<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 31, 1999
REGISTRATION NOS.: 33-56851
811-7243
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 6 [X]
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 7 [X]
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
(FORMERLY NAMED DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND)
(A MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST)
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (212) 392-1600
BARRY FINK, ESQ.
TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
Copy to:
DAVID M. BUTOWSKY, ESQ.
GORDON ALTMAN BUTOWSKY
WEITZEN SHALOV & WEIN
114 WEST 47TH STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
As soon as practicable after this Post-Effective Amendment becomes effective.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX)
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
X 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485.
AMENDING THE PROSPECTUS AND UPDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM CAPTION
- -------------- -------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
PART A PROSPECTUS
1. ......... Cover Page; Back Cover
2. ......... Investment Objective: Principal Investment Strategies;
Principal Risks; Past Performance
3. ......... Fees and Expenses
4. ......... Investment Objective; Additional Investment Strategy
Information; Additional Risk Information
5. ......... Not Applicable
6. ......... Fund Management
7. ......... Pricing Fund Shares; How to Buy Shares; How
to Exchange Shares; How to Sell Shares;
Distributions; Tax Consequences
8. ......... Share Class Arrangements
9. ......... Financial Highlights
PART B STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
</TABLE>
Information required to be included in Part B is set forth under the
appropriate caption in Part B of this Registration Statement.
PART C
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item, so numbered, in Part C of this Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS - MAY , 1999
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
BALANCED INCOME FUND
A MUTUAL FUND THAT SEEKS TO PROVIDE CURRENT
INCOME AND MODERATE CAPITAL GROWTH
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>
The Fund Investment Objective ......................................... 1
Principal Investment Strategies............................... 1
Principal Risks .............................................. 2
Past Performance ............................................. 5
Fees and Expenses ........................................... 6
Additional Investment Strategy Information ................... 7
Additional Risk Information ................................. 7
Fund Management .............................................. 8
Shareholder Information Pricing Fund Shares .......................................... 9
How to Buy Shares ............................................ 9
How to Exchange Shares ....................................... 10
How to Sell Shares ........................................... 13
Distributions ............................................... 14
Tax Consequences ............................................ 15
Share Class Arrangements ..................................... 15
Financial Highlights ............................................................. 22
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>
FUND CATEGORY
-------------
[ ] Growth
[X] GROWTH AND INCOME
[ ] Income
[ ] Money Market
<PAGE>
THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund is a mutual fund that seeks to
provide current income and moderate capital growth. There is no guarantee that
the Fund will achieve this objective.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund will normally invest at least 60% of its assets in fixed-income
securities, at least 25% in dividend paying common stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks, and its remaining assets in other securities,
including money market securities. At least 65% of the Fund's assets will
normally consist of income-producing securities. Within these limitations, the
Fund may hold whatever portion of these investments its "Investment Manager,"
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., believes desirable based on its
assessment of business, economic and investment conditions.
[sidebar]
GROWTH & INCOME
An investment objective having the goal of selecting securities to rise in
value and pay out income.
[end sidebar]
The three groups of Fund investments in more detail are:
(1) FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. The Fund's fixed-income securities (including zero
coupon securities) are limited to investment grade corporate debt securities,
bank obligations, investment grade mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities,
and U.S. Government securities. The U.S. Government securities may include:
o U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, all of which are direct obligations of
the U.S. Government.
o Securities (including mortgage-backed securities) issued by agencies and
instrumentalities of the U.S. Government which are backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States. Among the agencies and instrumentalities
issuing these obligations are the Government National Mortgage Association
and the Federal Housing Administration.
o Securities (including mortgage-backed securities) issued by agencies and
instrumentalities which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States, but whose issuing agency or instrumentality has the right to
borrow, to meet its obligations, from the U.S. Treasury. Among these
agencies and instrumentalities are the Federal National Mortgage Association
and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
o Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities which are backed solely
by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Among these agencies
and instrumentalities is the Federal Home Loan Bank.
One type of mortgage-backed security, in which the Fund may invest, is a
mortgage pass-through security. These securities represent a participation
interest in a pool of residential mortgage loans originated by U.S.
governmental or private lenders such as banks. They differ from conventional
debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts and principal payments at maturity or on specified call dates. Mortgage
pass-through securities provide for monthly payments that are a "pass-through"
of the monthly interest and principal payments made by the individual borrowers
on the pooled mortgage loans. Mortgage pass-through securities may be
collateralized by mortgages with fixed rates of interest or adjustable rates.
1
<PAGE>
(2) COMMON STOCKS/CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Fund invests in common stocks of
companies that have a record of paying dividends and, in the Investment
Manager's opinion, have the potential for increasing dividends. Investment
grade securities convertible into common stocks may also be Fund investments.
These investments may include foreign securities that are listed on a national
securities exchange.
(3) MONEY MARKET SECURITIES. The money market securities in which the Fund may
invest include: securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies and instrumentalities; bank obligations; Eurodollar certificates of
deposit; obligations of savings institutions; fully insured certificates of
deposit; and commercial paper.
* * *
Fixed-income securities are debt securities such as bonds, notes or commercial
paper. The issuer of the debt security borrows money from the investor who buys
the security. Most debt securities pay either fixed or adjustable rates of
interest at regular intervals until they mature, at which point investors get
their principal back. The Fund's fixed-income investments may include zero
coupon securities, which pay no interest to the Fund until maturity.
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.
In addition to the securities discussed above, the Fund may invest in
asset-backed securities.
In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, 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.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
- ------------------------------------------
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.
FIXED-INCOME, INCLUDING MONEY MARKET, SECURITIES. Principal risks of investing
in the Fund are associated with its fixed-income investments, including its
money market securities. All fixed-income securities, such as bonds, are
subject to two types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk.
2
<PAGE>
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. While
the Fund invests in investment grade securities, certain of these securities
have speculative characteristics.
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.) As merely illustrative of the relationship between fixed-income
securities and interest rates, the following table shows how interest rates
affect bond prices.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HOW INTEREST RATES AFFECT BOND PRICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER $1,000 OF A BOND IF INTEREST RATES:
------------------------------------------------
INCREASE DECREASE
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BOND MATURITY COUPON 1% 2% 1% 2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 year N/A $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 years 4.25% $967 $934 $1,038 $1,076
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 years 4.75% $930 $867 $1,074 $1,155
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 years 5.25% $865 $756 $1,166 $1,376
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Coupons reflect yields on Treasury securities as of December 31, 1998. The
table is not representative of price changes for mortgage-backed securities
principally because of prepayments. In addition, the table is an illustration
and does not represent expected yields or share price changes of any Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter mutual fund.
The Fund is not limited as to the maturities of the securities in which it may
invest. Thus, a rise in the general level of interest rates may cause the price
of the Fund's fixed-income securities to fall substantially.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may
invest have different risk characteristics than traditional debt securities.
Although generally the value of fixed-income securities increases during
periods of falling interest rates and decreases during periods of rising rates,
this is not always the case with mortgage-backed securities. This is due to the
fact that principal on underlying mortgages may be prepaid at any time as well
as other factors. Generally, prepayments will increase during a period of
falling interest rates and decrease during a period of rising interest rates.
The rate of prepayments also may be influenced by economic and other factors.
Prepayment risk includes the possibility that, as interest rates fall,
securities with stated interest rates may have the principal prepaid earlier
than expected, requiring the Fund to invest the proceeds at generally lower
interest rates.
Investments in mortgage-backed securities are made based upon, among other
things, expectations regarding the rate of prepayments on underlying mortgage
pools. Rates of prepayment, faster or slower than expected by the Investment
Manager, could reduce the Fund's yield, increase the volatility of the Fund
and/or cause a decline in net asset value. Certain mortgage-backed securities
may be more volatile and less liquid than other traditional types of debt
securities.
3
<PAGE>
COMMON STOCKS. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is associated with its
common stock investments. In general, stock values fluctuate in response to
activities specific to the company as well as general market, economic and
political conditions. These prices can fluctuate widely.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Fund's investments in convertible securities
subject the Fund to the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and
common stocks. To the extent that a convertible security's investment value is
greater than its conversion value, its price will likely increase when interest
rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise, as with a fixed-income
security. If the conversion value exceeds the investment value, the price of
the convertible security will tend to fluctuate directly with the price of the
underlying equity security.
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 its foreign investments and asset-backed
securities.
Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by
any bank, governmental entity, or the FDIC.
4
<PAGE>
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.
[sidebar]
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
This chart shows how the performance of the Fund's Class C shares has varied
from year to year over the life of the Fund.
[end sidebar]
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS -- CALENDAR YEARS
1995* '96 '97 '98
- --------------------------------------
14.25% 8.63% 15.57% 9.38%
* For the period March 28, 1995 through December 31, 1995.
The bar chart reflects the performance of Class C 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 8.34% (quarter ended June 30, 1997) and the lowest return for a
calendar quarter was -2.70% (quarter ended September 30, 1998).
[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. 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.
[end sidebar]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED THE 1998 CALENDAR
YEAR)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAST 1 YEAR LIFE OF THE FUND
(AS OF 3/28/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Class A 4.30% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 4.29% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C(1) 8.38% 12.72%(5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D 10.32% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500(2) 28.58% 29.33%(5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers
Government/Corporate Bond Index(3) 9.47% 9.48%(6)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lipper Income Funds Index(4) 8.12% 14.91%(6)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1 Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund only issued Class C shares.
2 The Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500) is a broad-based index,
the performance of which is based on the average performance of 500 widely
held common stocks. The performance of the Index does not include any
expenses, fees or charges. The Index is unmanaged and should not be
considered an investment.
3 The Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index tracks the performance
of government and corporate obligations, including U.S. government agency
and U.S. Treasury securities and corporate and yankee bonds with
maturities of one to ten years. The Index does not include any expenses or
fees. The Index is unmanaged and should not be considered an investment.
<PAGE>
4 The Lipper Income Funds Index is an equally-weighted performance index of
the largest qualifying funds in the Lipper Income Funds objective. The
Index is unmanaged and should not be considered an investment.
5 For the period March 28, 1995 to December 31, 1998.
6 For the period March 31, 1995 to December 31, 1998.
5
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
- -----------------------------------------------
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 table below
briefly describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Fund. The Fund does not charge account or exchange fees. See the
"Share Class Arrangements" section for further fee and expense information.
[sidebar]
SHAREHOLDER FEES
These fees are paid directly from your investment.
[endbar]
<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 None(2) 5.00%(3) 1.00%(4) None
price or net asset value at redemption)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.60% 0.60% 0.60% 0.60%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.24% 1.00% 0.95% None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.39% 0.39% 0.39% 0.39%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.23% 1.99% 1.94% 0.99%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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 CDSC of 1.00% that will be imposed on sales made
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 to sales made within one year after purchase. Shares of
the Fund held prior to July 28, 1997 that have been designated Class C
shares are not subject to the 1.00% CDSC.
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.
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:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A $644 $895 $1,165 $1,935 $644 $895 $1,165 $1,935
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B $702 $924 $1,273 $2,317 $202 $624 $1,073 $2,317
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C $297 $609 $1,047 $2,264 $197 $609 $1,047 $2,264
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS D $101 $315 $547 $1,213 $101 $315 $547 $1,213
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information concerning the Fund's principal
investment strategies.
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.
The percentage limitations relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio
apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. Subsequent percentage
changes that result from market fluctuations or changes in assets 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.
ADDITIONAL RISK INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information regarding the principal risks of
investing in the Fund.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund's investments in foreign securities 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. 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.
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 individual 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
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 $126.2 billion in assets under
management or administration as of February 28, 1999.
[end sidebar]
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 fixed-income portion of the Fund's portfolio in managed with in the
Investment Manager's Taxable Fixed-Income Group, and the equity portion is
managed within the Growth and Income Group. Rajesh K. Gupta and Paul D. Vance,
Senior Vice Presidents of the Investment Manager, have been the primary
portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception. Mr. Gupta manages the
Fund's fixed-income portion, and Mr. Vance manages the equity portion. They
have been portfolio managers 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 January 31, 1999, the Fund
accrued total compensation to the Investment Manager amounting to 0.60% of the
Fund's average daily net assets.
8
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
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.
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.
[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]
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.
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 investment order in proper form. We reserve the right to
reject any order for the purchase of Fund shares.
9
<PAGE>
<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.
[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]
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.
THREE DAY SETTLEMENT. Fund shares are sold through the Fund's distributor,
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., on a normal three business day
basis; that is, your payment for Fund shares is due on the third business day
(settlement day) after you place a purchase order.
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:
o 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).
o Make out a check for the total amount payable to: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund.
o Mail the letter and check to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at P.O. Box
1040, Jersey City, NJ 07303.
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, Money Market Fund 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
10
<PAGE>
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 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
11
<PAGE>
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 further 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.
12
<PAGE>
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 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 Witter Financial
Financial Advisor Advisor or other authorized financial representative.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
o your account number;
o the dollar amount or the number of shares you wish to sell;
o the Class of shares you wish to sell; and
o the signature of each owner as it appears on the account.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are requesting payment to anyone other than the 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 Family of Funds has
Withdrawal Plan a total market value of at least $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>
[sidebar]
SYSTEMATIC
WITHDRAWAL PLAN
This plan allows you to withdraw money automatically from your Fund account at
regular intervals. Contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor
for more details.
[end sidebar]
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).
13
<PAGE>
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.
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. Certain restrictions may apply to Fund shares pledged in
margin accounts with Dean Witter Reynolds or another authorized broker-dealer
of Fund shares. If you hold Fund shares in this manner, please contact your
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative for more details.
DISTRIBUTIONS
- ----------------------------------------
The Fund passes substantially all of its earnings from income and capital gains
along to its investors as "distributions." The Fund earns 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."
[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]
The Fund declares income dividends separately for each Class. Distributions
paid on Class A and Class D shares usually will 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 quarterly and capital gains are
distributed annually in 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,
processing of your dividend checks begins immediately following the monthly
payment date, and the Fund will mail a monthly dividend check to you normally
during the first seven days of the following month. 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>
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:
o The Fund makes distributions; and
o 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.
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.
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.
15
<PAGE>
The chart below compares the sales charge and annual 12b-1 fee applicable to
each Class:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS SALES CHARGE ANNUAL 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 1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC during the first year 1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
[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]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE
----------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF PUBLIC APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE
AMOUNT OF SINGLE TRANSACTION OFFERING PRICE OF 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>
The reduced sales charge schedule is applicable to purchases of Class A shares
in a single transaction by:
o A single account (including an individual, trust or fiduciary account).
o Family member accounts (limited to husband, wife and children under the age
of 21).
o Pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit plans of companies and
their affiliates.
o Tax-exempt organizations.
o Groups organized for a purpose other than to buy mutual fund shares.
16
<PAGE>
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 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.
OTHER FRONT-END 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 a CDSC upon sale) if your account qualifies under one of the
following categories:
o A trust for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB provides discretionary
trustee services.
o Persons participating in a fee-based investment program (subject to all of
its terms and conditions, including mandatory sale or transfer restrictions
on termination)
17
<PAGE>
approved by the Fund's distributor pursuant to which they pay an asset-based
fee for investment advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
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.
[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]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE 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.
SPECIAL CDSC CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUND SHARES HELD PRIOR TO JULY 28, 1997. If you
held Fund shares prior to July 28, 1997 that were acquired in exchange for
shares of Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund, Dean Witter National
Municipal Trust or Dean Witter High Income Securities that have been designated
Class B shares, these
18
<PAGE>
Fund shares are subject to the other fund's lower CDSC schedule, with two
exceptions. First, if you subsequently exchange these Class B shares for shares
of a fund with a higher CDSC schedule, the higher CDSC schedule will apply.
Second, if you exchange the Class B shares for shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Money Market Fund and re-exchange back into the Fund, the CDSC schedule
set forth in the above table will apply.
CDSC WAIVERS. A CDSC, if otherwise applicable, will be waived in the case of:
o 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.
o 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 591/2); (ii) distributions
from an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account following attainment of age 591/2;
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).
o Sales of shares held for you as a participant in a MSDW Eligible Plan.
o 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 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 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 also are subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of
1.00% of the average daily net asset of the Fund's Class B shares.
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
19
<PAGE>
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, No-Load
Fund 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.
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 up to 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 1.00% 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.
20
<PAGE>
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:
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Certain unit investment trusts sponsored by Dean Witter Reynolds.
o Certain other open-end investment companies whose shares are distributed by
the Fund's distributor.
o 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
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.
21
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the life 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.
CLASS C SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD MARCH 28, 1995*
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31 1999++ 1998**++ 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 12.41 $ 11.57 $ 11.34 $ 10.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income 0.38 0.42 0.36 0.38
Net realized and unrealized gain 0.85 1.23 0.50 1.30
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total income from investment operations 1.23 1.65 0.86 1.68
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ( 0.38) ( 0.40) ( 0.38) ( 0.33)
Net realized gain ( 0.52) ( 0.41) ( 0.25) ( 0.01)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions ( 0.90) ( 0.81) ( 0.63) ( 0.34)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 12.74 $ 12.41 $ 11.57 $ 11.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 10.32% 14.42% 7.82% 16.93%(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.94%(4) 2.07% 1.88%(3) -- %(2)(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 3.02%(4) 3.30% 3.49%(3) 5.27%(2)(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $35,291 $30,402 $48,284 $31,252
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 32% 21% 21% 3%(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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, other than shares which were
acquired in exchange for shares of Funds for which Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. serves as Investment Manager ("Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds") offered with either a front-end sales charge or a
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") and shares acquired through
reinvestment of dividends and distributions thereon, have been designated
Class C shares. Shares held prior to July 28, 1997 which were acquired in
exchange for shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund sold with a
front-end sales charge, including shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends and distributions thereon, have been designated Class A shares
and shares held prior to July 28, 1997 which were acquired in exchange
for shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund sold with a CDSC,
including shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and
distributions thereon, 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) If the Investment Manager had not reimbursed expenses and waived the
management fee, the annualized expense and net investment income ratios
would have been 2.19% and 3.18%, respectively, for the year ended January
31, 1997 and 2.69% and 2.58%, respectively, for the period ended January
31, 1996.
(4) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
22
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES++
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE PERIOD JULY 28, 1997*
JANUARY 31, 1999 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 12.41 $ 12.42
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income 0.46 0.25
Net realized and unrealized gain 0.87 0.32
--------- ---------
Total income from investment operations 1.33 0.57
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ( 0.47) ( 0.26)
Net realized gain ( 0.52) ( 0.32)
--------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions ( 0.99) ( 0.58)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 12.75 $ 12.41
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 11.11% 4.60%(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.23%(3) 1.43%(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 3.73%(3) 3.92%(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $5,448 $ 903
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 32% 21%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
CLASS B SHARES++
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 12.41 $ 12.42
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income 0.38 0.20
Net realized and unrealized gain 0.85 0.33
--------- --------
Total income from investment operations 1.23 0.53
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ( 0.38) ( 0.22)
Net realized gain ( 0.52) ( 0.32)
--------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ( 0.90) ( 0.54)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 12.74 $ 12.41
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 10.32% 4.19%(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.99%(3) 2.16%(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 2.97%(3) 3.15%(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $56,919 $34,021
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 32% 21%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued. Shareholders who held shares of the
Fund prior to July 28, 1997 (the date the Fund converted to a multiple
class share structure) should refer to the Financial Highlights of Class
C to obtain the historical per share data and ratio information of their
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>
CLASS D SHARES++
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE PERIOD JULY 28, 1997*
JANUARY 31, 1999 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 12.42 $ 12.42
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income 0.48 0.26
Net realized and unrealized gain 0.87 0.33
-------- ---------
Total income from investment operations 1.35 0.59
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ( 0.50) ( 0.27)
Net realized gain ( 0.52) ( 0.32)
-------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions ( 1.02) ( 0.59)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 12.75 $ 12.42
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 11.27% 4.79%(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 0.99%(3) 1.16%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 3.97%(3) 4.15%(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $1,679 $ 10
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 32% 21%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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
expenses.
24
<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 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
Real Estate Fund
GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Competitive Edge Fund - "Best Ideas" Portfolio
European Growth Fund
Fund of Funds - International Portfolio
Global Dividend Growth Securities
International SmallCap Fund
Japan Fund
Pacific Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH & 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
Value/Added Market Series/Equity Portfolio
THEME FUNDS
Global Utilities Fund
Utilities Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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
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>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
BALANCED INCOME FUND
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:
[sidebar]
TICKER SYMBOLS:
Class A: BINAX
- ------------------
Class B: BINBX
- ------------------
Class C: BINCX
- ------------------
Class D: BINDX
- ------------------
[end sidebar]
(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.
(INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-7243)
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY , 1999
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
BALANCED INCOME FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. The
Prospectus (dated May , 1999) for the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced
Income Fund may be obtained without charge from the Fund at its address or
telephone number listed below or from Dean Witter Reynolds at any of its
branch offices.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
(800) 869-NEWS
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
I. Fund History ............................................................. 4
II. Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks .................... 4
A. Classification ............................................................ 4
B. Investment Strategies and Risks ........................................... 4
C. Fund Policies/Investment Restrictions ..................................... 10
III. Management of the Fund ................................................... 12
A. Board of Trustees ......................................................... 12
B. Management Information .................................................... 12
C. Compensation .............................................................. 16
IV. Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities ...................... 18
V. Investment Management and Other Services ................................. 18
A. Investment Manager ........................................................ 18
B. Principal Underwriter ..................................................... 18
C. Services Provided by the Investment Manager and Fund Expenses Paid by
Third Parties ............................................................. 19
D. Dealer Reallowances ....................................................... 20
E. Rule 12b-1 Plan ........................................................... 20
F. Other Service Providers ................................................... 24
VI. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices ................................. 24
A. Brokerage Transactions .................................................... 24
B. Commissions ............................................................... 24
C. Brokerage Selection ....................................................... 25
D. Directed Brokerage ........................................................ 26
E. Regular Broker-Dealers .................................................... 26
VII. Capital Stock and Other Securities ....................................... 26
VIII. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares ............................... 27
A. Purchase/Redemption of Shares ............................................. 27
B. Offering Price ............................................................ 27
IX. Taxation of the Fund and Shareholders .................................... 28
X. Underwriters ............................................................. 30
XI. Calculation of Performance Data .......................................... 30
XII. Financial Statements ..................................................... 31
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED DEFINED TERMS
The terms defined in this glossary are frequently used in this Statement
of Additional Information (other terms used occasionally are defined in the
text of the document).
"Custodian" -- The Bank of New York.
"Dean Witter Reynolds" -- Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., a wholly-owned
broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"Distributor" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., a
wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"Financial Advisors" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter authorized financial
services representatives.
"Fund" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund, a registered
open-end investment company.
"Investment Manager" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., a
wholly-owned investment advisor subsidiary of MSDW.
"Independent Trustees" -- Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as
defined by the Investment Company Act) of the Fund.
"Morgan Stanley & Co." -- Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a
wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds" -- Registered investment companies (i)
for which the Investment Manager serves as the investment advisor and (ii)
that hold themselves out to investors as related companies for investment and
investor services.
"MSDW" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., a preeminent global financial
services firm.
"MSDW Services Company" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company
Inc., a wholly-owned fund services subsidiary of the Investment Manager.
"Transfer Agent" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, a wholly-owned
transfer agent subsidiary of MSDW.
"Trustees" -- The Board of Trustees of the Fund.
3
<PAGE>
I. FUND HISTORY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust, under a
Declaration of Trust, on November 23, 1994, with the name Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund. Effective June 22, 1998, the Fund's name was changed to
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. CLASSIFICATION
The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company whose
investment objective is to provide current income and moderate capital
growth.
B. INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The following discussion of the Fund's investment strategies and risks
should be read with the sections of the Fund's Prospectus titled "Principal
Investment Strategies," "Principal Risks," "Additional Investment Strategy
Information," and "Additional Risk Information."
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may engage in transactions in
listed and OTC options. Listed options are issued or guaranteed by the
exchange on which they are traded or by a clearing corporation such as the
Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"). Ownership of a listed call option gives
the Fund the right to buy from the OCC (in the U.S.) or other clearing
corporation or exchange, the underlying security covered by the option at the
stated exercise price (the price per unit of the underlying security) by
filing an exercise notice prior to the expiration date of the option. The
writer (seller) of the option would then have the obligation to sell to the
OCC (in the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, the underlying
security at that exercise price prior to the expiration date of the option,
regardless of its then current market price. Ownership of a listed put option
would give the Fund the right to sell the underlying security to the OCC (in
the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, at the stated exercise
price. Upon notice of exercise of the put option, the writer of the put would
have the obligation to purchase the underlying security from the OCC (in the
U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, at the exercise price.
Covered Call Writing. The Fund is permitted to write covered call options
on portfolio securities. The Fund will receive from the purchaser, in return
for a call it has written, a "premium;" i.e., the price of the option.
Receipt of these premiums may better enable the Fund to earn a higher level
of current income than it would earn from holding the underlying securities
alone. Moreover, the premium received will offset a portion of the potential
loss incurred by the Fund if the securities underlying the option decline in
value.
The Fund may be required, at any time during the option period, to deliver
the underlying security against payment of the exercise price on any calls it
has written. This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option
period or at such earlier time when the writer effects a closing purchase
transaction. A closing purchase transaction is accomplished by purchasing an
option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the
Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect
a closing purchase transaction.
Options written by the Fund normally have expiration dates of from up to
eighteen months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option
may be below, equal to or above the current market value of the underlying
security at the time the option is written.
Covered Put Writing. As a writer of a covered put option, the Fund incurs
an obligation to buy the security underlying the option from the purchaser of
the put, at the option's exercise price at any time during the option period,
at the purchaser's election. Through the writing of a put option, the Fund
would receive income from the premium paid by purchasers. The potential gain
on a covered put option is limited to the premium received on the option
(less the commissions paid on the transaction). During the option period, the
Fund may be required, at any time, to make payment of the exercise price
against delivery of the underlying security. The operation of and limitations
on covered put options in other respects are substantially identical to those
of call options.
4
<PAGE>
Purchasing Call and Put Options. The Fund may purchase listed and OTC call
and put options on securities and stock indexes in amounts equaling up to 5%
of its total assets. The Fund may purchase put options on securities which it
holds (or has the right to acquire) in its portfolio only to protect itself
against a decline in the value of the security. The Fund may also purchase
put options to close out written put positions in a manner similar to call
option closing purchase transactions. The purchase of a call option would
enable the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to lock in a purchase price
for a security during the term of the option. The purchase of a put option
would enable the Fund, in return for a premium paid, to lock in a price at
which it may sell a security during the term of the option.
OTC Options. OTC options are purchased from or sold (written) to dealers
or financial institutions which have entered into direct agreements with the
Fund. With OTC options, such variables as expiration date, exercise price and
premium will be agreed upon between the Fund and the transacting dealer,
without the intermediation of a third party such as the OCC. The Fund will
engage in OTC option transactions only with member banks of the Federal
Reserve Bank System or primary dealers in U.S. Government securities or with
affiliates of such banks or dealers.
Risks of Options Transactions. The successful use of options depends on
the ability of the Investment Manager to forecast correctly interest rates
and/or market movements. If the market value of the portfolio securities upon
which call options have been written increases, the Fund may receive a lower
total return from the portion of its portfolio upon which calls have been
written than it would have had such calls not been written. During the option
period, the covered call writer has, in return for the premium on the option,
given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price
should the market price of the underlying security increase, but has retained
the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The
covered put writer also retains the risk of loss should the market value of
the underlying security decline below the exercise price of the option less
the premium received on the sale of the option. In both cases, the writer has
no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as
a writer of the option. Prior to exercise or expiration, an option position
can only be terminated by entering into a closing purchase or sale
transaction. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot
effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation
under the option and must deliver or receive the underlying securities at the
exercise price.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a writer of an option is
dependent upon the existence of a liquid secondary market on option
exchanges. There is no assurance that such a market will exist, particularly
in the case of OTC options.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages
in transactions in options, the Fund could experience delays and/or losses in
liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker and/or incur
a loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. In the case of
OTC options, if the transacting dealer fails to make or take delivery of the
securities underlying an option it has written, in accordance with the terms
of that option, due to insolvency or otherwise, the Fund would lose the
premium paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the
transaction.
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security which may be
written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others
(regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different
exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or
more brokers). An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be
in violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or
restrictions. These position limits may restrict the number of listed options
which the Fund may write.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which
the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets
close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and
rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be
reflected in the option markets.
There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a
particular option at any specific time.
5
<PAGE>
Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell interest rate and stock
index futures contracts that are traded on U.S. commodity exchanges on such
underlying securities as U.S. Treasury bonds, notes, bills and GNMA
Certificates and such indexes as the S&P 500 Index, the Moody's
Investment-Grade Corporate Bond Index and the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Index.
A futures contract purchaser incurs an obligation to take delivery of a
specified amount of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified
time in the future for a specified price. A seller of a futures contract
incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying
obligation at a specified time in return for an agreed upon price. The
purchase of a futures contract enables the Fund, during the term of the
contract, to lock in a price at which it may purchase a security and protect
against a rise in prices pending purchase of portfolio securities. The sale
of a futures contract enables the Fund to lock in a price at which it may
sell a security and protect against declines in the value of portfolio
securities.
Although most futures contracts call for actual delivery or acceptance of
securities, the contracts usually are closed out before the settlement date
without the making or taking of delivery. Index futures contracts provide for
the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times
the difference between the index value at the open or close of the last
trading day of the contract and the futures contract price. A futures
contract sale is closed out by effecting a futures contract purchase for the
same aggregate amount of the specific type of security and the same delivery
date. If the sale price exceeds the offsetting purchase price, the seller
would be paid the difference and would realize a gain. If the offsetting
purchase price exceeds the sale price, the seller would pay the difference
and would realize a loss. Similarly, a futures contract purchase is closed
out by effecting a futures contract sale for the same aggregate amount of the
specific type of security and the same delivery date. If the offsetting sale
price exceeds the purchase price, the purchaser would realize a gain, whereas
if the purchase price exceeds the offsetting sale price, the purchaser would
realize a loss. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter
into a closing transaction.
Margin. If the Fund enters into a futures contract, it is initially
required to deposit an "initial margin" of cash or U.S. Government securities
or other liquid portfolio securities ranging from approximately 2% to 5% of
the contract amount. Initial margin requirements are established by the
exchanges on which futures contracts trade and may, from time to time,
change. In addition, brokers may establish margin deposit requirements in
excess of those required by the exchanges.
Initial margin in futures transactions is different from margin in
securities transactions in that initial margin does not involve the borrowing
of funds by a broker's client but is, rather, a good faith deposit on the
futures contract which will be returned to the Fund upon the proper
termination of the futures contract. The margin deposits made are marked to
market daily and the Fund may be required to make subsequent deposits of cash
or U.S. Government securities, called "variation margin," which are
reflective of price fluctuations in the futures contract.
Options on Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and write call and put
options on futures contracts and enter into closing transactions with respect
to such options to terminate an existing position. An option on a futures
contract gives the purchaser the right (in return for the premium paid), and
the writer the obligation, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long
position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put)
at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option is accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account, which represents
the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at the time of
exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a
put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract.
The writer of an option on a futures contract is required to deposit
initial and variation margin pursuant to requirements similar to those
applicable to futures contracts. Premiums received from the writing of an
option on a futures contract are included in initial margin deposits.
Limitations on Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. The Fund may
enter into futures contracts provided that not more than 5% of its total
assets are required as a futures contract deposit. In addition, the Fund may
enter into futures contracts and options transactions only to the extent that
obligations under such contracts or transactions represent not more than 30%
of the Fund's total assets.
6
<PAGE>
Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts and Related Options. The prices
of securities and indexes subject to futures contracts (and thereby the
futures contract prices) may correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the
cash prices of the Fund's portfolio securities. Also, prices of futures
contracts may not move in tandem with the changes in prevailing interest
rates and/or market movements against which the Fund seeks a hedge. A
correlation may also be distorted (a) temporarily, by short-term traders'
seeking to profit from the difference between a contract or security price
objective and their cost of borrowed funds; (b) by investors in futures
contracts electing to close out their contracts through offsetting
transactions rather than meet margin deposit requirements; (c) by investors
in futures contracts opting to make or take delivery of underlying securities
rather than engage in closing transactions, thereby reducing liquidity of the
futures market; and (d) temporarily, by speculators who view the deposit
requirements in the futures markets as less onerous than margin requirements
in the cash market. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the futures
market and because of the possible imperfect correlation between movements in
the prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures contracts, a
correct forecast of interest rate and/or market movement trends by the
Investment Manager may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
futures contracts and related options in which the Fund may invest. In the
event a liquid market does not exist, it may not be possible to close out a
futures position and, in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would
continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. In
addition, limitations imposed by an exchange or board of trade on which
futures contracts are traded may compel or prevent the Fund from closing out
a contract which may result in reduced gain or increased loss to the Fund.
