... 1,047,102
-----------
TOTAL GERMANY........................................................................... 4,862,924
-----------
HONG KONG (1.9%)
DISTRIBUTION
478,000 Goldlion Holdings Ltd................................................................... 104,868
-----------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
108,000 VTech Holdings Ltd.*.................................................................... $ 350,532
-----------
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
140,000 Varitronix International Ltd. .......................................................... 293,594
-----------
FOOD WHOLESALERS
240,000 NG Fung Hong Ltd........................................................................ 204,419
-----------
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
2,706,000 Quality Healthcare Asia Ltd.*........................................................... 240,958
-----------
RETAIL - FOOD CHAINS
200,000 Cafe De Coral Holdings Ltd.*............................................................ 61,945
-----------
RETAIL - SPECIALTY APPAREL
354,000 Esprit Holdings Ltd..................................................................... 138,195
-----------
TOTAL HONG KONG......................................................................... 1,394,511
-----------
IRELAND (2.0%)
BANKING
525,300 Anglo Irish Bank Corp. PLC.............................................................. 1,439,364
-----------
ITALY (1.9%)
AUTO TRUCKS & PARTS
210,214 Magneti Marelli SPA..................................................................... 534,560
115,400 Sogefi SPA.............................................................................. 426,246
-----------
960,806
-----------
MULTI-LINE INSURANCE
19,000 Toro Assicurazioni SPA*................................................................. 367,631
-----------
TOTAL ITALY............................................................................. 1,328,437
-----------
JAPAN (19.0%)
APPAREL
5,300 Nagaileben Co., Ltd.*................................................................... 95,427
-----------
AUTO TRUCKS & PARTS
32,000 NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd................................................................. 253,742
-----------
BEVERAGES
13,000 Itoen, Ltd. ............................................................................ 400,720
-----------
BUSINESS SERVICES
9,000 Nichii Gakkan Co........................................................................ 298,164
-----------
CHEMICALS - DIVERSIFIED
7,000 C. Uyemura & Co., Ltd................................................................... 201,152
30,000 Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. .................................................................. 178,682
-----------
379,834
-----------
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
CHEMICALS - SPECIALTY
6,000 T&K TOKA Co., Ltd. ..................................................................... $ 116,673
-----------
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
2,500 Bellsystem 24, Inc...................................................................... 331,293
-----------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
17,000 Sony Chemicals Corp. ................................................................... 342,816
-----------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
9,200 Fuji Soft ABC Inc. ..................................................................... 321,354
-----------
COMPUTERS
10,300 Meitec Corp............................................................................. 350,875
-----------
ELECTRIC
28,000 Ushio Inc. ............................................................................. 233,922
-----------
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
17,000 Hosiden Corp.*.......................................................................... 206,302
8,800 Kyoden Co., Ltd......................................................................... 205,344
13,000 Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd................................................................. 332,373
-----------
744,019
-----------
ELECTRONICS
17,000 Aiwa Co., Ltd........................................................................... 511,775
9,000 Nidec Corp.............................................................................. 508,823
12,800 Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.................................................................... 140,583
-----------
1,161,181
-----------
FINANCE
13,600 Aeon Credit Service Co., Ltd............................................................ 570,054
-----------
FOOD SERVICES
12,000 Ariake Japan Co., Ltd. ................................................................. 267,915
-----------
FOOD WHOLESALERS
13,900 Doutor Coffee Co., Ltd.................................................................. 385,416
23,000 Rock Field Co., Ltd..................................................................... 311,415
-----------
696,831
-----------
HAND TOOLS
14,000 Disco Corp.............................................................................. 369,031
-----------
HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE
12,300 Aderans Co., Ltd........................................................................ 299,417
-----------
HOME BUILDING
500 Higashi Nihon House Co. ................................................................ 2,229
-----------
LEISURE TIME
5,000 H.I.S. Co., Ltd. ....................................................................... 79,222
-----------
MACHINERY
14,300 Misumi Corp. ........................................................................... 263,651
17,500 Sato Corp. ............................................................................. 286,730
11,200 Union Tool Co. ......................................................................... 395,247
-----------
945,628
-----------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
MACHINERY & MACHINE TOOLS
15,000 Fuji Machine Manufacturing Co., Ltd..................................................... $ 394,310
-----------
MANUFACTURING
15,000 Japan Cash Machine Co., Ltd............................................................. 210,659
-----------
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
15,000 Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc.............................................................. 219,301
-----------
METALS - MISCELLANEOUS
21,000 Sumitomo Special Metals Co.............................................................. 453,727
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS & COMMODITIES
7,360 Fujimi Inc.............................................................................. 280,936
-----------
REAL ESTATE
