-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, H3Yt3AeEMUNWQl1vcMtwQKpsl6YBkMcnjxQTyAsf09Ho6mE3Es9oJxHSO1fh93ce b5q01osTtZ2YTaT/9F4XeQ== 0000950123-05-008156.txt : 20050705 0000950123-05-008156.hdr.sgml : 20050704 20050705160607 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-05-008156 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSRS PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050430 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050705 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050705 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20050705 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MORGAN STANLEY INSURED MUNICIPAL TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000880161 IRS NUMBER: 136993836 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSRS SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-06434 FILM NUMBER: 05937064 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O MORGAN STANLEY TRUST STREET 2: HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER, PLAZA TWO CITY: JERSEY CITY STATE: NJ ZIP: 07311 BUSINESS PHONE: (212) 869-6397 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INSURED MUNICIPAL TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19981221 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: INTERCAPITAL INSURED MUNICIPAL TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920929 N-CSRS 1 y08725nvcsrs.txt MORGAN STANLEY INSURED MUNI TRUST UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Investment Company Act file number: 811-06434 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Ronald E. Robison 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (Name and address of agent for service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-762-4000 Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2005 Date of reporting period: April 30, 2005 Item 1 - Report to Shareholders Welcome, Shareholder: In this report, you'll learn about how your investment in Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust performed during the semiannual period. We will provide an overview of the market conditions, and discuss some of the factors that affected performance during the reporting period. In addition, this report includes the Trust's financial statements and a list of Trust investments. MARKET FORECASTS PROVIDED IN THIS REPORT MAY NOT NECESSARILY COME TO PASS. THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE TRUST WILL ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. THE TRUST IS SUBJECT TO MARKET RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT MARKET VALUES OF SECURITIES OWNED BY THE TRUST WILL DECLINE AND, THEREFORE, THE VALUE OF THE TRUST'S SHARES MAY BE LESS THAN WHAT YOU PAID FOR THEM. ACCORDINGLY, YOU CAN LOSE MONEY INVESTING IN THIS TRUST. FUND REPORT For the six-month period ended April 30, 2005 MARKET CONDITIONS Consumer spending and business investment helped the U.S. economy expand at a solid pace. This, in turn, translated into generally higher interest rates during the six-month fiscal period ended April 30, 2005. The markets also continued to focus on global commodity supply pressures, specifically the rapid climb in oil prices and the large federal budget and trade deficits. However, employment growth remained uneven and bonds often rallied on weaker than anticipated monthly reports. The Federal Open Market Committee (the "Fed") reaffirmed its pledge to raise the federal funds target rate at a "measured" pace and did so in its meetings throughout the period. The Fed's policy shift began in June 2004 with the first of seven consecutive 25-basis point rate hikes which took the federal funds target rate to 2.75 percent by the end of April 2005. These increases represented a reversal of the Fed's rate reductions between January 2001 and June 2003. At the end of the period, the forward yield curve reflected a widespread view that the Fed would continue its current pace of rate increases. Against this setting, long-term municipal bond yields remained in a trading range which moved rates higher at the beginning of the period, lower through the winter and higher at the end of the first quarter. By the end of April, yields declined again and ended the fiscal period at or near their lows. In contrast, yields on shorter maturity bonds which were more directly impacted by the Fed's actions rose. As a result, the municipal yield curve continued to flatten and the yield spread (or differential between one-year rates and 30-year rates) narrowed. In the first four months of 2005, total municipal underwriting volume increased by nine percent over the same period in 2004. Refunding issues accounted for the incremental growth. Bonds backed by insurance increased their market penetration from 50 to 60 percent over the same period. Issuers in California, Texas, New York, Florida and New Jersey accounted for 32 percent of the total municipal underwriting volume. On the demand side, the municipal-to-Treasury yield ratio, which gauges relative performance between the two markets, remained attractive for tax-exempts. As a result, fixed income investors that normally focus on taxable sectors (such as insurance companies and hedge funds) supported municipals by "crossing over" to purchase bonds. However, retail investors continued to experience rate shock from the absolute level of rates and largely remained on the sidelines. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS For the six-month period ended April 30, 2005, the net asset value (NAV) of the Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust (IMT) increased from $15.49 to $15.51 per share. Based on this increase plus reinvestment of tax-free dividends totaling $0.405 per share the Trust's total NAV return was 3.11 percent. IMT's value on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) moved from $13.88 to $13.80 per share during the same period. Based on this change plus reinvestment of tax-free dividends, IMT's total market return was 2.39 percent. On April 30, 2005, IMT's NYSE market price was at an 11.03 percent discount to its NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Monthly dividends for the second quarter of 2005, declared in March, were unchanged at $0.0675 per share. The dividend reflects the current level of the Trust's net investment income. IMT's level of undistributed net investment income was $0.11 per 2 share on April 30, 2005, versus $0.076 per share six months earlier.(1) During the period, IMT maintained a conservative strategy in anticipation of continued Fed tightening and higher interest rates. Adjusted for leverage, the Trust's duration* (a measure of interest rates sensitivity) was 9.7 years. This positioning helped performance early in the period when rates rose, but had the net effect of hampering total returns when rates declined later in the period. The Trust's net assets, including preferred shares, of $423 million were diversified across 76 credits in 13 long-term sectors. As discussed in previous reports, the total income available for distribution to holders of common shares includes incremental income provided by the Trust's outstanding Auction Rate Preferred Shares (ARPS). ARPS dividends reflect prevailing short-term interest rates on maturities ranging from one week to two years. Incremental income to holders of common shares depends on two factors: the amount of ARPS outstanding and the spread between the portfolio's cost yield and its ARPS auction rate and expenses. The greater the spread and the higher the amount of ARPS outstanding, the greater the amount of incremental income available for distribution