The absence of a liquid market in futures contracts might cause the Fund to
make or take delivery of the underlying securities at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so.
Exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a futures contract may
move on any day. If the price moves equal the daily limit on successive days,
then it may prove impossible to liquidate a futures position until the daily
limit moves have ceased. In the event of adverse price movements, the Fund
would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin
on open futures positions. In these situations, if the Fund has insufficient
cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin
requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition,
the Fund may be required to take or make delivery of the instruments
underlying interest rate futures contracts it holds at a time when it is
disadvantageous to do so. The inability to close out options and futures
positions could also have an adverse impact on the Fund's ability to
effectively hedge its portfolio.
Futures contracts and options thereon which are purchased or sold on
foreign commodities exchanges may have greater price volatility than their
U.S. counterparts. Furthermore, foreign commodities exchanges may be less
regulated and under less governmental scrutiny than U.S. exchanges. Brokerage
commissions, clearing costs and other transaction costs may be higher on
foreign exchanges. Greater margin requirements may limit the Fund's ability
to enter into certain commodity transactions on foreign exchanges. Moreover,
differences in clearance and delivery requirements on foreign exchanges may
occasion delays in the settlement of the Fund's transactions effected on
foreign exchanges.
In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages
in transactions in futures or options thereon, the Fund could experience
delays and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or sold through
the broker and/or incur a loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the
broker.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES. In addition to the short-term fixed-income
securities in which the Fund may otherwise invest, the Fund may invest in
various money market securities for cash management purposes or when assuming
a temporary defensive position, which among others may include commercial
paper, bank acceptances, bank obligations, corporate debt securities,
certificates of deposit, U.S. Government securities, obligations of savings
institutions and repurchase agreements. Such securities are limited to:
7
<PAGE>
U.S. Government Securities. Obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the United States or its agencies (such as the
Export-Import Bank of the United States. Federal Housing Administration and
Government National Mortgage Association) or its instrumentalities (such as
the Federal Home Loan Bank), including Treasury bills, notes and bonds;
Bank Obligations. Obligations (including certificates of deposit, time
deposits and bankers' acceptances) of banks subject to regulation by the U.S.
Government and having total assets of $1 billion or more, and instruments
secured by such obligations, not including obligations of foreign branches of
domestic banks except to the extent below;
Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit. Eurodollar certificates of deposit
issued by foreign branches of domestic banks having total assets of $1
billion or more;
Obligations of Savings Institutions. Certificates of deposit of savings
banks and savings and loan associations, having total assets of $1 billion or
more;
Fully Insured Certificates of Deposit. Certificates of deposit of banks
and savings institutions, having total assets of less than $1 billion, if the
principal amount of the obligation is federally insured by the Bank Insurance
Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (each or which is administered
by the FDIC), limited to $100,000 principal amount per certificate and to 10%
or less of the Fund's total assets in all such obligations and in all
illiquid assets in the aggregate; and
Commercial Paper. Commercial paper rated within the two highest grades by
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or the two highest grades by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if not rated, issued by a company
having an outstanding debt issue rated at least AA by S&P or by Moody's.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. When
cash may be available for only a few days, it may be invested by the Fund in
repurchase agreements until such time as it may otherwise be invested or used
for payments of obligations of the Fund. These agreements, which may be
viewed as a type of secured lending by the Fund, typically involve the
acquisition by the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial
institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer.
The agreement provides that the Fund will sell back to the institution, and
that the institution will repurchase, the underlying security serving as
collateral at a specified price and at a fixed time in the future, usually
not more than seven days from the date of purchase. The collateral will be
marked-to-market daily to determine that the value of the collateral, as
specified in the agreement, does not decrease below the purchase price plus
accrued interest. If such decrease occurs, additional collateral will be
requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full
collateralization. The Fund will accrue interest from the institution until
the time when the repurchase is to occur. Although this date is deemed by the
Fund to be the maturity date of a repurchase agreement, the maturities of
securities subject to repurchase agreements are not subject to any limits.
While repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with
direct investments in debt securities, the Fund follows procedures designed
to minimize such risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase
transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial
institutions whose financial condition will be continually monitored by the
Investment Manager subject to procedures established by the Trustees. In
addition, as described above, the value of the collateral underlying the
repurchase agreement will be at least equal to the repurchase price,
including any accrued interest earned on the repurchase agreement. In the
event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund
will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Fund's
right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and,
to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to
repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities,
which apply the mortgage-backed securities structure to a broad range of
other assets. The cash flow of these securities depends on the cash flow from
an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables, home equity
loans or automobile loans.
8
<PAGE>
Any Fund investments in asset-back securities are subject to, among other
risks, those risks associated with fixed-income securities: credit risk and
interest rate risk. See the "Principal Risk" section for a discussion of
credit and interest risks. While asset-backed securities also pose many of
the same risks as mortgage-backed securities, they may involve certain unique
risks because they are backed by different types of assets. For example,
credit card receivables generally are unsecured and debtors are protected by
consumer credit laws, which may reduce the value of the related securities.
INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS. The Fund may invest in real
estate investment trusts, which pool investors' funds for investments
primarily in commercial real estate properties. Investment in real estate
investment trusts may be the most practical available means for the Fund to
invest in the real estate industry (the Fund is prohibited from investing in
real estate directly). As a shareholder in a real estate investment trust,
the Fund would bear its ratable share of the real estate investment trust's
expenses, including its advisory and administration fees. At the same time
the Fund would continue to pay its own investment management fees and other
expenses, as a result of which the Fund and its shareholders in effect will
be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in real
estate investment trusts.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund will not lend its portfolio
securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. From
time to time the Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed
delivery basis or may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment
basis. When these transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time
of the commitment, but delivery and payment can take place a month or more
after the date of commitment. While the Fund will only purchase securities on
a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis with the
intention of acquiring the securities, the Fund may sell the securities
before the settlement date, if it is deemed advisable. The securities so
purchased or sold are subject to market fluctuation and no interest or
dividends accrue to the purchaser prior to the settlement date.
At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase or sell securities
on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis, it will
record the transaction and thereafter reflect the value, each day, of such
security purchased, or if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining
its net asset value. At the time of delivery of the securities, their value
may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. An increase in the
percentage of the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a
when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis may increase the
volatility of its net asset value. The Fund will also establish a segregated
account on the Fund's books in which it will continually maintain cash or
cash equivalents or other liquid portfolio securities equal in value to
commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or
forward commitment basis.
WHEN, AS AND IF ISSUED SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase securities on a
"when, as and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the security
depends upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a
merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring. The commitment for
the purchase of any such security will not be recognized in the portfolio of
the Fund until the Investment Manager determines that issuance of the
security is probable. At that time, the Fund will record the transaction and,
in determining its net asset value, will reflect the value of the security
daily. At that time, the Fund will also establish a segregated account on the
Fund's books in which it will maintain cash or cash equivalents or other
liquid portfolio securities equal in value to recognized commitments for such
securities.
The value of the Fund's commitments to purchase the securities of any one
issuer, together with the value of all securities of such issuer owned by the
Fund, may not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets at the time the
initial commitment to purchase such securities is made. An increase in the
percentage of the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a
"when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of its net asset
value. The Fund may also sell securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis
provided that the issuance of the security will result automatically from the
exchange or conversion of a security owned by the Fund at the time of sale.
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in
securities which are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
9
<PAGE>
(the "Securities Act"), or which are otherwise not readily marketable.
(Securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities
Act, and determined to be liquid pursuant to the procedures discussed in the
following paragraph, are not subject to the foregoing restriction.) These
securities are generally referred to as private placements or restricted
securities. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse
effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of
them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have to bear the expense of
registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in
effecting the registration.
Rule 144A permits the Fund to sell restricted securities to qualified
institutional buyers without limitation. The Investment Manager, pursuant to
procedures adopted by the Trustees, will make a determination as to the
liquidity of each restricted security purchased by the Fund. If a restricted
security is determined to be "liquid," the security will not be included
within the category "illiquid securities," which under current policy may not
exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets. However, investing in Rule 144A
securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity
to the extent the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find
qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing such securities.
WARRANTS AND SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS. The Fund may acquire warrants and
subscription rights attached to other securities. A warrant is, in effect, an
option to purchase equity securities at a specific price, generally valid for
a specific period of time, and has no voting rights, pays no dividends and
has no rights with respect to the corporation issuing it.
A subscription right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a
corporation to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it
is offered to the public. A subscription right normally has a life of two to
four weeks and a subscription price lower than the current market value of
the common stock. A subscription right is freely transferable.
YEAR 2000. The investment management services provided to the Fund by the
Investment Manager and the services provided to shareholders by the
Distributor and the Transfer Agent depend on the smooth functioning of their
computer systems. Many computer software systems in use today cannot
recognize the year 2000, but revert to 1900 or some other date, due to the
manner in which dates were encoded and calculated. That failure could have a
negative impact on the handling of securities trades, pricing and account
services. The Investment Manager, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent have
been actively working on necessary changes to their own computer systems to
prepare for the year 2000 and expect that their systems will be adapted
before that date, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful,
or that interaction with other non-complying computer systems will not impair
their services at that time.
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. In addition, corporate and governmental data processing errors 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.
C. FUND POLICIES/INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective, policies and restrictions listed below have been
adopted by the Fund as fundamental policies. Under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"), a fundamental policy may not be
changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund. The Investment Company Act defines a majority as the lesser of
(a) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting of shareholders, if the
holders of 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or
represented by proxy; or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund. For purposes of the following restrictions: (i) all percentage
limitations apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment; and
(ii) any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market
fluctuations or other changes in total or net assets does not require
elimination of any security from the portfolio.
10
<PAGE>
The Fund will:
1. Seek to provide current income and moderate capital growth.
The Fund may not:
1. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities
of any one issuer (other than obligations issued, or guaranteed by,
the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
2. Purchase more than 10% of all outstanding voting securities or any
class of securities of any one issuer.
3. Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers in any one industry. This restriction does not apply to
obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities.
4. Invest in securities of any issuer if, in the exercise of reasonable
diligence, the Fund has determined that any officer or trustee of the
Fund or of the Investment Manager owns more than 1/2 of 1% of the
outstanding securities of the issuer, and the officers and trustees
who own more than 1/2 of 1% own in the aggregate more than 5% of the
outstanding securities of the issuer.
5. Purchase or sell real estate or interests therein (including limited
partnership interests), although the Fund may purchase securities of
issuers which engage in real estate operations and securities secured
by real estate or interests therein.
6. Purchase or sell commodities except that the Fund may purchase or sell
(write) futures contracts and related options thereon.
7. Borrow money, except from banks for investment purposes or as a
temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes in an amount
up to 5% (taken at the lower of cost or current value) of the Fund's
total assets (not including the amount borrowed).
8. Pledge its assets or assign or otherwise encumber them, except to
secure permitted borrowings. For the purpose of this restriction,
collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options and
collateral arrangements with respect to initial or variation margin
for futures are not deemed to be pledges of assets.
9. Issue senior securities as defined in the Investment Company Act,
except insofar as the Fund may be deemed to have issued a senior
security by reason of: (a) entering into any repurchase agreement; or
(b) borrowing money.
10. Make loans of money or securities, except: (a) by the purchase of debt
obligations; or (b) by investment in repurchase agreements.
11. Make short sales of securities.
12. Purchase securities on margin, except short-term loans as are
necessary for the clearance of portfolio securities. The deposit or
payment by the Fund of initial or variation margin in connection with
futures contracts or related options thereon is not considered the
purchase of a security on margin.
13. Engage in the underwriting of securities, except insofar as the Fund
may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in disposing of
a portfolio security.
14. Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of any
other issuer.
15. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers having a record, together with predecessors, of less than 3
years of continuous operation. This restriction shall not apply to any
obligation of the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
16. Purchase oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or royalty
contracts, or exploration or development programs, except that the
Fund may invest in the securities of companies which operate, invest
in, or sponsor these programs.
11
<PAGE>
17. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition
of assets.
In addition, the Fund, as a non-fundamental policy, will not invest more
than 5% of the value of its net assets in warrants, including not more than
2% of such assets in warrants not listed on the New York or American Stock
Exchange. However, the acquisition of warrants attached to other securities
is not subject to this restriction.
Notwithstanding any other investment policy or restriction, the Fund may
seek to achieve its investment objective by investing all or substantially
all of its assets in another investment company having substantially the same
investment objective and policies as the Fund.
III. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Fund oversees the management of the Fund but
does not itself manage the Fund. The Trustees review various services
provided by or under the direction of the Investment Manager to ensure that
the Fund's general investment policies and programs are properly carried out.
The Trustees also conduct their review to ensure that administrative services
are provided to the Fund in a satisfactory manner.
Under state law, the duties of the Trustees are generally characterized as
a duty of loyalty and a duty of care. The duty of loyalty requires a Trustee
to exercise his or her powers in the interest of the Fund and not the
Trustee's own interest or the interest of another person or organization. A
Trustee satisfies his or her duty of care by acting in good faith with the
care of an ordinarily prudent person and in a manner the Trustee reasonably
believes to be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.
B. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS. The Board of the Fund consists of eight (8)
Trustees. These same individuals also serve as directors or trustees for all
of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds. Six Trustees (75% of the total
number) have no affiliation or business connection with the Investment
Manager or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other
securities issued by the Investment Manager's parent company, MSDW. These are
the "non-interested" or "independent" Trustees. The other two Trustees (the
"management Trustees") are affiliated with the Investment Manager. All of the
Independent Trustees also serve as Independent Trustees of "Discover
Brokerage Index Series," a mutual fund for which the Investment Manager is
the investment advisor. Three of the six Independent Trustees are also
Independent Trustees of certain other mutual funds, referred to as the
"TCW/DW Funds," for which MSDW Services Company is the manager and TCW Funds
Management, Inc. is the investment advisor.
The Trustees and executive officers of the Fund, their principal business
occupations during the last five years and their affiliations, if any, with
the Investment Manager, and with the 84 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, the
11 TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series, are shown below.
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Michael Bozic (58).......................... Vice Chairman of Kmart Corporation (since December, 1998);
Trustee Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds;
c/o Kmart Corporation Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series; formerly Chairman and
3100 West Big Beaver Road Chief Executive Officer of Levitz Furniture Corporation (November,
Troy, Michigan 1995-November, 1998) and President and Chief Executive Officer of
Hills Department Stores (May, 1991-July, 1995); formerly variously
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating
Officer (1987-1991) of the Sears Merchandise Group of Sears,
Roebuck and Co.; Director of Eaglemark Financial Services, Inc.
and Weirton Steel Corporation.
Charles A. Fiumefreddo* (65)................ Chairman, Director or Trustee, President and Chief Executive
Chairman of the Board, President, Officer of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds; Chairman, Chief
Chief Executive Officer and Trustee Executive Officer and Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Trustee of
Two World Trade Center Discover Brokerage Index Series; formerly Chairman, Chief
New York, New York Executive Officer and Director of the Investment Manager, the
Distributor and MSDW Services Company; Executive Vice President
and Director of Dean Witter Reynolds; Chairman and Director of the
Transfer Agent; formerly Director and/or officer of various MSDW
subsidiaries (until June, 1998).
Edwin J. Garn (66).......................... Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds;
Trustee Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series; formerly United States
c/o Huntsman Corporation Senator (R-Utah)(1974-1992) and Chairman, Senate Banking Committee
500 Huntsman Way (1980-1986); formerly Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah (1971-1974);
Salt Lake City, Utah formerly Astronaut, Space Shuttle Discovery (April 12-19, 1985);
Vice Chairman, Huntsman Corporation; Director of Franklin Covey
(time management systems), BMW Bank of North America, Inc., United
Space Alliance (joint venture between Lockheed Martin and the
Boeing Company) and Nuskin Asia Pacific (multilevel marketing);
member of the board of various civic and charitable organizations.
Wayne E. Hedien (65)........................ Retired; Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trustee Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series; Director of The
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky PMI Group, Inc. (private mortgage insurance); Trustee and Vice
Weitzen Shalov & Wein Chairman of The Field Museum of Natural History; formerly
Counsel to the Independent Trustees associated with the Allstate Companies (1966-1994), most recently
114 West 47th Street as Chairman of The Allstate Corporation (March, 1993-December,
New York, New York 1994) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Allstate Insurance Company (July, 1989-December,
1994); director of various other business and charitable
organizations.
13
<PAGE>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (50).................. Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc., a consulting
Trustee firm; Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council
c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. (G7C), an international economic commission; Director or Trustee
1133 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds; Trustee of the TCW/DW
Washington, D.C. Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index Series; Director of
NASDAQ (since June, 1995); Director of Greenwich Capital Markets,
Inc. (broker-dealer) and NVR, Inc. (home construction); Chairman
and Trustee of the Financial Accounting Foundation (oversight
organization of the Financial Accounting Standards Board);
formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (1986-1990) and Assistant Secretary of the U.S.
Treasury.
Michael E. Nugent (62)...................... General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P., a private investment
Trustee partnership; Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P. Funds; Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage
237 Park Avenue Index Series; formerly Vice President, Bankers Trust Company and
New York, New York BT Capital Corporation (1984-1988); director of various business
organizations.
Philip J. Purcell* (55)..................... Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of
Trustee MSDW, Dean Witter Reynolds and Novus Credit Services Inc.;
1585 Broadway Director of the Distributor; Director or Trustee of the Morgan
New York, New York Stanley Dean Witter Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage Index
Series; Director and/or officer of various MSDW subsidiaries.
John L. Schroeder (68)...................... Retired; Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Trustee Funds; Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Trustee of Discover Brokerage
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Index Series; Director of Citizens Utilities Company; formerly
Weitzen Shalov & Wein Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Home
Counsel to the Independent Trustees Insurance Company (August, 1991-September, 1995).
114 West 47th Street
New York, New York
Barry Fink (44)............................. Senior Vice President (since March, 1997) and Secretary and
Vice President, General Counsel (since February, 1997) and Director (since July,
Secretary and General Counsel 1998) of the Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company; Senior
Two World Trade Center Vice President (since March, 1997) and Assistant Secretary and
New York, New York Assistant General Counsel (since February, 1997) of the
Distributor; Assistant Secretary of Dean Witter Reynolds (since
August, 1996); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of
the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds (since
February, 1997); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of
Discover Brokerage Index Series; previously First Vice President
(June, 1993-February, 1997), Vice President and Assistant
Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of the Investment Manager
and MSDW Services Company and Assistant Secretary of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.
Rajesh K. Gupta (38)........................ Senior Vice President of the Investment Manager; Vice President of
Vice President various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York
14
<PAGE>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul D. Vance (63).......................... Senior Vice President of the Investment Manager; Vice President of
Vice President various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York
Thomas F. Caloia (53)....................... First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Investment
Treasurer Manager and MSDW Services Company; Treasurer of the Morgan Stanley
Two World Trade Center Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index
New York, New York Series.
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Denotes Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Fund as defined by
the Investment Company Act.
In addition, Mitchell M. Merin, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Asset Management of MSDW, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
the Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company, Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and Director of the Distributor and the Transfer Agent, Executive
Vice President and Director of DWR, and Director of various MSDW
subsidiaries, Ronald E. Robison, Executive Vice President, Chief
Administrative Officer and Director of the Investment Manager and MSDW
Services Company, Robert S. Giambrone, Senior Vice President of the
Investment Manager, MSDW Services Company, the Distributor and the Transfer
Agent and Director of the Transfer Agent, and Joseph J. McAlinden, Executive
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Investment Manager and
Director of the Transfer Agent, and Peter M. Avelar, Kenton J. Hinchliffe,
Mark Bavoso, and Jonathan R. Page, Senior Vice Presidents of the Investment
Manager, are Vice Presidents of the Fund.
In addition, Frank Bruttomesso, Marilyn K. Cranney, Lou Anne D. McInnis,
Carsten Otto and Ruth Rossi, First Vice Presidents and Assistant General
Counsels of the Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company, and Todd Lebo,
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the Investment Manager and
MSDW Services Company, are Assistant Secretaries of the Fund.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES AND THE COMMITTEES. Law and regulation establish both
general guidelines and specific duties for the Independent Trustees. The
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds seek as Independent Trustees individuals of
distinction and experience in business and finance, government service or
academia; these are people whose advice and counsel are in demand by others
and for whom there is often competition. To accept a position on the Funds'
Boards, such individuals may reject other attractive assignments because the
Funds make substantial demands on their time. Indeed, by serving on the
Funds' Boards, certain Trustees who would otherwise be qualified and in
demand to serve on bank boards would be prohibited by law from doing so. All
of the Independent Trustees serve as members of the Audit Committee. In
addition, three of the Trustees, including two Independent Trustees, serve as
members of the Derivatives Committee and the Insurance Committee.
The Independent Trustees are charged with recommending to the full Board
approval of man-agement, advisory and administration contracts, Rule 12b-1
plans and distribution and underwriting agreements; continually reviewing
Fund performance; checking on the pricing of portfolio securities, brokerage
commissions, transfer agent costs and performance, and trading among Funds in
the same complex; and approving fidelity bond and related insurance coverage
and allocations, as well as other matters that arise from time to time. The
Independent Trustees are required to select and nominate individuals to fill
any Independent Trustee vacancy on the Board of any Fund that has a Rule
12b-1 plan of distribution. Most of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds have
a Rule 12b-1 plan.
The Audit Committee is charged with recommending to the full Board the
engagement or discharge of the Fund's independent accountants; directing
investigations into matters within the scope of the independent accountants'
duties, including the power to retain outside specialists; re-viewing with
the independent accountants the audit plan and results of the auditing
engagement; approving professional services provided by the independent
accountants and other accounting firms prior to the performance of the
services; reviewing the independence of the independent accountants;
considering the range of
15
<PAGE>
audit and non-audit fees; reviewing the adequacy of the Fund's system of
internal controls; and preparing and submitting Committee meeting minutes to
the full Board.
The Board of each Fund has a Derivatives Committee to approve parameters
for and monitor the activities of the Fund with respect to derivative
investments, if any, made by the Fund.
Finally, the Board of each Fund has formed an Insurance Committee to
review and monitor the insurance coverage maintained by the Fund.
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING SAME INDIVIDUALS AS INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES FOR ALL
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS. The Independent Trustees and the Funds'
management believe that having the same Independent Trustees for each of the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds avoids the duplication of effort that would
arise from having different groups of individuals serving as Independent
Trustees for each of the Funds or even of sub-groups of Funds. They believe
that having the same individuals serve as Independent Trustees of all the
Funds tends to increase their knowledge and expertise regarding matters which
affect the Fund complex generally and enhances their ability to negotiate on
behalf of each Fund with the Fund's service providers. This arrangement also
precludes the possibility of separate groups of Independent Trustees arriving
at conflicting decisions regarding operations and management of the Funds and
avoids the cost and confusion that would likely ensue. Finally, having the
same Independent Trustees serve on all Fund Boards enhances the ability of
each Fund to obtain, at modest cost to each separate Fund, the services of
Independent Trustees, of the caliber, experience and business acumen of the
individuals who serve as Independent Trustees of the Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds.
TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION. The Fund's Declaration of Trust
provides that no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Fund is liable to
the Fund or to a shareholder, nor is any Trustee, officer, employee or agent
liable to any third persons in connection with the affairs of the Fund,
except as such liability may arise from his/her or its own bad faith, willful
misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his/her or its duties.
It also provides that all third persons shall look solely to the Fund
property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of
the Fund. With the exceptions stated, the Declaration of Trust provides that
a Trustee, officer, employee or agent is entitled to be indemnified against
all liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund.
C. COMPENSATION
The Fund pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $800 plus a per
meeting fee of $50 for meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Independent
Trustees or Committees of the Board of Trustees attended by the Trustee (the
Fund pays the Chairman of the Audit Committee an additional annual fee of
$750). If a Board meeting and a meeting of the Independent Trustees or a
Committee meeting, or a meeting of the Independent Trustees and/or more than
one Committee meeting, take place on a single day, the Trustees are paid a
single meeting fee by the Fund. The Fund also reimburses such Trustees for
travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with
attending such meetings. Trustees and officers of the Fund who are or have
been employed by the Investment Manager or an affiliated company receive no
compensation or expenses reimbursed from the Fund for their services as
Trustee. Effective May 1, 1999, Dr. Johnson began serving as Chariman of the
Audit Committee.
The following table illustrates the compensation that the Fund paid to its
Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999.
FUND COMPENSATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE FROM THE FUND
- --------------------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
Michael Bozic .............. $1,500
Edwin J. Garn .............. 1,650
Wayne E. Hedien ............ 1,650
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson ..... 1,600
Michael E. Nugent .......... 1,650
John L. Schroeder .......... 1,650
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
The following table illustrates the compensation paid to the Fund's
Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998 for
services to the 85 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and, in the case of
Messrs. Johnson, Nugent and Schroeder, the 11 TCW/DW Funds that were in
operation at December 31, 1998. Effective May 1, 1999, Dr. Johnson serves as
Chairman of the Audit Committee of each Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund and
each TCW/DW Fund. With respect to Messrs. Johnson, Nugent and Schroeder, the
TCW/DW Funds are included solely because of a limited exchange privilege
between those Funds and five Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Money Market Funds.
No compensation was paid to the Fund's Independent Trustees by Discover
Brokerage Index Series for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998.
CASH COMPENSATION FROM MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS AND TCW/DW FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL CASH
COMPENSATION
FOR SERVICES TO
FOR SERVICE 85 MORGAN
AS DIRECTOR OR FOR SERVICE AS STANLEY DEAN
TRUSTEE AND TRUSTEE AND WITTER FUNDS
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMITTEE MEMBER AND 11
NAME OF OF 85 MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OF 11 TCW/DW TCW/DW
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE WITTER FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS
- ---------------------- ------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Bozic ......... $120,150 -- $120,150
Edwin J. Garn ......... 132,450 -- 132,450
Wayne E. Hedien ....... 132,350 -- 132,350
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson 128,400 $62,331 190,731
Michael E. Nugent .... 132,450 62,131 194,581
John L. Schroeder .... 132,450 64,731 197,181
</TABLE>
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, 55 of the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, not including the Fund, have adopted a
retirement program under which an Independent Trustee who retires after
serving for at least five years (or such lesser period as may be determined
by the Board) as an Independent Director or Trustee of any Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Fund that has adopted the retirement program (each such Fund
referred to as an "Adopting Fund" and each such Trustee referred to as an
"Eligible Trustee") is entitled to retirement payments upon reaching the
eligible retirement age (normally, after attaining age 72). Annual payments
are based upon length of service.
Currently, upon retirement, each Eligible Trustee is entitled to receive
from the Adopting Fund, commencing as of his or her retirement date and
continuing for the remainder of his or her life, an annual retirement benefit
(the "Regular Benefit") equal to 30.22% of his or her Eligible Compensation
plus 0.5036667% of such Eligible Compensation for each full month of service
as an Independent Director or Trustee of any Adopting Fund in excess of five
years up to a maximum of 60.44% after ten years of service. The foregoing
percentages may be changed by the Board(1). "Eligible Compensation" is
one-fifth of the total compensation earned by such Eligible Trustee for
service to the Adopting Fund in the five year period prior to the date of the
Eligible Trustee's retirement. Benefits under the retirement program are not
secured or funded by the Adopting Funds.
The following table illustrates the retirement benefits accrued to the
Fund's Independent Trustees by the 55 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds (not
including the Fund) for the year ended December 31, 1998, and the estimated
retirement benefits for the Independent Trustees, to commence upon their
retirement, from the 55 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds as of December 31,
1998.
- ------------
(1) An Eligible Trustee may elect alternative payments of his of her
retirement benefits based upon the combined life expectancy of the
Eligible Trustee and his or her spouse on the date of such Eligible
Trustee's retirement. In addition, the Eligible Trustee may elect that
the surviving spouse's periodic payment of benefits will be equal to a
lower percentage of the periodic amount when both spouses were alive.
The amount estimated to be payable under this method, through the
remainder of the later of the lives of the Eligible Trustee and spouse,
will be the actuarial equivalent of the Regular Benefit.
17
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT BENEFITS FROM ALL MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR ALL ADOPTING FUNDS
-------------------------------
RETIREMENT ESTIMATED
BENEFITS ANNUAL BENEFITS
ESTIMATED ACCRUED AS UPON
CREDITED YEARS ESTIMATED EXPENSES RETIREMENT
OF SERVICE AT PERCENTAGE OF BY ALL FROM ALL
RETIREMENT ELIGIBLE ADOPTING ADOPTING
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (MAXIMUM 10) COMPENSATION FUNDS FUNDS(2)
- --------------------------- -------------- --------------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Bozic .............. 10 60.44% $22,377 $52,250
Edwin J. Garn .............. 10 60.44 35,225 52,250
Wayne E. Hedien ............ 9 51.37 41,979 44,413
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson ..... 10 60.44 14,047 52,250
Michael E. Nugent .......... 10 60.44 25,336 52,250
John L. Schroeder........... 8 50.37 45,117 44,343
</TABLE>
- ------------
(2) Based on current levels of compensation. Amount of annual benefits also
varies depending on the Trustee's elections described in Footnote (1)
above.
IV. CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following owned 5% or more [to come]
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the aggregate
number of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund owned by the Fund's
officers and Trustees as a group was less than 1% of the Fund's shares of
beneficial interest outstanding.
V. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. INVESTMENT MANAGER
The Investment Manager to the Fund is Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors
Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is Two World Trade Center, New
York, New York 10048. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
MSDW, a Delaware corporation. MSDW is a preeminent global financial services
firm that maintains leading market positions in each of its three primary
businesses: securities, asset management and credit services.
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with the Investment Manager, the Fund has retained the Investment
Manager to provide administrative services and manage the investment of the
Fund's assets, including the placing of orders for the purchase and sale of
portfolio securities. The Fund pays the Investment Manager monthly
compensation calculated daily by applying the annual rate of 0.60% to the
Fund's daily net assets. During a portion of the fiscal year ended January
31, 1997 (February 1, 1996-March 31, 1996), the Investment Manager had
undertaken to assume all operating expenses (except for any brokerage fees)
and waive the compensation provided for in the Management Agreement until
such time as the Fund attained $50 million in net assets or until March 31,
1996, whichever occurred first. The Fund began paying fees on April 1, 1996
at which time the waiver expired. The management fee is allocated among the
Classes pro rata based on the net assets of the Fund attributable to each
Class. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the
Investment Manager accrued total compensation under the Management Agreement
in the amounts of $241,446, $338,530 and $493,580, respectively. The actual
amount payable after the waiver for the period ended fiscal year 1997 was
$207,615.
The Investment Manager has retained its wholly-owned subsidiary, MSDW
Services Company, to perform administrative services for the Fund.
B. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
The Fund's principal underwriter is the Distributor (which has the same
address as the Investment Manager). In this capacity, the Fund's shares are
distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor has
18
<PAGE>
entered into a selected dealer agreement with Dean Witter Reynolds, which
through its own sales organization sells shares of the Fund. In addition, the
Distributor may enter into similar agreements with other selected
broker-dealers. The Distributor, a Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MSDW.
The Distributor bears all expenses it may incur in providing services
under the Distribution Agreement. These expenses include the payment of
commissions for sales of the Fund's shares and incentive compensation to
Financial Advisors. The Distributor also pays certain expenses in connection
with the distribution of the Fund's shares, including the costs of preparing,
printing and distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the costs
of printing and distributing prospectuses and supplements thereto used in
connection with the offering and sale of the Fund's shares. The Fund bears
the costs of initial typesetting, printing and distribution of prospectuses
and supplements thereto to shareholders. The Fund also bears the costs of
registering the Fund and its shares under federal and state securities laws
and pays filing fees in accordance with state securities laws.
The Fund and the Distributor have agreed to indemnify each other against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Under
the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor uses its best efforts in
rendering services to the Fund, but in the absence of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations, the
Distributor is not liable to the Fund or any of its shareholders for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission or for any
losses sustained by the Fund or its shareholders.
C. SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE INVESTMENT MANAGER AND FUND EXPENSES PAID BY
THIRD PARTIES
The Investment Manager manages the investment of the Fund's assets,
including the placing of orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities. The Investment Manager obtains and evaluates the information and
advice relating to the economy, securities markets, and specific securities
as it considers necessary or useful to continuously manage the assets of the
Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective.
Under the terms of the Management 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, the office space,
facilities, equipment, clerical help, bookkeeping and certain legal services
as the Fund may reasonably require in the conduct of its business, including
the preparation of prospectuses, proxy statements and reports required to be
filed with federal and state securities commissions (except insofar as the
participation or assistance of independent accountants and attorneys is, in
the opinion of the Investment Manager, necessary or desirable). In addition,
the Investment Manager 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 service, heat, light, power and
other utilities provided to the Fund.