700 Chubu Sekiwa Real Estate, Ltd........................................................... 3,504
-----------
RESTAURANTS
11,000 Denny's Japan Co., Ltd.................................................................. 276,485
19,000 Saint Marc Co., Ltd..................................................................... 617,141
19,000 Watami Food Service Co., Ltd............................................................ 355,780
-----------
1,249,406
-----------
RETAIL
8,100 Ministop Co., Ltd....................................................................... 157,216
5,000 Otsuka Kagu Ltd......................................................................... 241,628
-----------
398,844
-----------
RETAIL - GENERAL MERCHANDISE
16,420 Circle K Japan Co., Ltd................................................................. 601,929
10,200 Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. ............................................................... 910,911
-----------
1,512,840
-----------
RETAIL STORES
11,600 Matsumotokiyoshi Co..................................................................... 398,502
-----------
TEXTILES - APPAREL
6,100 Shimamura Co., Ltd. .................................................................... 156,838
-----------
TOTAL JAPAN............................................................................. 13,539,214
-----------
MALAYSIA (2.1%)
ADVERTISING
123,000 Seni Jaya Corp. Berhad*................................................................. 45,799
-----------
AGRICULTURE
231,000 Austral Enterprises Berhad.............................................................. 240,594
-----------
AUTOMOTIVE
25,000 AIC Corp. Berhad........................................................................ 55,657
6,250 AIC Corp. Berhad (Rights)*.............................................................. 5,777
9,375 AIC Corp. Berhad (Warrants due 06/16/98)*............................................... 16,721
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
36,000 Oriental Holdings Berhad................................................................ $ 62,336
332,000 Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad......................................................... 85,583
-----------
226,074
-----------
BREWERY
221,000 Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad............................................................ 258,951
-----------
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
72,000 Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad........................................................ 148,106
-----------
ELECTRIC
151,000 Powertek Berhad......................................................................... 180,075
-----------
FOOD WHOLESALERS
106,000 Yeo Hiap Seng (Malaysia) Berhad......................................................... 60,169
-----------
FOODS & BEVERAGES
9,800 Carlsberg Brewery (Malaysia) Berhad..................................................... 31,897
-----------
LEISURE
115,000 Tanjong PLC............................................................................. 190,144
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS
996,000 Tan Chong International Ltd. ........................................................... 92,779
-----------
TOTAL MALAYSIA.......................................................................... 1,474,588
-----------
NETHERLANDS (7.4%)
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
16,900 Hollandsche Beton Groep NV.............................................................. 357,716
-----------
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING
16,700 GTI Holding NV.......................................................................... 659,669
-----------
ENGINEERING
10,400 Internatio-Muller NV.................................................................... 374,640
-----------
FOODS
17,500 Nutreco Holding NV...................................................................... 617,361
-----------
HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS & APPLIANCES
10,500 Koninklijke Ahrend Groep NV............................................................. 337,027
-----------
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
8,125 Samas Groep NV.......................................................................... 603,541
-----------
PHARMACEUTICALS
23,050 Apothekers Cooperatie OPG NV............................................................ 790,247
-----------
PUBLISHING
18,200 Holdingmaatschappij De Telegraaf NV..................................................... 425,022
-----------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
SOAP & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
19,200 Benckiser NV (B Shares)................................................................. $ 1,089,456
-----------
TOTAL NETHERLANDS....................................................................... 5,254,679
-----------
NEW ZEALAND (0.4%)
APPLIANCES & HOUSEHOLD DURABLES
113,200 Fisher & Paykel Industries Ltd.......................................................... 323,401
-----------
NORWAY (1.6%)
BANKING
10,300 Sparebanken NOR......................................................................... 307,267
-----------
MACHINERY
33,100 Kverneland ASA.......................................................................... 860,162
-----------
TOTAL NORWAY............................................................................ 1,167,429
-----------
PORTUGAL (0.5%)
BUILDING MATERIALS
9,900 Cimpor-Cimentos de Portugal, SGPS, SA................................................... 378,832
-----------
SINGAPORE (1.3%)
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
233,000 Informatics Holdings Ltd.*.............................................................. 64,065
-----------
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
73,000 GP Batteries International Ltd.*........................................................ 161,446
-----------
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
192,000 JIT Holdings Ltd.*...................................................................... 119,354
-----------
ELECTRONICS & ELECTRICAL
34,000 Venture Manufacturing (Singapore) Ltd................................................... 92,672
-----------
METALS
270,000 Natsteel Broadway Ltd................................................................... 270,000
-----------
TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
32,500 Datacraft Asia Ltd...................................................................... 94,250
-----------
TOBACCO
25,000 Rothmans Industries Ltd. ............................................................... 116,557
-----------
TOTAL SINGAPORE......................................................................... 918,344
-----------
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