to holders of common shares. The level of net investment income available for distribution to holders of common shares varies with the level of short-term interest rates. ARPS leverage also increases the price volatility of common shares and has the effect of extending portfolio duration. During this six-month period, ARPS leverage contributed approximately $0.09 per share to common-share earnings. The Trust has two ARPS series totaling $130 million, representing 31 percent of net assets, including preferred shares. The yield on the series in two-year auction mode was 1.54 percent weekly yields ranging from 1.649 to 2.80 percent. The Trust's procedure for reinvesting all dividends and distributions in common shares is through purchases in the open market. This method helps support the market value of the Trust's shares. In addition, we would like to remind you that the Trustees have approved a procedure whereby the Trust may, when appropriate, purchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at a price not above market value or net asset value, whichever is lower at the time of purchase. The Trust may also utilize procedures to reduce or eliminate the amount of ARPS outstanding, including their purchase in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During the six-month period ended April 30, 2005, the Trust purchased and retired 483,059 shares of common shares at a weighted average market discount of 11.37 percent. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE DATA QUOTED REPRESENTS PAST PERFORMANCE, WHICH IS NO GUARANTEE OF FUTURE RESULTS, AND CURRENT PERFORMANCE MAY BE LOWER OR HIGHER THAN THE FIGURES SHOWN. INVESTMENT RETURN, NET ASSET VALUE AND COMMON SHARE MARKET PRICE WILL FLUCTUATE AND TRUST SHARES, WHEN SOLD, MAY BE WORTH MORE OR LESS THAN THEIR ORIGINAL COST. * A measure of the sensitivity of a bond's price to changes in interest rates, expressed in years. Each year of duration represents an expected 1 percent change in the price of a bond for every 1 percent change in interest rates. The longer a bond's duration, the greater the effect of interest-rate movements on its price. Typically, trusts with shorter durations perform better in rising-interest-rate environments, while trusts with longer durations perform better when rates decline. There is no guarantee that any sectors mentioned will continue to perform well or be held by the Trust in the future. (1) Income earned by certain securities in the portfolio may be subject to the federal alternative tax (AMT). 3
LARGEST SECTORS Water and Sewer 32.7% Transportation 26.5% General Obligation 23.6% Electric 14.1% Refunded 12.3%
LONG-TERM CREDIT ENHANCEMENTS Ambac 30.0% MBIA 26.7% FSA 22.7% FGIC 20.6%
Data as of April 30, 2005. Subject to change daily. All percentages for largest sectors are as a percentage of net assets applicable to common shareholders. All percentages for long-term credit enhancements are as a percentage of total long-term investments. These data are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed a recommendation to buy or sell the securities mentioned. Morgan Stanley is a full-service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS EACH MORGAN STANLEY TRUST PROVIDES A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS IN ITS SEMIANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE END OF THE TRUST'S SECOND AND FOURTH FISCAL QUARTERS BY FILING THE SCHEDULE ELECTRONICALLY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC). THE SEMIANNUAL REPORTS ARE FILED ON FORM N-CSRS AND THE ANNUAL REPORTS ARE FILED ON FORM N-CSR. MORGAN STANLEY ALSO DELIVERS THE SEMIANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTS TO TRUST SHAREHOLDERS AND MAKES THESE REPORTS AVAILABLE ON ITS PUBLIC WEB SITE, WWW.MORGANSTANLEY.COM. EACH MORGAN STANLEY TRUST ALSO FILES A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS WITH THE SEC FOR THE TRUST'S FIRST AND THIRD FISCAL QUARTERS ON FORM N-Q. MORGAN STANLEY DOES NOT DELIVER THE REPORTS FOR THE FIRST AND THIRD FISCAL QUARTERS TO SHAREHOLDERS, NOR ARE THE REPORTS POSTED TO THE MORGAN STANLEY PUBLIC WEB SITE. YOU MAY, HOWEVER, OBTAIN THE FORM N-Q FILINGS (AS WELL AS THE FORM N-CSR AND N-CSRS FILINGS) BY ACCESSING THE SEC'S WEB SITE, HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. YOU MAY ALSO REVIEW AND COPY THEM AT THE SEC'S PUBLIC REFERENCE ROOM IN WASHINGTON, DC. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SEC'S PUBLIC REFERENCE ROOM MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE SEC AT (800) SEC-0330. YOU CAN ALSO REQUEST COPIES OF THESE MATERIALS, UPON PAYMENT OF A DUPLICATING FEE, BY ELECTRONIC REQUEST AT THE SEC'S E-MAIL ADDRESS (PUBLICINFO@SEC.GOV) OR BY WRITING THE PUBLIC REFERENCE SECTION OF THE SEC, WASHINGTON, DC 20549-0102. 4 DISTRIBUTION BY MATURITY (% of Long-Term Portfolio) As of April 30, 2005 WEIGHTED AVERAGE MATURITY: 17 YEARS(A) 1-5 11 5-10 9 10-15 25 15-20 17 20-25 15 25-30 22 30+ 1
(a) Where applicable maturities reflect mandatory tenders, puts and call dates. Portfolio structure is subject to change. Geographic Summary of Investments Based on Market Value as a Percent of Total Investments April 30, 2005 (unaudited) Alaska.................... 2.1% Arizona................... 0.7 California................ 6.3 Colorado.................. 4.6 Delaware.................. 3.6 Florida................... 4.2 Georgia................... 3.0 Hawaii.................... 5.0 Idaho..................... 2.8 Illinois.................. 9.7 Indiana................... 1.2 Iowa...................... 1.6% Kentucky.................. 3.5 Louisiana................. 0.5 Maryland.................. 0.6 Massachusetts............. 1.3 Michigan.................. 2.5 Minnesota................. 3.0 Missouri.................. 1.3 Montana................... 0.6 Nevada.................... 2.9 New Jersey................ 4.7 New Mexico................ 0.4% New York.................. 6.7 North Carolina............ 1.1 Ohio...................... 2.5 Pennsylvania.............. 2.7 South Carolina............ 4.3 Texas..................... 9.6 Utah...................... 0.8 Virginia.................. 1.5 Washington................ 4.7 Joint exemption*.......... 0.0 ----- Total+.................... 100.0% =====
- ------------------ * Joint exemptions have been included in each geographic location. + Does not include open short futures contracts with an underlying face amount of $54,523,440 with unrealized depreciation of $209,191. 5 CALL AND COST (BOOK) YIELD STRUCTURE (Based on Long-Term Portfolio) As of April 30, 2005 YEARS OF BONDS CALLABLE -- WEIGHTED AVERAGE CALL PROTECTION: 7 YEARS 2005(a) 1 2006 6 2007 2 2008 0 2009 7 2010 15 2011 19 2012 15 2013 6 2014 11 2015+ 16
COST (BOOK) YIELD(B) -- WEIGHTED AVERAGE BOOK YIELD: 5.3% 2005(a) 6.5 2006 6.6 2007 5.3 2008 0.0 2009 5.8 2010 5.7 2011 5.4 2012 4.8 2013 4.9 2014 4.9 2015+ 5.0