Expenses not expressly assumed by the Investment Manager under the
Management Agreement or by the Distributor, will be paid by the Fund. These
expenses will be allocated among the four Classes of shares pro rata based on
the net assets of the Fund attributable to each Class, except as described
below. Such expenses include, but are not limited to: expenses of the Plan of
Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1; charges and expenses of any registrar,
custodian, stock transfer and dividend disbursing agent; brokerage
commissions; taxes; engraving and printing share certificates; registration
costs of the Fund and its shares under federal and state securities laws; the
cost and expense of printing, including typesetting, and distributing
prospectuses of the Fund and supplements thereto to the Fund's shareholders;
all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing,
printing and mailing of proxy statements and reports to shareholders; fees
and travel expenses of Trustees or members of any advisory board or committee
who are not employees of the Investment Manager or any corporate affiliate of
the Investment Manager; all expenses incident to any dividend, withdrawal or
redemption options; charges and expenses of any outside service used for
pricing of the Fund's shares; fees and expenses of legal counsel, including
counsel to the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund or of the
Investment Manager (not including compensation or expenses of attorneys who
are employees of the Investment Manager); fees and expenses of the Fund's
independent accountants;
19
<PAGE>
membership dues of industry associations; interest on Fund borrowings;
postage; insurance premiums on property or personnel (including officers and
Trustees) of the Fund which inure to its benefit; extraordinary expenses
(including, but not limited to, legal claims and liabilities and litigation
costs and any indemnification relating thereto); and all other costs of the
Fund's operation. The 12b-1 fees relating to a particular Class will be
allocated directly to that Class. In addition, other expenses associated with
a particular Class (except advisory or custodial fees) may be allocated
directly to that Class, provided that such expenses are reasonably identified
as specifically attributable to that Class and the direct allocation to that
Class is approved by the Trustees.
The Management Agreement provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations thereunder, the Investment Manager is not liable to the Fund or
any of its investors for any act or omission by the Investment Manager or for
any losses sustained by the Fund or its investors.
The Management Agreement will remain in effect from year to year, provided
continuance of the Management Agreement is approved at least annually by the
vote of the holders of a majority, as defined in the Investment Company Act,
of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or by the Trustees; provided that in
either event such continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority
of the Trustees.
D. DEALER REALLOWANCES
Upon notice to selected broker-dealers, the Distributor may reallow up to
the full applicable front-end sales charge during periods specified in such
notice. During periods when 90% or more of the sales charge is reallowed,
such selected broker-dealers may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is
defined in the Securities Act.
E. RULE 12B-1 PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act (the "Plan") pursuant to which each Class, other than
Class D, pays the Distributor compensation accrued daily and payable monthly at
the following annual rates: up to 0.25%, 1.0% and up to 1.0% of the average
daily net assets of Class A, Class B, and Class C, respectively.
The Distributor also receives the proceeds of front-end sales charges
("FSCs") and of contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs") imposed on
certain redemptions of shares, which are separate and apart from payments
made pursuant to the Plan. The Distributor has informed the Fund that it
and/or Dean Witter Reynolds received the proceeds of CDSCs and FSCs, for the
last three fiscal years ended January 31, in approximate amounts as provided
in the table below (the Distributor did not retain any of these amounts).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A... FSCs:(1) $41,858 FSCs: $14,036 FSCs: N/A(2)
CDSCs: $ 0 CDSCs: $ 0 CDSCs: N/A(2)
Class B... CDSCs: $52,922 CDSCs: $20,147 CDSCs: N/A(2)
Class C... CDSCs: $19,482 CDSCs: $ 1,693 CDSCs: $ 0
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) FSCs apply to Class A only.
(2) This Class commenced operations on July 28, 1987.
The Distributor has informed the Fund that the entire fee payable by Class
A and a portion of the fees payable by each of Class B and Class C each year
pursuant to the Plan equal to 0.25% of such Class's average daily net assets
are currently each characterized as a "service fee" under the Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (of which the Distributor is
a member). The "service fee" is a payment made for personal service and/or
the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The remaining portion of the Plan
fees payable by a Class, if any, is characterized as an "asset-based sales
charge" as such is defined by the Rules of the Association.
20
<PAGE>
Under the Plan and as required by Rule 12b-1, the Trustees receive and
review promptly after the end of each calendar quarter a written report
provided by the Distributor of the amounts expended under the Plan and the
purpose for which such expenditures were made. For the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999, Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund accrued
payments under the Plan amounting to $6,486, $453,675 and $318,887,
respectively, which amounts are equal to 0.24%, 100% and 0.95% of the average
daily net assets of Class A, Class B and Class C, respectively, for the
fiscal year.
The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund's
method of distribution. Under this distribution method the Fund offers four
Classes, each with a different distribution arrangement.
With respect to Class A shares, Dean Witter Reynolds compensates its
Financial Advisors by paying them, from proceeds of the FSC, commissions for
the sale of Class A shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 5.0% of
the amount sold (except as provided in the following sentence) and an annual
residual commission, currently a residual of up to 0.25% of the current value
of the respective accounts for which they are the Financial Advisors or
dealers of record in all cases. On orders of $1 million or more (for which no
sales charge was paid) or net asset value purchases by employer-sponsored
employee benefit plans, whether or not qualified under the Internal Revenue
Code, for which the Transfer Agent serves as Trustee or Dean Witter Reynolds
Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper pursuant to a written
Recordkeeping Services Agreement ("MSDW Eligible Plans"), the Investment
Manager compensates Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own funds, a
gross sales credit of 1.0% of the amount sold.
With respect to Class B shares, Dean Witter Reynolds compensates its
Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own funds, commissions for the
sale of Class B shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 5.0% of the
amount sold (except as provided in the following sentence) and an annual
residual commission, currently a residual of up to 0.25% of the current value
(not including reinvested dividends or distributions) of the amount sold in
all cases. In the case of Class B shares purchased by MSDW Eligible Plans,
Dean Witter Reynolds compensates its Financial Advisors by paying them, from
its own funds, a gross sales credit of 3.0% of the amount sold.
With respect to Class C shares, Dean Witter Reynolds compensates its
Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own funds, commissions for the
sale of Class C shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 1.0% of the
amount sold and an annual residual commission, currently up to 1.0% of the
current value of the respective accounts for which they are the Financial
Advisors of record.
With respect to Class D shares other than shares held by participants in
the Investment Manager's mutual fund asset allocation program, the Investment
Manager compensates Dean Witter Reynolds's Financial Advisors by paying them,
from its own funds, commissions for the sale of Class D shares, currently a
gross sales credit of up to 1.0% of the amount sold. There is a chargeback of
100% of the amount paid if the Class D shares are redeemed in the first year
and a chargeback of 50% of the amount paid if the Class D shares are redeemed
in the second year after purchase. The Investment Manager also compensates
Dean Witter Reynolds's Financial Advisors by paying them, from its own funds,
an annual residual commission, currently up to 0.10% of the current value of
the respective accounts for which they are the Financial Advisors of record
(not including accounts of participants in the Investment Manager's mutual
fund asset allocation program).
The gross sales credit is a charge which reflects commissions paid by Dean
Witter Reynolds to its Financial Advisors and Dean Witter Reynolds's
Fund-associated distribution-related expenses, including sales compensation,
and overhead and other branch office distribution-related expenses including
(a) the expenses of operating Dean Witter Reynolds's branch offices in
connection with the sale of Fund shares, including lease costs, the salaries
and employee benefits of operations and sales support personnel, utility
costs, communications costs and the costs of stationery and supplies, (b) the
costs of client sales seminars, (c) travel expenses of mutual fund sales
coordinators to promote the sale of Fund shares and (d) other expenses
relating to branch promotion of Fund sales.
The distribution fee that the Distributor receives from the Fund under the
Plan, in effect, offsets distribution expenses incurred under the Plan on
behalf of the Fund and, in the case of Class B shares,
21
<PAGE>
opportunity costs, such as the gross sales credit and an assumed interest
charge thereon ("carrying charge"). In the Distributor's reporting of the
distribution expenses to the Fund, in the case of Class B shares, such
assumed interest (computed at the "broker's call rate") has been calculated
on the gross credit as it is reduced by amounts received by the Distributor
under the Plan and any contingent deferred sales charges received by the
Distributor upon redemption of shares of the Fund. No other interest charge
is included as a distribution expense in the Distributor's calculation of its
distribution costs for this purpose. The broker's call rate is the interest
rate charged to securities brokers on loans secured by exchange-listed
securities.
The Fund is authorized to reimburse expenses incurred or to be incurred in
promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class A and Class C shares and in
servicing shareholder accounts. Reimbursement will be made through payments
at the end of each month. The amount of each monthly payment may in no event
exceed an amount equal to a payment at the annual rate of 0.25%, in the case
of Class A, and 1.0%, in the case of Class C, of the average net assets of
the respective Class during the month. No interest or other financing
charges, if any, incurred on any distribution expenses on behalf of Class A
and Class C will be reimbursable under the Plan. With respect to Class A, in
the case of all expenses other than expenses representing the service fee,
and, with respect to Class C, in the case of all expenses other than expenses
representing a gross sales credit or a residual to Financial Advisors and
other authorized financial representatives, such amounts shall be determined
at the beginning of each calendar quarter by the Trustees, including, a
majority of the Independent Trustees. Expenses representing the service fee
(for Class A) or a gross sales credit or a residual to Financial Advisors and
other authorized financial representatives (for Class C) may be reimbursed
without prior determination. In the event that the Distributor proposes that
monies shall be reimbursed for other than such expenses, then in making
quarterly determinations of the amounts that may be reimbursed by the Fund,
the Distributor will provide and the Trustees will review a quarterly budget
of projected distribution expenses to be incurred on behalf of the Fund,
together with a report explaining the purposes and anticipated benefits of
incurring such expenses. The Trustees will determine which particular
expenses, and the portions thereof, that may be borne by the Fund, and in
making such a determination shall consider the scope of the Distributor's
commitment to promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class A and Class C
shares.
Each Class paid 100% of the amounts accrued under the Plan with respect to
that Class for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 to the Distributor. The
Distributor and Dean Witter Reynolds estimate that they have spent, pursuant
to the Plan, $2,277,857 on behalf of Class B since the inception of the Plan.
It is estimated that this amount was spent in approximately the following
ways: (i) 17.28% ($393,711)--advertising and promotional expenses; (ii) 0.58%
($13,240)--printing of prospectuses for distribution to other than current
shareholders; and (iii) 82.14% ($1,870,906)--other expenses, including the
gross sales credit and the carrying charge, of which 1.87% ($35,002)
represents carrying charges, 40.13% ($750,885) represents commission credits
to Dean Witter Reynolds branch offices and other selected broker-dealers for
payments of commissions to Financial Advisors and other authorized financial
representatives, and 58.00% ($1,085,019) represents overhead and other branch
office distribution-related expenses. The amounts accrued by Class A and
Class C for distribution during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 were
for expenses which relate to compensation of sales personnel and associated
overhead expenses.
In the case of Class B shares, at any given time, the expenses of
distributing shares of the Fund may be more or less than the total of (i) the
payments made by the Fund pursuant to the Plan; and (ii) the proceeds of
CDSCs paid by investors upon redemption of shares. For example, if $1 million
in expenses in distributing Class B shares of the Fund had been incurred and
$750,000 had been received as described in (i) and (ii) above, the excess
expense would amount to $250,000. The Distributor has advised the Fund that
in the case of Class B shares the excess distribution expenses, including the
carrying charge designed to approximate the opportunity costs incurred by
Dean Witter Reynolds which arise from it having advanced monies without
having received the amount of any sales charges imposed at the time of sale
of the Fund's Class B shares, totaled $1,599,291 as of January 31, 1999 (the
end of the Fund's fiscal year), which was equal to 2.81% of the net assets of
Class B on such date. Because
22
<PAGE>
there is no requirement under the Plan that the Distributor be reimbursed for
all distribution expenses with respect to Class B shares or any requirement
that the Plan be continued from year to year, this excess amount does not
constitute a liability of the Fund. Although there is no legal obligation for
the Fund to pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the
Distributor under the Plan and the proceeds of CDSCs 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. Any
cumulative expenses incurred, but not yet recovered through distribution fees
or CDSCs, may or may not be recovered through future distribution fees or
CDSCs.
In the case of Class A 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 commission credited to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Financial Advisors and other authorized financial representatives at the time
of sale may be reimbursed in the subsequent calendar year. The Distributor
has advised the Fund that unreimbursed expenses representing a gross sales
commission credited to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors and
other authorized financial representatives at the time of sale totaled
$20,426 in the case of Class C at December 31, 1998 (the end of the calendar
year), which amount was equal to 0.06% of the net assets of Class C on such
date, and that there were no such expenses that may be reimbursed in the
subsequent year in the case of Class A on such date. No interest or other
financing charges will be incurred on any Class A or Class C distribution
expenses incurred by the Distributor under the Plan or on any unreimbursed
expenses due to the Distributor pursuant to the Plan.
No interested person of the Fund nor any Independent Trustee has any
direct financial interest in the operation of the Plan except to the extent
that the Distributor, the Investment Manager, Dean Witter Reynolds, MSDW
Services Company or certain of their employees may be deemed to have such an
interest as a result of benefits derived from the successful operation of the
Plan or as a result of receiving a portion of the amounts expended thereunder
by the Fund.
On an annual basis the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent
Trustees, consider whether the Plan should be continued. Prior to approving
the last continuation of the Plan, the Trustees requested and received from
the Distributor and reviewed all the information which they deemed necessary
to arrive at an informed determination. In making their determination to
continue the Plan, the Trustees considered: (1) the Fund's experience under
the Plan and whether such experience indicates that the Plan is operating as
anticipated; (2) the benefits the Fund had obtained, was obtaining and would
be likely to obtain under the Plan, including that: (a) the Plan is essential
in order to give Fund investors a choice of alternatives for payment of
distribution and service charges and to enable the Fund to continue to grow
and avoid a pattern of net redemptions which, in turn, are essential for
effective investment management; and (b) without the compensation to
individual brokers and the reimbursement of distribution and account
maintenance expenses of Dean Witter Reynolds's branch offices made possible
by the 12b-1 fees, Dean Witter Reynolds could not establish and maintain an
effective system for distribution, servicing of Fund shareholders and
maintenance of shareholder accounts; and (3) what services had been provided
and were continuing to be provided under the Plan to the Fund and its
shareholders. Based upon their review, the Trustees, including each of the
Independent Trustees, determined that continuation of the Plan would be in
the best interest of the Fund and would have a reasonable likelihood of
continuing to benefit the Fund and its shareholders. In the Trustees'
quarterly review of the Plan, they will consider its continued
appropriateness and the level of compensation provided therein.
The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent
for the services described therein without approval by the shareholders of
the affected Class or Classes of the Fund, and all material amendments to the
Plan must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. The
Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote
of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the Investment
Company Act) on not more than thirty days' written notice to any other party
to the Plan. So long as the Plan is in effect, the election and nomination of
Independent Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent
Trustees.
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F. OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
(1) TRANSFER AGENT/DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB is the Transfer Agent for the Fund's
shares and the Dividend Disbursing Agent for payment of dividends and
distributions on Fund shares and Agent for shareholders under various
investment plans. The principal business address of the Transfer Agent is
Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311.
(2) CUSTODIAN AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286 is
the Custodian of the Fund's assets. Any of the Fund's cash balances with
either Custodian in excess of $100,000 are unprotected by federal deposit
insurance. These balances may, at times, be substantial.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York, 10036, serves as the independent accountants of the Fund. The
independent accountants are responsible for auditing the annual financial
statements of the Fund.
(3) AFFILIATED PERSONS
The Transfer Agent is an affiliate of the Investment Manager, and of the
Distributor. As Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, the Transfer
Agent's responsibilities include maintaining shareholder accounts, disbursing
cash dividends and reinvesting dividends, processing account registration
changes, handling purchase and redemption transactions, mailing prospectuses
and reports, mailing and tabulating proxies, processing share certificate
transactions, and maintaining shareholder records and lists. For these
services, the Transfer Agent receives a per shareholder account fee from the
Fund.
VI. BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
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A. BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS
Subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, the Investment Manager
is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, the
selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions, and the
negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. Purchases and sales of
securities on a stock exchange are effected through brokers who charge a
commission for their services. In the over-the-counter market, securities are
generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their
own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security
usually includes a profit to the dealer. The Fund also expects that
securities will be purchased at times in underwritten offerings where the
price includes a fixed amount of compensation, generally referred to as the
underwriter's concession or discount. Options and futures transactions will
usually be effected through a broker and a commission will be charged. On
occasion, the Fund may also purchase certain money market instruments
directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid.
For the fiscal years ended January 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the Fund paid
a total of $16,769, $16,873 and $34,675, respectively, in brokerage
commissions.
B. COMMISSIONS
Pursuant to an order of the SEC, the Fund may effect principal
transactions in certain money market instruments with Dean Witter Reynolds.
The Fund will limit its transactions with Dean Witter Reynolds to U.S.
Government and government agency securities, bank money instruments (i.e.,
certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances) and commercial paper. The
transactions will be effected with Dean Witter Reynolds only when the price
available from Dean Witter Reynolds is better than that available from other
dealers.
During the fiscal years ended January 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the Fund
did not effect any principal transactions with Dean Witter Reynolds.
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Consistent with the policy described above, brokerage transactions in
securities listed on exchanges or admitted to unlisted trading privileges may
be effected through Dean Witter Reynolds, Morgan Stanley & Co. and other
affiliated brokers and dealers. In order for an affiliated broker or dealer
to effect any portfolio transactions on an exchange for the Fund, the
commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the affiliated broker or
dealer must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other
remuneration paid to other brokers in connection with comparable transactions
involving similar securities being purchased or sold on an exchange during a
comparable period of time. This standard would allow the affiliated broker or
dealer to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be
received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arm's-length
transaction. Furthermore, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees,
have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any
commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker or
dealer are consistent with the foregoing standard. The Fund does not reduce
the management fee it pays to the Investment Manager by any amount of the
brokerage commissions it may pay to an affiliated broker or dealer.
During the fiscal years ended January 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the Fund
paid a total of $11,362, $9,287 and $15,309, respectively, in brokerage
commissions to Dean Witter Reynolds. During the fiscal year ended January 31,
1999, the brokerage commissions paid to Dean Witter Reynolds represented
approximately 44.15% of the total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
during the year and were paid on account of transactions having an aggregate
dollar value equal to approximately 48.84% of the aggregate dollar value of
all portfolio transactions of the Fund during the year for which commissions
were paid.
During the period June 1, 1997 through January 31, 1998 and during the
fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Fund paid a total of $195 and $3,315
respectively, in brokerage commissions to Morgan Stanley & Co., which
broker-dealer became an affiliate of the Investment Manager on May 31, 1997
upon consummation of the merger of Dean Witter, Discover & Co. with Morgan
Stanley Group Inc. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the
brokerage commissions paid to Morgan Stanley & Co. represented approximately
9.56% of the total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for this period and
were paid on account of transactions having an aggregate dollar value equal
to approximately 11.89% of the aggregate dollar value of all portfolio
transactions of the Fund during the year for which commssions were paid.
C. BROKERAGE SELECTION
The policy of the Fund regarding purchases and sales of securities for its
portfolio is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most
favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions.
In seeking to implement the Fund's policies, the Investment Manager
effects transactions with those brokers and dealers who the Investment
Manager believes provide the most favorable prices and are capable of
providing efficient executions. If the Investment Manager believes the prices
and executions are obtainable from more than one broker or dealer, it may
give consideration to placing portfolio transactions with those brokers and
dealers who also furnish research and other services to the Fund or the
Investment Manager. The services may include, but are not limited to, any one
or more of the following: information as to the availability of securities
for purchase or sale; statistical or factual information or opinions
pertaining to investment; wire services; and appraisals or evaluations of
portfolio securities. The information and services received by the Investment
Manager from brokers and dealers may be of benefit to the Investment Manager
in the management of accounts of some of its other clients and may not in all
cases benefit the Fund directly.
The Investment Manager currently serves as investment manager to a number
of clients, including other investment companies, and may in the future act
as investment manager or advisor to others. It is the practice of the
Investment Manager to cause purchase and sale transactions to be allocated
among the Fund and others whose assets it manages in such manner as it deems
equitable. In making such allocations among the Fund and other client
accounts, various factors may be considered, including the respective
investment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or
comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of
investment commitments generally held and
25
<PAGE>
the opinions of the persons responsible for managing the portfolios of the
Fund and other client accounts. In the case of certain initial and secondary
public offerings, the Investment Manager utilizes a pro rata allocation
process based on the size of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds involved
and the number of shares available from the public offering.
D. DIRECTED BROKERAGE
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Fund paid $15,849 in
brokerage commissions in connection with transactions in the aggregate amount
of $12,696,515 to brokers because of research services provided.
E. REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS
During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Fund did not purchase
securities issued by brokers or dealers that were among the ten brokers or
the ten dealers which executed transactions for or with the Fund in the
largest dollar amounts during the year. At January 31, 1999, the Fund did not
own any securities issued by any of such issuers.
VII. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
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The shareholders of the Fund are entitled to a full vote for each full
share of beneficial interest held. The Fund is authorized to issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of beneficial
interest of the Fund are of $0.01 par value and are equal as to earnings,
assets and voting privileges except that each Class will have exclusive
voting privileges with respect to matters relating to distribution expenses
borne solely by such Class or any other matter in which the interests of one
Class differ from the interests of any other Class. In addition, Class B
shareholders will have the right to vote on any proposed material increase in
Class A's expenses, if such proposal is submitted separately to Class A
shareholders. Also, Class A, Class B and Class C bear expenses related to the
distribution of their respective shares.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to authorize the
creation of additional series of shares (the proceeds of which would be
invested in separate, independently managed portfolios) and additional
Classes of shares within any series. The Trustees have not presently
authorized any such additional series or Classes of shares other than as set
forth in the Prospectus.
The Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and in
ordinary circumstances the Fund does not intend to hold such meetings. The
Trustees may call special meetings of shareholders for action by shareholder
vote as may be required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust. Under certain circumstances, the Trustees may be removed by action of
the Trustees or by the shareholders.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under
certain limited circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the
obligations of the Fund. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an
express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the
Fund, requires that notice of such Fund obligations include such disclaimer,
and provides for indemnification out of the Fund's property for any
shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder
liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be
unable to meet its obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder
personal liability, and the nature of the Fund's assets and operations, the
possibility of the Fund being unable to meet its obligations is remote and
thus, in the opinion of Massachusetts counsel to the Fund, the risk to Fund
shareholders of personal liability is remote.
All of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders of the Fund,
most recently at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on May 21, 1997. The
Trustees themselves have the power to alter the number and the terms of
office of the Trustees (as provided for in the Declaration of Trust), and
they may at any time lengthen or shorten their own terms or make their terms
of unlimited duration and appoint their own successors, provided that always
at least a majority of the Trustees has been elected by the shareholders of
the Fund.
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<PAGE>
VIII. PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. PURCHASE/REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Information concerning how Fund shares are offered to the public (and how
they are redeemed and exchanged) is provided in the Fund's Prospectus.
TRANSFER AGENT AS AGENT. With respect to the redemption or repurchase of
Fund shares, the application of proceeds to the purchase of new shares in the
Fund or any other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and the general
administration of the exchange privilege, the Transfer Agent acts as agent
for the Distributor and for the shareholder's authorized broker-dealer, if
any, in the performance of such functions. With respect to exchanges,
redemptions or repurchases, the Transfer Agent shall be liable for its own
negligence and not for the default or negligence of its correspondents or for
losses in transit. The Fund shall not be liable for any default or negligence
of the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or any authorized broker-dealer.
The Distributor and any authorized broker-dealer have appointed the
Transfer Agent to act as their agent in connection with the application of
proceeds of any redemption of Fund shares to the purchase of shares of any
other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund and the general administration of the
exchange privilege. No commission or discounts will be paid to the
Distributor or any authorized broker-dealer for any transaction pursuant to
the exchange privilege.
TRANSFERS OF SHARES. In the event a shareholder requests a transfer of
Fund shares to a new registration, the shares will be transferred without
sales charge at the time of transfer. With regard to the status of shares
which are either subject to the CDSC or free of such charge (and with regard
to the length of time shares subject to the charge have been held), any
transfer involving less than all of the shares in an account will be made on
a pro rata basis (that is, by transferring shares in the same proportion that
the transferred shares bear to the total shares in the account immediately
prior to the transfer). The transferred shares will continue to be subject to
any applicable CDSC as if they had not been so transferred.
B. OFFERING PRICE
The Fund's Class B, Class C and Class D shares are offered at net asset
value per share and the Class A shares are offered at net asset value per
share plus any applicable FSC which is distributed among the Fund's
Distributor, Dean Witter Reynolds and other authorized dealers as described
in Section "V. Investment Management and Other Services--E. Rule 12b-1 Plan."
The price of Fund shares, called "net asset value," is based on the value of
the Fund's portfolio securities. Net asset value per share of each Class is
calculated by dividing the value of the portion of the Fund's securities and
other assets attributable to that Class, less the liabilities attributable to
that Class, by the number of shares of that Class outstanding. The assets of
each Class of shares are invested in a single portfolio. The net asset value
of each Class, however, will differ because the Classes have different
ongoing fees.
In the calculation of the Fund's net asset value: (1) all portfolio
securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available
are valued at the latest bid price prior to the time of valuation, and (2)
when market quotations are not readily available, including circumstances
under which it is determined by the Investment Manager that sale or 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 Fund's Trustees
(valuation of securities for which market quotations are not readily
available may also be based upon current market prices of securities which
are comparable in coupon, rating and maturity or an appropriate matrix
utilizing similar factors).
Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less
at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost, unless the Trustees
determine such does not reflect the securities' market value, in which case
these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the
Trustees.
Certain of the Fund's portfolio securities may be valued by an outside
pricing service approved by the Fund's Trustees. The pricing service may
utilize a matrix system incorporating security quality,
27
<PAGE>
maturity and coupon as the evaluation model parameters, and/or research
evaluations by its staff, including review of broker-dealer market price
quotations in determining what it believes is the fair valuation of the
portfolio securities valued by such pricing service.
Listed options on debt securities are valued at the latest sale price on
the exchange on which they are listed unless 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 prices. Unlisted options on debt securities are
valued at the mean between their latest bid and asked prices. Futures are
valued at the latest sale price on the commodities exchange on which they
trade unless the Trustees determine such price does not reflect their market
value, in which case they will be valued at their fair value as determined in
good faith under procedures established by and under the supervision of the
Trustees.
Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as corporate bonds, U.S.
Government securities and money market instruments, is substantially
completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock
Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value
of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency
exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of the New
York Stock Exchange. Occasionally, events which may affect the values of such
securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at which they
are determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange and will
therefore not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value.
If events that may affect the value of such securities occur during such
period, then these securities may be valued at their fair value as determined
in good faith under procedures established by and under the supervision of
the Trustees.
IX. TAXATION OF THE FUND AND SHAREHOLDERS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund generally will make two basic types of distributions: ordinary
dividends and long-term capital gain distributions. These two types of
distributions are reported differently on a shareholder's income tax return
and they are also subject to different rates of tax. The tax treatment of the
investment activities of the Fund will affect the amount and timing and
character of the distributions made by the Fund. Tax issues relating to the
Fund are not generally a consideration for shareholders such as tax exempt
entities and tax-advantaged retirement vehicles such as an IRA or 401(k)
plan. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals regarding
specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
INVESTMENT COMPANY TAXATION. The Fund intends to remain qualified as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on its
net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it
distributes such income and capital gains to its shareholders.
The Fund generally intends to distribute sufficient income and gains so
that the Fund will not pay corporate income tax on its earnings. The Fund
also generally intends to distribute to its shareholders in each calendar
year a sufficient amount of ordinary income and capital gains to avoid the
imposition of a 4% excise tax. However, the Fund may instead determine to
retain all or part of any net long-term capital gains in any year for
reinvestment. In such event, the Fund will pay federal income tax (and
possibly excise tax) on such retained gains.
Gains or losses on sales of securities by the Fund will be long-term
capital gains or losses if the securities have a tax holding period of more
than one year. Gains or losses on the sale of securities with a tax holding
period of one year or less will be short-term gains or losses.
Gains or losses on the Fund's transactions in listed non-equity options,
futures and options on futures generally are treated as 60% long-term and 40%
short-term. When the Fund engages in options and futures transactions,
various tax rules may accelerate or defer recognition of certain gains and
losses, change the character of certain gains or losses, or alter the holding
period of other investments held by the Fund. The application of these rules
would therefore also affect the amount, timing and character of distributions
made by the Fund.
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<PAGE>
Under certain tax rules, the Fund may be required to accrue a portion of
any discount at which certain securities are purchased as income each year
even though the Fund receives no payments in cash on the security during the
year. To the extent that the Fund invests in such securities, it would be
required to pay out such accrued discount as an income distribution in each
year in order to avoid taxation at the Fund level. Such distributions will be
made from the available cash of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio
securities if necessary. If a distribution of cash necessitates the
liquidation of portfolio securities, the Investment Manager will select which
securities to sell. The Fund may realize a gain or loss from such sales. In
the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its
shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than
they would in the absence of such transactions.
TAXATION OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Shareholders normally will have
to pay federal income taxes, and any state and/or local income taxes, on the
dividends and other distributions they receive from the Fund. Such dividends
and distributions, to the extent that they are derived from net investment
income or short-term capital gains, are taxable to the shareholder as
ordinary income regardless of whether the shareholder receives such payments
in additional shares or in cash.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of how long a shareholder
has held the Fund's shares and regardless of whether the distribution is
received in additional shares or in cash. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
reduced the maximum tax on long-term capital gains applicable to individuals
from 28% to 20%.
Shareholders are generally taxed on any ordinary dividend or capital gain
distributions from the Fund in the year they are actually distributed.
However, if any such dividends or distributions are declared in October,
November or December and paid in January then such amounts will be treated
for tax purposes as received by the shareholders on December 31, to
shareholders of record of such month.
Shareholders who are not citizens or residents of the United States and
certain foreign entities may be subject to withholding of United States tax
on distributions made by the Fund of investment income and short term capital
gains.
After the end of each calendar year, shareholders will be sent full
information on their dividends and capital gain distributions for tax
purposes, including the portion taxable as ordinary income and the portion
taxable as long-term capital gains.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES OF FUND SHARES. Any dividend or
capital gains distribution received by a shareholder from any investment
company will have the effect of reducing the net asset value of the
shareholder's stock in that company by the exact amount of the dividend or
capital gains distribution. Furthermore, such dividends and capital gains
distributions are subject to federal income taxes. If the net asset value of
the shares should be reduced below a shareholder's cost as a result of the
payment of dividends or the distribution of realized long-term capital gains,
such payment or distribution would be in part a return of the shareholder's
investment but nonetheless would be taxable to the shareholder. Therefore, an
investor should consider the tax implications of purchasing Fund shares
immediately prior to a distribution record date.
In general, a sale of shares results in capital gain or loss, and for
individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the
length of time the shares were held. A redemption of a shareholder's Fund
shares is normally treated as a sale for tax purposes. Fund shares held for a
period of one year or less will, for tax purposes, generally result in
short-term gains or losses and those held for more than one year generally
result in long-term gain or loss. Any loss realized by shareholders upon a
redemption of shares within six months of the date of their purchase will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net
long-term capital gains with respect to such shares during the six-month
period.
Gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares in the Fund is measured
by the difference between the amount received and the tax basis of the
shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including
shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they
can compute the tax basis of their shares. Under certain circumstances a
shareholder may compute and use an average cost basis in determining the gain
or loss on the sale or redemption of shares.
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<PAGE>
Exchanges of Fund shares for shares of another fund, including shares of
other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, are also subject to similar tax
treatment. Such an exchange is treated for tax purposes as a sale of the
original shares in the first fund, followed by the purchase of shares in the
second fund.
If a shareholder realizes a loss on the redemption or exchange of a fund's
shares and reinvests in that fund's shares within 30 days before or after the
redemption or exchange, the transactions may be subject to the "wash sale"
rules, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for tax
purposes.
X. UNDERWRITERS
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The Fund's shares are offered to the public on a continuous basis. The
Distributor, as the principal underwriter of the shares, has certain
obligations under the Distribution Agreement concerning the distribution of
the shares. These obligations and the compensation the Distributor receives
are described above in the sections titled "Principal Underwriter" and "Rule
12b-1 Plans."
XI. CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time the Fund may quote its "yield" and/or its "total return"
in advertisements and sales literature. These figures are computed separately
for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares. Yield is calculated for any
30-day period as follows: the amount of interest income for each security in
the Fund's portfolio is determined in accordance with regulatory
requirements; the total for the entire portfolio constitutes the Fund's gross
income for the period. Expenses accrued during the period are subtracted to
arrive at "net investment income" of each Class. The resulting amount is
divided by the product of the maximum offering price per share on the last
day of the period, multiplied by the average number of shares of the
applicable Class outstanding during the period that were entitled to
dividends. This amount is added to 1 and raised to the sixth power. 1 is then
subtracted from the result and the difference is multiplied by 2 to arrive at
the annualized yield. For the 30-day period ended January 31, 1999, the
yield, calculated pursuant to the formula described above, was approximately
3.34%, 2.78%, 2.78% and 3.78% for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D,
respectively.