SPAIN (2.2%)
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
25,900 Prosegur, CIA de Seguridad S.A.......................................................... $ 327,081
-----------
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
31,300 Corp. Financiera Reunida, S.A.*......................................................... 452,038
-----------
PAPER PRODUCTS
15,500 Miquel y Costas & Miquel, S.A........................................................... 793,194
-----------
TOTAL SPAIN............................................................................. 1,572,313
-----------
SWEDEN (3.1%)
AUTO PARTS - ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
20,500 Haldex AB*.............................................................................. 351,228
-----------
CONTAINERS - PAPER
23,600 PLM AB.................................................................................. 390,813
-----------
MEDICAL PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES
30,400 Nobel Biocare AB........................................................................ 456,951
-----------
OFFICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
15,700 Esselte AB (A Shares)................................................................... 349,987
-----------
PUBLISHING - NEWSPAPER
21,000 Marieberg Tidnings AB (A Shares)........................................................ 635,326
-----------
TOTAL SWEDEN............................................................................ 2,184,305
-----------
SWITZERLAND (5.9%)
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
670 Forbo Holdings AG (Registered Shares)................................................... 381,760
-----------
MACHINERY
170 Bobst AG (Bearer Shares)................................................................ 320,971
510 Bucher Holding AG (Bearer Shares)....................................................... 717,026
980 SIG Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft Holding AG (Registered Shares)................ 928,456
900 Zehnder Holdings AG..................................................................... 561,969
-----------
2,528,422
-----------
MANUFACTURING
950 Georg Fischer AG (Registered Shares).................................................... 416,386
-----------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
RETAIL - FOOD CHAINS
3,200 Valora Holding AG....................................................................... $ 868,510
-----------
TOTAL SWITZERLAND....................................................................... 4,195,078
-----------
UNITED KINGDOM (18.7%)
ADVERTISING
395,500 Aegis Group PLC*........................................................................ 635,385
-----------
BROADCASTING
67,900 Capital Radio PLC....................................................................... 748,636
-----------
BUILDING MATERIALS
306,900 SIG PLC................................................................................. 1,356,501
-----------
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
88,000 Corporate Services Group PLC............................................................ 330,114
-----------
CONGLOMERATES
62,450 Charter PLC............................................................................. 779,198
-----------
COSMETICS
139,500 Scholl PLC.............................................................................. 1,148,999
-----------
FOOD PROCESSING
158,100 Devro PLC............................................................................... 1,258,362
-----------
FOODS
471,800 Bernard Matthews PLC.................................................................... 854,151
-----------
MACHINERY & MACHINE TOOLS
174,500 The Six Hundred Group PLC............................................................... 418,376
-----------
MANUFACTURING
260,800 Bunzl PLC............................................................................... 1,403,704
125,100 Quadramatic PLC......................................................................... 473,368
-----------
1,877,072
-----------
MEDICAL PRODUCTS & SUPPLIES
188,800 Alliance Unichem PLC.................................................................... 1,564,299
-----------
METALS & MINING
178,200 English China Clays PLC................................................................. 744,049
-----------
NURSING & HEALTH RELATED FACILITIES REVENUE
107,700 Westminster Health Care Holdings PLC.................................................... 535,759
-----------
RETAIL - GENERAL MERCHANDISE
41,800 Le Riche Group Ltd...................................................................... 371,558
-----------
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR
334,400 Christian Salvesen PLC.................................................................. 676,304
-----------
TOTAL UNITED KINGDOM.................................................................... 13,298,763
-----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN
THOUSANDS VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
TOTAL COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS,
RIGHTS AND WARRANTS
(IDENTIFIED COST $59,598,500)........................................................... $67,237,488
-----------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (a) (5.6%)
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY
$ 4,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 5.55% due 06/01/98 (AMORTIZED COST $4,000,000)......... 4,000,000
-----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(IDENTIFIED COST $63,598,500) (B).......................................................... 100.0 % 71,237,488
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF CASH AND OTHER ASSETS............................................. (0.0) (31,966)
------ ------------
NET ASSETS................................................................................. 100.0 % $ 71,205,522
------ ------------
------ ------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Non-income producing security.
(a) Security was purchased on a discount basis. The interest rate shown has
been adjusted to reflect a money market equivalent yield.
(b) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates identified
cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $10,710,152 and the
aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $3,071,164, resulting in net
unrealized appreciation of $7,638,988.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS OPEN AT MAY 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACTS TO IN DELIVERY UNREALIZED
DELIVER EXCHANGE FOR DATE APPRECIATION
- ----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ITL
$ 130,622 230,050,800 06/02/98 $ 105
CURRENCY ABBREVIATION:
- ----------------------------------------------------
ITL Italian Lira.