(a) May include issues initially callable in previous years. (b) Cost or "book" yield is the annual income earned on a portfolio investment based on its original purchase price before the Trust's operating expenses. For example, the Trust is earning a book yield of 6.5% on 1% of the long-term portfolio that is callable in 2005. Portfolio structure is subject to change. 6 INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT APPROVAL NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICES The Board reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the investment advisory services provided by the Investment Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including portfolio management, investment research and fixed income securities trading. The Board also reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the non-advisory, administrative services provided by the Trust's Administrator under the Administration Agreement, including accounting, clerical, bookkeeping, compliance, business management and planning, and the provision of supplies, office space and utilities at the Adviser's expense. (The Investment Adviser and the Administrator together are referred to as the "Adviser" and the Advisory and Administration Agreements together are referred to as the "Management Agreement.") The Board also compared the nature of the services provided by the Adviser with similar services provided by non-affiliated advisers as reported to the Board by Lipper Inc. ("Lipper"). The Board reviewed and considered the qualifications of the portfolio managers, the senior administrative managers and other key personnel of the Adviser who provide the administrative and investment advisory services to the Trust. The Board determined that the Adviser's portfolio managers and key personnel are well qualified by education and/or training and experience to perform the services in an efficient and professional manner. The Board concluded that the nature and extent of the advisory and administrative services provided were necessary and appropriate for the conduct of the business and investment activities of the Trust. The Board also concluded that the overall quality of the advisory and administrative services was satisfactory. PERFORMANCE RELATIVE TO COMPARABLE FUNDS MANAGED BY OTHER ADVISERS The Board reviewed the Trust's performance for one, three and five year periods ended November 30, 2004, as shown in reports provided by Lipper (the "Lipper Reports"), compared to the performance of comparable funds selected by Lipper (the "performance peer group"), and noted that the Trust's performance was lower than its performance peer group average for the one and five year periods, but better for the three year period. The Board noted that performance was only slightly lower than the peer group average for the one year period and concluded that the Trust's overall performance was satisfactory. FEES RELATIVE TO OTHER FUNDS MANAGED BY THE ADVISER WITH COMPARABLE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES The Board reviewed the advisory and administrative fees (together, the "management fee") paid by the Trust under the Management Agreement. The Board noted that the rate was comparable to the management fee rates charged by the Adviser to any other funds it manages with investment strategies comparable to those of the Trust. 7 FEES AND EXPENSES RELATIVE TO COMPARABLE FUNDS MANAGED BY OTHER ADVISERS The Board reviewed the management fee rate and total expense ratio of the Trust. The Board noted that: (i) the Trust's management fee rate was lower than the average management fee rate for funds, selected by Lipper (the "expense peer group"), managed by other advisers, with investment strategies comparable to those of the Trust, as shown in the Lipper Report for the Trust; and (ii) the Trust's total expense ratio was also lower than the average total expense ratio of the trusts included in the Trust's expense peer group. The Board concluded that the Trust's management fee and total expenses were competitive with those of the Trust's expense peer group. BREAKPOINTS AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE The Board reviewed the structure of the Trust's management fee schedule under the Management Agreement and noted that it does not include any breakpoints. The Board considered that the Trust is closed-end and is not a growth trust and, therefore, that the Trust's assets are not likely to grow with new sales or grow significantly as a result of capital appreciation. The Board concluded that economies of scale for this Trust were not a factor that needed to be considered. PROFITABILITY OF ADVISER AND AFFILIATES The Board considered and reviewed information concerning the costs incurred and profits realized by the Adviser and its affiliates during the last two years from their relationship with the Trust and the Morgan Stanley Fund Complex and reviewed with the Controller of the Adviser the cost allocation methodology used to determine the Adviser's profitability. Based on their review of the information they received, the Board concluded that the profits earned by the Adviser and its affiliates were not excessive in light of the advisory, administrative and other services provided to the Trust. FALL-OUT BENEFITS The Board considered so-called "fall-out benefits" derived by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trust and the Fund Complex, such as "float" benefits derived from handling of checks for purchases and sales of Trust shares through a broker-dealer affiliate of the Adviser. The Board considered the float benefits and concluded that they were relatively small. SOFT DOLLAR BENEFITS The Board considered whether the Adviser realizes any benefits from commissions paid to brokers who execute securities transactions for the Fund ("soft dollars"). The Board noted that the Trust invests only in fixed income securities, which do not generate soft dollars. 8 ADVISER FINANCIALLY SOUND AND FINANCIALLY CAPABLE OF MEETING THE TRUST'S NEEDS The Board considered whether the Adviser is financially sound and has the resources necessary to perform its obligations under the Management Agreement. The Board noted that the Adviser's operations remain profitable, although increased expenses in recent years have reduced the Adviser's profitability. The Board concluded that the Adviser has the financial resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under the Management Agreement. HISTORICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TRUST AND THE ADVISER The Board also reviewed and considered the historical relationship between the Trust and the Adviser, including the organizational structure of the Adviser, the policies and procedures formulated and adopted by the Adviser for managing the Trust's operations and the Board's confidence in the competence and integrity of the senior managers and key personnel of the Adviser. The Board concluded that it is beneficial for the Trust to continue its relationship with the Adviser. OTHER FACTORS AND CURRENT TRENDS The Board considered the controls and procedures adopted and implemented by the Adviser and monitored by the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer and concluded that the conduct of business by the Adviser indicates a good faith effort on its part to adhere to high ethical standards in the conduct of the Trust's business. GENERAL CONCLUSION After considering and weighing all of the above factors, the Board concluded it would be in the best interest of the Trust and its shareholders to approve renewal of the Management Agreement for another year. 9 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED)