The Fund's "average annual total return" represents an annualization of
the Fund's total return over a particular period and is computed by finding
the annual percentage rate which will result in the ending redeemable value
of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of a one, five or
ten year period, or for the period from the date of commencement of
operations, if shorter than any of the foregoing. The ending redeemable value
is reduced by any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at the end of the
one, five, ten year or other period. For the purpose of this calculation, it
is assumed that all dividends and distributions are reinvested. The formula
for computing the average annual total return involves a percentage obtained
by dividing the ending redeemable value by the amount of the initial
investment (which in the case of Class A shares is reduced by the Class A
initial sales charge), taking a root of the quotient (where the root is
equivalent to the number of years in the period) and subtracting 1 from the
result. The average annual total returns for Class C for the one year period
ended January 31, 1999 and for the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through January 31, 1999 were 9.32% and 12.84%, respectively. The
average annual total returns of Class A for the fiscal year ended January 31,
1999 and for the period July 28, 1997 (inception of the Class) through
January 31, 1999 were 5.27% and 6.59%, respectively. The average annual total
returns of Class B for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 and for the
period July 28, 1997 through January 31, 1998 were 5.32% and 7.11%,
respectively. The average annual total returns of Class D for the fiscal year
ended January 31, 1999 and for the period July 28, 1997 through January 31,
1999 were 11.27% and 10.70%, respectively.
In addition, the Fund may advertise its total return for each Class over
different periods of time by means of aggregate, average, year-by-year or
other types of total return figures. These calculations may or may not
reflect the imposition of the maximum front-end sales charge for Class A or
the deduction of the CDSC for each of Class B and Class C which, if
reflected, would reduce the performance quoted. For example, the average
annual total return of the Fund may be calculated in the manner described
above,
30
<PAGE>
but without deduction for any applicable sales charge. Based on this
calculation, the average annual total returns of Class C for the one year
period ended January 31, 1999 and for the period March 28, 1995 (commencement
of operations) through January 31, 1999 were 10.32% and 12.84%, respectively.
The average annual total returns of Class A for the fiscal year ended January
31, 1999 and for the period July 28, 1997 through January 31, 1999 were
11.11% and 10.46%, respectively. The average annual total returns of Class B
for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 and for the period July 28, 1997
through January 31, 1999 were 10.32% and 9.65%, respectively. The average
annual total returns of Class D for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999
and for the period July 28, 1997 through January 31, 1999 were 11.27% and
10.70%, respectively.
In addition, the Fund may compute its aggregate total return for each
Class for specified periods by determining the aggregate percentage rate
which will result in the ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment
made at the beginning of the period. For the purpose of this calculation, it
is assumed that all dividends and distributions are reinvested. The formula
for computing aggregate total return involves a percentage obtained by
dividing the ending value (without reduction for any sales charge) by the
initial $1,000 investment and subtracting 1 from the result. Based on the
foregoing calculation, the total returns for Class C for the one year period
ended January 31, 1999 and for the period March 28, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through January 31, 1999 were 10.32% and 59.14%, respectively.
The total returns of Class A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 and
for the period July 28, 1997 through January 31, 1999 were 11.11% and 16.22%,
respectively. The total returns of Class B for the fiscal year ended January
31, 1999 and for the period July 28, 1997 through January 31, 1999 were
10.32% and 14.94%, respectively. The total returns of Class D for the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1999 and for the period July 28, 1997 through January
31, 1999 were 11.27% and 16.60%, respectively.
The Fund may also advertise the growth of hypothetical investments of
$10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each Class of shares of the Fund by adding 1
to the Fund's aggregate total return to date (expressed as a decimal and
without taking into account the effect of any applicable CDSC) and
multiplying by $9,475, $48,000 and $97,000 in the case of Class A
(investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 adjusted for the initial sales
charge) or by $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in the case of each of Class B,
Class C and Class D, as the case may be. Investments of $10,000, $50,000 and
$100,000 in each Class at inception of the Class would have grown to the
following amounts at October 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT AT INCEPTION OF:
INCEPTION --------------------------------
CLASS DATE: $10,000 $50,000 $100,000
- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A .. 07/28/97 $11,012 $55,786 $112,733
Class B .. 07/28/97 11,494 57,470 114,940
Class C .. 03/28/95 15,914 79,570 159,140
Class D .. 07/28/97 11,660 58,300 116,600
</TABLE>
The Fund from time to time may also advertise its performance relative to
certain performance rankings and indexes compiled by independent
organizations.
XII. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPERTS. The financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999 included in this Statement of Additional Information and
incorporated by reference in the Prospectus have been so included and
incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
* * * * *
This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus do not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement the Fund has
filed with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from
the SEC.
31
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS January 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS (34.5%)
Aluminum (1.4%)
16,000 Alcoa Inc. ..................................................... $ 1,338,000
--------------
Beverages -Non-Alcoholic (1.3%)
33,000 PepsiCo, Inc. .................................................. 1,289,062
--------------
Computer Hardware (1.3%)
6,900 International Business Machines Corp. .......................... 1,264,425
--------------
Construction/Agricultural
Equipment/Trucks (1.3%)
39,000 Deere & Co. .................................................... 1,269,938
--------------
Diversified Financial Services (1.3%)
32,500 Associates First Capital Corp. (Class A) ....................... 1,318,281
--------------
Diversified Manufacturing (1.4%)
66,000 Timken Co. ..................................................... 1,431,375
--------------
Electric Utilities (2.5%)
29,000 GPU, Inc. ...................................................... 1,236,125
36,000 Unicom Corp. ................................................... 1,282,500
--------------
2,518,625
--------------
Electronics (1.4%)
24,000 Raytheon Co. (Class B) ......................................... 1,342,500
--------------
Forest Products (1.4%)
25,000 Weyerhaeuser Co. ............................................... 1,353,125
--------------
Integrated Oil Companies (1.3%)
22,500 Atlantic Richfield Co. ......................................... 1,290,938
--------------
Major Banks (2.7%)
25,000 Bank One Corp. ................................................. 1,309,375
20,500 BankAmerica Corp. .............................................. 1,370,938
--------------
2,680,313
--------------
Major Chemicals (1.3%)
24,500 Du Pont (E.I.) de Nemours & Co., Inc. .......................... 1,254,094
--------------
Major Pharmaceuticals (1.3%)
10,300 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. ....................................... 1,320,331
--------------
Motor Vehicles (2.7%)
21,500 Ford Motor Co. ................................................. 1,320,906
15,000 General Motors Corp. ........................................... 1,346,250
--------------
2,667,156
--------------
Multi-Sector Companies (1.4%)
13,300 General Electric Co. ........................................... 1,394,837
--------------
Natural Gas (2.6%)
21,000 Enron Corp. .................................................... 1,386,000
39,500 Tenneco, Inc. .................................................. 1,219,563
--------------
2,605,563
--------------
Packaged Goods/Cosmetics (1.3%)
14,500 Procter & Gamble Co. ........................................... $ 1,317,687
--------------
Railroads (1.3%)
32,500 CSX Corp. ...................................................... 1,308,125
--------------
Retail (2.7%)
22,000 Dayton-Hudson Corp. ............................................ 1,402,500
21,000 May Department Stores Co. ...................................... 1,267,875
--------------
2,670,375
--------------
Specialty Foods/Candy (1.3%)
39,000 ConAgra, Inc. .................................................. 1,267,500
--------------
Telecommunications (1.3%)
14,600 AT&T Corp. ..................................................... 1,324,950
--------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified Cost $28,789,410) .................................. 34,227,200
--------------
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN
THOUSANDS
- -----------
CORPORATE BONDS (3.8%)
Diversified Financial Services (1.0%)
$ 500 Associates Corp. of North America
6.01% due 02/07/03 ............................................ 509,715
500 Associates Corp. of North America
6.25% due 11/01/08 ............................................ 518,065
--------------
1,027,780
--------------
Finance -Automotive (1.0%)
Ford Motor Credit Corp.
1,000 6.00% due 01/14/03 ............................................. 1,015,330
--------------
Major Chemicals (0.5%)
Monsanto Co. -144A*
500 5.875% due 12/01/08 ............................................ 508,030
--------------
Telecommunications (1.3%)
U.S. West Capital Funding, Inc.
800 6.25% due 07/15/05 ............................................. 833,808
WorldCom, Inc
400 6.40% due 08/15/05 ............................................. 417,672
--------------
1,251,480
--------------
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(Identified Cost $3,721,972) ................................... 3,802,620
--------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY
OBLIGATIONS (21.5%)
Federal Farm Credit Banks
1,000 5.90% due 01/10/05 ............................................ 1,035,140
900 5.92% due 12/29/04 ............................................ 935,658
--------------
1,970,798
--------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
32
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS January 31, 1999, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN
THOUSANDS VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Federal Home Loan Banks
$ 1,000 0.00% due 02/25/04 ............................................ $ 773,040
2,000 0.00% due 07/02/12 ............................................ 700,780
1,000 5.88% due 11/25/08 ............................................ 1,008,710
1,200 5.96% due 02/05/08 ............................................ 1,251,024
--------------
3,733,554
--------------
Federal National Mortgage Assoc.
1,000 6.55% due 11/21/07 ............................................ 1,030,070
500 6.75% due 07/30/07 ............................................ 517,850
--------------
1,547,920
--------------
Resolution Funding Corp.
(Coupon Strips)
2,500 0.00% due 04/15/04 + ........................................... 1,944,500
1,500 0.00% due 10/15/04 ............................................ 1,136,955
1,300 0.00% due 01/15/06 ............................................ 920,803
3,000 0.00% due 01/15/08 + ........................................... 1,903,590
--------------
5,905,848
--------------
Tennessee Valley Authority
740 0.00% due 10/15/04 ............................................ 554,023
--------------
U.S. Treasury Notes
500 5.50% due 01/31/03 ............................................ 515,140
1,300 5.50% due 05/31/03 ............................................ 1,342,900
1,500 5.625% due 02/15/06 ........................................... 1,574,925
500 5.75% due 11/30/02 ............................................ 518,570
400 5.875% due 06/30/00 ........................................... 406,540
700 5.875% due 09/30/02 ........................................... 728,161
500 6.25% due 02/15/07 ............................................ 548,645
100 7.125% due 02/29/00 ........................................... 102,542
--------------
5,737,423
--------------
U.S. Treasury Strips
1,500 0.00% due 11/15/04 ............................................ 1,146,015
1,000 0.00% due 02/15/05 ............................................ 752,830
--------------
1,898,845
--------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
(Identified Cost $20,543,778) .................................. 21,348,411
--------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (37.4%)
Federal National Mortgage Assoc. ...............................
$ 1,227 6.00% due 10/01/00 ............................................ $ 1,235,356
1,691 6.00% due 02/01/11-04/01/13 ................................... 1,697,085
1,007 6.00% due 10/01/28 ............................................ 995,372
3,209 6.50% due 03/01/11-06/01/13 ................................... 3,260,066
967 6.50% due 04/01/28-06/01/28 ................................... 975,280
2,068 7.00% due 07/01/11-07/01/12 ................................... 2,117,467
3,714 7.00% due 08/01/25-11/01/27 ................................... 3,795,524
3,441 7.50% due 08/01/23-05/01/27 ................................... 3,543,399
817 8.00% due 05/01/24-07/01/26 ................................... 847,974
--------------
18,467,523
--------------
Government National Mortgage Assoc. I
5,018 6.00% due 06/15/28-12/15/28 ................................... 4,980,104
1,506 7.00% due 09/15/23-08/15/25 ................................... 1,543,238
2,914 7.50% due 08/15/25-10/15/26 ................................... 3,012,623
807 8.00% due 06/15/26-07/15/26 ................................... 840,508
--------------
10,376,473
--------------
Government National Mortgage Assoc. II
3,920 6.50% due 04/20/28-01/20/29 ................................... 3,944,555
2,000 6.50%** ....................................................... 2,012,500
2,327 7.00% due 02/20/26-06/20/27 ................................... 2,373,284
--------------
8,330,339
--------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $36,429,191) .................................. 37,174,335
--------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (4.2%)
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY (a)(1.0%)
1,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
4.72% due 02/11/99
(Amortized Cost $998,689) ..................................... 998,689
--------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (3.2%)
The Bank of New York 4.688% due 02/01/99 (dated 01/29/99;
proceeds $3,217,714)(b)
3,216 (Identified Cost $3,216,457) ................................... 3,216,457
--------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Identified Cost $4,215,146) .................................... 4,215,146
--------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
33
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS January 31, 1999, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE
- --------------------------------- -------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(Identified Cost $93,699,497)(c) . 101.4 % $100,767,712
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER
ASSETS ........................... (1.4) (1,431,009)
-------- --------------
NET ASSETS........................ 100.0 % $ 99,336,703
======== ==============
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors.
** Security was purchased on a forward commitment basis with an
approximate principal amount and no definite maturity date; the
actual principal amount and maturity date will be determined upon
settlement.
+ Some or all of these securities are segregated as collateral for
securities purchased on a forward commitment basis.
(a) Security was purchased on a discount basis. The interest rate shown
has been adjusted to reflect a money market equivalent yield.
(b) Collateralized by $2,759,404 U.S. Treasury Bond 11.75% due 02/15/01
valued at $3,280,786.
(c) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates
identified cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is
$8,336,441 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is
$1,268,226, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $7,068,215.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
34
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
January 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $93,699,497)............................ $100,767,712
Receivable for:
Shares of beneficial interest sold ..................... 513,862
Interest................................................ 429,899
Investments sold........................................ 186,269
Dividends .............................................. 83,841
Deferred organizational expenses ......................... 39,169
Prepaid expenses and other assets ........................ 50,033
--------------
TOTAL ASSETS ........................................... 102,070,785
--------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Investments purchased................................... 2,371,970
Shares of beneficial interest repurchased............... 168,939
Plan of distribution fee ............................... 78,568
Investment management fee .............................. 50,043
Accrued expenses ......................................... 64,562
--------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES ...................................... 2,734,082
--------------
NET ASSETS ............................................. $ 99,336,703
==============
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital........................................... $ 90,671,389
Net unrealized appreciation .............................. 7,068,215
Accumulated undistributed net investment income .......... 266,570
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain............... 1,330,529
--------------
NET ASSETS ............................................. $ 99,336,703
==============
CLASS A SHARES:
Net Assets................................................ $ 5,447,760
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 427,232
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE .............................. $ 12.75
==============
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE,
(net asset value plus 5.54% of net asset value) ....... $ 13.46
==============
CLASS B SHARES:
Net Assets................................................ $ 56,919,022
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 4,468,801
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE .............................. $ 12.74
==============
CLASS C SHARES:
Net Assets................................................ $ 35,290,824
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 2,769,321
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE .............................. $ 12.74
==============
CLASS D SHARES:
Net Assets................................................ $ 1,679,097
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value) 131,659
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE .............................. $ 12.75
==============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
35
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended January 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INCOME
Interest ................................. $3,424,937
Dividends................................. 654,527
------------
TOTAL INCOME ........................... 4,079,464
------------
EXPENSES
Investment management fee................. 493,580
Plan of distribution fee (Class A
shares).................................. 6,486
Plan of distribution fee (Class B
shares).................................. 453,675
Plan of distribution fee (Class C
shares).................................. 318,887
Registration fees......................... 77,575
Transfer agent fees and expenses.......... 64,908
Professional fees......................... 55,560
Shareholder reports and notices........... 41,831
Organizational expenses................... 34,007
Custodian fees............................ 23,732
Trustees' fees and expenses............... 13,378
Other..................................... 9,882
------------
TOTAL EXPENSES ......................... 1,593,501
------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME .................. 2,485,963
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:
Net realized gain......................... 4,548,195
Net change in unrealized appreciation ... 1,158,569
------------
NET GAIN ............................... 5,706,764
------------
NET INCREASE ............................. $8,192,727
============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
36
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 31, 1999 JANUARY 31, 1998*
- ------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................................. $ 2,485,963 $ 1,842,253
Net realized gain...................................... 4,548,195 2,080,032
Net change in unrealized appreciation ................. 1,158,569 3,537,079
---------------- -----------------
NET INCREASE ........................................ 8,192,727 7,459,364
---------------- -----------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A shares ...................................... (90,042) (12,978)
Class B shares ...................................... (1,360,747) (536,334)
Class C shares ...................................... (991,558) (1,293,004)
Class D shares ...................................... (34,394) (219)
Net realized gain
Class A shares ...................................... (188,753) (16,524)
Class B shares ...................................... (2,103,741) (810,058)
Class C shares ...................................... (1,368,093) (1,161,126)
Class D shares ...................................... (58,637) (259)
---------------- -----------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS ................... (6,195,965) (3,830,502)
---------------- -----------------
Net increase from transactions in shares of beneficial
interest.............................................. 32,003,023 13,424,115
---------------- -----------------
NET INCREASE ........................................ 33,999,785 17,052,977
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.................................... 65,336,918 48,283,941
---------------- -----------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment income of
$266,570 and $223,345, respectively)................. $99,336,703 $65,336,918
================ =================
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Class A, Class B and Class D shares were issued July 28, 1997.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
37
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS January 31, 1999
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund (the "Fund"), formerly Dean
Witter Balanced Income Fund, is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as a diversified, open-end management
investment company. The Fund's investment objective is to provide current
income and moderate capital growth. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective
by investing in investment grade fixed income securities and, to a lesser
extent, common stock of companies which have a record of paying dividends and
have the potential for increasing dividends and securities convertible into
common stock. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
November 23, 1994 and commenced operations on March 28, 1995. On July 28,
1997, the Fund commenced offering three additional classes of shares, with
the then current shares, other than shares which were acquired in exchange
for shares of Funds for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. serves
as Investment Manager ("Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds") offered with
either a front-end sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC") and shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and
distributions thereon, designated Class C shares. Shares held prior to July
28, 1997 which were acquired in exchange for shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund sold with a front-end sales charge, including shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends and distributions thereon, have been
designated Class A shares and shares held prior to July 28, 1997 which were
acquired in exchange for shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund sold
with a CDSC, including shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and
distributions thereon, have been designated Class B shares.
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 and 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
38
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS January 31, 1999, continued
(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) 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;
(3) when market quotations are not readily available, including circumstances
under which it is determined by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. (the
"Investment Manager"), formerly Dean Witter InterCapital Inc., that sale or
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); (4) certain portfolio securities may be valued by an
outside pricing service approved by the Trustees. The pricing service may
utilize a matrix system incorporating security quality, maturity and coupon
as the evaluation model parameters, and/or research and evaluations by its
staff, including review of broker-dealer market price quotations, if
available, in determining what it believes is the fair valuation of the
securities valued by such pricing service; 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. Discounts are accreted over the life of the respective securities.
Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
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. 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.
E. 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
39
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS January 31, 1999, continued
income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with
federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principles. These "book/tax" differences are either considered
temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are
permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital
accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do
not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net
investment income and net realized capital gains for financial reporting
purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as dividends in excess of net
investment income or distributions in excess of net realized capital gains.
To the extent they exceed net investment income and net realized capital
gains for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of
paid-in-capital.
F. ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES -- The Investment Manager paid the organizational
expenses of the Fund in the amount of approximately $170,000 of which
approximately $136,000 have been reimbursed. The balance has been absorbed by
the Investment Manager. 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 AGREEMENT
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment
Manager a management fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the
annual rate of 0.60% to the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close
of each business day.
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.
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 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
40
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS January 31, 1999, continued
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 (1) 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; (2) printing and
distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering
of these shares to other than current shareholders; and (3) 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 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 $1,599,291 at January 31,
1999.
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 account executives may be reimbursed in
the subsequent calendar year. For the year ended January 31, 1999, the
distribution fee was accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the
annual rate of 0.24% and 0.95%, respectively.
The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the year ended January 31,
1999, it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions
of the Fund's Class B shares and Class C shares of $52,922 and $19,482,
respectively and received $41,858 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.
41
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS January 31, 1999, continued
4. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
JANUARY 31, 1999 JANUARY 31, 1998+*
----------------------------- -----------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES
Sold ........................................ 443,674 $ 5,539,418 65,442 $ 811,302
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions 7,895 98,394 1,562 19,338
Redeemed .................................... (97,102) (1,234,884) (30,968) (392,193)
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net increase -Class A ....................... 354,467 4,402,928 36,036 438,447
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
CLASS B SHARES
Sold ........................................ 2,624,083 33,324,855 833,271 10,407,565
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions 169,821 2,113,831 64,208 794,863
Redeemed .................................... (1,067,595) (13,526,589) (564,931) (7,045,845)
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net increase -Class B ....................... 1,726,309 21,912,097 332,548 4,156,583
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
CLASS C SHARES
Sold ........................................ 929,718 11,808,519 1,852,659 22,297,952
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions 169,885 2,120,074 173,390 2,105,205
Redeemed .................................... (781,013) (9,857,608) (1,300,934) (15,584,565)
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net increase -Class C ....................... 318,590 4,070,985 725,115 8,818,592
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
CLASS D SHARES
Sold ........................................ 135,950 1,684,078 806 10,015
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions 7,529 93,031 39 478
Redeemed .................................... (12,665) (160,096) -- --
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net increase -Class D ....................... 130,814 1,617,013 845 10,493
------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net increase in Fund ........................ 2,530,180 $ 32,003,023 1,094,544 $ 13,424,115
============= ============== ============= ==============
</TABLE>
- ------------
+
On July 28, 1997, 36,729 shares representing $456,174 were transferred
to Class A and 2,409,944 shares representing $29,931,505 were
transferred to Class B.
*
For Class A, B and D shares, for the period July 28, 1997 (issue date)
through January 31, 1998.
5. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales/maturities/prepayments of
portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended
January 31, 1999 aggregated $51,253,597 and $25,415,154, respectively.
Included in the aforementioned are purchases and sales/maturities/prepayments
of U.S. Government securities of $27,421,393 and $11,655,248, respectively.
42
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS January 31, 1999, continued
For the year ended January 31, 1999, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions
of $15,309 with DWR for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the
Fund. Included at January 31, 1999, in the payable for investments purchased
and receivable for investments sold were $362,668 and $92,222, respectively,
for unsettled trades with DWR.
For the year ended January 31, 1999, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions
of $3,315 with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., an affiliate of the Investment
Manager and Distributor, 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 January 31, 1999, the Fund
had transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $100.
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
As of January 31, 1999, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences
attributable to capital loss deferrals on wash sales and permanent book/tax
differences primarily attributable to nondeductible organizational expenses.
To reflect reclassifications arising from the permanent differences,
paid-in-capital was charged $34,007, accumulated undistributed net realized
gain was credited $4 and accumulated undistributed net investment income was
credited $34,003.
43
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME 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 JANUARY 31
MARCH 28, 1995*
------------------------------------- THROUGH
1999++ 1998**++ 1997 JANUARY 31, 1996
- ---------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS C SHARES
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period .... $12.41 $11.57 $11.34 $10.00
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income .................. 0.38 0.42 0.36 0.38
Net realized and unrealized gain ....... 0.85 1.23 0.50 1.30
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
Total income from investment operations 1.23 1.65 0.86 1.68
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income................... (0.38) (0.40) (0.38) (0.33)
Net realized gain ...................... (0.52) (0.41) (0.25) (0.01)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
Total dividends and distributions ...... (0.90) (0.81) (0.63) (0.34)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------
Net asset value, end of period .......... $12.74 $12.41 $11.57 $11.34
=========== =========== =========== ================
TOTAL RETURN+ ........................... 10.32% 14.42% 7.82% 16.93%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses................................. 1.94%(4) 2.07% 1.88%(3) -- %(2)(3)
Net investment income ................... 3.02%(4) 3.30% 3.49%(3) 5.27%(2)(3)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands . $35,291 $30,402 $48,284 $31,252
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 32% 21% 21% 3%(1)
</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, other than shares which were
acquired in exchange for shares of Funds for which Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. serves as Investment Manager ("Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds") offered with either a front-end sales charge or a
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") and shares acquired through
reinvestment of dividends and distributions thereon, have been
designated Class C shares. Shares held prior to July 28, 1997 which
were acquired in exchange for shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Fund sold with a front-end sales charge, including shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends and distributions thereon, have been
designated Class A shares and shares held prior to July 28, 1997 which
were acquired in exchange for shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Fund sold with a CDSC, including shares acquired through reinvestment
of dividends and distributions thereon, 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) If the Investment Manager had not reimbursed expenses and waived the
management fee, the annualized expense and net investment income ratios
would have been 2.19% and 3.18%, respectively, for the year ended
January 31, 1997 and 2.69% and 2.58%, respectively, for the period
ended January 31, 1996.
(4) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class
specific expenses.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
44
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE YEAR JULY 28, 1997*
ENDED THROUGH
JANUARY 31, 1999 JANUARY 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES++
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period ... $12.41 $12.42
---------------- ----------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income.................. 0.46 0.25
Net realized and unrealized gain ...... 0.87 0.32
---------------- ----------------
Total income from investment
operations............................. 1.33 0.57
---------------- ----------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income.................. (0.47) (0.26)
Net realized gain...................... (0.52) (0.32)
---------------- ----------------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.99) (0.58)
---------------- ----------------
Net asset value, end of period ......... $12.75 $12.41
================ ================
TOTAL RETURN+ .......................... 11.11% 4.60%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses................................ 1.23%(3) 1.43%(2)
Net investment income................... 3.73%(3) 3.92%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in
thousands.............................. $5,448 $903
Portfolio turnover rate................. 32% 21%
CLASS B SHARES++
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period .. $12.41 $12.42
---------------- ----------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income.................. 0.38 0.20
Net realized and unrealized gain ...... 0.85 0.33
---------------- ----------------
Total income from investment
operations............................. 1.23 0.53
---------------- ----------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income.................. (0.38) (0.22)
Net realized gain...................... (0.52) (0.32)
---------------- ----------------
Total dividends and distributions ...... (0.90) (0.54)
---------------- ----------------
Net asset value, end of period ......... $12.74 $12.41
================ ================
TOTAL RETURN+ .......................... 10.32% 4.19%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses................................ 1.99%(3) 2.16%(2)
Net investment income................... 2.97%(3) 3.15%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in
thousands.............................. $56,919 $34,021
Portfolio turnover rate................. 32% 21%
</TABLE>
- ------------
* The date shares were first issued. Shareholders who held shares of the
Fund prior to July 28, 1997 (the date the Fund converted to a multiple
class share structure) should refer to the Financial Highlights of
Class C to obtain the historical per share data and ratio information
of their 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.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
45
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE YEAR JULY 28, 1997*
ENDED THROUGH
JANUARY 31, 1999 JANUARY 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS D SHARES++
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period .... $12.42 $12.42
---------------- ----------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income................... 0.48 0.26
Net realized and unrealized gain ....... 0.87 0.33
---------------- ----------------
Total income from investment operations 1.35 0.59
---------------- ----------------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income................... (0.50) (0.27)
Net realized gain....................... (0.52) (0.32)
---------------- ----------------
Total dividends and distributions ...... (1.02) (0.59)
---------------- ----------------
Net asset value, end of period .......... $12.75 $12.42
================ ================
TOTAL RETURN+ ........................... 11.27% 4.79% (1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses................................. 0.99% (3) 1.16% (2)
Net investment income.................... 3.97% (3) 4.15% (2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands . $1,679 $10
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 32% 21%
</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
expenses.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
46
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME 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 Balanced Income Fund (the "Fund"), formerly Dean Witter Balanced
Income Fund, at January 31, 1999, 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
indicated, 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 January 31, 1999 by correspondence with the
custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
March 10, 1999
1999 FEDERAL TAX NOTICE (unaudited)
During the year ended January 31, 1999, the Fund paid to its
shareholders $0.52 per share from long-term capital gains. For such
period, 24.48% of the income paid qualified for the dividends received
deduction available to corporations.
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
PART C OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. EXHIBITS
1. Form of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the
Registrant.
2. Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated
January 28, 1999.
4. Form of Amended Investment Management Agreement between the
Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
5.(a) Form of Amended Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
5.(b) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement.
7. Form of Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service
Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB.
8. Form of Amended Services Agreement between Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Services Company Inc.
10. Consent of Independent Accountants.
14. Financial Data Schedules.
15. Amended Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All other exhibits were previously filed via EDGAR and are hereby incorporated
by reference.
Item 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND
None
Item 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust and
under Section 4.8 of the Registrant's By-Laws, the indemnification of the
Registrant's trustees, officers, employees and agents is permitted if it is
determined that they acted under the belief that their actions were in or not
opposed to the best interest of the Registrant, and, with respect to any
criminal proceeding, they had reasonable cause to believe their conduct was not
unlawful. In addition, indemnification is permitted only if it is determined
that the actions in question did not render them liable by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties or
by reason of reckless disregard of their obligations and duties to the
Registrant. Trustees, officers, employees and agents will be indemnified for
the expense of litigation if it is
<PAGE>
determined that they are entitled to indemnification against any liability
established in such litigation. The Registrant may also advance money for these
expenses provided that they give their undertakings to repay the Registrant
unless their conduct is later determined to permit indemnification.
Pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust and
paragraph 8 of the Registrant's Investment Management Agreement, neither the
Investment Manager nor any trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant
shall be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of bad
faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to
the Registrant.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a trustee, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant
in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted against the Registrant by such trustee, officer or controlling person
in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification
provision of its by-laws in a manner consistent with Release 11330 of the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, so
long as the interpretation of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remains in
effect.
Registrant, in conjunction with the Investment Manager, Registrant's
Trustees, and other registered investment management companies managed by the
Investment Manager, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of Registrant, or who is or was serving at
the request of Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of
another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against him and
incurred by him or arising out of his position. However, in no event will
Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which
Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him.
2
<PAGE>
Item 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR
See "The Fund and Its Management" in the Prospectus regarding the
business of the investment advisor. The following information is given
regarding officers of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. ("MSDW
Advisors"). MSDW Advisors is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. The principal address of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds is
Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.
The term "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds" refers to the following
registered investment companies:
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
- -------------------------------
(1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Insured Municipal Income Trust
(2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Quality Municipal Securities
(3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Government Income Trust
(4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust II
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust III
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Securities Inc.
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured California Municipal Securities
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Income Trust
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Securities
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Trust
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust II
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust III
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust II
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust III
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Premium Income Trust
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Quality Municipal Securities
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Prime Income Trust
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Investment Trust
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Securities
OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
- -----------------------------
(1) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(2) Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(3) Active Assets Money Trust
(4) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS PORTFOLIO"
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
3
<PAGE>
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
(25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
(28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
(29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
(30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
(31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
(33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
(35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
(37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
(38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
(44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
(45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
(47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
(48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
(49) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
(50) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(51) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(52) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(53) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
(54) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(55) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(56) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(57) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(58) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(59) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
(60) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(61) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
4
<PAGE>
The term "TCW/DW Funds" refers to the following registered investment companies:
OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
- -----------------------------
(1) TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust
(2) TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
(3) TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund
(4) TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
(5) TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
(6) TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
(7) TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
(8) TCW/DW Total Return Trust
CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
- -------------------------------
(1) TCW/DW Term Trust 2000
(2) TCW/DW Term Trust 2002
(3) TCW/DW Term Trust 2003
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Mitchell M. Merin President and Chief Operating Officer of Asset
President, Chief Management of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
Executive Officer and ("MSDW); Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Director of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. ("MSDW
Distributors") and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
("MSDW Trust"); President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company
Inc. ("MSDW Services"); Vice President of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series; Executive Vice President and
Director of Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"); Director of
various MSDW subsidiaries.
Joseph J. McAlinden Vice President of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds
Executive Vice President and Discover Brokerage Index Series; Director of MSDW
and Chief Investment Trust.
Officer
Ronald E. Robison Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and
Executive Vice President, Director of MSDW Services; Vice President of the Morgan
Chief Administrative Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Officer and Director Brokerage Index Series.
Edward C. Oelsner, III
Executive Vice President
John Van Heuvelen President of MSDW Trust
Executive Vice President
5
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Barry Fink Assistant Secretary of DWR; Senior Vice President,
Senior Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel and Director of MSDW
Secretary, General Services; Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
Counsel and Director Assistant General Counsel of MSDW Distributors; Vice
President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series.
Peter M. Avelar Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Mark Bavoso Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Douglas Brown
Senior Vice President
Rosalie Clough
Senior Vice President
and Director of Marketing
Richard Felegy
Senior Vice President
Edward F. Gaylor Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Robert S. Giambrone Senior Vice President of MSDW Services, MSDW
Senior Vice President Distributors and MSDW Trust and Director of MSDW Trust;
Vice President of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds,
TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Rajesh K. Gupta Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Kenton J. Hinchliffe Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Kevin Hurley Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Margaret Iannuzzi
Senior Vice President
Jenny Beth Jones Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
6
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Michelle Kaufman Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
John B. Kemp, III President of MSDW Distributors.