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
9
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS MAY 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF
INDUSTRY VALUE NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising................................................. $ 1,149,117 1.6%
Agriculture................................................. 240,594 0.3
Apparel..................................................... 95,427 0.1
Appliances & Household Durables............................. 323,401 0.5
Auto Parts - Original Equipment............................. 351,228 0.5
Auto Trucks & Parts......................................... 1,214,548 1.7
Automotive.................................................. 226,074 0.3
Banking..................................................... 2,754,129 3.9
Beverages................................................... 400,720 0.6
Brewery..................................................... 258,951 0.4
Broadcasting................................................ 748,636 1.1
Building & Construction..................................... 2,502,626 3.5
Building Materials.......................................... 3,398,325 4.8
Business Services........................................... 298,164 0.4
Chemicals - Diversified..................................... 379,834 0.5
Chemicals - Specialty....................................... 116,673 0.2
Commercial Services......................................... 1,052,553 1.5
Communications Equipment.................................... 342,816 0.5
Computer Software........................................... 321,354 0.5
Computers................................................... 350,875 0.5
Conglomerates............................................... 779,198 1.1
Consumer Products........................................... 148,106 0.2
Containers - Paper.......................................... 390,813 0.6
Cosmetics................................................... 1,148,999 1.6
Distribution................................................ 104,868 0.1
Diversified Manufacturing................................... 893,601 1.3
Electric.................................................... 467,450 0.7
Electrical Equipment........................................ 511,978 0.7
Electronic Components....................................... 1,156,967 1.6
Electronics................................................. 2,312,515 3.2
Electronics & Electrical.................................... 92,672 0.1
Engineering................................................. 1,247,157 1.8
Entertainment/Gaming & Lodging.............................. 292,649 0.4
Finance..................................................... 570,054 0.8
Food Processing............................................. 1,258,362 1.8
Food Services............................................... 267,915 0.4
Food Wholesalers............................................ 961,419 1.4
Foods....................................................... 1,471,512 2.1
Foods & Beverages........................................... 31,897 0.0
Hand Tools.................................................. 369,031 0.5
Health & Personal Care...................................... 299,417 0.4
Home Building............................................... 261,855 0.4
Household Furnishings & Appliances.......................... 337,027 0.5
Investment Companies........................................ 452,038 0.6
Leisure..................................................... 190,144 0.3
Leisure Time................................................ 79,222 0.1
Machinery................................................... 7,767,919 10.9
Machinery & Machine Tools................................... 812,686 1.1
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF
INDUSTRY VALUE NET ASSETS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Manufacturing............................................... $ 2,864,857 4.0%
Medical Equipment........................................... 460,259 0.6
Medical Products & Supplies................................. 2,021,250 2.8
Medical Services............................................ 530,011 0.7
Metals...................................................... 270,000 0.4
Metals & Mining............................................. 1,074,921 1.5
Metals - Miscellaneous...................................... 453,727 0.6
Miscellaneous............................................... 92,779 0.1
Miscellaneous Materials & Commodities....................... 280,936 0.4
Multi-Industry.............................................. 219,229 0.3
Multi-Line Insurance........................................ 367,631 0.5
Nursing & Health Related Facilities Revenue................. 535,759 0.8
Office Equipment............................................ 603,541 0.8
Office Equipment & Supplies................................. 349,987 0.5
Oil Related................................................. 434,998 0.6
Paper....................................................... 708,335 1.0
Paper Products.............................................. 793,194 1.1
Pharmaceuticals............................................. 1,178,007 1.7
Publishing.................................................. 425,022 0.6
Publishing - Newspaper...................................... 635,326 0.9
Real Estate................................................. 3,504 0.0
Restaurants................................................. 1,249,406 1.8
Retail...................................................... 1,176,441 1.7
Retail - Department Stores.................................. 811,111 1.1
Retail - Food Chains........................................ 930,455 1.3
Retail - General Merchandise................................ 1,884,398 2.6
Retail - Specialty.......................................... 1,047,102 1.5
Retail - Specialty Apparel.................................. 138,195 0.2
Retail Stores............................................... 398,502 0.6
Soap & Household Products................................... 1,089,456 1.5
Telecommunication Equipment................................. 94,250 0.1
Television.................................................. 944,497 1.3
Textiles - Apparel.......................................... 156,838 0.2
Tobacco..................................................... 116,557 0.2
Transportation - Miscellaneous.............................. 1,017,187 1.4
U.S. Government Agency...................................... 4,000,000 5.6
Wholesale Distributor....................................... 676,304 0.9
--------------- -----
$ 71,237,488 100.0%
--------------- -----
--------------- -----
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF
TYPE OF INVESTMENT VALUE NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks............................................... $ 64,063,412 90.0%
Preferred Stocks............................................ 3,150,379 4.4
Rights & Warrants........................................... 23,697 0.0
Short-Term Investment....................................... 4,000,000 5.6
--------------- -----
$ 71,237,488 100.0%
--------------- -----
--------------- -----
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MAY 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $63,598,500)............................................................... $ 71,237,488
Cash (including $72,025 in foreign currency).................................................. 212,384
Receivable for:
Dividends................................................................................. 120,680
Foreign withholding taxes reclaimed....................................................... 59,092
Shares of beneficial interest sold........................................................ 30,300
Deferred organizational expenses.............................................................. 38,968
Prepaid expenses and other assets............................................................. 50,640
------------
TOTAL ASSETS............................................................................. 71,749,552
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Shares of beneficial interest repurchased................................................. 187,540
Investments purchased..................................................................... 157,686
Investment management fee................................................................. 70,171