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds (139.7%) General Obligation (23.6%) $ 10,000 North Slope Borough, Alaska, Ser 2000 B (MBIA)........... 0.00 % 06/30/10 $ 8,328,300 3,000 Los Angeles, California, Ser 2004 A (MBIA)............... 5.00 09/01/24 3,201,570 3,000 San Diego Unified School District, California, Ser 2003 E (FSA).................................................. 5.25 07/01/23 3,368,880 3,000 Florida Board of Education, Capital Outlay Refg 2002 Ser C (MBIA)............................................... 5.00 06/01/20 3,233,100 Honolulu City & County, Hawaii, 2,500 ROLS RR II R 237-2 (MBIA).............................. 7.386+++ 03/01/25 2,974,775 2,500 ROLS RR II R 237-3 (MBIA).............................. 7.386+++ 03/01/26 2,842,125 Chicago, Illinois, 8,000 Refg Ser 1992 (Ambac).................................. 6.25 01/01/11 9,050,880 2,000 Refg 2001 A (MBIA)..................................... 0.00++ 01/01/21 1,657,260 2,000 Refg 2001 A (MBIA)..................................... 0.00++ 01/01/22 1,650,440 Illinois, 10,000 Ser 2001 (MBIA)........................................ 5.375 04/01/15 11,322,500 10,000 Ser 2001 (MBIA)........................................ 5.375 04/01/16 11,306,100 3,000 Brainerd Independent School District 181, Minnesota, Ser 2002 A (FGIC).......................................... 5.375% 02/01/18 3,312,000 4,000 Clark County, Nevada, Transportation Impr Ltd Tax Ser 06/01/92 B (Ambac)..................................... 6.50 06/01/17 4,957,480 1,880 King County, Washington, Refg 1998 Ser B (MBIA).......... 5.25 01/01/34 1,976,331 ------------- - -------- 69,181,741 64,880 ------------- - -------- Educational Facilities Revenue (5.2%) 2,000 Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University Ser 2004 COPs (Ambac)...................................... 5.00 09/01/30 2,103,180 2,000 University of California, Multiple Purpose Ser Q (FSA)... 5.00 09/01/31 2,092,680 Fulton County Development Authority, Georgia, 900 Morehouse College Ser 2000 (Ambac)..................... 6.25 12/01/21 1,036,485 1,700 Morehouse College Ser 2000 (Ambac)..................... 5.875 12/01/30 1,906,244 2,500 University of North Carolina, Ser 2000 (Ambac)........... 5.25 10/01/20 2,710,375 2,000 University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Student Housing Ser 2005 COPs (FGIC)........................... 5.00 06/01/36 2,091,360 3,000 Utah Board of Regents, University of Utah - Huntsman Cancer Institute Refg Ser 2000 A (MBIA)................ 5.50 04/01/18 3,305,070 ------------- - -------- 15,245,394 14,100 ------------- - -------- Electric Revenue (14.1%) 5,000 California Department of Water Resources, Power Supply Ser 2002 A (Ambac)..................................... 5.375 05/01/18 5,556,250 2,000 Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply 2004 Ser A (FGIC)................................................. 5.00 01/01/32 2,094,380
10 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Carolina Public Service Authority, $ 9,325 Ser 2002 B (FSA)....................................... 5.375% 01/01/17 $ 10,237,638 2,000 2003 Ser A (Ambac)..................................... 5.00 01/01/27 2,097,600 10,000 Lower Colorado River Authority, Texas, Refg Ser 1999 A (FSA).................................................. 5.875 05/15/16 11,074,900 10,000 Seattle, Washington, Light & Power Refg Rev 2001 (FSA)... 5.125 03/01/26 10,388,500 ------------- - -------- 41,449,268 38,325 ------------- - -------- Hospital Revenue (7.0%) 3,000 Indiana Health Facilities Financing Authority, Community Health Ser 2005 A (Ambac) (WI)......................... 5.00 05/01/35 3,109,980 2,000 Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, Baton Rouge General Medical Center FHA Insured Mtge Ser 2004 (MBIA)................................................. 5.25 07/01/33 2,128,600 4,000 Minneapolis Health Care System, Minnesota, Fairview Health 2005 Ser D (Ambac) (WI)................................ 5.00 11/15/34 4,197,200 5,000 Missouri Health & Education Authority, SSM Healthcare Ser 2001 A (Ambac)......................................... 5.25 06/01/28 5,283,350 2,650 Montana Health Facilities Authority, Deaconess Billings Clinic Ser 1994 (Ambac)................................ 7.409+++ 02/25/25 2,710,261 2,000 New York State Dormitory Authority, Montefiore Hospital - FHA Insured Mtge Refg Ser 2004 A (FGIC)..... 5.00 08/01/29 2,106,380 1,000 Medical University South Carolina Hospital Authority, FHA Insured Mtge Refg Ser 2004 A (MBIA).................... 5.25 02/15/25 1,078,450 ------------- - -------- 20,614,221 19,650 ------------- - -------- Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue (3.6%) 5,000 Humboldt County, Nevada, Sierra Pacific Power Co Refg Ser 1987 (Ambac)........................................... 6.55 10/01/13 5,250,500 5,000 New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, Brooklyn Union Gas Co 1996 Ser (MBIA).................. 5.50 01/01/21 5,176,600 ------------- - -------- 10,427,100 10,000 ------------- - -------- Mortgage Revenue - Single Family (2.3%) 1,000 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Governmental 1995 Ser A (MBIA)............................................... 5.875 12/01/24 1,034,570 4,440 New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Authority, Home Buyer Ser 2000 CC (AMT) (MBIA)............................... 5.875 10/01/31 4,490,217 1,105 Virginia Housing Development Authority, 2001 Ser J (MBIA)................................................. 5.20 07/01/19 1,118,116 ------------- - -------- 6,642,903 6,545 ------------- - --------
11 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Public Facilities Revenue (2.5%) $ 2,500 College Park Business & Industrial Development Authority, Georgia, Civic Center Ser 2000 (Ambac)................. 5.75 % 09/01/26 $ 2,800,150 1,500 Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gross Receipts Lodgers' Tax Refg Ser 2004 A (FSA)....................................... 5.00 07/01/37 1,566,075 3,000 Pennsylvania Public School Building Authority, Philadelphia School District Ser 2003 (FSA)............ 5.00 06/01/33 3,121,080 ------------- - -------- 7,487,305 7,000 ------------- - -------- Recreational Facilities Revenue (6.1%) Iowa, 3,600 Vision Iowa Ser 2001 (MBIA)............................ 5.50 02/15/19 4,186,764 2,500 Vision Iowa Ser 2001 (MBIA)............................ 5.50 02/15/20 2,917,075 10,000 Hamilton County, Ohio, Sales Tax Ser 2000 (Ambac)........ 5.25 12/01/32 10,723,600 ------------- - -------- 17,827,439 16,100 ------------- - -------- Tax Allocation Revenue (0.8%) 2,390 San Jose Redevelopment Agency, California, Merged Area - -------- Ser 2002 (MBIA)........................................ 5.00 08/01/32 2,470,017 ------------- Transportation Facilities Revenue (26.5%) 5,000 Denver City & County, Colorado, Airport Refg Ser 2000 A (AMT) (Ambac).......................................... 6.00 11/15/18 5,541,200 Miami Dade County, Florida, 2,155 Miami Int'l Airport Refg Ser 2003 B (AMT) (MBIA)....... 5.25 10/01/18 2,311,669 2,270 Miami Int'l Airport Refg Ser 2003 B (AMT) (MBIA)....... 5.25 10/01/19 2,430,058 5,000 Atlanta, Georgia, Airport Ser 2004 C (FSA)............... 5.00 01/01/33 5,206,850 5,000 Hawaii, Airports Refg Ser 2001 (AMT) (FGIC).............. 5.25 07/01/21 5,251,750 2,000 Chicago, Illinois, O'Hare Int'l Airport Third Lien Ser 2003 (AMT) (FSA)....................................... 5.75 01/01/23 2,220,940 4,000 Regional Transportation Authority, Illinois, Refg Ser 1999 (FSA)............................................. 5.75 06/01/21 4,784,840 2,500 Maryland Economic Development Corporation, Maryland Aviation Administration Ser 2003 (AMT) (FSA)........... 5.375 06/01/22 2,694,800 5,000 Minneapolis - St Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission, Minnesota, Ser 2001 C (FGIC)........................... 5.25 01/01/32 5,310,200 5,000 Nevada Department of Business & Industry, Las Vegas Monorail 1st Tier Ser 2000 (Ambac)..................... 0.00 01/01/21 2,381,900 2,000 New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, 2005 Ser C (FGIC)............................................... 5.25 06/15/20 2,205,540 5,000 New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Ser 2003 A (Ambac)........ 5.00 01/01/30 5,237,000 Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, 6,805 State Service Contract Refg Ser 2002 B (MBIA).......... 5.50 07/01/20 7,524,901 10,000 Transportation Refg Ser 2002 A (Ambac)................. 5.50 11/15/17 11,241,799 2,000 Transportation Refg Ser 2002 A (FGIC).................. 5.00 11/15/25 2,110,980