Senior Vice President
Anita H. Kolleeny Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Jonathan R. Page Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Ira N. Ross Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Guy G. Rutherfurd, Jr. Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Rochelle G. Siegel Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
James Solloway
Senior Vice President
Jayne M. Stevlingson Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Paul D. Vance Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Elizabeth A. Vetell
Senior Vice President
and Director of Shareholder
Communication
James F. Willison Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Senior Vice President Funds.
Frank Bruttomesso First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President and Services; Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the
Assistant Secretary Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and
Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Toby Burroughs
First Vice President
7
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Thomas F. Caloia First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of
First Vice President MSDW Services; Assistant Treasurer of MSDW
and Assistant Distributors; Treasurer and Chief Financial and Accounting
Treasurer Officer of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds,
TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Thomas Chronert
First Vice President
Marilyn K. Cranney Assistant Secretary of DWR; First Vice President and
First Vice President Assistant Secretary of MSDW Services; Assistant
and Assistant Secretary Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage
Index Series.
Salvatore DeSteno First Vice President of MSDW Services.
First Vice President
Peter W. Gurman
First Vice President
Michael Interrante First Vice President and Controller of MSDW Services;
First Vice President Assistant Treasurer of MSDW Distributors; First Vice
and Controller President and Treasurer of MSDW Trust.
David Johnson
First Vice President
Stanley Kapica
First Vice President
Lou Anne D. McInnis First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President and Services; Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the
Assistant Secretary Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and
Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Carsten Otto First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President Services; Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the
and Assistant Secretary Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and
Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Ruth Rossi First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
First Vice President and Services; Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors the
Assistant Secretary Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and
Discover Brokerage Index Series.
8
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
James P. Wallin
First Vice President
Robert Zimmerman
First Vice President
Dale Albright
Vice President
Joan G. Allman
Vice President
Andrew Arbenz
Vice President
Joseph Arcieri Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Armon Bar-Tur
Vice President
Raymond Basile
Vice President
Nancy Belza
Vice President
Maurice Bendrihem
Vice President and
Assistant Controller
Dale Boettcher
Vice President
Ronald Caldwell
Vice President
Joseph Cardwell
Vice President
Liam Carroll
Vice President
Philip Casparius
Vice President
9
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Aaron Clark
Vice President
William Connerly
Vice President
David Dineen
Vice President
Sheila Finnerty
Vice President
Jeffrey D. Geffen
Vice President
Sandra Gelpieryn
Vice President
Michael Geringer
Vice President
Gail Gerrity
Vice President
Ellen Gold
Vice President
Stephen Greenhut
Vice President
Matthew Haynes Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Peter Hermann Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
David T. Hoffman
Vice President
Christopher Jones
Vice President
Kevin Jung
Vice President
Carol Espejo-Kane
Vice President
10
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Nancy Kennedy
Vice President
Doug Ketterer
Vice President
Paula LaCosta Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Kimberly LaHart
Vice President
Thomas Lawlor
Vice President
Todd Lebo Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW
Vice President and Services; Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the
Assistant Secretary Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and
Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Gerard J. Lian Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Nancy Login
Vice President
Sharon Loquercio
Vice President
Steven MacNamara
Vice President
Catherine Maniscalco Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural
Vice President Resource Development Securities Inc.
Albert McGarity
Vice President
Teresa McRoberts Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500
Vice President Select Fund.
Mark Mitchell
Vice President
Julie Morrone
Vice President
11
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Mary Beth Mueller
Vice President
David Myers Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural
Vice President Resource Development Securities Inc.
James Nash
Vice President
Richard Norris
Vice President
George Paoletti Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Anne Pickrell Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Dawn Rorke
Vice President
John Roscoe Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Real Estate Fund
Hugh Rose
Vice President
Robert Rossetti Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Carl F. Sadler
Vice President
Deborah Santaniello
Vice President
Patrice Saunders
Vice President
Howard A. Schloss Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal
Vice President Securities Trust.
Peter J. Seeley Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Robert Stearns
Vice President
12
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Naomi Stein
Vice President
Michael Strayhorn
Vice President
Kathleen H. Stromberg Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
Marybeth Swisher
Vice President
Stuart Taylor
Vice President
Michael Thayer
Vice President
Robert Vanden Assem
Vice President
Alice Weiss Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Vice President Funds.
John Wong
Vice President
</TABLE>
Item 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. ("MSDW Distributors"), a
Delaware corporation, is the principal underwriter of the Registrant. MSDW
Distributors is also the principal underwriter of the following investment
companies:
(1) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(2) Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(3) Active Assets Money Trust
(4) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS PORTFOLIO"
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
13
<PAGE>
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
(25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
(28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
(29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
(30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
(31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
(33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
(35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
(37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
(38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
(44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Prime Income Trust
(45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
(46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
(48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
(49) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(50) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(51) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(52) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
(53) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(54) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(55) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(56) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(57) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(58) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
(59) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(60) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
(1) TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust
(2) TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
(3) TCW/DW Income and Growth
(4) TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
14
<PAGE>
(5) TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
(6) TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
(7) TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
(8) TCW/DW Total Return Trust
(b) The following information is given regarding directors and officers of
MSDW Distributors not listed in Item 26 above. The principal address of MSDW
Distributors is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Other than
Mr. Purcell, who is a Trustee of the Registrant, none of the following persons
has any position or office with the Registrant.
Name Positions and Office with MSDW Distributors
- ---- -------------------------------------------
Christine A. Edwards Executive Vice President, Secretary, Director and
Chief Legal Officer.
Michael T. Gregg Vice President and Assistant Secretary.
James F. Higgins Director
Fredrick K. Kubler Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief
Compliance Officer.
Philip J. Purcell Director
John Schaeffer Director
Charles Vadala Senior Vice President and Financial Principal.
Item 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder are
maintained by the Investment Manager at its offices, except records relating to
holders of shares issued by the Registrant, which are maintained by the
Registrant's Transfer Agent, at its place of business as shown in the
prospectus.
Item 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Registrant is not a party to any such management-related service
contract.
Item 30. UNDERTAKINGS
None.
15
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it has duly caused
this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York
and State of New York on the 31st day of March, 1999.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
BALANCED INCOME FUND
By /s/ Barry Fink
--------------------------------
Barry Fink
Vice President and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
(1) Principal Executive Officer President, Chief
Executive Officer,
Trustee and Chairman
By /s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo 3/31/99
------------------------------
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
(2) Principal Financial Officer Treasurer and Principal
Accounting Officer
By /s/ Thomas F. Caloia 3/31/99
------------------------------
Thomas F. Caloia
(3) Majority of the Trustees
Charles A. Fiumefreddo (Chairman)
Philip J. Purcell
By /s/ Barry Fink 3/31/99
------------------------------
Barry Fink
Attorney-in-Fact
Michael Bozic Manuel H. Johnson
Edwin J. Garn Michael E. Nugent
John R. Haire John L. Schroeder
Wayne E. Hedien
By /s/David M. Butowsky 3/31/99
------------------------------
David M. Butowsky
Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
EXHIBIT INDEX
1. Form of Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Registrant.
2. Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant dated
January 28, 1999.
4. Form of Amended Investment Management Agreement between the
Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
5.(a) Form of Amended Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
5.(b) Form of Selected Dealer Agreement.
7. Form of Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB.
8. Form of Amended Services Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company
Inc.
10. Consent of Independent Accountants
14. Financial Data Schedules.
15. Amended Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the Secretary of Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund (the "Trust"), an unincorporated business trust organized
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that annexed hereto is an
Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Trust adopted by the Trustees of
the Trust on April 30, 1998 as provided in Section 9.3 of the said Declaration,
said Amendment to take effect on June 22, 1998, and I do hereby further certify
that such amendment has not been amended and is on the date hereof in full force
and effect.
Dated this 22nd day of June, 1998.
----------------------------------------
Barry Fink
Secretary
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT
Dated: June 22, 1998
To be Effective: June 22, 1998
TO
DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
DECLARATION OF TRUST
DATED
NOVEMBER 22, 1994
<PAGE>
Amendment dated June 22, 1998 to the Declaration of Trust
(the "Declaration") of Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund (the "Trust")
dated November 22, 1994
WHEREAS, the Trust was established by the Declaration on the date
hereinabove set forth under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Trust have deemed it advisable to change the
name of the Trust to "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund," such
change to be effective on June 22,1998;
NOW, THEREFORE:
1. Section 1.1 of Article I of the Declaration is hereby amended so that
that Section shall read in its entirety as follows:
"Section 1.1. NAME. The name of the Trust created hereby is the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund and so far as may be
practicable the Trustees shall conduct the Trust's activities, execute
all documents and sue or be sued under that name, which name (and the
word "Trust" whenever herein used) shall refer to the Trustees as
Trustees, and not as individuals, or personally, and shall not refer
to the officers, agents, employees or Shareholders of the Trust.
Should the Trustees determine that the use of such name is not
advisable, they may use such other name for the Trust as they deem
proper and the Trust may hold its property and conduct its activities
under such other name."
2. Subsection (o) of Section 1.2 of Article I of the Declaration is hereby
amended so that that subsection shall read in its entirety as follows:
"Section 1.2. DEFINITIONS. . .
"(o) "TRUST" means the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income
Fund."
3. Section 11.7 of Article I of the Declaration is hereby amended so that
that section shall read as follows:
"Section 11.7. USE OF THE NAME "MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER." Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter & Co. ("MSDW") has consented to the use by the
Trust of the identifying name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter," which is a
property right of MSDW. The Trust will only use the name "Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter" as a component of its name and for no other
purpose, and will not purport to grant to any third party the right to
use the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" for any purpose. MSDW, or
any
<PAGE>
corporate affiliate of MSDW, may use or grant to others the right to
use the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter," or any combination or
abbreviation thereof, as all or a portion of a corporate or business
name or for any commercial purpose, including a grant of such right to
any other investment company. At the request of MSDW or any corporate
affiliate of MSDW, the Trust will take such action as may be required
to provide its consent to the use of the name "Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter," or any combination or abbreviation thereof, by MSDW or any
corporate affiliate of MSDW, or by any person to whom MSDW or a
corporate affiliate of MSDW shall have granted the right to such use.
Upon the termination of any investment advisory agreement into which a
corporate affiliate of MSDW and the Trust may enter, the Trust shall,
upon request of MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, cease to use
the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" as a component of its name, and
shall not use the name, or any combination or abbreviation thereof, as
part of its name or for any other commercial purpose, and shall cause
its officers, Trustees and Shareholders to take any and all actions
which MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW may request to effect
the foregoing and to reconvey to MSDW any and all rights to such
name."
4. The Trustees of the Trust hereby reaffirm the Declaration, as amended,
in all respects.
5. This Amendment may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same document.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, the Trustees of the Trust, have executed
this instrument this 22nd day of June, 1998.
/s/ Michael Bozic /s/ Manuel H. Johnson
- ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
Michael Bozic, as Trustee Manuel H. Johnson, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
c/o Levitz Furniture Corp. c/o Johnson Smick International Inc.
6111 Broken Sound Parkway, NW 1133 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487 Washington, D.C. 20036
/s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo /s/ Michael E. Nugent
- ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
Charles A. Fiumefreddo, as Trustee Michael E. Nugent, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
Two World Trade Center c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.
New York, NY 10048 237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
/s/ Edwin J. Garn /s/ Philip J. Purcell
- ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
Edwin J. Garn, as Trustee Philip J. Purcell, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
c/o Huntsman Corporation 1585 Broadway
500 Huntsman Way New York, NY 10036
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
/s/ John R. Haire /s/ John L. Schroeder
- ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
John R. Haire, as Trustee John L. Schroeder, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
Two World Trade Center c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen
New York, NY 10048 Shalov & Wein
Counsel to the Independent Trustees
114 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
/s/ Wayne E. Hedien
- ------------------------------------
Wayne E. Hedien, as Trustee
and not individually
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen
Shalov & Wein
Counsel to the Independent Trustees
114 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
<PAGE>
STATE OF NEW YORK )
)ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
On this 22nd day of June, 1998, MICHAEL BOZIC, CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO, EDWIN J.
GARN, JOHN R. HAIRE, WAYNE E. HEDIEN, MANUEL H. JOHNSON, MICHAEL E. NUGENT,
PHILIP J. PURCELL and JOHN L. SCHROEDER, known to me to be the individuals
described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, personally appeared
before me and they severally acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be their
free act and deed.
/s/ Marilyn K. Cranney
----------------------------------------
Notary Public
MARILYN K. CRANNEY
NOTARY PUBLIC, State of New York
No. 24-4795538
Qualified in Kings County
Commission Expires May 31, 1999
<PAGE>
BY-LAWS
OF
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF JANUARY 28, 1999
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The terms "COMMISSION," "DECLARATION," "DISTRIBUTOR," "INVESTMENT ADVISER,"
"MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER VOTE," "1940 ACT," "SHAREHOLDER," "SHARES," "TRANSFER
AGENT," "TRUST," "TRUST PROPERTY," and "TRUSTEES" have the respective meanings
given them in the Declaration of Trust of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced
Income Fund dated November 22, 1994, as amended from time to time.
ARTICLE II
OFFICES
SECTION 2.1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. Until changed by the Trustees, the principal
office of the Trust in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be in the City of
Boston, County of Suffolk.
SECTION 2.2. OTHER OFFICES. In addition to its principal office in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Trust may have an office or offices in the
City of New York, State of New York, and at such other places within and without
the Commonwealth as the Trustees may from time to time designate or the business
of the Trust may require.
ARTICLE III
SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS
SECTION 3.1. PLACE OF MEETINGS. Meetings of Shareholders shall be held at
such place, within or without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as may be
designated from time to time by the Trustees.
SECTION 3.2. MEETINGS. Meetings of Shareholders of the Trust shall be held
whenever called by the Trustees or the President of the Trust and whenever
election of a Trustee or Trustees by Shareholders is required by the provisions
of Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act, for that purpose. Meetings of Shareholders
shall also be called by the Secretary upon the written request of the holders of
Shares entitled to vote as otherwise required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act
and to the extent required by the corporate or business statute of any state in
which the Shares of the Trust are sold, as made applicable to the Trust by the
provisions of Section 2.3 of the Declaration. Such request shall state the
purpose or purposes of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on
thereat. Except to the extent otherwise required by Section 16(c) of the 1940
Act, as made applicable to the Trust by the provisions of Section 2.3 of the
Declaration, the Secretary shall inform such Shareholders of the reasonable
estimated cost of preparing and mailing such notice of the meeting, and upon
payment to the Trust of such costs, the Secretary shall give notice stating the
purpose or purposes of the meeting to all entitled to vote at such meeting. No
meeting need be called upon the request of the holders of Shares entitled to
cast less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such meeting, to
consider any matter which is substantially the same as a matter voted upon at
any meeting of Shareholders held during the preceding twelve months.
SECTION 3.3. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Written or printed notice of every
Shareholders' meeting stating the place, date, and purpose or purposes thereof,
shall be given by the Secretary not less than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90)
days before such meeting to each Shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting.
Such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States
mail, postage prepaid, directed to the Shareholder at his address as it appears
on the records of the Trust.
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SECTION 3.4. QUORUM AND ADJOURNMENT OF MEETINGS. Except as otherwise provided
by law, by the Declaration or by these By-Laws, at all meetings of Shareholders,
the holders of a majority of the Shares issued and outstanding and entitled to
vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall be requisite and
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a
quorum, the Shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote
thereat shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time. The
Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at any meeting and
entitled to vote thereat also shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from
time to time if the vote required to approve or reject any proposal described in
the original notice of such meeting is not obtained (with proxies being voted
for or against adjournment consistent with the votes for and against the
proposal for which the required vote has not been obtained). The affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the Shares then present in person or
represented by proxy shall be required to adjourn any meeting. Any adjourned
meeting may be reconvened without further notice or change in record date. At
any reconvened meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be
transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
SECTION 3.5. VOTING RIGHTS, PROXIES. At each meeting of Shareholders, each
holder of record of Shares entitled to vote thereat shall be entitled to one
vote in person or by proxy for each Share of beneficial interest of the Trust
and for the fractional portion of one vote for each fractional Share entitled to
vote so registered in his or her name on the records of the Trust on the date
fixed as the record date for the determination of Shareholders entitled to vote
at such meeting. Without limiting the manner in which a Shareholder may
authorize another person or persons to act for such Shareholder as proxy
pursuant hereto, the following shall constitute a valid means by which a
Shareholder may grant such authority:
(i) A Shareholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or
persons to act for such Shareholder as proxy. Execution may be
accomplished by the Shareholder or such Shareholder's authorized
officer, director, employee, attorney-in-fact or another agent signing
such writing or causing such person's signature to be affixed to such
writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, by
facsimile or telecopy signature. No written evidence of authority of a
Shareholder's authorized officer, director, employee, attorney-in-fact
or other agent shall be required; and
(ii) A Shareholder may authorize another person or persons to act for
such Shareholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the
transmission of a telegram or cablegram or by other means of
telephonic, electronic or computer transmission to the person who will
be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy
support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the
person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such
transmission, provided that any such telegram or cablegram or other
means of telephonic, electronic or computer transmission must either
set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be
determined that the telegram, cablegram or other transmission was
authorized by the Shareholder.
No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from its date, unless otherwise
provided in the proxy. At all meetings of Shareholders, unless the voting is
conducted by inspectors, all questions relating to the qualification of voters
and the validity of proxies and the acceptance or rejection of votes shall be
decided by the chairman of the meeting. In determining whether a telegram,
cablegram or other electronic transmission is valid, the chairman or inspector,
as the case may be, shall specify the information upon which he or she relied.
Pursuant to a resolution of a majority of the Trustees, proxies may be solicited
in the name of one or more Trustees or Officers of the Trust. Proxy
solicitations may be made in writing or by using telephonic or other electronic
solicitation procedures that include appropriate methods of verifying the
identity of the Shareholder and confirming any instructions given thereby.
SECTION 3.6. VOTE REQUIRED. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the
Declaration of Trust, or by these By-Laws, at each meeting of Shareholders at
which a quorum is present, all matters shall be decided by Majority Shareholder
Vote.
SECTION 3.7. INSPECTORS OF ELECTION. In advance of any meeting of
Shareholders, the Trustees may appoint Inspectors of Election to act at the
meeting or any adjournment thereof. If Inspectors of Election are not so
appointed, the chairman of any meeting of Shareholders may, and on the request
of any
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Shareholder or his proxy shall, appoint Inspectors of Election of the meeting.
In case any person appointed as Inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to
act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Trustees in advance of
the convening of the meeting or at the meeting by the person acting as chairman.
The Inspectors of Election shall determine the number of Shares outstanding, the
Shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the authenticity,
validity and effect of proxies, shall receive votes, ballots or consents, shall
hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection
with the right to vote, shall count and tabulate all votes or consents,
determine the results, and do such other acts as may be proper to conduct the
election or vote with fairness to all Shareholders. On request of the chairman
of the meeting, or of any Shareholder or his proxy, the Inspectors of Election
shall make a report in writing of any challenge or question or matter determined
by them and shall execute a certificate of any facts found by them.
SECTION 3.8. INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. Shareholders shall have such
rights and procedures of inspection of the books and records of the Trust as are
granted to Shareholders under Section 32 of the Business Corporation Law of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SECTION 3.9. ACTION BY SHAREHOLDERS WITHOUT MEETING. Except as otherwise
provided by law, the provisions of these By-Laws relating to notices and
meetings to the contrary notwithstanding, any action required or permitted to be
taken at any meeting of Shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a
majority of the Shareholders entitled to vote upon the action consent to the
action in writing and such consents are filed with the records of the Trust.
Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of
Shareholders.
SECTION 3.10. PRESENCE AT MEETINGS. Presence at meetings of shareholders
requires physical attendance by the shareholder or his or her proxy at the
meeting site and does not encompass attendance by telephonic or other electronic
means.
ARTICLE IV
TRUSTEES
SECTION 4.1. MEETINGS OF THE TRUSTEES. The Trustees may in their discretion
provide for regular or special meetings of the Trustees. Regular meetings of the
Trustees may be held at such time and place as shall be determined from time to
time by the Trustees without further notice. Special meetings of the Trustees
may be called at any time by the Chairman and shall be called by the Chairman or
the Secretary upon the written request of any two (2) Trustees.
SECTION 4.2. NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS. Written notice of special meetings
of the Trustees, stating the place, date and time thereof, shall be given not
less than two (2) days before such meeting to each Trustee, personally, by
telegram, by mail, or by leaving such notice at his place of residence or usual
place of business. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when
deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the Trustee at
his address as it appears on the records of the Trust. Subject to the provisions
of the 1940 Act, notice or waiver of notice need not specify the purpose of any
special meeting.
SECTION 4.3. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act,
any Trustee, or any member or members of any committee designated by the
Trustees, may participate in a meeting of the Trustees, or any such committee,
as the case may be, by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the
same time. Participation in a meeting by these means constitutes presence in
person at the meeting.
SECTION 4.4. QUORUM, VOTING AND ADJOURNMENT OF MEETINGS. At all meetings of
the Trustees, a majority of the Trustees shall be requisite to and shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is present, the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees present shall be the act of the
Trustees, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is expressly required
for such action by law, the Declaration or these By-Laws. If at any meeting of
the Trustees there be less than a quorum present, the Trustees present thereat
may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than
announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall have been obtained.
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SECTION 4.5. ACTION BY TRUSTEES WITHOUT MEETING. The provisions of these
By-Laws covering notices and meetings to the contrary notwithstanding, and
except as required by law, any action required or permitted to be taken at any
meeting of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing
setting forth the action shall be signed by all of the Trustees entitled to vote
upon the action and such written consent is filed with the minutes of
proceedings of the Trustees.
SECTION 4.6. EXPENSES AND FEES. Each Trustee may be allowed expenses, if any,
for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Trustees, and each
Trustee who is not an officer or employee of the Trust or of its investment
manager or underwriter or of any corporate affiliate of any of said persons
shall receive for services rendered as a Trustee of the Trust such compensation
as may be fixed by the Trustees. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to
preclude any Trustee from serving the Trust in any other capacity and receiving
compensation therefor.
SECTION 4.7. EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS AND DOCUMENTS AND SIGNING OF CHECKS
AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND TRANSFERS. All instruments, documents and other papers
shall be executed in the name and on behalf of the Trust and all checks, notes,
drafts and other obligations for the payment of money by the Trust shall be
signed, and all transfer of securities standing in the name of the Trust shall
be executed, by the Chairman, the President, any Vice President or the Treasurer
or by any one or more officers or agents of the Trust as shall be designated for
that purpose by vote of the Trustees; notwithstanding the above, nothing in this
Section 4.7 shall be deemed to preclude the electronic authorization, by
designated persons, of the Trust's Custodian (as described herein in Section
9.1) to transfer assets of the Trust, as provided for herein in Section 9.1.
SECTION 4.8. INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. (a)
The Trust shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than
an action by or in the right of the Trust) by reason of the fact that he is or
was a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Trust. The indemnification
shall be against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, and
amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with the action, suit, or proceeding, if he acted in good faith and
in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any
action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a
plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust,
and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to
believe that his conduct was unlawful.
(b) The Trust shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or on behalf of the Trust to obtain a judgment or decree in its favor by
reason of the fact that he is or was a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of
the Trust. The indemnification shall be against expenses, including attorneys'
fees actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or
settlement of the action or suit, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust;
except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue, or
matter as to which the person has been adjudged to be liable for negligence or
misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Trust, except to the extent
that the court in which the action or suit was brought, or a court of equity in
the county in which the Trust has its principal office, determines upon
application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all
circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for those expenses which the court shall deem proper, provided such
Trustee, officer, employee or agent is not adjudged to be liable by reason of
his willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
(c) To the extent that a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Trust
has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in subsection (a) or (b) or in defense of any claim,
issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses, including
attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
therewith.
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(d) (1) Unless a court orders otherwise, any indemnification under
subsections (a) or (b) of this section may be made by the Trust only as
authorized in the specific case after a determination that indemnification of
the Trustee, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because
he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) or
(b).
(2) The determination shall be made:
(i) By the Trustees, by a majority vote of a quorum which consists of
Trustees who were not parties to the action, suit or proceeding; or
(ii) If the required quorum is not obtainable, or if a quorum of
disinterested Trustees so directs, by independent legal counsel in a
written opinion; or
(iii) By the Shareholders.
(3) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 4.8, no person shall
be entitled to indemnification for any liability, whether or not there is
an adjudication of liability, arising by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties as described
in Section 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
("disabling conduct"). A person shall be deemed not liable by reason of
disabling conduct if, either:
(i) a final decision on the merits is made by a court or other body
before whom the proceeding was brought that the person to be indemnified
("indemnitee") was not liable by reason of disabling conduct; or
(ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination,
based upon a review of the facts, that the indemnitee was not liable by
reason of disabling conduct, is made by either--
(A) a majority of a quorum of Trustees who are neither "interested
persons" of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, nor parties to the action, suit or
proceeding, or
(B) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
(e) Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by a Trustee, officer,
employee or agent of the Trust in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or
proceeding may be paid by the Trust in advance of the final disposition thereof
if:
(1) authorized in the specific case by the Trustees; and
(2) the Trust receives an undertaking by or on behalf of the Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust to repay the advance if it is not
ultimately determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified by
the Trust; and
(3) either, (i) such person provides a security for his undertaking,
or
(ii) the Trust is insured against losses by reason of any lawful
advances, or
(iii) a determination, based on a review of readily available
facts, that there is reason to believe that such person ultimately
will be found entitled to indemnification, is made by either--
(A) a majority of a quorum which consists of Trustees who are
neither "interested persons" of the Trust, as defined in Section
2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, nor parties to the action, suit or
proceeding, or
(B) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
(f) The indemnification provided by this Section shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which a person may be entitled under any
by-law, agreement, vote of Shareholders or disinterested Trustees or otherwise,
both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity
while holding the office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be
a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent and inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors and administrators of such person; provided that no
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person may satisfy any right of indemnity or reimbursement granted herein or to
which he may be otherwise entitled except out of the property of the Trust, and
no Shareholder shall be personally liable with respect to any claim for
indemnity or reimbursement or otherwise.
(g) The Trust may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who
is or was a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Trust, against any
liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or
arising out of his status as such. However, in no event will the Trust purchase
insurance to indemnify any officer or Trustee against liability for any act for
which the Trust itself is not permitted to indemnify him.
(h) Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to protect any
Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability to the Trust or to its
security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his office.
ARTICLE V
COMMITTEES
SECTION 5.1. EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES. The Trustees, by resolution
adopted by a majority of the Trustees, may designate an Executive Committee
and/or committees, each committee to consist of two (2) or more of the Trustees
of the Trust and may delegate to such committees, in the intervals between
meetings of the Trustees, any or all of the powers of the Trustees in the
management of the business and affairs of the Trust. In the absence of any
member of any such committee, the members thereof present at any meeting,
whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint a Trustee to act in place
of such absent member. Each such committee shall keep a record of its
proceedings.
The Executive Committee and any other committee shall fix its own rules or
procedure, but the presence of at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of
the whole committee shall in each case be necessary to constitute a quorum of
the committee and the affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the
committee present at the meeting shall be necessary to take action.
All actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the Trustees at
the meeting thereof next succeeding to the taking of such action.
SECTION 5.2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The Trustees may appoint an advisory
committee which shall be composed of persons who do not serve the Trust in any
other capacity and which shall have advisory functions with respect to the
investments of the Trust but which shall have no power to determine that any
security or other investment shall be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of
by the Trust. The number of persons constituting any such advisory committee
shall be determined from time to time by the Trustees. The members of any such
advisory committee may receive compensation for their services and may be
allowed such fees and expenses for the attendance at meetings as the Trustees
may from time to time determine to be appropriate.
SECTION 5.3. COMMITTEE ACTION WITHOUT MEETING. The provisions of these
By-Laws covering notices and meetings to the contrary notwithstanding, and
except as required by law, any action required or permitted to be taken at any
meeting of any Committee of the Trustees appointed pursuant to Section 5.1 of
these By-Laws may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting
forth the action shall be signed by all members of the Committee entitled to
vote upon the action and such written consent is filed with the records of the
proceedings of the Committee.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
SECTION 6.1. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. The executive officers of the Trust shall be
a Chairman, a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a
Treasurer. The Chairman shall be selected from among the Trustees but none of
the other executive officers need be a Trustee. Two or more offices, except
those of President and any Vice President, may be held by the same person, but
no officer shall execute,
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acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity. The executive
officers of the Trust shall be elected annually by the Trustees and each
executive officer so elected shall hold office until his successor is elected
and has qualified.
SECTION 6.2. OTHER OFFICERS AND AGENTS. The Trustees may also elect one or
more Assistant Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers
and may elect, or may delegate to the Chairman the power to appoint, such other
officers and agents as the Trustees shall at any time or from time to time deem
advisable.
SECTION 6.3. TERM AND REMOVAL AND VACANCIES. Each officer of the Trust shall
hold office until his successor is elected and has qualified. Any officer or
agent of the Trust may be removed by the Trustees whenever, in their judgment,
the best interests of the Trust will be served thereby, but such removal shall
be without prejudice to the contractual rights, if any, of the person so
removed.
SECTION 6.4. COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS. The compensation of officers and
agents of the Trust shall be fixed by the Trustees, or by the Chairman to the
extent provided by the Trustees with respect to officers appointed by the
Chairman.
SECTION 6.5. POWER AND DUTIES. All officers and agents of the Trust, as
between themselves and the Trust, shall have such authority and perform such
duties in the management of the Trust as may be provided in or pursuant to these
By-Laws, or to the extent not so provided, as may be prescribed by the Trustees;
provided, that no rights of any third party shall be affected or impaired by any
such By-Law or resolution of the Trustees unless he has knowledge thereof.
SECTION 6.6. THE CHAIRMAN. (a) The Chairman shall be the chief executive
officer of the Trust; he shall preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and
of the Trustees; he shall have general and active management of the business of
the Trust, shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Trustees are carried
into effect, and, in connection therewith, shall be authorized to delegate to
the President or to one or more Vice Presidents such of his powers and duties at
such times and in such manner as he may deem advisable; he shall be a signatory
on all Annual and Semi-Annual Reports as may be sent to shareholders, and he
shall perform such other duties as the Trustees may from time to time prescribe.
(b) In the absence of the Chairman, the Board shall determine who shall
preside at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board of Trustees.
SECTION 6.7. THE PRESIDENT. The President shall perform such duties as the
Board of Trustees and the Chairman may from time to time prescribe.
SECTION 6.8. THE VICE PRESIDENTS. The Vice Presidents shall be of such number
and shall have such titles as may be determined from time to time by the
Trustees. The Vice President, or, if there be more than one, the Vice Presidents
in the order of their seniority as may be determined from time to time by the
Trustees or the Chairman, shall, in the absence or disability of the President,
exercise the powers and perform the duties of the President, and he or they
shall perform such other duties as the Trustees or the Chairman may from time to
time prescribe.
SECTION 6.9. THE ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS. The Assistant Vice President, or,
if there be more than one, the Assistant Vice Presidents, shall perform such
duties and have such powers as may be assigned them from time to time by the
Trustees or the Chairman.
SECTION 6.10. THE SECRETARY. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the
Trustees and all meetings of the Shareholders and record all the proceedings of
the meetings of the Shareholders and of the Trustees in a book to be kept for
that purpose, and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when
required. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the
Shareholders and special meetings of the Trustees, and shall perform such other
duties and have such powers as the Trustees, or the Chairman, may from time to
time prescribe. He shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Trust and affix or
cause the same to be affixed to any instrument requiring it, and, when so
affixed, it shall be attested by his signature or by the signature of an
Assistant Secretary.
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SECTION 6.11. THE ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. The Assistant Secretary, or, if
there be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the
Trustees or the Chairman, shall, in the absence or disability of the Secretary,
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall perform
such duties and have such other powers as the Trustees or the Chairman may from
time to time prescribe.
SECTION 6.12. THE TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be the chief financial
officer of the Trust. He shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate
accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Trust, and he
shall render to the Trustees and the Chairman, whenever any of them require it,
an account of his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of
the Trust; and he shall perform such other duties as the Trustees, or the
Chairman, may from time to time prescribe.
SECTION 6.13. THE ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The Assistant Treasurer, or, if there
shall be more than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order determined by the
Trustees or the Chairman, shall, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer,
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer and shall perform
such other duties and have such other powers as the Trustees, or the Chairman,
may from time to time prescribe.
SECTION 6.14. DELEGATION OF DUTIES. Whenever an officer is absent or
disabled, or whenever for any reason the Trustees may deem it desirable, the
Trustees may delegate the powers and duties of an officer or officers to any
other officer or officers or to any Trustee or Trustees.