Plan of distribution fee.................................................................. 60,142
Accrued expenses and other payables........................................................... 68,491
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES........................................................................ 544,030
------------
NET ASSETS............................................................................... $ 71,205,522
------------
------------
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital............................................................................... $ 85,762,066
Net unrealized appreciation................................................................... 7,633,440
Accumulated net realized loss................................................................. (22,189,984)
------------
NET ASSETS............................................................................... $ 71,205,522
------------
------------
CLASS A SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................... $318,083
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)..................................... 35,927
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................ $8.85
------------
------------
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE,
(NET ASSET VALUE PLUS 5.54% OF NET ASSET VALUE)........................................ $9.34
------------
------------
CLASS B SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................... $69,959,982
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)..................................... 7,954,043
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................ $8.80
------------
------------
CLASS C SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................... $77,474
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)..................................... 8,808
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................ $8.80
------------
------------
CLASS D SHARES:
Net Assets.................................................................................... $849,983
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE)..................................... 95,823
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................ $8.87
------------
------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1998*
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INCOME
Dividends (net of $169,989 foreign withholding tax)............................................ $ 1,349,972
Interest....................................................................................... 133,135
-----------
TOTAL INCOME.............................................................................. 1,483,107
-----------
EXPENSES
Investment management fee...................................................................... 985,364
Plan of distribution fee (Class A shares)...................................................... 180
Plan of distribution fee (Class B shares)...................................................... 812,930
Plan of distribution fee (Class C shares)...................................................... 533
Transfer agent fees and expenses............................................................... 235,507
Custodian fees................................................................................. 146,679
Professional fees.............................................................................. 92,644
Registration fees.............................................................................. 87,509
Shareholder reports and notices................................................................ 68,421
Organizational expenses........................................................................ 35,474
Trustees' fees and expenses.................................................................... 13,795
Other.......................................................................................... 14,903
-----------
TOTAL EXPENSES............................................................................ 2,493,939
-----------
NET INVESTMENT LOSS....................................................................... (1,010,832)
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments................................................................................ 5,159,972
Foreign exchange transactions.............................................................. (171,606)
-----------
NET GAIN.................................................................................. 4,988,366
-----------
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:
Investments................................................................................ (6,924,079)
Translation of forward foreign currency contracts, other assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currencies.................................................................... (3,606)
-----------
NET DEPRECIATION.......................................................................... (6,927,685)
-----------
NET LOSS.................................................................................. (1,939,319)
-----------
NET DECREASE................................................................................... $(2,950,151)
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Class A, Class C and Class D shares were issued July 28, 1997.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR
ENDED FOR THE YEAR
MAY 31, ENDED
1998* MAY 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss............................................................. $ (1,010,832) $ (1,703,229)
Net realized gain (loss)........................................................ 4,988,366 (14,228,804)
Net change in unrealized appreciation........................................... (6,927,685) 756,452
------------ ------------
NET DECREASE............................................................... (2,950,151) (15,175,581)
Dividends to shareholders from net investment income - Class B shares........... -- (5,142,946)
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial interest................. (31,152,512) (20,347,659)
Capital contribution............................................................ -- 720,000
------------ ------------
NET DECREASE............................................................... (34,102,663) (39,946,186)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period............................................................. 105,308,185 145,254,371
------------ ------------
END OF PERIOD
(INCLUDING DIVIDENDS IN EXCESS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME OF $0 AND
$1,880,282, RESPECTIVELY)................................................... $ 71,205,522 $105,308,185
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Class A, Class C and Class D shares were issued July 28, 1997.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
13
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund (the "Fund") is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as
a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund's investment
objective is long-term growth of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective by investing primarily in equity securities of "small capitalization"
companies located outside of the United States. The Fund was organized as a
Massachusetts business trust on April 21, 1994 and commenced operations on July
29, 1994. On July 28, 1997, the Fund commenced offering three additional classes
of shares, with the then current shares designated as Class B shares.
Effective June 22, 1998, the following entities have changed their name:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Old Name New Name
- ------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
Dean Witter Distributors Inc. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
</TABLE>
The Fund offers Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D
shares. The four classes are substantially the same except that most Class A
shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase, some Class
A shares, and most Class B shares and Class C shares are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge imposed on shares redeemed within one year, six years and
one year, respectively. Class D shares are not subject to a sales charge.