See Notes to Financial Statements 12 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, $ 4,000 Ser R 2001 (Ambac)..................................... 5.00 % 12/01/26 $ 4,205,720 4,000 Ser A 2004 (Ambac)..................................... 5.00 12/01/34 4,213,160 2,500 Port of Seattle, Washington, Ser 2001 B (AMT) (MBIA)..... 5.625 02/01/24 2,693,750 ------------- - -------- 77,567,057 74,230 ------------- - -------- Water & Sewer Revenue (32.7%) 1,000 Phoenix Civic Improvement Corporation, Arizona, Water (MBIA)................................................. 5.00 07/01/27 1,055,640 5,000 San Diego County Water Authority, California, Ser 2004 A COPs (FSA)............................................. 5.00 05/01/29 5,280,100 10,000 Tampa Bay Water, Florida, Ser 2001 B (FGIC).............. 5.00 10/01/31 10,357,600 2,000 Atlanta, Georgia, Water & Wastewater Ser 1999 A (FGIC)... 5.00 11/01/29 2,068,620 5,000 Honolulu City & County, Hawaii, Wastewater Ser 2001 (Ambac)................................................ 5.125 07/01/31 5,212,450 10,000 Louisville & Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, Kentucky, Ser 1999 A (FGIC).................. 5.75 05/15/33 11,045,200 3,800 Louisville Board of Water Works, Kentucky, Water Ser 2000 (FSA).................................................. 5.50 11/15/25 4,139,948 5,000 Detroit, Michigan, Sewage Disposal Ser 2001 A (FGIC)..... 5.125 07/01/31 5,230,600 5,000 Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority, South Carolina, Refg Ser 2001 (FSA).................................... 5.00 06/01/31 5,191,000 Austin, Texas, 10,000 Water & Wastewater Refg Ser 2001 A (FSA)............... 5.125 05/15/27 10,407,800 2,000 Water & Wastewater Ser 2004 A (Ambac).................. 5.00 11/15/27 2,107,180 15,000 Houston, Texas, Combined Utility First Lien Refg 2004 Ser A (FGIC)............................................... 5.25 05/15/23 16,198,200 San Antonio, Texas, 2,000 Water & Refg Ser 2002 (FSA)............................ 5.50 05/15/18 2,219,460 2,500 Water & Refg Ser 2002 (FSA)............................ 5.50 05/15/20 2,745,875 Wichita Falls, Texas, 2,000 Water & Sewer Ser 2001 (Ambac)......................... 5.375 08/01/20 2,170,320 3,000 Water & Sewer Ser 2001 (Ambac)......................... 5.375 08/01/24 3,255,480 5,000 King County, Washington, Sewer Refg 2001 (FGIC).......... 5.00 01/01/31 5,161,300 2,000 West Virginia Water Development Authority, Loan Program IV 2005 Ser A (FSA) (WI)............................... 5.00 11/01/44 2,072,460 ------------- - -------- 95,919,233 90,300 ------------- - -------- Other Revenue (3.0%) 4,000 California, Economic Recovery Ser 2004 A (MBIA).......... 5.00 07/01/15 4,406,040 1,000 Sales Tax Asset Receivable Corporation, New York, 2005 Ser A (Ambac).......................................... 5.00 10/15/29 1,061,510 3,000 Alexandria Industrial Development Authority, Virginia, Institute for Defense Analysis Ser 2000 A (Ambac)...... 5.90 10/01/30 3,359,880 ------------- - -------- 8,827,430 8,000 ------------- - --------
See Notes to Financial Statements 13 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Refunded (12.3%) $ 15,000 Delaware Health Facilities Authority, Medical Center of Delaware Ser 1992 (MBIA) (ETM)......................... 6.25 % 10/01/06 $ 15,725,850 3,000 Denver, Colorado, Civic Center Office Building Ser 2000 B COPs (Ambac)........................................... 5.50 12/01/10+ 3,378,060 5,000 Detroit, Michigan, Water Supply Ser 1999 A (FGIC)........ 5.75 07/01/10+ 5,616,450 5,000 Hawaii, 1999 Ser CT (FSA)................................ 5.875 09/01/09+ 5,616,850 5,000 Massachusetts, Special Obligation 2002 Ser A (FGIC)...... 5.375 06/01/12+ 5,588,900 ------------- - -------- 35,926,110 33,000 ------------- - -------- 384,520 Total Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds (Cost $379,816,473)........................ 409,585,218 ------------- - -------- Short-Term Tax-Exempt Municipal Obligations (8.4%) 1,000 Newport Beach, California, Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital 1992 Ser (Demand 05/02/05).................... 2.95* 10/01/22 1,000,000 12,270 Idaho Health Facilities Authority, St Luke's Regional Medical Center Ser 2000 (FSA) (Demand 11/01/04)........ 2.95* 07/01/30 12,270,000 600 Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Cox Health Ser 1997 (MBIA) (Demand 05/02/05)............... 3.03* 06/01/15 600,000 8,195 New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency, 1995 Ser A (Ambac) (called for redemption 05/01/05)............... 6.05** 11/01/20 8,360,457 2,400 North Central Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation, Presbyterian Medical Center Ser 1985 D (MBIA) (Demand 05/02/05)............................... 2.95* 12/01/15 2,400,000 ------------- - -------- 24,465 Total Short-Term Tax-Exempt Municipal Obligations (Cost $24,629,098)........ 24,630,457 ------------- - --------
$408,985 Total Investments (Cost $404,445,571) (a) (b)...................... 148.1% 434,215,675 ======== Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets.............................. (3.7) (10,910,117) Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest............................ (44.4) (130,051,336) ----- ------------- Net Assets......................................................... 100.0% $ 293,254,222 ===== =============
See Notes to Financial Statements 14 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued - --------------------- Note: The categories of investments are shown as a percentage of net assets applicable to common shareholders. AMT Alternative Minimum Tax. COPs Certificates of Participation. ETM Escrowed to maturity. ROLS Reset Option Longs. (Illiquid securities). WI Security purchased on a when-issued basis. + Prerefunded to call date shown. ++ Currently a zero coupon security; will convert to 5.56% and 5.58%, respectively on January 1, 2011. +++ Current coupon rate for residual interest bond. This rate resets periodically as the auction rate on the related security changes. Positions in inverse floating rate municipal obligation have a value of $8,527,161, which represents 2.9% of net assets applicable to common shareholders. * Current coupon of variable rate demand obligation. ** A portion of this security has been physically segregated in connection with open futures contracts in the amount of $295,000. (a) Securities have been designated as collateral in an amount equal to $63,279,174 in connection with open futures contracts and security purchased on a when-issued basis. (b) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates the aggregate cost for book purposes. The aggregate gross and net unrealized appreciation is $29,776,178. Bond Insurance: - --------------- Ambac Ambac Assurance Corporation. FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company. FSA Financial Security Assurance Inc. MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation.
Futures Contracts Open at April 30, 2005:
NUMBER OF DESCRIPTION, DELIVERY UNDERLYING FACE UNREALIZED CONTRACTS LONG/SHORT MONTH AND YEAR AMOUNT AT VALUE DEPRECIATION - --------- ---------- ----------------------------- --------------- ------------ U.S. Treasury Notes 5 year, 400 Short June 2005 $(43,381,252) $(104,228) U.S. Treasury Notes 10 year, 100 Short June 2005 (11,142,188) (104,963) --------- Total unrealized depreciation.............................. $(209,191) =========