ARTICLE VII
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Subject to any applicable provisions of law and the Declaration, dividends
and distributions upon the Shares may be declared at such intervals as the
Trustees may determine, in cash, in securities or other property, or in Shares,
from any sources permitted by law, all as the Trustees shall from time to time
determine.
Inasmuch as the computation of net income and net profits from the sales of
securities or other properties for federal income tax purposes may vary from the
computation thereof on the records of the Trust, the Trustees shall have power,
in their discretion, to distribute as income dividends and as capital gain
distributions, respectively, amounts sufficient to enable the Trust to avoid or
reduce liability for federal income taxes.
ARTICLE VIII
CERTIFICATES OF SHARES
SECTION 8.1. CERTIFICATES OF SHARES. Certificates for Shares of each series
or class of Shares shall be in such form and of such design as the Trustees
shall approve, subject to the right of the Trustees to change such form and
design at any time or from time to time, and shall be entered in the records of
the Trust as they are issued. Each such certificate shall bear a distinguishing
number; shall exhibit the holders' name and certify the number of full Shares
owned by such holder; shall be signed by or in the name of the Trust by the
Chairman, the President, or a Vice President, and countersigned by the Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer and an Assistant Treasurer of the
Trust; shall be sealed with the seal; and shall contain such recitals as may be
required by law. Where any certificate is signed by a Transfer Agent or by a
Registrar, the signature of such officers and the seal may be facsimile, printed
or engraved. The Trust may, at its option, determine not to issue a certificate
or certificates to evidence Shares owned of record by any Shareholder.
In case any officer or officers who shall have signed, or whose facsimile
signature or signatures shall appear on, any such certificate or certificates
shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Trust, whether because of
death, resignation or otherwise, before such certificate or certificates shall
have been delivered by the Trust, such certificate or certificates shall,
nevertheless, be adopted by the Trust and be issued and delivered as though the
person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates or whose facsimile
signature or signatures shall appear therein had not ceased to be such officer
or officers of the Trust.
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No certificate shall be issued for any share until such share is fully paid.
SECTION 8.2. LOST, STOLEN, DESTROYED AND MUTILATED CERTIFICATES. The Trustees
may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any
certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Trust alleged to have been
lost, stolen or destroyed, upon satisfactory proof of such loss, theft, or
destruction; and the Trustees may, in their discretion, require the owner of the
lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to give to
the Trust and to such Registrar, Transfer Agent and/or Transfer Clerk as may be
authorized or required to countersign such new certificate or certificates, a
bond in such sum and of such type as they may direct, and with such surety or
sureties, as they may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be against
them or any of them on account of or in connection with the alleged loss, theft
or destruction of any such certificate.
ARTICLE IX
CUSTODIAN
SECTION 9.1. APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES. The Trust shall at times employ a bank
or trust company having capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least five
million dollars ($5,000,000) as custodian with authority as its agent, but
subject to such restrictions, limitations and other requirements, if any, as may
be contained in these By-Laws and the 1940 Act:
(1) to receive and hold the securities owned by the Trust and deliver
the same upon written or electronically transmitted order;
(2) to receive and receipt for any moneys due to the Trust and deposit
the same in its own banking department or elsewhere as the Trustees may
direct;
(3) to disburse such funds upon orders or vouchers;
all upon such basis of compensation as may be agreed upon between the Trustees
and the custodian. If so directed by a Majority Shareholder Vote, the custodian
shall deliver and pay over all property of the Trust held by it as specified in
such vote.
The Trustees may also authorize the custodian to employ one or more
sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and services of the
custodian and upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the
custodian and such sub-custodian and approved by the Trustees.
SECTION 9.2. CENTRAL CERTIFICATE SYSTEM. Subject to such rules, regulations
and orders as the Commission may adopt, the Trustees may direct the custodian to
deposit all or any part of the securities owned by the Trust in a system for the
central handling of securities established by a national securities exchange or
a national securities association registered with the Commission under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or such other person as may be permitted by the
Commission, or otherwise in accordance with the 1940 Act, pursuant to which
system all securities of any particular class or series of any issuer deposited
within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by
bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of such securities, provided that
all such deposits shall be subject to withdrawal only upon the order of the
Trust.
ARTICLE X
WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting of
Shareholders, Trustees, or of any committee is required to be given in
accordance with law or under the provisions of the Declaration or these By-Laws,
a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such
notice and filed with the records of the meeting, whether before or after the
holding thereof, or actual attendance at the meeting of shareholders, Trustees
or committee, as the case may be, in person, shall be deemed equivalent to the
giving of such notice to such person.
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ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.1. LOCATION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. The books and records of the
Trust may be kept outside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at such place or
places as the Trustees may from time to time determine, except as otherwise
required by law.
SECTION 11.2. RECORD DATE. The Trustees may fix in advance a date as the
record date for the purpose of determining the Shareholders entitled to (i)
receive notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of Shareholders, or (ii) receive
payment of any dividend or the allotment of any rights, or in order to make a
determination of Shareholders for any other proper purpose. The record date, in
any case, shall not be more than one hundred eighty (180) days, and in the case
of a meeting of Shareholders not less than ten (10) days, prior to the date on
which such meeting is to be held or the date on which such other particular
action requiring determination of Shareholders is to be taken, as the case may
be. In the case of a meeting of Shareholders, the meeting date set forth in the
notice to Shareholders accompanying the proxy statement shall be the date used
for purposes of calculating the 180 day or 10 day period, and any adjourned
meeting may be reconvened without a change in record date. In lieu of fixing a
record date, the Trustees may provide that the transfer books shall be closed
for a stated period but not to exceed, in any case, twenty (20) days. If the
transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining Shareholders entitled
to notice of a vote at a meeting of Shareholders, such books shall be closed for
at least ten (10) days immediately preceding the meeting.
SECTION 11.3. SEAL. The Trustees shall adopt a seal, which shall be in such
form and shall have such inscription thereon as the Trustees may from time to
time provide. The seal of the Trust may be affixed to any document, and the seal
and its attestation may be lithographed, engraved or otherwise printed on any
document with the same force and effect as if it had been imprinted and attested
manually in the same manner and with the same effect as if done by a
Massachusetts business corporation under Massachusetts law.
SECTION 11.4. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Trust shall end on such
date as the Trustees may by resolution specify, and the Trustees may by
resolution change such date for future fiscal years at any time and from time to
time.
SECTION 11.5. ORDERS FOR PAYMENT OF MONEY. All orders or instructions for the
payment of money of the Trust, and all notes or other evidences of indebtedness
issued in the name of the Trust, shall be signed by such officer or officers or
such other person or persons as the Trustees may from time to time designate, or
as may be specified in or pursuant to the agreement between the Trust and the
bank or trust company appointed as Custodian of the securities and funds of the
Trust.
ARTICLE XII
COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS
The Trustees are hereby empowered to take such action as they may deem to be
necessary, desirable or appropriate so that the Trust is or shall be in
compliance with any federal or state statute, rule or regulation with which
compliance by the Trust is required.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed, or new By-Laws may be
adopted, (a) by a Majority Shareholder Vote, or (b) by the Trustees; provided,
however, that no By-Law may be amended, adopted or repealed by the Trustees if
such amendment, adoption or repeal requires, pursuant to law, the Declaration,
or these By-Laws, a vote of the Shareholders. The Trustees shall in no event
adopt By-Laws which are in conflict with the Declaration, and any apparent
inconsistency shall be construed in favor of the related provisions in the
Declaration.
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ARTICLE XIV
DECLARATION OF TRUST
The Declaration of Trust establishing Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced
Income Fund, dated November 22, 1994, a copy of which, together with all
amendments thereto, is on file in the office of the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that the name Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund refers to the Trustees under the Declaration collectively
as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and no Trustee, Shareholder,
officer, employee or agent of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their
private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise,
in connection with the affairs of said Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced
Income Fund, but the Trust Estate only shall be liable.
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INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 31st day of May, 1997, and amended as of April
30, 1998, by and between Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund, an unincorporated
business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(hereinafter called the "Fund"), and Dean Witter InterCapital Inc., a Delaware
corporation (hereinafter called the "Investment Manager"):
WHEREAS, The Fund is engaged in business as an open-end management
investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, The Investment Manager is registered as an investment adviser
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and engages in the business of
acting as investment adviser; and
WHEREAS, The Fund desires to retain the Investment Manager to render
management and investment advisory services in the manner and on the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, The Investment Manager desires to be retained to perform services
on said terms and conditions:
Now, Therefore, this Agreement
W I T N E S S E T H:
that in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter
contained, the Fund and the Investment Manager agree as follows:
1. The Fund hereby retains the Investment Manager to act as investment
manager of the Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Trustees, to
supervise the investment activities of the Fund as hereinafter set forth.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Manager shall
obtain and evaluate such information and advice relating to the economy,
securities and commodities markets and securities and commodities as it deems
necessary or useful to discharge its duties hereunder; shall continuously
manage the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with the investment
objectives and policies of the Fund; shall determine the securities and
commodities to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of by the Fund and the
timing of such purchases, sales and dispositions; and shall take such further
action, including the placing of purchase and sale orders on behalf of the
Fund, as the Investment Manager shall deem necessary or appropriate. The
Investment Manager shall also furnish to or place at the disposal of the Fund
such of the information, evaluations, analyses and opinions formulated or
obtained by the Investment Manager in the discharge of its duties as the Fund
may, from time to time, reasonably request.
2. The Investment Manager shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff
and employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it
shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to the performance
of its obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of the Investment Manager shall be deemed to
include persons employed or otherwise retained by the Investment Manager to
furnish statistical and other factual data, advice regarding economic factors
and trends, information with respect to technical and scientific developments,
and such other information, advice and assistance as the Investment Manager may
desire. The Investment Manager shall, as agent for the Fund, maintain the
Fund's records and books of account (other than those maintained by the Fund's
transfer agent, registrar, custodian and other agencies). All such books and
records so maintained shall be the property of the Fund and, upon request
therefor, the Investment Manager shall surrender to the Fund such of the books
and records so requested.
3. The Fund will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make available
to the Investment Manager such financial reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund as the Investment
Manager may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations
hereunder.
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4. The Investment Manager shall bear the cost of rendering the investment
management and supervisory services to be performed by it under this Agreement,
and shall, at its own expense, pay the compensation of the officers and
employees, if any, of the Fund who are also directors, officers or employees of
the Investment Manager, and provide such office space, facilities and equipment
and such clerical help and bookkeeping services as the Fund shall reasonably
require in the conduct of its business. The Investment Manager shall also bear
the cost of telephone service, heat, light, power and other utilities provided
to the Fund.
5. The Fund assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all other expenses
of the Fund, including without limitation: fees pursuant to any plan of
distribution that the Fund may adopt; the charges and expenses of any
registrar, any custodian or depository appointed by the Fund for the
safekeeping of its cash, portfolio securities or commodities and other
property, and any stock transfer or dividend agent or agents appointed by the
Fund; brokers' commissions chargeable to the Fund in connection with portfolio
transactions to which the Fund is a party; all taxes, including securities or
commodities issuance and transfer taxes, and fees payable by the Fund to
federal, state or other governmental agencies; the cost and expense of
engraving or printing certificates representing shares of the Fund; all costs
and expenses in connection with the registration and maintenance of
registration of the Fund and its shares with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and various states and other jurisdictions (including filing fees
and legal fees and disbursements of counsel); the cost and expense of printing,
including typesetting, and distributing prospectuses and statements of
additional information of the Fund and supplements thereto to the Fund's
shareholders; all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of
preparing, printing and mailing proxy statements and reports to shareholders;
fees and travel expenses of Trustees or members of any advisory board or
committee who are not employees of the Investment Manager or any corporate
affiliate of the Investment Manager; all expenses incident to the payment of
any dividend, distribution, withdrawal or redemption, whether in shares or in
cash; charges and expenses of any outside service used for pricing of the
Fund's shares; charges and expenses of legal counsel, including counsel to the
Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund or the Investment Manager, and of independent accountants, in
connection with any matter relating to the Fund; membership dues of industry
associations; interest payable on Fund borrowings; postage; insurance premiums
on property or personnel (including officers and Trustees) of the Fund which
inure to its benefit; extraordinary expenses (including but not limited to
legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification
related thereto); and all other charges and costs of the Fund's operation
unless otherwise explicitly provided herein.
6. For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the
expenses assumed by the Investment Manager, the Fund shall pay to the
Investment Manager monthly compensation determined by applying the annual rate
of 0.60% to the Fund's daily net assets. Except as hereinafter set forth,
compensation under this Agreement shall be calculated and accrued daily and the
amounts of the daily accruals shall be paid monthly. Such calculations shall be
made by applying 1/365ths of the annual rates to the Fund's net assets each day
determined as of the close of business on that day or the last previous
business day. If this Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day
of a month or shall terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for
that part of the month this Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a
manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as set forth above.
Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 hereof, payment of the Investment
Manager's compensation for the preceding month shall be made as promptly as
possible after completion of the computations contemplated by paragraph 7
hereof.
7. In the event the operating expenses of the Fund, including amounts
payable to the Investment Manager pursuant to paragraph 6 hereof, for any
fiscal year ending on a date on which this Agreement is in effect, exceed the
expense limitations applicable to the Fund imposed by state securities laws or
regulations thereunder, as such limitations may be raised or lowered from time
to time, the Investment Manager shall reduce its management fee to the extent
of such excess and, if required, pursuant to any such laws or regulations, will
reimburse the Fund for annual operating expenses in excess of any expense
limitation that may be applicable; provided, however, there shall be excluded
from such expenses the amount of any interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
distribution fees and extraordinary expenses
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(including but not limited to legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs
and any indemnification related thereto) paid or payable by the Fund. Such
reduction, if any, shall be computed and accrued daily, shall be settled on a
monthly basis, and shall be based upon the expense limitation applicable to the
Fund as at the end of the last business day of the month. Should two or more
such expense limitations be applicable as at the end of the last business day
of the month, that expense limitation which results in the largest reduction in
the Investment Manager's fee shall be applicable.
For purposes of this provision, should any applicable expense limitation
be based upon the gross income of the Fund, such gross income shall include,
but not be limited to, interest on debt securities in the Fund's portfolio
accrued to and including the last day of the Fund's fiscal year, and dividends
declared on equity securities in the Fund's portfolio, the record dates for
which fall on or prior to the last day of such fiscal year, but shall not
include gains from the sale of securities.
8. The Investment Manager will use its best efforts in the supervision and
management of the investment activities of the Fund, but in the absence of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations hereunder, the Investment Manager shall not be liable to the Fund
or any of its investors for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any
act or omission by the Investment Manager or for any losses sustained by the
Fund or its investors.
9. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Investment
Manager or any affiliated person of the Investment Manager from acting as
investment adviser or manager for any other person, firm or corporation and
shall not in any way bind or restrict the Investment Manager or any such
affiliated person from buying, selling or trading any securities or commodities
for their own accounts or for the account of others for whom they may be
acting. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any
Trustee, officer or employee of the Investment Manager to engage in any other
business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management
or other aspects of any other business whether of a similar or dissimilar
nature.
10. This Agreement shall remain in effect until April 30, 1999 and from
year to year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually
by the vote of holders of a majority, as defined in the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund or by the Trustees of the Fund; provided that in either event such
continuance is also approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Trustees
of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as
defined in the Act) of any such party, which vote must be cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; provided, however,
that (a) the Fund may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty,
terminate this Agreement upon thirty days' written notice to the Investment
Manager, either by majority vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by the vote of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; (b) this Agreement
shall immediately terminate in the event of its assignment (to the extent
required by the Act and the rules thereunder) unless such automatic
terminations shall be prevented by an exemptive order of the Securities and
Exchange Commission; and (c) the Investment Manager may terminate this
Agreement without payment of penalty on thirty days' written notice to the
Fund. Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing, addressed and
delivered, or mailed post-paid, to the other party at the principal office of
such party.
11. This Agreement may be amended by the parties without the vote or
consent of the shareholders of the Fund to supply any omission, to cure,
correct or supplement any ambiguous, defective or inconsistent provision
hereof, or if they deem it necessary to conform this Agreement to the
requirements of applicable federal laws or regulations, but neither the Fund
nor the Investment Manager shall be liable for failing to do so.
12. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York and the applicable provisions of the Act. To the extent the
applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein,
conflicts with the applicable provisions of the Act, the latter shall control.
13. The Investment Manager and the Fund each agree that the name "Dean
Witter," which comprises a component of the Fund's name, is a property right of
Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. The Fund agrees and
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consents that (i) it will only use the name "Dean Witter" as a component of its
name and for no other purpose, (ii) it will not purport to grant to any third
party the right to use the name "Dean Witter" for any purpose, (iii) the
Investment Manager or its parent, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and Co., or any
corporate affiliate of the Investment Manager's parent, may use or grant to
others the right to use the name "Dean Witter," or any combination or
abbreviation thereof, as all or a portion of a corporate or business name or
for any commercial purpose, including a grant of such right to any other
investment company, (iv) at the request of the Investment Manager or its
parent, the Fund will take such action as may be required to provide its
consent to the use of the name "Dean Witter," or any combination or
abbreviation thereof, by the Investment Manager or its parent or any corporate
affiliate of the Investment Manager's parent, or by any person to whom the
Investment Manager or its parent or any corporate affiliate of the Investment
Manager's parent shall have granted the right to such use, and (v) upon the
termination of any investment advisory agreement into which the Investment
Manager and the Fund may enter, or upon termination of affiliation of the
Investment Manager with its parent, the Fund shall, upon request by the
Investment Manager or its parent, cease to use the name "Dean Witter" as a
component of its name, and shall not use the name, or any combination or
abbreviation thereof, as a part of its name or for any other commercial
purpose, and shall cause its officers, Trustees and shareholders to take any
and all actions which the Investment Manager or its parent may request to
effect the foregoing and to reconvey to the Investment Manager or its parent
any and all rights to such name.
14. The Declaration of Trust establishing Dean Witter Balanced Income
Fund, dated November 22, 1994, a copy of which, together with all amendments
thereto (the "Declaration"), is on file in the office of the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that the name Dean Witter Balanced
Income Fund refers to the Trustees under the Declaration collectively as
Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder,
officer, employee or agent of Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund shall be held to
any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private property for
the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise, in connection with
the affairs of said Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund, but the Trust Estate only
shall be liable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on April 30, 1998 in New York, New York.
DEAN WITTER BALANCED INCOME FUND
By: /s/ Barry Fink
-------------------------------
Attest:
/s/ Frank Bruttomesso
- -------------------------------
DEAN WITTER INTERCAPITAL INC.
By: /s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo
-------------------------------
Attest:
/s/ Marilyn K. Cranney
- -------------------------------
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MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of this 28th day of July, 1997, and amended as of June 22,
1998, between each of the open-end investment companies to which Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Advisors Inc. acts as investment manager, that are listed on
Schedule A, as may be amended from time to time (each, a "Fund" and
collectively, the "Funds"), and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Distributor").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, each Fund is registered as an open-end investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and it is in the
interest of each Fund to offer its shares for sale continuously, and
WHEREAS, each Fund and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement with
each other with respect to the continuous offering of each Fund's transferable
shares, of $0.01 par value (the "Shares"), to commence on the date listed above,
in order to promote the growth of each Fund and facilitate the distribution of
its shares.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTOR.
(a) Each Fund hereby appoints the Distributor as the principal underwriter
and distributor of the Fund to sell Shares to the public on the terms set forth
in this Agreement and that Fund's prospectus and the Distributor hereby accepts
such appointment and agrees to act hereunder. Each Fund, during the term of this
Agreement, shall sell Shares to the Distributor upon the terms and conditions
set forth herein.
(b) The Distributor agrees to purchase Shares, as principal for its own
account, from each Fund and to sell Shares as principal to investors, and
securities dealers, including Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), an affiliate of
the Distributor, upon the terms described herein and in that Fund's prospectus
(the "Prospectus") and statement of additional information included in the
Fund's registration statement (the "Registration Statement") most recently filed
from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and
effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the
1940 Act or as the Prospectus may be otherwise amended or supplemented and filed
with the SEC pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act.
SECTION 2. EXCLUSIVE NATURE OF DUTIES. The Distributor shall be the
exclusive principal underwriter and distributor of each Fund, except that the
exclusive rights granted to the Distributor to sell the Shares shall not apply
to Shares issued by each Fund: (i) in connection with the merger or
consolidation of any other investment company or personal holding company with
the Fund or the acquisition by purchase or otherwise of all (or substantially
all) the assets or the outstanding shares of any such company by the Fund; (ii)
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions; or (iii)
pursuant to the reinstatement privilege afforded redeeming shareholders.
SECTION 3. PURCHASE OF SHARES FROM EACH FUND. The Shares are offered in
four classes (each, a "Class"), as described in the Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented from time to time.
(a) The Distributor shall have the right to buy from each Fund the Shares of
the particular class needed, but not more than the Shares needed (except for
clerical errors in transmission), to fill unconditional orders for Shares of the
applicable class placed with the Distributor by investors or securities dealers.
The price which the Distributor shall pay for the Shares so purchased from the
Fund shall be the net asset value, determined as set forth in the Prospectus,
used in determining the public offering price on which such orders were based.
(b) The Shares are to be resold by the Distributor at the public offering
price of Shares of the applicable class as set forth in the Prospectus, to
investors or to securities dealers, including DWR, who
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have entered into selected dealer agreements with the Distributor upon the terms
and conditions set forth in Section 7 hereof ("Selected Dealers").
(c) Each Fund shall have the right to suspend the sale of the Shares at
times when redemption is suspended pursuant to the conditions set forth in
Section 4(f) hereof. Each Fund shall also have the right to suspend the sale of
the Shares if trading on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended,
if a banking moratorium shall have been declared by federal or New York
authorities, or if there shall have been some other extraordinary event which,
in the judgment of a Fund, makes it impracticable to sell its Shares.
(d) Each Fund, or any agent of a Fund designated in writing by the Fund,
shall be promptly advised of all purchase orders for Shares received by the
Distributor. Any order may be rejected by a Fund; provided, however, that a Fund
will not arbitrarily or without reasonable cause refuse to accept orders for the
purchase of Shares. The Distributor will confirm orders upon their receipt, and
each Fund (or its agent) upon receipt of payment therefor and instructions will
deliver share certificates for such Shares or a statement confirming the
issuance of Shares. Payment shall be made to the Fund in New York Clearing House
funds. The Distributor agrees to cause such payment and such instructions to be
delivered promptly to the Fund (or its agent).
(e) With respect to Shares sold by any Selected Dealer, the Distributor is
authorized to direct each Fund's transfer agent to receive instructions directly
from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor as to registration of
Shares in the names of investors and to confirm issuance of the Shares to such
investors. The Distributor is also authorized to instruct the transfer agent to
receive payment directly from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor,
for prompt transmittal to each Fund's custodian, of the purchase price of the
Shares. In such event the Distributor shall obtain from the Selected Dealer and
maintain a record of such registration instructions and payments.
SECTION 4. REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES.
(a) Any of the outstanding Shares of a Fund may be tendered for redemption
at any time, and each Fund agrees to redeem its Shares so tendered in accordance
with the applicable provisions set forth in its Prospectus. The price to be paid
to redeem the Shares shall be equal to the net asset value determined as set
forth in the Prospectus less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC"). Upon any redemption of Shares the Fund shall pay the total amount of
the redemption price in New York Clearing House funds in accordance with
applicable provisions of the Prospectus.
(b) The redemption by a Fund of any of its Class A Shares purchased by or
through the Distributor will not affect the applicable front-end sales charge
secured by the Distributor or any Selected Dealer in the course of the original
sale, except that if any Class A Shares are tendered for redemption within seven
business days after the date of the confirmation of the original purchase, the
right to the applicable front-end sales charge shall be forfeited by the
Distributor and the Selected Dealer which sold such Shares.
(c) The proceeds of any redemption of Class A, Class B or Class C Shares
shall be paid by each Fund as follows: (i) any applicable CDSC shall be paid to
the Distributor or to the Selected Dealer, or, when applicable, pursuant to the
Rules of the Association of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"), retained by the Fund and (ii) the balance shall be paid to the
redeeming shareholders, in each case in accordance with applicable provisions of
its Prospectus in New York Clearing House funds. The Distributor is authorized
to direct a Fund to pay directly to the Selected Dealer any CDSC payable by a
Fund to the Distributor in respect of Class A, Class B, or Class C Shares sold
by the Selected Dealer to the redeeming shareholders.
(d) The Distributor is authorized, as agent for the Fund, to repurchase
Shares, represented by a share certificate which is delivered to any office of
the Distributor in accordance with applicable provisions set forth in each
Fund's Prospectus. The Distributor shall promptly transmit to the transfer agent
of the Fund for redemption all Shares so delivered. The Distributor shall be
responsible for the accuracy of instructions transmitted to the Fund's transfer
agent in connection with all such repurchases.
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(e) The Distributor is authorized, as agent for each Fund, to repurchase
Shares held in a shareholder's account with a Fund for which no share
certificate has been issued, upon the telephonic request of the shareholders, or
at the discretion of the Distributor. The Distributor shall promptly transmit to
the transfer agent of the Fund, for redemption, all such orders for repurchase
of Shares. Payment for Shares repurchased may be made by a Fund to the
Distributor for the account of the shareholder. The Distributor shall be
responsible for the accuracy of instructions transmitted to the Fund's transfer
agent in connection with all such repurchases.
(f) Redemption of its Shares or payment by a Fund may be suspended at times
when the New York Stock Exchange is closed, when trading on said Exchange is
restricted, when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by a Fund of
securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for a Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or
during any other period when the SEC, by order, so permits.
(g) With respect to its Shares tendered for redemption or repurchase by any
Selected Dealer on behalf of its customers, the Distributor is authorized to
instruct the transfer agent of a Fund to accept orders for redemption or
repurchase directly from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor and to
instruct the Fund to transmit payments for such redemptions and repurchases
directly to the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor for the account of
the shareholder. The Distributor shall obtain from the Selected Dealer, and
shall maintain, a record of such orders. The Distributor is further authorized
to obtain from the Fund, and shall maintain, a record of payment made directly
to the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF THE FUND.
(a) Each Fund shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information,
financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably
request for use in connection with the distribution of its Shares, including one
certified copy, upon request by the Distributor, of all financial statements
prepared by the Fund and examined by independent accountants. Each Fund shall,
at the expense of the Distributor, make available to the Distributor such number
of copies of its Prospectus as the Distributor shall reasonably request.
(b) Each Fund shall take, from time to time, but subject to the necessary
approval of its shareholders, all necessary action to fix the number of its
authorized Shares and to register Shares under the 1933 Act, to the end that
there will be available for sale such number of Shares as investors may
reasonably be expected to purchase.
(c) Each Fund shall use its best efforts to pay the filing fees for an
appropriate number of its Shares to be sold under the securities laws of such
states as the Distributor and the Fund may approve. Any qualification to sell
its Shares in a state may be withheld, terminated or withdrawn by a Fund at any
time in its discretion. As provided in Section 8(c) hereof, such filing fees
shall be paid by the Fund. The Distributor shall furnish any information and
other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by a
Fund in connection with the sale of its Shares in any state.
(d) Each Fund shall, at the expense of the Distributor, furnish, in
reasonable quantities upon request by the Distributor, copies of its annual and
interim reports.
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF THE DISTRIBUTOR.
(a) The Distributor shall sell shares of each Fund through DWR and may sell
shares through other securities dealers and its own Financial Advisors, and
shall devote reasonable time and effort to promote sales of the Shares, but
shall not be obligated to sell any specific number of Shares. The services of
the Distributor hereunder are not exclusive and it is understood that the
Distributor may act as principal underwriter for other registered investment
companies, so long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is not
impaired thereby. It is also understood that Selected Dealers, including DWR,
may also sell shares for other registered investment companies.
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<PAGE>
(b) Neither the Distributor nor any Selected Dealer shall give any
information or make any representations, other than those contained in the
Registration Statement or related Prospectus and any sales literature
specifically approved by the appropriate Fund.
(c) The Distributor agrees that it will at all times comply with the
applicable terms and limitations of the Rules of the Association of the NASD.
SECTION 7. SELECTED DEALERS AGREEMENTS.
(a) The Distributor shall have the right to enter into selected dealer
agreements with Selected Dealers for the sale of Shares. In making agreements
with Selected Dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as
agent for a Fund. Shares sold to Selected Dealers shall be for resale by such
dealers only at the public offering price set forth in the Prospectus. With
respect to Class A Shares, in such agreement the Distributor shall have the
right to fix the portion of the applicable front-end sales charge which may be
allocated to the Selected Dealers.
(b) Within the United States, the Distributor shall offer and sell Shares
only to Selected Dealers that are members in good standing of the NASD.
(c) The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures, as approved by each
Fund, for the confirmation of sales of its Shares to investors and Selected
Dealers, the collection of amounts payable by investors and Selected Dealers on
such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be necessary
to comply with the requirements of the NASD, as such requirements may from time
to time exist.
SECTION 8. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.
(a) Each Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the Fund, including fees
and disbursements of legal counsel including counsel to the Directors/Trustees
of each Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
Fund or the Distributor, and independent accountants, in connection with the
preparation and filing of any required Registration Statements and Prospectuses
and all amendments and supplements thereto, and the expense of preparing,
printing, mailing and otherwise distributing prospectuses and statements of
additional information, annual or interim reports or proxy materials to
shareholders.
(b) The Distributor shall bear all expenses incurred by it in connection
with its duties and activities under this Agreement including the payment to
Selected Dealers of any sales commissions, service fees and other expenses for
sales of a Fund's Shares (except such expenses as are specifically undertaken
herein by a Fund) incurred or paid by Selected Dealers, including DWR. The
Distributor shall bear the costs and expenses of preparing, printing and
distributing any supplementary sales literature used by the Distributor or
furnished by it for use by Selected Dealers in connection with the offering of
the Shares for sale. Any expenses of advertising incurred in connection with
such offering will also be the obligation of the Distributor. It is understood
and agreed that, so long as a Fund's Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1 Plan") continues in effect, any expenses
incurred by the Distributor hereunder may be paid in accordance with the terms
of such Rule 12b-1 Plan.
(c) Each Fund shall pay the filing fees, and, if necessary or advisable in
connection therewith, bear the cost and expense of qualifying each Fund as a
broker or dealer, in such states of the United States or other jurisdictions as
shall be selected by the Fund and the Distributor pursuant to Section 5(c)
hereof and the cost and expenses payable to each such state for continuing to
offer Shares therein until the Fund decides to discontinue selling Shares
pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof.
SECTION 9. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Each Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each
person, if any, who controls the Distributor against any loss, liability, claim,
damage or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending
any alleged loss, liability, claim, damage or expense and reasonable counsel
fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring
any Shares, which may be based upon the 1933 Act, or on any other statute or at
common law, on the ground that the Registration Statement or related Prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information, as from time to time amended
4
<PAGE>
and supplemented, or the annual or interim reports to shareholders of a Fund,
includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance
upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Fund in connection
therewith by or on behalf of the Distributor; provided, however, that in no case
(i) is the indemnity of a Fund in favor of the Distributor and any such
controlling persons to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any such
controlling persons thereof against any liability to a Fund or its security
holders to which the Distributor or any such controlling persons would otherwise
be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of its duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under this Agreement; or (ii) is a Fund to be liable
under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any
claim made against the Distributor or any such controlling persons, unless the
Distributor or any such controlling persons, as the case may be, shall have
notified the Fund in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other
first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have
been served upon the Distributor or uch controlling persons (or after the
Distributor or such controlling persons shall have received notice of such
service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any such
claim shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to the person
against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity
agreement contained in this paragraph. Each Fund will be entitled to participate
at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense,
of any such suit brought to enforce any such liability, but if a Fund elects to
assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and
satisfactory to the Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant
or defendants in the suit. In the event the Fund elects to assume the defense of
any such suit and retain such counsel, the Distributor or such controlling
person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and
expenses of any additional counsel retained by them, but, in case the Fund does
not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, it will reimburse the
Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in
the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
Each Fund shall promptly notify the Distributor of the commencement of any
litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or
Directors/Trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of the Shares.
(b) (i) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Fund and each
of its Directors/Trustees and officers and each person, if any, who controls
the Fund against any loss, liability, claim, damage, or expense described in the
indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, but only with respect to
statements or omissions made in reliance upon, and in conformity with,
information furnished to a Fund in writing by or on behalf of the Distributor
for use in connection with the Registration Statement or related Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as from time to time amended, or the annual
or interim reports to shareholders.
(ii) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Fund and
each Fund's transfer agent, individually and in its capacity as the Fund's
transfer agent, from and against any claims, damages and liabilities which arise
as a result of actions taken pursuant to instructions from, or on behalf of, the
Distributor to: (1) redeem all or a part of shareholder accounts in the Fund
pursuant to Section 4(g) hereof and pay the proceeds to, or as directed by, the
Distributor for the account of each shareholder whose Shares are so redeemed;
and (2) register Shares in the names of investors, confirm the issuance thereof
and receive payment therefor pursuant to Section 3(e) hereof.