Additionally, Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares incur
distribution expenses.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
A. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS -- (1) an equity security listed or traded on the
New York, American or other domestic or foreign stock exchange is valued at its
latest sale price on that exchange prior to the time when assets are valued; if
there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the latest bid price (in
cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are
valued on the exchange designated as the primary market pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Trustees); (2) listed options are valued at the latest sale price
on the exchange on which they are listed unless
14
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
no sales of such options have taken place that day, in which case they will be
valued at the mean between their latest bid and asked price; (3) all other
portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily
available are valued at the latest available bid price prior to the time of
valuation; (4) when market quotations are not readily available, including
circumstances under which it is determined by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Manager") or Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc.
(the "Sub-Advisor"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager, that sale and bid
prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are
valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures
established by and under the general supervision of the Trustees (valuation of
debt securities for which market quotations are not readily available may be
based upon current market prices of securities which are comparable in coupon,
rating and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing similar factors); and (5)
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.
Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date
except for certain dividends from foreign securities which are recorded as soon
as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Discounts are accreted over
the life of the respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily.
C. MULTIPLE CLASS ALLOCATIONS -- Investment income, expenses (other than
distribution fees), and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated
to each class of shares based upon the relative net asset value on the date such
items are recognized. Distribution fees are charged directly to the respective
class.
D. OPTION ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES -- When the Fund purchases a call or put option,
the premium paid is recorded as an investment which is subsequently
marked-to-market to reflect the current market value. If a purchased option
expires, the Fund will realize a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If the
Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized for the
difference between the proceeds from the sale and the cost of the option. If a
put option is exercised, the cost of the
15
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
security or currency sold upon exercise will be increased by the premium
originally paid. If a call option is exercised, the cost of the security
purchased upon exercise will be increased by the premium originally paid.
E. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION -- The books and records of the Fund are
maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market value of
investment securities, other assets and liabilities and forward foreign currency
contracts are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the
period; and (2) purchases, sales, income and expenses are translated at the
exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The
resultant exchange gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations
as realized and unrealized gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions. Pursuant
to U.S. Federal income tax regulations, certain foreign exchange gains/losses
included in realized and unrealized gain/loss are included in or are a reduction
of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not isolate
that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the
foreign exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of the securities.
F. FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS -- The Fund may enter into forward foreign
currency contracts which are valued daily at the appropriate exchange rates. The
resultant unrealized exchange gains and losses are included in the Statement of
Operations as unrealized foreign currency gain or loss. The Fund records
realized gains or losses on delivery of the currency or at the time the forward
contract is extinguished (compensated) by entering into a closing transaction
prior to delivery.
G. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.
H. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Fund 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 financial
16
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
reporting purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as dividends in excess
of net investment income or distributions in excess of net realized capital
gains. To the extent they exceed net investment income and net realized capital
gains for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of paid-in-capital.
I. ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES -- The Investment Manager paid the organizational
expenses of the Fund in the amount of approximately $172,000 and was reimbursed
for the full amount thereof. Such expenses have been deferred and are being
amortized on the straight line method over a period not to exceed five years
from the commencement of operations.
2. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement, in effect through November 30,
1997, the Fund paid the Investment Manager a management fee, accrued daily and
payable monthly, by applying the annual rate of 1.25% to the net assets of the
Fund determined as of the close of each business day. Effective December 1,
1997, the Agreement was amended to reduce the annual rate from 1.25% to 1.15% of
the Fund's daily net assets
Under the terms of the Agreement, in addition to managing the Fund's
investments, the Investment Manager maintains certain of the Fund's books and
records and furnishes, at its own expense, office space, facilities, equipment,
clerical, bookkeeping and certain legal services and pays the salaries of all
personnel, including officers of the Fund who are employees of the Investment
Manager. The Investment Manager also bears the cost of telephone services, heat,
light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
Under a Sub-Advisory Agreement in effect through November 30, 1997, between
Morgan Grenfell Investment Services Limited (the "Former Sub-Advisor") and the
Investment Manager, the Former Sub-Advisor provided the Fund with investment
advice and portfolio management relating to the Fund's investments in
securities, subject to the overall supervision of the Investment Manager. As
compensation for its services provided pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement,
the Investment Manager paid the Former-Sub-Advisor monthly compensation equal to
40% of its monthly compensation.
17
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
Effective December 1, 1997 under a new Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Advisor
took on all the responsibilities of the Former Sub-Advisor. As compensation for
its services provided pursuant to the new Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Investment
Manager pays the Sub-Advisor monthly compensation equal to 40% of its monthly
compensation.
3. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors
Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager. The Fund has
adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Act. The Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee which is
accrued daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates: (i) Class A - up
to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A; (ii) Class B - 1.0% of the
lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Class B shares
since the inception of the Fund (not including reinvestment of dividend or
capital gain distributions) less the average daily aggregate net asset value of
the Class B shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a contingent
deferred sales charge has been imposed or waived; or (b) the average daily net
assets of Class B; and (iii) Class C - up to 1.0% of the average daily net
assets of Class C. In the case of Class A shares, amounts paid under the Plan
are paid to the Distributor for services provided. In the case of Class B and
Class C shares, amounts paid under the Plan are paid to the Distributor for
services provided and the expenses borne by it and others in the distribution of
the shares of these Classes, including the payment of commissions for sales of
these Classes and incentive compensation to, and expenses of, Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Financial Advisors and others who engage in or support distribution
of the shares or who service shareholder accounts, including overhead and
telephone expenses; printing and distribution of prospectuses and reports used
in connection with the offering of these shares to other than current
shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and
advertising materials. In addition, the Distributor may utilize fees paid
pursuant to the Plan, in the case of Class B shares, to compensate Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Distributor,
and other selected broker-dealers for their opportunity costs in advancing such
amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any
unreimbursed expenses.
In the case of Class B shares, provided that the Plan continues in effect, any
cumulative expenses incurred by the Distributor but not yet recovered may be
recovered through the payment of future distribution fees from the Fund pursuant
to the Plan and contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon
redemption of Class B shares. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund
to
18
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the
Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors
upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the
Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses.
The Distributor has advised the Fund that such excess amounts, including
carrying charges, totaled $8,243,906 at May 31, 1998.
In the case of Class A shares and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to
the Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily
net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the
Fund through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing
a gross sales credit to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors or other
selected broker-dealer representatives may be reimbursed in the subsequent
calendar year. For the period ended May 31, 1998, the distribution fee was
accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.24% and
1.0%, respectively.
The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the period ended May 31, 1998, it
received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the
Fund's Class B shares and Class C shares of $365,257 and $96, respectively and
received $3,572 in front-end sales charges from sales of the Fund's Class A
shares. The respective shareholders pay such charges which are not an expense of
the Fund.
4. 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 May 31, 1998 aggregated $137,645,188
and $168,692,652, respectively.
For the year ended May 31, 1998, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions of
$15,696 with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Manager,
for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the Fund.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Manager and
Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent. At May 31, 1998, the Fund had
transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $12,000.
During the year ended May 31, 1997, foreign regulatory authorities initiated an
investigation involving an individual associated with an affiliate of the Fund's
Former Sub-Advisor. Although this investigation did not at any time involve the
Fund or the Investment Manager, the Former Sub-
19
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
Advisor's affiliate purchased from the Fund two securities whose separate
holdings by the affiliate had become part of the investigation and, on May 27,
1997, voluntarily committed to contribute $720,000 to the Fund, which was paid
in full on June 2, 1997. The two securities represented only a very small
percentage of the Fund's portfolio (approximately one-half of one percent) and
were purchased by the Former Sub-Advisor's affiliate at cost plus interest.
5. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
MAY 31, 1998 MAY 31, 1997
---------------------------- --------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES*
Sold............................................................. 37,467 $ 315,275 -- --
Redeemed......................................................... (1,540) (12,809) -- --
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net increase -- Class A.......................................... 35,927 302,466 -- --
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
CLASS B SHARES
Sold............................................................. 1,496,043 12,527,299 2,242,741 $ 21,576,152
Reinvestment of dividends........................................ -- -- 534,196 4,743,655
Redeemed......................................................... (5,352,008) (44,859,325) (5,096,720) (46,667,466)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net decrease -- Class B.......................................... (3,855,965) (32,332,026) (2,319,783) (20,347,659)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
CLASS C SHARES*
Sold............................................................. 12,297 106,649 -- --
Redeemed......................................................... (3,489) (27,753) -- --
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net increase -- Class C.......................................... 8,808 78,896 -- --
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
CLASS D SHARES*
Sold............................................................. 95,823 798,152 -- --
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Net decrease in Fund............................................. (3,715,407) $ (31,152,512) (2,319,783) $(20,347,659)
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
----------- -------------- ----------- ------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* For the period July 28, 1997 (issue date) through May 31, 1998.
20
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
At May 31, 1998, the Fund had a net capital loss carryover of approximately
$21,944,000, which may be used to offset future capital gains to the extent
provided by regulations, which is available through May 31 of the following
years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS
- ---------------------------------
2004 2005 2006
- --------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
$ 7,034 $ 1,455 $ 13,455
- --------- --------- -----------
- --------- --------- -----------
</TABLE>
As of May 31, 1998, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences attributable to
capital loss deferrals on wash sales and permanent book/tax differences
primarily attributable to a net operating loss, foreign currency gains and tax
adjustments on passive foreign investment companies sold by the Fund. To reflect
reclassifications arising from the permanent differences, paid-in-capital was
charged $154,574, accumulated net realized loss was charged $2,736,540 and net
investment loss was credited $2,891,114.