15 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Assets and Liabilities April 30, 2005 (unaudited) Assets: Investments in securities, at value (cost $404,713,075)............... $434,215,675 Cash................................ 25,289 Receivable for: Interest........................ 6,361,341 Variation margin................ 125,000 Prepaid expenses and other assets... 168,504 ------------ Total Assets.................... 440,895,809 ------------ Liabilities: Payable for: Investments purchased........... 17,259,197 Investment advisory fee......... 115,368 Common shares of beneficial interest repurchased.......... 79,068 Administration fee.............. 34,183 Accrued expenses and other payables.......................... 102,435 ------------ Total Liabilities............... 17,590,251 ------------ Preferred shares of beneficial interest (at liquidating value) (1,000,000 shares authorized of non-participating $.01 par value, 2,600 shares outstanding)...................... 130,051,336 ------------ Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders.................. $293,254,222 ============ Composition of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders: Common shares of beneficial interest (unlimited shares authorized of $.01 par value, 18,903,921 shares outstanding)...................... $262,623,501 Net unrealized appreciation......... 29,560,913 Accumulated undistributed net investment income................. 2,088,593 Accumulated net realized loss....... (1,018,785) ------------ Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders.................. $293,254,222 ============ Net Asset Value Per Common Share ($293,254,222 divided by 18,903,921 common shares outstanding).......... $15.51 ============
Statement of Operations For the six months ended April 30, 2005 (unaudited) Net Investment Income: Interest Income...................... $10,355,092 ----------- Expenses Investment advisory fee.............. 570,942 Auction commission fees.............. 251,899 Administration fee................... 169,168 Transfer agent fees and expenses..... 48,391 Professional fees.................... 35,211 Shareholder reports and notices...... 27,063 Custodian fees....................... 10,905 Auction agent fees................... 7,995 Registration fees.................... 6,794 Trustees' fees and expenses.......... 6,292 Other................................ 24,910 ----------- Total Expenses................... 1,159,570 ----------- Net Investment Income............ 9,195,522 ----------- Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss): Net realized gain (loss) on: Investments.......................... 1,374,158 Futures contracts.................... (84,809) ----------- Net Realized Gain................ 1,289,349 ----------- Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ Depreciation on: Investments.......................... (2,921,344) Futures contracts.................... 823,915 ----------- Net Depreciation................. (2,097,429) ----------- Net Loss......................... (808,080) ----------- Dividends to preferred shareholders from net investment income......... (1,101,474) ----------- Net Increase......................... $ 7,285,968 ===========
See Notes to Financial Statements 16 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued Statement of Changes in Net Assets
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR MONTHS ENDED ENDED APRIL 30, 2005 OCTOBER 31, 2004 -------------- ---------------- (unaudited) Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: Operations: Net investment income....................................... $ 9,195,522 $ 19,360,032 Net realized gain (loss).................................... 1,289,349 (3,322,884) Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation.......... (2,097,429) 5,962,786 Dividends to preferred shareholders from net investment income.................................................... (1,101,474) (2,089,610) ------------ ------------ Net Increase............................................ 7,285,968 19,910,324 ------------ ------------ Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders from: Net investment income....................................... (7,757,560) (17,193,068) Net realized gain........................................... -- (1,587,770) ------------ ------------ Total Dividends and Distributions....................... (7,757,560) (18,780,838) ------------ ------------ Decrease from transactions in common shares of beneficial interest.................................................. (6,603,056) (10,096,973) ------------ ------------ Net Decrease............................................ (7,074,648) (8,967,487) Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders: Beginning of period......................................... 300,328,870 309,296,357 ------------ ------------ End of Period (Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of $2,088,593 and $1,752,105, respectively)................. $293,254,222 $300,328,870 ============ ============
See Notes to Financial Statements 17 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) 1. Organization and Accounting Policies Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust (the "Trust") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Trust's investment objective is to provide current income which is exempt from federal income tax. The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 3, 1991 and commenced operations on February 28, 1992. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies: A. Valuation of Investments -- (1) portfolio securities are valued by an outside independent pricing service approved by the Trustees. The pricing service uses both a computerized grid matrix of tax-exempt securities and evaluations by its staff, in each case based on information concerning market transactions and quotations from dealers which reflect the mean between the last reported bid and asked price. The portfolio securities are thus valued by reference to a combination of transactions and quotations for the same or other securities believed to be comparable in quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue, call provisions, trading characteristics and other features deemed to be relevant. The Trustees believe that timely and reliable market quotations are generally not readily available for purposes of valuing tax-exempt securities and that the valuations supplied by the pricing service are more likely to approximate the fair value of such securities; (2) futures are valued at the latest sale price on the commodities exchange on which they trade unless it is determined that 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; and (3) 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 and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily. C. Futures Contracts -- A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell financial instruments or contracts based on financial indices at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract, the Trust is required to pledge to the broker cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the applicable futures exchange. Pursuant to the contract, the Trust agrees to receive from or pay to the 18 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments known as variation margin are recorded by the Trust as unrealized gains and losses. Upon closing of the contract, the Trust realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. D. Federal Income Tax Policy -- It is the Trust's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable and nontaxable income to its shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required. E. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders -- Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. F. Use of Estimates -- 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. 2. Investment Advisory/Administration Agreements Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Adviser"), the Trust pays an advisory fee, calculated weekly and payable monthly, by applying the annual rate of 0.27% to the Trust's weekly total net assets including preferred shares. Pursuant to an Administration Agreement with Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. (the "Administrator"), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, the Trust pays an administration fee, calculated weekly and payable monthly, by applying the annual rate of 0.08% to the Trust's weekly total net assets including preferred shares. 3. Security Transactions and Transactions With Affiliates The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments, for the six months ended April 30, 2005 aggregated $28,073,790 and $29,615,615, respectively. Morgan Stanley Trust, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser and Administrator, is the Trust's transfer agent. At April 30, 2005, the Trust had transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $9,000. The Trust has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain independent Trustees of the Trust who will have served as independent Trustees for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this plan are based on factors which include years of service and 19 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued compensation. Aggregate pension costs for the six months ended April 30, 2005 included in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted to $3,310. At April 30, 2005, the Trust had an accrued pension liability of $55,635 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. On December 2, 2003, the Trustees voted to close the plan to new participants and eliminate the future benefits growth due to increases to compensation after July 31, 2003. The Trust has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan") which allows each independent Trustee to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he receives for serving on the Board of Trustees. Each eligible Trustee generally may elect to have the deferred amounts credited with a return equal to the total return on one or more of the Morgan Stanley funds that are offered as investment options under the Compensation Plan. Appreciation/depreciation and distributions received from these investments are recorded with an offsetting increase/decrease in the deferred compensation obligation and do not affect the net asset value of the Trust. 4. Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest The Trust is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 non-participating preferred shares of beneficial interest having a par value of $.01 per share, in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Trustees, without approval of the common shareholders. The Trust has issued Series TU and TH Auction Rate Preferred Shares ("Preferred Shares") which have a liquidation value of $50,000 per share plus the redemption premium, if any, plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, thereon to the date of distribution. The Trust may redeem such shares, in whole or in part, at the original purchase price of $50,000 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, thereon to the date of redemption. Dividends, which are cumulative, are reset through auction procedures.
AMOUNT RESET DIVIDEND SERIES SHARES* IN THOUSANDS* RATE* DATE RATES - ------ ------- ------------- ----- -------- ------------ TU 800 $40,000 1.54% 01/04/06 1.54% TH 1,800 90,000 2.80 05/06/05 1.649 - 2.80
- --------------------- * As of April 30, 2005. Subsequent to April 30, 2005 and up through June 3, 2005 the Trust paid dividends to Series TU and TH at rates ranging from 1.54% to 2.80% in the aggregate amount of $341,730. 20 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued The Trust is subject to certain restrictions relating to the preferred shares. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the Trust from declaring any distributions to common shareholders or purchasing common shares and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of preferred shares at liquidation value. The preferred shares, which are entitled to one vote per share, generally vote with the common shares but vote separately as a class to elect two Trustees and on any matters affecting the rights of the preferred shares. 5. Common Shares of Beneficial Interest Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
CAPITAL PAID IN EXCESS OF SHARES PAR VALUE PAR VALUE ---------- --------- ------------ Balance, October 31, 2003................................... 20,110,680 $201,107 $279,122,423 Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 8.70%)*.......................................... (723,700) (7,237) (10,089,736) ---------- -------- ------------ Balance, October 31, 2004................................... 19,386,980 193,870 269,032,687 Treasury shares purchased and retired (weighted average discount 11.37%)*......................................... (483,059) (4,831) (6,598,225) ---------- -------- ------------ Balance, April 30, 2005..................................... 18,903,921 $189,039 $262,434,462 ========== ======== ============
- --------------------- * The Trustees have voted to retire the shares purchased. 6. Dividends to Common Shareholders On March 29, 2005, the Trust declared the following dividends from net investment income:
AMOUNT RECORD PAYABLE PER SHARE DATE DATE - --------- ------------- ------------- $0.0675 May 6, 2005 May 20, 2005 $0.0675 June 3, 2005 June 17, 2005
7. Expense Offset The expense offset represents a reduction of the custodian fees for earnings on cash balances maintained by the Trust. 21 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - APRIL 30, 2005 (UNAUDITED) continued 8. Risks Relating to Certain Financial Instruments The Trust may invest a portion of its assets in residual interest bonds, which are inverse floating rate municipal obligations. The prices of these securities are subject to greater market fluctuations during periods of changing prevailing interest rates than are comparable fixed rate obligations. To hedge against adverse interest rate changes, the Trust may invest in financial futures contracts or municipal bond index futures contracts ("futures contracts"). These futures contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amount reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Trust bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the value of the underlying securities. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. 9. Federal Income Tax Status The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as distributions of paid-in-capital. As of October 31, 2004, the Trust had a net capital loss carryforward of $3,341,240 which will expire on October 31, 2012 to offset future capital gains to the extent provided by regulations. As of October 31, 2004, the Trust had temporary book/tax differences primarily attributable to book amortization of discounts on debt securities, mark-to-market of open futures contracts and dividend payable. 22 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Selected ratios and per share data for a common share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, MONTHS ENDED --------------------------------------------------------------------- APRIL 30, 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 -------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- (unaudited) Selected Per Share Data: Net asset value, beginning of period............................ $15.49 $15.38 $15.50 $15.74 $15.09 $ 14.91 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income*......... 0.49 0.96 0.97 1.05 1.14 1.15 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).................... (0.04) 0.16 0.14 0.15 0.79 0.14 Common share equivalent of dividends paid to preferred shareholders*.................. (0.06) (0.11) (0.13) (0.18) (0.22) (0.24) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- Total income from investment operations........................ 0.39 1.01 0.98 1.02 1.71 1.05 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- Less dividends and distributions from: Net investment income.......... (0.41) (0.87) (0.90) (0.85) (0.93) (0.93) Net realized gain.............. -- (0.08) (0.23) (0.43) (0.13) -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- Total dividends and distributions..................... (0.41) (0.95) (1.13) (1.28) (1.06) (0.93) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- Anti-dilutive effect of acquiring treasury shares*.................. 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.00 0.06 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- Net asset value, end of period..... $15.51 $15.49 $15.38 $15.50 $15.74 $ 15.09 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= Market value, end of period........ $13.80 $13.88 $14.38 $14.15 $15.29 $14.188 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= Total Return+...................... 2.39%(1) 3.21% 9.78% 1.14% 15.48% 10.87% Ratios to Average Net Assets of Common Shareholders: Total expenses (before expense offset)........................... 0.79%(2)(3) 0.82%(3) 0.80%(3) 0.76%(3) 0.71%(3) 0.71%(3) Net investment income before preferred stock dividends......... 6.26%(2) 6.34% 6.26% 6.92% 7.42% 7.74% Preferred stock dividends.......... 0.75%(2) 0.69% 0.87% 1.15% 1.43% 1.63% Net investment income available to common shareholders............... 5.51%(2) 5.65% 5.39% 5.77% 5.99% 6.11% Supplemental Data: Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of period, in thousands....... $293,254 $300,329 $309,296 $320,331 $331,834 $319,076 Asset coverage on preferred shares at end of period.................. 325% 331% 338% 346% 354% 345% Portfolio turnover rate............ 7%(1) 14% 11% 17% 29% 26%
- --------------------- * The per share amounts were computed using an average number of common shares outstanding during the period. + Total return is based upon the current market value on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed to be reinvested at the prices obtained under the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan. Total return does not reflect brokerage commissions. (1) Not annualized. (2) Annualized. (3) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.
23 See Notes to Financial Statements TRUSTEES Michael Bozic Charles A. Fiumefreddo Edwin J. Garn Wayne E. Hedien James F. Higgins Dr. Manuel H. Johnson Joseph J. Kearns Michael E. Nugent Fergus Reid OFFICERS Charles A. Fiumefreddo Chairman of the Board Mitchell M. Merin President Ronald E. Robison Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer Joseph J. McAlinden Vice President Barry Fink Vice President Amy R. Doberman Vice President Carsten Otto Chief Compliance Officer Stefanie V. Chang Vice President Francis J. Smith Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Thomas F. Caloia Vice President Mary E. Mullin Secretary TRANSFER AGENT Morgan Stanley Trust Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Deloitte & Touche LLP Two World Financial Center New York, New York 10281 INVESTMENT ADVISER Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 The financial statements included herein have been taken from the records of the Trust without examination by the independent auditors and accordingly they do not express an opinion thereon. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley DW Inc., member SIPC. (c) 2005 Morgan Stanley [MORGAN STANLEY LOGO] MORGAN STANLEY FUNDS Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust Semiannual Report April 30, 2005 [MORGAN STANLEY LOGO] 37974RPT-RA05-00474P-Y04/05 Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 6. Refer to Item 1. Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies Applicable only to reports covering periods ending on or after December 31, 2005. Item 9. Closed-End Fund Repurchases REGISTRANT PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period (a) Total (b) Average (c) Total (d) Maximum Number of Price Paid Number of Number (or Shares per Share (or Shares (or Approximate (or Unit) Units) Dollar Units) Purchased as Value) of Purchased Part of Shares (or Publicly Units) that Announced May Yet Be Plans or Purchased Programs Under the Plans or Programs - -------------------- --------- ------------- ------------- ----------- November 1, 2004 -- November 30, 2004 76,100 $13.6038 N/A N/A December 1, 2004 -- December 31, 2004 116,600 $13.5893 N/A N/A January 1, 2005 -- January 31, 2005 95,100 $13.7607 N/A N/A February 1, 2005 -- February 28, 2005 58,700 $13.9194 N/A N/A March 1, 2005 -- March 31, 2005 82,359 $13.6109 N/A N/A April 1, 2005 -- April 30, 2005 54,200 $13.6233 N/A N/A Total 483,059 $13.6846 N/A N/A
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Not applicable. Item 11. Controls and Procedures (a) The Trust's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Trust's disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, based upon such officers' evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report. 2 (b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Item 12. Exhibits (a) Code of Ethics - Not applicable for semiannual reports. (b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant are attached hereto as part of EX-99.CERT. 3 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust /s/ Ronald E. Robison Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer June 16, 2005 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/ Ronald E. Robison Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer June 16, 2005 /s/ Francis Smith Francis Smith Principal Financial Officer June 16, 2005 4 EX-99.CERT 2 y08725exv99wcert.txt CERTIFICATION EXHIBIT 12 B1 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATIONS I, Ronald E. Robison, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 5 a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: June 16, 2005 /s/ Ronald E. Robison Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer 6 EXHIBIT 12 B2 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATIONS I, Francis Smith, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 7 a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: June 16, 2005 /s/ Francis Smith Francis Smith Principal Financial Officer 8 EX-99.906CERT 3 y08725exv99w906cert.txt CERTIFICATION SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended April 30, 2005 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Date: June 16, 2005 /s/ Ronald E. Robison --------------------------- Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 9 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended April 30, 2005 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Date: June 16, 2005 /s/ Francis Smith ---------------------- Francis Smith Principal Financial Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Insured Municipal Trust and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 10 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----