(iii) In case any action shall be brought against a Fund or any person
so indemnified by this Section 9(b) in respect of which indemnity may be sought
against the Distributor, the Distributor shall have the rights and duties given
to a Fund, and the Fund and each person so indemnified shall have the rights and
duties given to the Distributor, by the provisions of subsection (a) of this
Section 9.
(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable or
insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b)
above in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof) referred to herein, then each indemnifiying party
shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a
result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in
respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on the other
from the
5
<PAGE>
offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately
preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying
party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party
in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits
but also the relative fault of a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on the
other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect
thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative
benefits received by a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on the other
shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the
offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Fund bear to the total
compensation received by the Distributor, in each case as set forth in the
Prospectus. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by a Fund or the Distributor and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission. Each Fund and the Distributor agree that it would not be
just and equitable ifcontribution were determined by pro rata allocation or by
any other method of allocation which does not take into account the equitable
considerations referred to above. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified
party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any
legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with investigating or defending any such claim. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this subsection (c), the Distributor shall not be required to
contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which
the Shares distributed by it to the public were offered to the public exceeds
the amount of any damages which it has otherwise been required to pay by reason
of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No
person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
SECTION 10. DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT. This Agreement
shall remain in force until April 30, 1999, and thereafter, but only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board of
Directors/Trustees of each Fund, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund, cast in person or by proxy, and (ii) a majority
of those Directors/Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested
persons of any such party and who have no direct or indirect financial interest
in this Agreement or in the operation of the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan or in any
agreement related thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting upon such approval.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any
penalty, by the Directors/Trustees of a Fund, by a majority of the
Directors/Trustees of a Fund who are not interested persons of the Fund and who
have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, or by the Distributor,
on sixty days' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,"
"assignment" and "interested person," when used in this Agreement, shall have
the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act.
SECTION 11. AMENDMENTS OF THIS AGREEMENT. This Agreement may be amended by
the parties only if such amendment is specifically approved by (i) the
Directors/Trustees of a Fund, or by the vote of a majority of outstanding voting
securities of a Fund, and (ii) a majority of those Directors/Trustees of a Fund
who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party
and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement or in
any Agreement related to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
SECTION 12. ADDITIONAL FUNDS. If at any time another Fund desires to
appoint the Distributor as its principal underwriter and distributor under this
Agreement, it shall notify the Distributor in writing. If the Distributor is
willing to serve as the Fund's principal underwriter and distributor under this
Agreement, it shall notify the Fund in writing, whereupon such other Fund shall
become a Fund hereunder.
SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the law of the State of New York and the applicable provisions of the 1940
Act. To the extent the applicable law of the
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<PAGE>
State of New York, or any of the provisions herein, conflicts with the
applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
SECTION 14. PERSONAL LIABILITY. With respect to any Fund that is organized
as an unincorporated business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, its Declaration of the Trust (each, a "Declaration") is on file
in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each
Declaration provides that the name of the Fund refers to the Trustees under the
Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and
no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of any Fund shall be held to
any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private property for
the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise, in connection with the
affairs of any Fund, but the Trust Estate only shall be liable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on June 22, 1998 in New York, New York.
ON BEHALF OF THE FUNDS SET FORTH ON
SCHEDULE A, ATTACHED HERETO
By:
---------------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
DISTRIBUTORS INC.
By:
---------------------------------
7
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE A
AT FEBRUARY 9, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund
9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER DISTRIBUTORS INC.
OMNIBUS SELECTED DEALER AGREEMENT
Dear Sir or Madam:
We, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor") have a
distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with each of the open-end
investment companies listed in Schedule A attached hereto (each, a "Fund"),
pursuant to which we act as the Distributor for the sale of each Fund's shares
of common stock or beneficial interest, as the case may be, (the "Shares").
Under the Distribution Agreement, we have the right to distribute Shares for
resale.
Each Fund is an open-end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Shares being offered to the
public are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). You have received a copy of the Distribution Agreements
between us and each Fund and reference is made herein to certain provisions of
such Distribution Agreements. The terms used herein, including "Prospectus" and
"Registration Statement" of each Fund and "Selected Dealer" shall have the same
meaning in this Agreement as in the Distribution Agreements. As principal, we
offer to sell Shares to your customers, upon the following terms and
conditions:
1. In all sales of Shares to the public you shall act on behalf of your
customers which for purposes of this Agreement are limited to customers for
which Nations Banc Investments, Inc. is the Introducing Broker, and in no
transaction shall you have any authority to act as agent for a Fund, for us or
for any Selected Dealer.
2. Orders received from you will be accepted through us or on our behalf
only at the public offering price applicable to each order, as set forth in the
applicable current Prospectus. The procedure relating to the handling of orders
shall be subject to written instructions which we or the applicable Fund shall
forward from time to time to you. All orders are subject to acceptance or
rejection by us or a Fund in the sole discretion of either. The Distributor of
the Fund will promptly notify you in writing of any such rejection.
3. You shall not place orders for any Shares unless you have already
received purchase orders for such Shares at the applicable public offering
price and subject to the terms hereof and of the applicable Distribution
Agreement and Prospectus. In connection herewith, you agree to abide by the
terms of the applicable Distribution Agreement and Prospectus to the extent
required hereunder. Furthermore, you agree that (i) you will offer or sell any
of the Shares only under circumstances that will result in compliance with all
applicable Federal and state securities laws; (ii) you will not furnish or
cause to be furnished to any person any information relating to the Shares
which is inconsistent in any respect with the information contained in the
applicable Prospectus (as then amended or supplemented) or cause any
advertisements to be published by radio or television or in any newspaper or
posted in any public place or use any sales promotional material without our
consent and the consent of the applicable Fund; and (iii) you will endeavor to
obtain proxies from purchasers of Shares. You also agree that you will be
liable to Distributor for payment of the purchase price for Shares purchased by
customers and that you shall make payment for such shares when due.
4. We will compensate you for sales of shares of the Funds and personal
services to Fund shareholders by paying you a sales charge and/or other
commission (which may be in the form of a gross sales credit and/or an annual
residual commission) and/or a service fee, each as separately agreed by you and
us with respect to each Fund.
5. If any Shares sold to your customers under the terms of this Agreement
are repurchased by us for the account of a Fund or are tendered for redemption
within seven business days after the date of the confirmation of the original
purchase by you, it is agreed that you shall forfeit your right to, and refund
to us, any commission received by you with respect to such Shares.
6. No person is authorized to make any representations concerning the
Shares or the Funds except those contained in the current applicable Prospectus
and in such printed information subsequently issued by us or a Fund as
information supplemental to such Prospectus. In selling Shares, you shall rely
solely on the representations contained in the applicable Prospectus and
supplemental information mentioned above. Any printed information which we
furnish you other than the Prospectus and the Funds' periodic reports and
<PAGE>
proxy solicitation materials are our sole responsibility and not the
responsibility of the Funds, and you agree that the Funds shall have no
liability or responsibility to you in these respects unless expressly assumed
in connection therewith.
7. You are hereby authorized (i) to place orders directly with a Fund or
its agent for shares of the Fund to be sold by us subject to the applicable
terms and conditions governing the placement of orders for the purchase of Fund
Shares, as set forth in the Distribution Agreement, and (ii) to tender Shares
directly to the Fund or its agent for redemption subject to the applicable
terms and conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement. We will provide
you with copies of any updates to the Distribution Agreement.
8. We reserve the right in our discretion, without notice, to suspend sales
or withdraw the offering of Shares entirely. Each party hereto has the right to
cancel this agreement with respect to one or more Funds upon fifteen days prior
written notice to the other party.
9. I. You shall indemnify and hold us harmless from and against any and all
losses, costs, (including reasonable attorney's fees) claims, damages and
liabilities which arise as a result of action taken pursuant to instructions
from you, or on your behalf to: (a)(i) place orders for Shares of a Fund with
the Fund's transfer agent or direct the transfer agent to receive instructions
for the order of Shares, and (ii) accept monies or direct that the transfer
agent accept monies as payment for the order of such Shares, all as
contemplated by and in accordance with Section 3 of the applicable Distribution
Agreement; (b)(i) place orders for the redemption of Shares of a Fund with the
Fund's transfer agent or direct the transfer agent to receive instruction for
the redemption of such Shares and (ii) to pay redemption proceeds or to direct
that the transfer agent pay redemption proceeds in connection with orders for
the redemption of Shares, all as contemplated by and in accordance with Section
4 of the applicable Distribution Agreement; Distributor agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless you and your affiliates, officers, directors, control persons and
employees from and against any and all losses, costs (including reasonable
attorney's fees), claims, damages and liabilities which arise as a result of
Distributor's failure to fulfill its obligations hereunder and from any alleged
inaccuracy, omission or misrepresentation contained in any prospectus or any
advertising, or sales literature prepared by Distributor or the Fund provided,
however, that in no case, (i) is this indemnity in favor of you or us and any
of other party's such controlling persons to be deemed to protect us or any
such controlling persons against any liability to which we or any such
controlling persons would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of our duties or
by reason of reckless disregard of our obligations and duties under this
Agreement or the applicable Distribution Agreement; or (ii) are you to be
liable under the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect
to any claim made against us or any such controlling persons, unless we or any
such controlling persons, as the case may be, shall have notified you in
writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process
giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon us or
such controlling persons (or after we or such controlling persons shall have
received notice of such service on any designated agent), notwithstanding the
failure to notify you of any such claim shall not relieve you from any
liability which you may have to the person against whom such action is brought
otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph.
II. You will be entitled to participate at your own expense in the defense,
or, if you so elect, to assume the defense, of any suit brought to enforce any
such liability, but if you elect to assume the defense, such defense shall be
conducted by counsel chosen by you and reasonably satisfactory to us or such
controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the
event you elect to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel,
we or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit,
shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them,
but, in case you do not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, you will
reimburse us or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in
the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
Each party shall promptly notify the other party to this Agreement of the
commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers
or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Shares pursuant to
this Agreement.
2
<PAGE>
III. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable
or insufficient to hold harmless the Distributor, as provided above in respect
of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect
thereof) referred to herein, then you shall contribute to the amount paid or
payable by us as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate
to reflect the relative benefits received by you on the one hand and us on the
other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by
the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then you
shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits
but also your relative fault on the one hand and our relative fault on the
other, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect
thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. You and we
agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined
by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take
into account the equitable considerations referred to above. The amount paid or
payable by us as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to
include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by us in connection
with investigating or defending any such claim. Notwithstanding the provisions
of this subsection (III), you shall not be required to contribute any amount in
excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares distributed
by you to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any
damages which you have otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty
of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
IV. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (I), (II) and (III), we
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless you and your officers, directors,
employees, affiliates, agents, successors and assigns from and against any and
all claims and all related losses, expenses, damages, cost and liabilities
including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in investigation or
defense, arising out of or related to any breach of any representation,
warranty or covenant by us contained in Section 15 of this Agreement.
11. We shall have full authority to take such action as we may deem
advisable in respect of all matters pertaining to the distribution and
redemption of Shares. Neither party shall be under any liability to the other
party except for lack of good faith and for obligations expressly assumed
herein. Nothing contained in this paragraph is intended to operate as, and the
provisions of this paragraph shall not in any way whatsoever constitute, a
waiver by you of compliance with any provision of the Securities Act, or of the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued
thereunder.
12. Each party represents that it is a member in good standing of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and, with respect to any sales
in the United States, each party hereby agrees to abide by the Rules of Fair
Practice of such Association relating to the performance of the obligations
hereunder.
13. We will inform you in writing as to the states in which we believe the
Shares have been qualified for sale under, or are exempt from the requirements
of, the respective securities laws of such states, but we assume no
responsibility or obligation as to your right to sell Shares in any
jurisdiction.
14. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary,
we represent and warrant that the names and addresses of your customers (or
customers of your affiliates) which have or which may come to our attention in
connection with this Agreement are confidential and are your exclusive property
and shall not be utilized by us except in connection with the functions
performed by us in connection with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, should a customer request, that we or an organization affiliated
with us, provide services to such customer, we or such affiliated organization
shall in no way violate this representation and warranty, nor be considered in
breach of this Agreement.
15. We represent, warrant, and covenant to you that the marketing
materials, any communications distributed to the public and training materials
designed by us or our agents relating to the product sold under this Agreement
are true and accurate and do not omit to state a fact necessary to make the
3
<PAGE>
information contained therein not misleading and comply with applicable federal
and state laws. We further represent, warrant, and covenant to you that the
performance by us of our obligations under this Agreement in no way constitutes
an infringement on or other violation of copyright, trade secret, trademark,
proprietary information or non-disclosure rights of any other party.
16. We shall maintain a contingency disaster recovery plan, and, in the
event you are so required by any regulatory or governmental agency, we shall
make such plan available to you for inspection at your office upon reasonable
advance notice by you. Each party agrees that it will at all times conduct its
activities under this Agreement in an equitable, legal and professional manner.
17. We understand that the performance of your and our obligations under
this Agreement is subject to examination during business hours by your
authorized representatives and auditors and by federal and state regulatory
agencies, and we agree that upon being given reasonable notice and proper
identification we shall submit or furnish at a reasonable time and place to any
such representative or regulatory agency reports, information, or other data
relating to this Agreement as may reasonably be required or requested by you.
We shall maintain and make available to you upon reasonable notice all
material, data, files, and records relating to this Agreement for a period of
not less than three years after the termination of this Agreement.
18. The sales, advertising and promotional materials designed by either
party or its agents relating to products sold under this Agreement shall comply
with applicable federal and state laws. Each party agrees that the sales,
advertising and promotional materials shall be made available to the other
party prior to distribution to your employees or customers.
19. Any controversy or claim between or among the parties hereto arising
out of or relating to this Agreement, including any claim based on or arising
from an alleged tort, shall be determined by binding arbitration in accordance
with the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Judgment
upon any arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Any
party to this Agreement may bring an action, including a summary or expedited
proceeding, to compel arbitration of any controversy or claim to which this
Agreement applies in any court having jurisdiction over such action.
20. All notices or other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and given as follows:
If to us: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
Attn: Barry Fink,
Two World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
If to you: National Financial
Services Corporation
Attn: [illegible]
4201 Congress Street, Suite 245
Boston, MA
or such other address as the parties may hereafter specify in writing. Each
such notice to any party shall be either hand-delivered or transmitted, postage
prepaid, by registered or certified United States mail with return receipt
requested, and shall be deemed effective only upon receipt.
4
<PAGE>
21. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of your acceptance
hereof, provided that you return to us promptly a signed and dated copy.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
DISTRIBUTORS INC.
By /s/ [Illegible]
----------------------------------
(Authorized Signature)
Please return one signed copy of this agreement to:
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Distributors Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Accepted:
Firm Name: National Financial Services Corp.
---------------------------------
By: [Illegible]
----------------------------------------
Address: 200 Liberty Street
-----------------------------------
New York, New York
-----------------------------------
Date: October 17, 1998
-----------------------------------
5
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "Best Ideas" Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
</TABLE>
A-1
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
with
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
[open-end funds]
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
Article 1 Terms of Appointment.......................................... 1
Article 2 Fees and Expenses............................................. 5
Article 3 Representations and Warranties of MSDW TRUST.................. 6
Article 4 Representations and Warranties of the Fund.................... 7
Article 5 Duty of Care and Indemnification.............................. 7
Article 6 Documents and Covenants of the Fund and MSDW TRUST............10
Article 7 Duration and Termination of Agreement.........................13
Article 8 Assignment....................................................14
Article 9 Affiliations..................................................14
Article 10 Amendment.....................................................15
Article 11 Applicable Law................................................15
Article 12 Miscellaneous.................................................15
Article 13 Merger of Agreement...........................................17
Article 14 Personal Liability............................................17
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT made as of the 22nd day of June, 1998 by
and between each of the Funds listed on the signature pages hereof, each of such
Funds acting severally on its own behalf and not jointly with any of such other
Funds (each such Fund hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), each such Fund
having its principal office and place of business at Two World Trade Center, New
York, New York, 10048, and MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB ("MSDW TRUST"),
a federally chartered savings bank, having its principal office and place of
business at Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, New Jersey
07311.
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint MSDW TRUST as its transfer agent,
dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent and MSDW TRUST desires
to accept such appointment;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1 TERMS OF APPOINTMENT; DUTIES OF MSDW TRUST
1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,
the Fund hereby employs and appoints MSDW TRUST to act as, and MSDW TRUST agrees
to act as, the transfer agent for each series and class of shares of the Fund,
whether now or hereafter authorized or issued ("Shares"), dividend disbursing
agent and shareholder servicing agent in connection with any accumulation,
open-account or similar plans provided to the holders of such Shares
("Shareholders") and set out in the currently effective prospectus and statement
of additional information ("prospectus") of the Fund, including without
limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program.
1.2 MSDW TRUST agrees that it will perform the following services:
(a) In accordance with procedures established from time to time
by agreement between the Fund and MSDW TRUST, MSDW TRUST shall:
(i) Receive for acceptance, orders for the purchase of Shares,
and promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation therefor to the
custodian of the assets of the Fund (the "Custodian");
-ii-
<PAGE>
(ii) Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of
Shares and issue certificates therefor or hold such Shares in book form in
the appropriate Shareholder account;
(iii) Receive for acceptance redemption requests and redemption
directions and deliver the appropriate documentation therefor to the
Custodian;
(iv) At the appropriate time as and when it receives monies paid
to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, pay over or cause to
be paid over in the appropriate manner such monies as instructed by the
redeeming Shareholders;
(v) Effect transfers of Shares by the registered owners thereof
upon receipt of appropriate instructions;
(vi) Prepare and transmit payments for dividends and
distributions declared by the Fund;
(vii) Calculate any sales charges payable by a Shareholder on
purchases and/or redemptions of Shares of the Fund as such charges may be
reflected in the prospectus;
(viii) Maintain records of account for and advise the Fund and its
Shareholders as to the foregoing; and
(ix) Record the issuance of Shares of the Fund and maintain
pursuant to Rule 17Ad-10(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934
Act") a record of the total number of Shares of the Fund which are
authorized, based upon data provided to it by the Fund, and issued and
outstanding. MSDW TRUST shall also provide to the Fund on a regular basis the
total number of Shares that are authorized, issued and outstanding and shall
notify the Fund in case any proposed issue of Shares by the Fund would result
in an overissue. In case any issue of Shares would result in an overissue,
MSDW TRUST shall refuse to issue such Shares and shall not countersign and
issue any certificates requested for such Shares. When recording the issuance
of Shares, MSDW TRUST shall have no obligation to take cognizance of any Blue
Sky laws relating to the issue of sale of such Shares, which functions shall
be the sole responsibility of the Fund.
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<PAGE>
(b) In addition to and not in lieu of the services set forth in
the above paragraph (a), MSDW TRUST shall:
(i) perform all of the customary services of a transfer agent,
dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, shareholder servicing agent in
connection with dividend reinvestment, accumulation, open-account or similar
plans (including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic
withdrawal program), including but not limited to, maintaining all
Shareholder accounts, preparing Shareholder meeting lists, mailing proxies,
receiving and tabulating proxies, mailing shareholder reports and
prospectuses to current Shareholders, withholding taxes on U.S. resident and
non-resident alien accounts, preparing and filing appropriate forms required
with respect to dividends and distributions by federal tax authorities for
all Shareholders, reparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of
account to Shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other
confirmable transactions in Shareholder accounts, preparing and mailing
activity statements for Shareholders and providing Shareholder account
information;
(ii) open any and all bank accounts which may be necessary or
appropriate in order to provide the foregoing services; and
(iii) provide a system that will enable the Fund to monitor the
total number of Shares sold in each State or other jurisdiction.
(c) In addition, the Fund shall:
(i) identify to MSDW TRUST in writing those transactions and
assets to be treated as exempt from Blue Sky reporting for each State; and
-iv-
<PAGE>
(ii) verify the inclusion on the system prior to activation of
each State in which Fund shares may be sold and thereafter monitor the daily
purchases and sales for shareholders in each State. The responsibility of
MSDW TRUST for the Fund's status under the securities laws of any State or
other jurisdiction is limited to the inclusion on the system of each State as
to which the Fund has informed MSDW TRUST that shares may be sold in
compliance with state securities laws and the reporting of purchases and
sales in each such State to the Fund as provided above and as agreed from
time to time by the Fund and MSDW TRUST.
(d) MSDW TRUST shall provide such additional services and
functions not specifically described herein as may be mutually agreed between
MSDW TRUST and the Fund. Procedures applicable to such services may be
established from time to time by agreement between the Fund and MSDW TRUST.
Article 2 FEES AND EXPENSES
2.1 For performance by MSDW TRUST pursuant to this Agreement,
each Fund agrees to pay MSDW TRUST an annual maintenance fee for each
Shareholder account and certain transactional fees, if applicable, as set out
in the respective fee schedule attached hereto as Schedule A. Such fees and
out- of-pocket expenses and advances identified under Section 2.2 below may
be changed from time to time subject to mutual written agreement between the
Fund and MSDW TRUST.
2.2 In addition to the fees paid under Section 2.1 above, the
Fund agrees to reimburse MSDW TRUST for out of pocket expenses in connection
with the services rendered by MSDW TRUST hereunder. In addition, any other
expenses incurred by MSDW TRUST at the request or with the consent of the
Fund will be reimbursed by the Fund.
2.3 The Fund agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses
within a reasonable period of time following the mailing of the respective
billing notice. Postage for mailing of dividends, proxies, Fund reports and
other mailings to all Shareholder accounts shall be advanced to MSDW TRUST by
the Fund upon request prior to the mailing date of such materials.
Article 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MSDW TRUST
MSDW TRUST represents and warrants to the Fund that:
3.1 It is a federally chartered savings bank whose principal
office is in New Jersey.
-v-
<PAGE>
3.2 It is and will remain registered with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as a Transfer Agent pursuant to the
requirements of Section 17A of the 1934 Act.
3.3 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its charter and
By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
3.4 All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to
authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.
3.5 It has and will continue to have access to the necessary
facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations
under this Agreement.
Article 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND
The Fund represents and warrants to MSDW TRUST that:
4.1 It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good
standing under the laws of Delaware or Maryland or a trust duly organized and
existing and in good standing under the laws of Massachusetts, as the case
may be.
4.2 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of
Incorporation or Declaration of Trust, as the case may be, and under its
By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.3 All corporate proceedings necessary to authorize it to enter
into and perform this Agreement have been taken.
4.4 It is an investment company registered with the SEC under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
4.5 A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933
(the "1933 Act") is currently effective and will remain effective, and
appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to
be made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale.
Article 5 DUTY OF CARE AND INDEMNIFICATION
-vi-
<PAGE>
5.1 MSDW TRUST shall not be responsible for, and the Fund shall
indemnify and hold MSDW TRUST harmless from and against, any and all losses,
damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability
arising out of or attributable to:
(a) All actions of MSDW TRUST or its agents or subcontractors
required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such actions
are taken in good faith and without negligence or willful misconduct.
(b) The Fund's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of
this Agreement, or which arise out of the Fund's lack of good faith,
negligence or willful misconduct or which arise out of breach of any
representation or warranty of the Fund hereunder.
(c) The reliance on or use by MSDW TRUST or its agents or
subcontractors of information, records and documents which (i) are received
by MSDW TRUST or its agents or subcontractors and furnished to it by or on
behalf of the Fund, and (ii) have been prepared and/or maintained by the Fund
or any other person or firm on behalf of the Fund.
(d) The reliance on, or the carrying out by MSDW TRUST or its
agents or subcontractors of, any instructions or requests of the Fund.
(e) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of any requirement
under the federal securities laws or regulations or the securities or Blue
Sky laws of any State or other jurisdiction that notice of offering of such
Shares in such State or other jurisdiction or in violation of any stop order
or other determination or ruling by any federal agency or any State or other
jurisdiction with respect to the offer or sale of such Shares in such State
or other jurisdiction.
-vii-
<PAGE>
5.2 MSDW TRUST shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from
or against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees,
payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to any action
or failure or omission to act by MSDW TRUST as a result of the lack of good
faith, negligence or willful misconduct of MSDW TRUST, its officers,
employees or agents.
5.3 At any time, MSDW TRUST may apply to any officer of the Fund
for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel to the Fund, with
respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed
by MSDW TRUST under this Agreement, and MSDW TRUST and its agents or
subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Fund for
any action taken or omitted by it in reliance upon such instructions or upon
the opinion of such counsel. MSDW TRUST, its agents and subcontractors shall
be protected and indemnified in acting upon any paper or document furnished
by or on behalf of the Fund, reasonably believed to be genuine and to have
been signed by the proper person or persons, or upon any instruction,
information, data, records or documents provided to MSDW TRUST or its agents
or subcontractors by machine readable input, telex, CRT data entry or other
similar means authorized by the Fund, and shall not be held to have notice of
any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice
thereof from the Fund. MSDW TRUST, its agents and subcontractors shall also
be protected and indemnified in recognizing stock certificates which are
reasonably believed to bear the proper manual or facsimile signature of the
officers of the Fund, and the proper countersignature of any former transfer
agent or registrar, or of a co-transfer agent or co-registrar.
-viii-
<PAGE>
5.4 In the event either party is unable to perform its
obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God,
strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its
control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not
be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such
failure to perform or otherwise from such causes.
5.5 Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other
party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement or for
any act or failure to act hereunder.
5.6 In order that the indemnification provisions contained in
this Article 5 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either
party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking
indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and
shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments
concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have
the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the
defense of such claim. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case
confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party
may be required to indemnify it except with the other party's prior written
consent.
Article 6 DOCUMENTS AND COVENANTS OF THE FUND AND MSDW TRUST
6.1 The Fund shall promptly furnish to MSDW TRUST the following,
unless previously furnished to Dean Witter Trust Company, the prior transfer
agent of the Fund:
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<PAGE>
(a) If a corporation:
(i) A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors
of the Fund authorizing the appointment of MSDW TRUST and the execution and
delivery of this Agreement;
(ii) A certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation and
By-Laws of the Fund and all amendments thereto;
(iii) Certified copies of each vote of the Board of Directors
designating persons authorized to give instructions on behalf of the Fund and
signature cards bearing the signature of any officer of the Fund or any other
person authorized to sign written instructions on behalf of the Fund;
(iv) A specimen of the certificate for Shares of the Fund in the
form approved by the Board of Directors, with a certificate of the Secretary
of the Fund as to such approval;
(b) If a business trust:
(i) A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees
of the Fund authorizing the appointment of MSDW TRUST and the execution and
delivery of this Agreement;
(ii) A certified copy of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of
the Fund and all amendments thereto;
(iii) Certified copies of each vote of the Board of Trustees
designating persons authorized to give instructions on behalf of the Fund and
signature cards bearing the signature of any officer of the Fund or any other
person authorized to sign written instructions on behalf of the Fund;
(iv) A specimen of the certificate for Shares of the Fund in the
form approved by the Board of Trustees, with a certificate of the Secretary
of the Fund as to such approval;
(c) The current registration statements and any amendments and
supplements thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the
1933 Act or the 1940 Act;
-x-
<PAGE>
(d) All account application forms or other documents relating to
Shareholder accounts and/or relating to any plan, program or service offered
or to be offered by the Fund; and
(e) Such other certificates, documents or opinions as MSDW TRUST
deems to be appropriate or necessary for the proper performance of its duties.
6.2 MSDW TRUST hereby agrees to establish and maintain
facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Fund for safekeeping
of Share certificates, check forms and facsimile signature imprinting
devices, if any; and for the preparation or use, and for keeping account of,
such certificates, forms and devices.
6.3 MSDW TRUST shall prepare and keep records relating to the
services to be performed hereunder, in the form and manner as it may deem
advisable and as required by applicable laws and regulations. To the extent
required by Section 31 of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations
thereunder, MSDW TRUST agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by
MSDW TRUST relating to the services performed by MSDW TRUST hereunder are the
property of the Fund and will be preserved, maintained and made available in
accordance with such Section 31 of the 1940 Act, and the rules and
regulations thereunder, and will be surrendered promptly to the Fund on and
in accordance with its request.
6.4 MSDW TRUST and the Fund agree that all books, records,
information and data pertaining to the business of the other party which are
exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this
Agreement shall remain confidential and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to
any other person except as may be required by law or with the prior consent
of MSDW TRUST and the Fund.
6.5 In case of any request or demands for the inspection of the
Shareholder records of the Fund, MSDW TRUST will endeavor to notify the Fund
and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Fund as to such
inspection. MSDW TRUST reserves the right, however, to exhibit the
Shareholder records to any person whenever it is advised by its counsel that
it may be held liable for the failure to exhibit the Shareholder records to
such person.
Article 7 DURATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
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<PAGE>
7.1 This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until
August 1, 2000 and from year-to-year thereafter unless terminated by either
party as provided in Section 7.2 hereof.
7.2 This Agreement may be terminated by the Fund on 60 days
written notice, and by MSDW TRUST on 90 days written notice, to the other
party without payment of any penalty.
7.3 Should the Fund exercise its right to terminate, all
out-of-pocket expenses associated with the movement of records and other
materials will be borne by the Fund. Additionally, MSDW TRUST reserves the
right to charge for any other reasonable fees and expenses associated with
such termination.
Article 8 ASSIGNMENT
8.1 Except as provided in Section 8.3 below, neither this
Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either
party without the written consent of the other party.
8.2 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
8.3 MSDW TRUST may, in its sole discretion and without further
consent by the Fund, subcontract, in whole or in part, for the performance of
its obligations and duties hereunder with any person or entity including but
not limited to companies which are affiliated with MSDW TRUST; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that such person or entity has and maintains the qualifications, if
any, required to perform such obligations and duties, and that MSDW TRUST
shall be as fully responsible to the Fund for the acts and omissions of any
agent or subcontractor as it is for its own acts or omissions under this
Agreement.
Article 9 AFFILIATIONS
9.1 MSDW TRUST may now or hereafter, without the consent of or
notice to the Fund, function as transfer agent and/or shareholder servicing
agent for any other investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940
Act and for any other issuer, including without limitation any investment
company whose adviser, administrator, sponsor or principal underwriter is or
may become affiliated with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. or any of its
direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates.
-xii-
<PAGE>
9.2 It is understood and agreed that the Directors or Trustees
(as the case may be), officers, employees, agents and shareholders of the
Fund, and the directors, officers, employees, agents and shareholders of the
Fund's investment adviser and/or distributor, are or may be interested in
MSDW TRUST as directors, officers, employees, agents and shareholders or
otherwise, and that the directors, officers, employees, agents and
shareholders of MSDW TRUST may be interested in the Fund as Directors or
Trustees (as the case may be), officers, employees, agents and shareholders
or otherwise, or in the investment adviser and/or distributor as directors,
officers, employees, agents, shareholders or otherwise.
Article 10 AMENDMENT
10.1 This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written
agreement executed by both parties and authorized or approved by a resolution
of the Board of Directors or the Board of Trustees (as the case may be) of
the Fund.
Article 11 APPLICABLE LAW
11.1 This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof
interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Article 12 MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 In the event that one or more additional investment
companies managed or administered by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc.
or any of its affiliates ("Additional Funds") desires to retain MSDW TRUST to
act as transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and/or shareholder servicing
agent, and MSDW TRUST desires to render such services, such services shall be
provided pursuant to a letter agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit
A hereto, between MSDW TRUST and each Additional Fund.
12.2 In the event of an alleged loss or destruction of any Share
certificate, no new certificate shall be issued in lieu thereof, unless there
shall first be furnished to MSDW TRUST an affidavit of loss or non-receipt by
the holder of Shares with respect to which a certificate has been lost or
destroyed, supported by an appropriate bond satisfactory to MSDW TRUST and
the Fund issued by a surety company satisfactory to MSDW TRUST, except that
MSDW TRUST may accept an affidavit of loss and indemnity agreement executed
by the registered holder (or legal representative) without surety in such
form as MSDW TRUST deems appropriate indemnifying MSDW
-xiii-
<PAGE>
TRUST and the Fund for the issuance of a replacement certificate, in cases where
the alleged loss is in the amount of $1,000 or less.
12.3 In the event that any check or other order for payment of
money on the account of any Shareholder or new investor is returned unpaid
for any reason, MSDW TRUST will (a) give prompt notification to the Fund's
distributor ("Distributor") (or to the Fund if the Fund acts as its own
distributor) of such non-payment; and (b) take such other action, including
imposition of a reasonable processing or handling fee, as MSDW TRUST may, in
its sole discretion, deem appropriate or as the Fund and, if applicable, the
Distributor may instruct MSDW TRUST.
12.4 Any notice or other instrument authorized or required by
this Agreement to be given in writing to the Fund or to MSDW TRUST shall be
sufficiently given if addressed to that party and received by it at its
office set forth below or at such other place as it may from time to time
designate in writing.