7. PURPOSES OF AND RISKS RELATING TO CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts ("forward contracts")
to facilitate settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio transactions
or to manage foreign currency exposure associated with foreign currency
denominated securities. The Fund may also purchase put options on foreign
currencies in which the securities are denominated to hedge against adverse
foreign currency and market risk.
Forward contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts
reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of
an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rates underlying the forward
contracts. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts and
over-the-counter purchased put options from the potential inability of the
counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
At May 31, 1998, there was an outstanding forward contract.
21
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, JULY 29, 1994*
--------------------------------------- THROUGH
1998**++ 1997 1996 MAY 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS B SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
beginning of period..... $ 8.92 $ 10.28 $ 8.54 $ 10.00
---------- --------- --------- ------
Net investment loss...... (0.11) (0.16) (0.08) (0.08)
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss).................. (0.01) (0.88) 1.82 (1.38)
---------- --------- --------- ------
Total from investment
operations.............. (0.12) (1.04) 1.74 (1.46)
---------- --------- --------- ------
Dividends from net
investment income....... -- (0.38) -- --
---------- --------- --------- ------
Capital contribution..... -- 0.06 -- --
---------- --------- --------- ------
Net asset value, end of
period.................. $ 8.80 $ 8.92 $ 10.28 $ 8.54
---------- --------- --------- ------
---------- --------- --------- ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN+.................. (1.35)% (9.52)%(3) 20.37% (14.60)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS:
Expenses................. 3.06% 2.89% 2.85% 2.90%(2)
Net investment loss...... (1.24)% (1.34)% (1.09)% (1.12)%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of
period, in thousands.... $69,960 $105,308 $145,254 $93,729
Portfolio turnover
rate.................... 178% 46% 44% 41%(1)
Average commission rate
paid.................... $0.0047 $0.0030 $0.0069 --
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Commencement of operations.
** Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund issued one class of shares. All shares of
the Fund 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) Includes voluntary capital contribution from the Former Sub-Advisor, the
effect of which was to increase total return by 0.59%.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
22
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 28, 1997*
THROUGH
MAY 31, 1998++
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
CLASS A SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.................................. $ 8.96
Net realized and unrealized loss...................................... (0.11)
------
Net asset value, end of period........................................ $ 8.85
------
------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+.............................................. (1.23)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses.............................................................. 2.52%(2)
Net investment income................................................. 0.03%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands............................... $318
Portfolio turnover rate............................................... 178%
Average commission rate paid.......................................... $0.0047
CLASS C SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.................................. $ 8.96
------
Net investment loss................................................... (0.09)
Net realized and unrealized loss...................................... (0.07)
------
Total from investment operations...................................... (0.16)
------
Net asset value, end of period........................................ $ 8.80
------
------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+.............................................. (1.79)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses.............................................................. 3.16%(2)
Net investment loss................................................... (1.37)%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands............................... $77
Portfolio turnover rate............................................... 178%
Average commission rate paid.......................................... $0.0047
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* The date shares were 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.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
23
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 28, 1997*
THROUGH
MAY 31, 1998++
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
CLASS D SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.................................. $ 8.96
Net realized and unrealized loss...................................... (0.09)
-----
Net asset value, end of period........................................ $ 8.87
-----
-----
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+.............................................. (1.00)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses.............................................................. 2.31%(2)
Net investment loss................................................... (0.02)%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands............................... $ 850
Portfolio turnover rate............................................... 178%
Average commission rate paid.......................................... $0.0047
</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.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
24
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INTERNATIONAL SMALLCAP FUND
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
International SmallCap Fund (the "Fund"), formerly Dean Witter International
SmallCap Fund, at May 31, 1998, the results of its operations for the year then
ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period
then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial
statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at May 31, 1998 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers and the application of alternative
auditing procedures where confirmations from brokers were not received, provide
a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
JULY 10, 1998
25
<PAGE>
TRUSTEES
Michael Bozic
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Edwin J. Garn
John R. Haire Morgan Stanley
Wayne E. Hedien Dean Witter
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson International
Michael E. Nugent SmallCap Fund
Philip J. Purcell
John L. Schroeder
[PHOTO]
OFFICERS
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Barry Fink
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Thomas F. Caloia
Treasurer
TRANSFER AGENT
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center - Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
SUB-ADVISOR
Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc.
ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 31, 1998
This report is submitted for the general information of shareholders of the
Fund. For more detailed information about the Fund, its officers and trustees,
fees, expenses and other pertinent information, please see the prospectus of
the Fund.
This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the
Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