To the Fund:
[Name of Fund]
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Attention: General Counsel
To MSDW TRUST:
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
Attention: President
Article 13 MERGER OF AGREEMENT
13.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject
matter hereof whether oral or written.
Article 14 PERSONAL LIABILITY
14.1 In the case of a Fund organized as a Massachusetts business
trust, a copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund is on file with the
Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given
that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the
Fund as Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of this
instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders
-xiv-
<PAGE>
individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund;
provided, however, that the Declaration of Trust of the Fund provides that the
assets of a particular Series of the Fund shall under no circumstances be
charged with liabilities attributable to any other Series of the Fund and that
all persons extending credit to, or contracting with or having any claim
against, a particular Series of the Fund shall look only to the assets of that
particular Series for payment of such credit, contract or claim.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amended and
Restated Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and
through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above
written.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
1. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
2. Active Assets Money Trust
3. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
4. Active Assets Government Securities Trust
5. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
6. Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
7. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
8. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
9. Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
EQUITY FUNDS
10. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
11. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
12. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
13. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
14. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
15. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
16. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
17. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
18. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
19. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
20. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
21. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
22. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
23. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
24. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
25. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
26. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
27. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
28. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
29. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
30. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
31. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
-xv-
<PAGE>
32. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
33. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
34. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund
35. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
36. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
37. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
38. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
BALANCED FUNDS
39. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
40. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Trust
ASSET ALLOCATION FUNDS
41. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
42. Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation Fund
-xvi-
<PAGE>
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
43. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
44. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Securities
45. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
46. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
47. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
48. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
49. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
50. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
51. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
52. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
53. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
54. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust
55. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
56. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
57. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
58. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
59. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
60. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
61. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS
62. Dean Witter Retirement Series
63. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
64. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
TCW/DW FUNDS
65. TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
66. TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
67. TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund
68. TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
69. TCW/DW Total Return Trust
-xvii-
<PAGE>
70. TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
71. TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
72. TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust
By:
----------------------------------
Barry Fink
Vice President and General Counsel
ATTEST:
Assistant Secretary
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
By:
----------------------------------
John Van Heuvelen
President
ATTEST:
Executive Vice President
-xviii-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, NJ 07311
Gentlemen:
The undersigned, (INSET NAME OF INVESTMENT COMPANY) a (Massachusetts
business trust/Maryland corporation) (the "Fund"), desires to employ and appoint
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW TRUST") to act as transfer agent for
each series and class of shares of the Fund, whether now or hereafter authorized
or issued ("Shares"), dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent,
registrar and agent in connection with any accumulation, open-account or similar
plan provided to the holders of Shares, including without limitation any
periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal plan.
The Fund hereby agrees that, in consideration for the payment by the
Fund to MSDW TRUST of fees as set out in the fee schedule attached hereto as
Schedule A, MSDW TRUST shall provide such services to the Fund pursuant to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
annexed hereto, as if the Fund was a signatory thereto.
-xix-
<PAGE>
Please indicate MSDW TRUST's acceptance of employment and appointment
by the Fund in the capacities set forth above by so indicating in the space
provided below.
Very truly yours,
(NAME OF FUND)
By:
----------------------------------
Barry Fink
Vice President and General Counsel
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
By:
-----------------------
Its:
----------------------
Date:
---------------------
-xx-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
Fund: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
Fees: (1) Annual Maintenance fee of $13.20 per shareholder account, payable
monthly.
(2) A fee equal to 1/12 of the fee set forth in (1) above, for
providing Forms 1099 for accounts closed during the year,
payable following the end of the calendar year.
(3) Out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with Section 2.2 of the
Agreement
(4) Fees for additional services not set forth in this Agreement
shall be as negotiated between the parties.
<PAGE>
SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 17th day of April, 1995, and amended as of June 22,
1998, by and between Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., a Delaware
corporation (herein referred to as "MSDW Advisors"), and Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Services Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (herein referred to as
"MSDW Services").
WHEREAS, MSDW Advisors has entered into separate agreements (each such
agreement being herein referred to as an "Investment Management Agreement") with
certain investment companies as set forth on Schedule A (each such investment
company being herein referred to as a "Fund" and, collectively, as the "Funds")
pursuant to which MSDW Advisors is to perform, or supervise the performance of,
among other services, administrative services for the Funds (and, in the case of
Funds with multiple portfolios, the Series or Portfolios of the Funds (such
Series and Portfolio being herein individually referred to as "a Series" and,
collectively, as "the Series"));
WHEREAS, MSDW Advisors desires to retain MSDW Services to perform the
administrative services as described below; and
WHEREAS, MSDW Services desires to be retained by MSDW Advisors to perform
such administrative services:
Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of
the parties hereto as herein set forth, the parties covenant and agree as
follows:
1. MSDW Services agrees to provide administrative services to each Fund as
hereinafter set forth. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, MSDW
Services shall (i) administer the Fund's business affairs and supervise the
overall day-to-day operations of the Fund (other than rendering investment
advice); (ii) provide the Fund with full administrative services, including the
maintenance of certain books and records, such as journals, ledger accounts and
other records required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), the notification to the Fund and MSDW Advisors of available funds for
investment, the reconciliation of account information and balances among the
Fund's custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent and MSDW
Advisors, and the calculation of the net asset value of the Fund's shares; (iii)
provide the Fund with the services of persons competent to perform such
supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide
effective operation of the Fund; (iv) oversee the performance of administrative
and professional services rendered to the Fund by others, including its
custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, as well as accounting,
auditing and other services; (v) provide the Fund with adequate general office
space and facilities; (vi) assist in the preparation and the printing of the
periodic updating of the Fund's registration statement and prospectus (and, in
the case of an open-end Fund, the statement of additional information), tax
returns, proxy statements, and reports to its shareholders and the Securities
and Exchange Commission; and (vii) monitor the compliance of the Fund's
investment policies and restrictions.
In the event that MSDW Advisors enters into an Investment Management
Agreement with another investment company, and wishes to retain MSDW Services to
perform administrative services hereunder, it shall notify MSDW Services in
writing. If MSDW Services is willing to render such services, it shall notify
MSDW Advisors in writing, whereupon such other Fund shall become a Fund as
defined herein.
2. MSDW Services shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and employ
or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall from
time to time determine to be necessary or useful to the performance of its
obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of MSDW Services shall be deemed to include
officers of MSDW Services and persons employed or otherwise retained by MSDW
Services (including officers and employees of MSDW Advisors, with the consent of
MSDW Advisors) to furnish services, statistical and other factual data,
information with respect to technical and scientific developments, and such
other information, advice and assistance as MSDW Services may desire. MSDW
Services shall maintain each Fund's records and books of account
1
<PAGE>
(other than those maintained by the Fund's transfer agent, registrar, custodian
and other agencies). All such books and records so maintained shall be the
property of the Fund and, upon request therefor, MSDW Services shall surrender
to MSDW Advisors or to the Fund such of the books and records so requested.
3. MSDW Advisors will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make
available to MSDW Services such financial reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund as MSDW Services
may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations to the
Fund under this Agreement or to comply with any applicable law and regulation or
request of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund.
4. For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the
expenses assumed by MSDW Services, MSDW Advisors shall pay to MSDW Services
monthly compensation calculated daily (in the case of an open-end Fund) or
weekly (in the case of a closed-end Fund) by applying the annual rate or rates
set forth on Schedule B to the net assets of each Fund. Except as hereinafter
set forth, (i) in the case of an open-end Fund, compensation under this
Agreement shall be calculated by applying 1/365th of the annual rate or rates to
the Fund's or the Series' daily net assets determined as of the close of
business on that day or the last previous business day and (ii) in the case of a
closed-end Fund, compensation under this Agreement shall be calculated by
applying the annual rate or rates to the Fund's average weekly net assets
determined as of the close of the last business day of each week. If this
Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month or shall
terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for that part of the
month this Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with
the calculation of the fees as set forth on Schedule B. Subject to the
provisions of paragraph 5 hereof, payment of MSDW Services' compensation for the
preceding month shall be made as promptly as possible after completion of the
computations contemplated by paragraph 5 hereof.
5. In the event the operating expenses of any open-end Fund and/or any
Series thereof, or of InterCapital Income Securities Inc., including amounts
payable to MSDW Advisors pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, for
any fiscal year ending on a date on which this Agreement is in effect, exceed
the expense limitations applicable to the Fund and/or any Series thereof imposed
by state securities laws or regulations thereunder, as such limitations may be
raised or lowered from time to time, or, in the case of InterCapital Income
Securities Inc. or Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series or any
Series thereof, the expense limitation specified in the Fund's Investment
Management Agreement, the fee payable hereunder shall be reduced on a pro rata
basis in the same proportion as the fee payable by the Fund under the Investment
Management Agreement is reduced.
6. MSDW Services shall bear the cost of rendering the administrative
services to be performed by it under this Agreement, and shall, at its own
expense, pay the compensation of the officers and employees, if any, of the Fund
employed by MSDW Services, and such clerical help and bookkeeping services as
MSDW Services shall reasonably require in performing its duties hereunder.
7. MSDW Services will use its best efforts in the performance of
administrative activitives on behalf of each Fund, but in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations hereunder, MSDW Services shall not be liable to the Fund or any of
its investors for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission by MSDW Services or for any losses sustained by the Fund or its
investors. It is understood that, subject to the terms and conditions of the
Investment Management Agreement between each Fund and MSDW Advisors, MSDW
Advisors shall retain ultimate responsibility for all services to be performed
hereunder by MSDW Services. MSDW Services shall indemnify MSDW Advisors and hold
it harmless from any liability that MSDW Advisors may incur arising out of any
act or failure to act by MSDW Services in carrying out its responsibilities
hereunder.
8. It is understood that any of the shareholders, Directors/Trustees,
officers and employees of the Fund may be a shareholder, director, officer or
employee of, or be otherwise interested in, MSDW Services, and in any person
controlling, controlled by or under common control with MSDW Services, and that
MSDW Services and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control
with MSDW
2
<PAGE>
Services may have an interest in the Fund. It is also understood that MSDW
Services and any affiliated persons thereof or any persons controlling,
controlled by or under common control with MSDW Services have and may have
advisory, management, administration service or other contracts with other
organizations and persons, and may have other interests and businesses, and
further may purchase, sell or trade any securities or commodities for their own
accounts or for the account of others for whom they may be acting.
9. This Agreement shall continue until April 30, 1999, and thereafter shall
continue automatically for successive periods of one year unless terminated by
either party by written notice delivered to the other party within 30 days of
the expiration of the then-existing period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Agreement may be terminated at any time, by either party on 30 days' written
notice delivered to the other party. In the event that the Investment Management
Agreement between any Fund and MSDW Advisors is terminated, this Agreement will
automatically terminate with respect to such Fund.
10. This Agreement may be amended or modified by the parties in any manner
by written agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.
11. This Agreement may be assigned by either party with the written consent
of the other party.
12. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on June 22, 1998 in New York, New York.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS INC.
By: -----------------------------------------
Attest:
- ---------------------------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER SERVICES COMPANY
INC.
By: -----------------------------------------
Attest:
- ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
AS AMENDED AS OF FEBRUARY 9, 1999
OPEN-END FUNDS
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1. Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
2. Active Assets Government Securities Trust
3. Active Assets Money Trust
4. Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
5. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
6. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
7. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
8. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
9. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
10. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
11. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
12. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
13. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS" Portfolio
14. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
15. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
16. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
17. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
18. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
19. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
20. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
21. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
22. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(i) Domestic Portfolio
(ii) International Portfolio
23. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
24. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
25. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
26. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
27. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
28. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
29. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
30. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
31. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
32. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
33. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
34. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
35. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
36. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
37. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
38. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
39. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
40. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
41. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
42. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
43. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
</TABLE>
A-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
44. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
45. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
46. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
47. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
48. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
49. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
(i) American Value Portfolio
(ii) Balanced Growth Portfolio
(iii) Developing Growth Portfolio
(iv) Diversified Income Portfolio
(v) Dividend Growth Portfolio
(vi) Emerging Markets Portfolio
(vii) Global Equity Portfolio
(viii) Growth Portfolio
(ix) Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio
(x) Money Market Portfolio
(xi) North American Government Securities Portfolio
(xii) Utilities Portfolio
(xiii) Value-Added Market Portfolio
50. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
51. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
52. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
53. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
54. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
55. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
56. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
57. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
58. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
59. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
60. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
61. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
62. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
63. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
64. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(i) Capital Appreciation Portfolio
(ii) Capital Growth Portfolio
(iii) Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" Portfolio
(iv) Dividend Growth Portfolio
(v) Equity Portfolio
(vi) European Growth Portfolio
(vii) Global Dividend Growth Portfolio
(viii) High Yield Portfolio
(ix) Income Builder Portfolio
(x) Money Market Portfolio
(xi) Quality Income Plus Portfolio
(xii) Pacific Growth Portfolio
(xiii) S&P 500 Index Portfolio
(xiv) Strategist Portfolio
(xv) Utilities Portfolio
65. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
66. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLOSED-END FUNDS
<C> <S>
67. High Income Advantage Trust
68. High Income Advantage Trust II
69. High Income Advantage Trust III
70. InterCapital Income Securities Inc.
71. Dean Witter Government Income Trust
72. InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust
73. InterCapital Insured Municipal Trust
74. InterCapital Insured Municipal Income Trust
75. InterCapital California Insured Municipal Income Trust
76. InterCapital Insured Municipal Securities
77. InterCapital Insured California Municipal Securities
78. InterCapital Quality Municipal Investment Trust
79. InterCapital Quality Municipal Income Trust
80. InterCapital Quality Municipal Securities
81. InterCapital California Quality Municipal Securities
82. InterCapital New York Quality Municipal Securities
</TABLE>
A-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER SERVICES COMPANY INC.
SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
AS AMENDED AS OF FEBRUARY 9, 1999
Monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual rates
to a fund's daily net assets:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.050% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.25 billion; and
0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.25
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $750
million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of the portion
of the daily net assets of the exceeding $1 billion but not
exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2 billion;
0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2
billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.0425% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.050% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.045% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $7.5 billion;
0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $7.5
billion but not exceeding $10 billion; 0.0375% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding
$12.5 billion; and 0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $12.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc. 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc. 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.0325%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but
not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of daily net
assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.040% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust 0.035% of the daily net assets.
(10 Series)
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series-- 0.039% of the daily net assets.
North American Government Securities Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund 0.070% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.25 billion;
.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.25
billion.
</TABLE>
B-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.045% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2 billion; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.040% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0375% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $7.5 billion;
0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $7.5
billion but not exceeding $10 billion; 0.0325% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding
$12.5 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $12.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series--High Yield 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Portfolio million; and 0.0425% of the daily net assets exceeding $500
million.
Quality Income Plus Portfolio 0.050% of the portion of the daily the net assets up to $500
million; and 0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeds $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets up to $250 million;
0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $250
million but not exceeding $500 million; 0.050% of the portion of
the daily net assets of the exceeding $500 million but not
exceeding $750 million; 0.040% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
EQUITY FUNDS
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $250
million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$250 million but not exceeding $2.25 billion; 0.0475% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.25 billion but not
exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.0450% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $3.5 billion but not exceeding $4.5 billion; and
0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $4.5
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.055% of the portion exceeding $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; and
0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "BEST IDEAS" 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1.5
Portfolio billion; and 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc. 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $250
million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$250 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $2
billion; 0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; 0.0425% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion but not exceeding $4
billion; 0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$4 billion but not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0375% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $6
billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$6 billion but not exceeding $8 billion; 0.0325% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $8 billion but not exceeding
$10 billion; 0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding $15 billion; and 0.0275%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $15 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.051% of the daily net assets.
Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc. 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $2 billion; and 0.051% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds-
Domestic Portfolio None
International Portfolio None
</TABLE>
B-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.070% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2.5 billion; 0.0675% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2.5 billion but not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.0650% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3.5 billion but
not exceeding $4.5 billion; and 0.0625% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $4.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund 0.048% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $750
million; 0.045% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $750
million but not exceeding $1.5 billion; and 0.042% of the portion
of daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust 0.10% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.095% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding
$500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund 0.075% of the portion of the net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0725% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding
$500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund 0.069% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund 0.057% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund 0.0625% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075 of the daily net assets.
Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Mid-Cap Growth Fund million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $250
Securities Inc. million and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $250 million.
</TABLE>
B-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc. 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $2 billion; and 0.051% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and 0.080% of the daily net assets.
Minerals Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series--
American Value Portfolio 0.0625% of the daily net assets.
Balanced Growth Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Developing Growth Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Diversified Income Portfolio 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Emerging Markets Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Global Equity Portfolio 0.10% of the daily net assets.
Growth Portfolio 0.048% of the daily net assets.
Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets
Utilities Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Value-Added Market Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding
$1.5 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.0 billion; and 0.045%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.0 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.040% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Index Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Select Fund
</TABLE>
B-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0525% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding
$1.5 billion; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.0475% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.045% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $3.5 but not exceeding $5 billion; and
0.0425% of the daily net assets exceeding $5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.45% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0425% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion but not exceeding
$2.0 billion; and 0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series--
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Capital Growth Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion but
not exceeding $2.0 billion; and 0.045% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Equity Portfolio 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; and 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1 billion.
European Growth Portfolio 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; and 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Income Builder Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Pacific Growth Portfolio 0.057% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Index Portfolio 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Strategist Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Utilities Portfolio 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million and 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Active Assets Trusts: 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
(1) Active Assets Money Trust million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
(2) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
(3) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
(4) Active Assets Government Securities Trust exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Income Trust million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc. 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.35 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.35
billion but not exceeding $1.75 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $1.75 billion but not exceeding
$2.15 billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2.15 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.025% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $15 billion; 0.0249% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $15 billion but not exceeding $17.5 billion;
and 0.0248% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$17.5 billion.
</TABLE>
B-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
New York Municipal Money million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
Market Trust $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series--
Money Market Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series--Money 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Market Portfolio
</TABLE>
Monthly compensation calculated weekly by applying the following annual
rates to a fund's weekly net assets:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CLOSED-END FUNDS
Dean Witter Government Income Trust 0.060% of the average weekly net assets.
</TABLE>
B-9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
High Income Advantage Trust 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750
million; 0.040% of the portion of average weekly net assets
exceeding $750 million and not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.030% of the portion of average weekly net assets exceeding
$1 billion.
</TABLE>
B-10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CLOSED-END FUNDS
High Income Advantage Trust II 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750
million; 0.040% of the portion of average weekly net assets
exceeding $750 million and not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.030% of the portion of average weekly net assets exceeding
$1 billion.
High Income Advantage Trust III 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750
million; 0.040% of the portion of the average weekly net
assets exceeding $750 million and not exceeding $1 billion;
and 0.030% of the portion of average weekly net assets
exceeding $1 billion.
InterCapital Income Securities Inc. 0.050% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured Municipal Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured Municipal Income Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital California Insured Municipal 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Income Trust
InterCapital Quality Municipal Investment 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Trust
InterCapital New York Quality Municipal 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Securities
InterCapital Quality Municipal Income Trust 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Quality Municipal Securities 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital California Quality Municipal 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Securities
InterCapital Insured Municipal Securities 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
InterCapital Insured California Municipal 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Securities
</TABLE>
B-11
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated March
10, 1999, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund, which appears in such
Statement of Additional Information, and to the incorporation by reference of
our report into the Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration
Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings
"Custodian and Independent Accountants" and "Experts" in such Statement of
Additional Information and to the reference to us under the heading "Financial
Highlights" in such Prospectus.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
March 25, 19999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 1
<NAME> Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income - Class A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> JAN-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 93,699,497
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 100,767,712
<RECEIVABLES> 1,213,871
<ASSETS-OTHER> 89,202
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 102,070,785
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> (2,371,970)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> (362,112)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> (2,734,082)
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 90,671,389
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 427,232
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 72,765
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 266,570
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,330,529
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 7,068,215
<NET-ASSETS> 5,447,760
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 654,527
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3,424,937
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,593,501)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,485,963
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,548,195
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,158,569
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 8,192,727
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 90,042
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (188,753)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 443,674
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (97,102)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 7,895
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 33,999,785
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 223,345
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 501,554
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (493,580)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,593,501)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 2,724,889
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.41
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.46
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.87
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.47)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.52)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.75
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.23
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 2
<NAME> Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income - Class B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> JAN-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 93,699,497
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 100,767,712
<RECEIVABLES> 1,213,871
<ASSETS-OTHER> 89,202
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 102,070,785
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> (2,371,970)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> (362,112)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> (2,734,082)
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 90,671,389
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,468,801
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,742,492
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 266,570
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,330,529
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 7,068,215
<NET-ASSETS> 56,919,022
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 654,527
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3,424,937
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,593,501)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,485,963
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,548,195
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,158,569
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 8,192,727
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (1,360,747)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2,103,741)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,624,083
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,067,595)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 169,821
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 33,999,785
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 223,345
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 501,554
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (493,580)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,593,501)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 45,367,524
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.41
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.38
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.85
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.38)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.52)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.74
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.99
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 3
<NAME> Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income - Class C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> JAN-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 93,699,497
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 100,767,712
<RECEIVABLES> 1,213,871
<ASSETS-OTHER> 89,202
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 102,070,785
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> (2,371,970)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> (362,112)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> (2,734,082)
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 90,671,389
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,769,321
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,450,731
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 232,567
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,330,529
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 7,068,215
<NET-ASSETS> 35,290,824
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 654,527
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3,424,937
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,593,501)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,485,963
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,548,195
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,158,569
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 8,192,727
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (991,558)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,368,093)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 929,718
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (781,013)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 169,885
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 33,999,785
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 223,345
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 501,554
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (493,580)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,593,501)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 33,513,752
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.41
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.38
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.85
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.38)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.52)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.74
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.94
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 4
<NAME> Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income - Class D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> JAN-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 93,699,497
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 100,767,712
<RECEIVABLES> 1,213,871
<ASSETS-OTHER> 89,202
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 102,070,785
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> (2,371,970)
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> (362,112)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> (2,734,082)
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 90,671,389
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 131,659
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 845
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 266,570
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,330,529
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 7,068,215
<NET-ASSETS> 1,679,097
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 654,527
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3,424,937
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
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<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 2,485,963
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 4,548,195
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 1,158,569
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 8,192,727
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (34,394)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (58,637)
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 135,950
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (12,665)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 7,529
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 33,999,785
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 223,345
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 501,554
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<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
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<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 657,241
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</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN
PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3
INTRODUCTION
This plan (the "Plan") is adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3(d) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), effective as of
July 28, 1997, and amended as of June 22, 1998. The Plan relates to shares of
the open-end investment companies to which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors
Inc. acts as investment manager, that are listed on Schedule A, as may be
amended from time to time (each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). The
Funds are distributed pursuant to a system (the "Multiple Class System") in
which each class of shares (each, a "Class" and collectively, the "Classes") of
a Fund represents a pro rata interest in the same portfolio of investments of
the Fund and differs only to the extent outlined below.
I. DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
One or more Classes of shares of the Funds are offered for purchase by
investors with the sales load structures described below. In addition, pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Funds have each adopted a Plan of
Distribution (the "12b-1 Plan") under which shares of certain Classes are
subject to the service and/or distribution fees ("12b-1 fees") described below.
1. CLASS A SHARES
Class A shares are offered with a front-end sales load ("FESL"). The
schedule of sales charges applicable to a Fund and the circumstances under which
the sales charges are subject to reduction are set forth in each Fund's current
prospectus. As stated in each Fund's current prospectus, Class A shares may be
purchased at net asset value (without a FESL): (i) in the case of certain large
purchases of such shares; and (ii) by certain limited categories of investors,
in each case, under the circumstances and conditions set forth in each Fund's
current prospectus. Class A shares purchased at net asset value may be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") on redemptions made within one
year of purchase. Further information relating to the CDSC, including the manner
in which it is calculated, is set forth in paragraph 6 below. Class A shares are
also subject to payments under each Fund's 12b-1 Plan to reimburse Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), its
affiliates and other broker-dealers for distribution expenses incurred by them
specifically on behalf of the Class, assessed at an annual rate of up to 0.25%
of average daily net assets. The entire amount of the 12b-1 fee represents a
service fee within the meaning of National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. ("NASD") guidelines.
2. CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares are offered without a FESL, but will in most cases be subject
to a six-year declining CDSC which is calculated in the manner set forth in
paragraph 6 below. Class B shares purchased by certain qualified
employer-sponsored benefit plans are subject to a three-year declining CDSC
which is calculated in the manner set forth in paragraph 6 below. The schedule
of CDSC charges applicable to each Fund is set forth in each Fund's current
prospectus. With the exception of certain of the Funds which have a different
formula described below (Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund, Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Strategist Fund and Morgan
1
<PAGE>
Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.)(1), Class B shares are also
subject to a fee under each Fund's respective 12b-1 Plan, assessed at the annual
rate of up to 1.0% of either: (a) the lesser of (i) the average daily aggregate
gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not
including reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions), less the
average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares redeemed
since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or waived, or (ii)
the average daily net assets of Class B; or (b) the average daily net assets of
Class B. A portion of the 12b-1 fee equal to up to 0.25% of the Fund's average
daily net assets is characterized as a service fee within the meaning of the
NASD guidelines and the remaining portion of the 12b-1 fee, if any, is
characterized as an asset-based sales charge. Also, Class B shares have a
conversion feature ("Conversion Feature") under which such shares convert to
Class A shares after a certain holding period. Details of the Conversion Feature
are set forth in Section IV below.
3. CLASS C SHARES
Class C shares are offered without imposition of a FESL, but will in most
cases be subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within one year after
purchase. Further information relating to the CDSC is set forth in paragraph 6
below. In addition, Class C shares, under each Fund's 12b-1 Plan, are subject to
12b-1 payments to reimburse Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., DWR,
its affiliates and other broker-dealers for distribution expenses incurred by
them specifically on behalf of the Class, assessed at the annual rate of up to
1.0% of the average daily net assets of the Class. A portion of the 12b-1 fee
equal to up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets is characterized as
a service fee within the meaning of NASD guidelines. Unlike Class B shares,
Class C shares do not have the Conversion Feature.
4. CLASS D SHARES
Class D shares are offered without imposition of a FESL, CDSC or a 12b-1 fee
for purchases of Fund shares by (i) investors meeting an initial minimum
investment requirement and (ii) certain other limited categories of investors,
in each case, as may be approved by the Boards of Directors/Trustees of the
Funds and as disclosed in each Fund's current prospectus.
5. ADDITIONAL CLASSES OF SHARES
The Boards of Directors/Trustees of the Funds have the authority to create
additional Classes, or change existing Classes, from time to time, in accordance
with Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act.
- ------------
(1)The payments under the 12b-1 Plan for each of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
American Value Fund, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development
Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
are assessed at the annual rate of 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily
aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the
Fund's Plan (not including reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's
Class B shares redeemed since the Plan's inception upon which a contingent
deferred sales charge has been imposed or waived, or (b) the average daily net
assets of Class B attributable to shares issued, net of related shares redeemed,
since inception of the Plan. The payments under the 12b-1 Plan for the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund are assessed at the annual rate of: (i) 1%
of the lesser of (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class
B shares since the effectiveness of the first amendment of the Plan on November
8, 1989 (not including reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's
Class B shares redeemed since the effectiveness of the first amended Plan, upon
which a contingent deferred sales charge has been imposed or waived, or (b) the
average daily net assets of Class B attributable to shares issued, net of
related shares redeemed, since the effectiveness of the first amended Plan; plus
(ii) 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class B attributable to shares
issued, net of related shares redeemed, prior to effectiveness of the first
amended Plan.
2
<PAGE>
6. CALCULATION OF THE CDSC
Any applicable CDSC is calculated based upon the lesser of net asset value
of the shares at the time of purchase or at the time of redemption. The CDSC
does not apply to amounts representing an increase in share value due to capital
appreciation and shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions. The CDSC schedule applicable to a Fund and the
circumstances in which the CDSC is subject to waiver are set forth in each
Fund's prospectus.
II. EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS
Expenses incurred by a Fund are allocated among the various Classes of
shares pro rata based on the net assets of the Fund attributable to each Class,
except that 12b-1 fees relating to a particular Class are allocated directly to
that Class. In addition, other expenses associated with a particular Class
(except advisory or custodial fees), may be allocated directly to that Class,
provided that such expenses are reasonably identified as specifically
attributable to that Class and the direct allocation to that Class is approved
by the Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees.
III. CLASS DESIGNATION
All shares of the Funds held prior to July 28, 1997 (other than the shares
held by certain employee benefit plans established by DWR and its affiliate, SPS
Transaction Services, Inc., shares of Funds offered with a FESL, and shares of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund) have been designated Class B shares. Shares held prior to
July 28, 1997 by such employee benefit plans have been designated Class D
shares. Shares held prior to July 28, 1997 of Funds offered with a FESL have
been designated Class D shares. In addition, shares of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter American Value Fund purchased prior to April 30, 1984, shares of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund purchased prior to November 8, 1989 and
shares of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities
Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc. purchased
prior to July 2, 1984 (with respect to such shares of each Fund, including such
proportion of shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and capital
gains distributions as the total number of shares acquired prior to each of the
preceding dates in this sentence bears to the total number of shares purchased
and owned by the shareholder of that Fund) have been designated Class D shares.
Shares of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund and Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund held prior to July 28, 1997 have been
designated Class C shares except that shares of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Balanced Growth Fund and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund held
prior to July 28, 1997 that were acquired in exchange for shares of an
investment company offered with a CDSC have been designated Class B shares and
those that were acquired in exchange for shares of an investment company offered
with a FESL have been designated Class A shares.
IV. THE CONVERSION FEATURE
Class B shares held before May 1, 1997 will convert to Class A shares in
May, 2007, except that Class B shares which were purchased before July 28, 1997
by trusts for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW Trust") provides
discretionary trustee services converted to Class A shares on August 29, 1997
(the CDSC was not applicable to such shares upon the conversion). In all other
instances, Class B shares of each Fund will automatically convert to Class A
shares, based on the relative net asset values of the shares of the two Classes
on the conversion date, which will be approximately ten (10) years after the
date of the original purchase. Conversions will be effected once a month. The 10
year period will be calculated 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 or a series of exchanges, from the last day of the month in which the
original Class B shares were purchased, provided that shares originally
purchased before May 1, 1997 will convert to Class A shares in May, 2007. Except
as set forth below, the conversion of shares purchased on or after May 1, 1997
will take place in the month following the tenth anniversary of the purchase.
There will also be converted at that time such proportion of Class B shares
acquired through automatic reinvestment of dividends owned by the shareholder as
the total number of his or her Class B shares converting at the time bears to
the total number of outstanding Class B shares purchased and owned by the
shareholder. In the case of Class B shares held by a 401(k) plan or other plan
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") and
3
<PAGE>
for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or DWR's Retirement Plan Services serves
as recordkeeper pursuant to a written Recordkeeping Services Agreement, all
Class B shares will convert to Class A shares on the conversion date of the
first shares of a Fund purchased by that plan. In the case of Class B shares
previously exchanged for shares of an "Exchange Fund" (as such term is defined
in the prospectus of each Fund), the period of time the shares were held in the
Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day of the month in which the Exchange
Fund shares were acquired) is excluded from the holding period for conversion.
If those shares are subsequently re-exchanged for Class B shares of a Fund, the
holding period resumes on the last day of the month in which Class B shares are
reacquired.
Effectiveness of the Conversion Feature is subject to the continuing
availability of a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of
counsel to the effect that (i) the conversion of shares does not constitute a
taxable event under the Code; (ii) Class A shares received on conversion will
have a basis equal to the shareholder's basis in the converted Class B shares
immediately prior to the conversion; and (iii) Class A shares received on
conversion will have a holding period that includes the holding period of the
converted Class B shares. The Conversion Feature may be suspended if the Ruling
or opinion is no longer available. In such event, Class B shares would continue
to be subject to Class B fees under the applicable Fund's 12b-1 Plan.
V. EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
Shares of each Class may be exchanged for shares of the same Class of the
other Funds and for shares of certain other investment companies without the
imposition of an exchange fee as described in the prospectuses and statements of
additional information of the Funds. The exchange privilege of each Fund may be
terminated or revised at any time by the Fund upon such notice as may be
required by applicable regulatory agencies as described in each Fund's
prospectus.
VI. VOTING
Each Class shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter that relates
solely to its 12b-1 Plan, except that Class B shareholders will have the right
to vote on any proposed material increase in Class A's expenses, including
payments under the Class A 12b-1 Plan, if such proposal is submitted separately
to Class A shareholders. If the amount of expenses, including payments under the
Class A 12b-1 Plan, is increased materially without the approval of Class B
shareholders, the Fund will establish a new Class A for Class B shareholders
whose shares automatically convert on the same terms as applied to Class A
before the increase. In addition, each Class shall have separate voting rights
on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one Class
differ from the interests of any other Class.
4
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3
SCHEDULE A
AT FEBRUARY 9, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Value Fund
3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund
9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
</TABLE>
5
