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

811-07694

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

522 Fifth Avenue New York, NY

 

10036

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Randy Takian
522 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10036

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

1-800-221-6726

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

12/31

 

 

Date of reporting period:

12/31/08

 

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file  reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to  stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders  under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1).  The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its  regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form  N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is  not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form  N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and  Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy  of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing  the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street,  NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of  information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. Section 3507.

 



 

ITEM 1.  REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 

The Fund’s annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is as follows:

 



 

 

2008 Annual Report

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

Morgan Stanley

Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

(MSD)

 

 

Morgan Stanley
Investment Management Inc.
Investment Adviser

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Overview (unaudited)

 

Letter to Stockholders

 

Performance

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) had total returns of -12.95%, based on net asset value, and -18.74% based on market value per share (including reinvestment of distributions), compared to its benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Index (the “Index”), which returned -10.91%. On December 31, 2008, the closing price of the Fund’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange was $7.07, representing a 19.6% discount to the Fund’s net asset value per share. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Factors Affecting Performance

 

·

 

In the first half of 2008, the global economy avoided a serious recession and the prospect of the rest of the world “decoupling” from the U.S. centered credit crisis was considered a possibility. The most serious threat to the economic performance of emerging market (EM) countries during this time was inflationary pressures coming from high food and commodity prices. While economic data began to show signs of deterioration in the U.S. and other developed countries, economic growth in the emerging world remained strong, driven by the continued growth of external accounts and increasing domestic demand. EM bonds, both in U.S. dollars and in local currency, performed relatively well with spreads trading in a fairly narrow range.

 

 

 

·

 

Late in the third quarter, the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and the associated freezing of credit markets turned the economic headwinds decidedly more negative. Investor confidence plummeted, risk appetite collapsed, and forced selling of all sorts of risky assets ensued. Credit in global markets dried up, marking a turning point for those countries that had managed to remain on the sidelines of the crisis. EM countries endured a series of shocks including manic selling by leveraged investors, an unprecedented drop in commodity prices, and a sharp contraction in developed market growth. Most asset classes declined regardless of fundamentals as indiscriminate deleveraging generated a vicious cycle in which falling prices further undermined investor confidence, fueling additional unwinding of positions.

 

 

 

·

 

For the overall year, EM sovereign bond markets underperformed developed government bond markets, which were considered relative safe havens, yet outperformed other risky asset classes such as U.S. high yield bonds, leveraged loans and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Index declined 10.91% for the year, with yield spreads widening from 254 basis points to 724 basis points above U.S. Treasury bonds.

 

 

 

·

 

The Fund’s overweights in Brazilian and Peruvian debt securities bolstered relative returns, as did an underweight in Argentina. Conversely, detractors from performance included overweights in Russian quasi-sovereign bonds, underweights in Lebanese, Chinese and Malaysian debt, and currency exposure to Mexico and Brazil.

 

Management Strategies

 

·

 

We favored securities in Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Peru during the reporting period.

 

 

 

·

 

We maintained a neutral spread duration and moderately lower interest-rate duration relative to the Index throughout most of the period.

 

2



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Overview (unaudited)

 

Letter to Stockholders (cont’d)

 

·

 

On a fundamental basis, we find significant value in EM dollar-denominated debt at year end. While EM bond prices did advance in December, risk premiums remain at elevated levels. The improvement in credit markets at year end allowed issuers to borrow from the capital markets and trading volumes to improve slightly. We believe that the destruction of value in the last months of the year has created good opportunities in those EM countries with still strong fundamentals that should well position them to weather the global economic recession.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Randy Takian

 

President and Principal Executive Officer

January 2009

 

3



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio of Investments

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

 

 

 

Face
Amount
(000)

 

Value
(000)

 

DEBT INSTRUMENTS (96.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

Argentina (0.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Argentina,
8.28%, 12/31/33

 

$

1,743

 

$

571

 

Brazil (18.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate (0.9%)

 

 

 

 

 

Banco ABN Amro Real S.A.,
16.20%, 2/22/10

 

BRL

4,240

 

1,845

 

Sovereign (17.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Banco Nacional de
Desenvolvimento Economico e Social,
6.37%, 6/16/18 (a)

 

$

5,000

 

4,775

 

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional, Series F,
10.00%, 1/1/14

 

BRL

5,613

 

2,151

 

Federative Republic of Brazil,
6.00%, 1/17/17

 

$

6,850

 

7,107

 

7.13%, 1/20/37

 

550

 

627

 

8.00%, 1/15/18

 

6,403

 

7,203

 

8.88%, 10/14/19 - 4/15/24

 

6,188

 

7,590

 

10.50%, 7/14/14

 

1,740

 

2,192

 

11.00%, 8/17/40 (b)

 

3,250

 

4,258

 

 

 

 

 

35,903

 

 

 

 

 

37,748

 

Bulgaria (0.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Bulgaria,
8.25%, 1/15/15 (a)

 

1,149

 

1,126

 

Chile (1.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (1.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

Empresa Nacional de Petroleo,
6.75%, 11/15/12 (a)

 

3,090

 

3,104

 

Colombia (1.8%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (1.8%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Colombia,
7.38%, 1/27/17

 

960

 

1,003

 

11.75%, 2/25/20

 

2,025

 

2,724

 

 

 

 

 

3,727

 

Ecuador (0.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Ecuador,
9.38%, 12/15/15 (c)

 

 

3,113

 

856

 

9.95%, 8/15/30 (c)

 

2,500

 

656

 

 

 

 

 

1,512

 

Ghana (0.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Ghana,
8.50%, 10/4/17 (a)

 

1,916

 

1,092

 

Indonesia (7.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate (1.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Pindo Deli Finance Mauritius,
Tranche A, 5.43%,
4/28/15 (a)(d)

 

397

 

220

 

Tranche B, 5.43%,
4/28/18 (a)(d)

 

1,707

 

486

 

Tranche C, Zero Coupon,
4/28/25 (d)

 

6,884

 

448

 

Tjiwi Kimia Finance Mauritius Ltd.,
Tranche A, 5.43%,
4/28/15 (d)

 

1,317

 

731

 

Tranche B, 5.53%,
4/28/18 (a)(d)

 

1,477

 

421

 

Tranche C, Zero Coupon,
4/28/27 (a)(d)

 

3,352

 

218

 

 

 

 

 

2,524

 

Sovereign (6.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Indonesia,

6.88%, 1/17/18

 

3,280

 

2,676

 

6.88%, 1/17/18 (a)

 

2,452

 

2,048

 

7.75%, 1/17/38

 

2,339

 

1,941

 

7.75%, 1/17/38 (a)

 

7,222

 

6,030

 

 

 

 

 

12,695

 

 

 

 

 

15,219

 

Ivory Coast (0.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

Ivory Coast,
Zero Coupon, 3/31/18 (c)

 

2,045

 

521

 

 

4

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio of Investments (cont’d)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

 

 

 

Face
Amount
(000)

 

Value
(000)

 

Kazakhstan (2.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (2.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

Intergas Finance BV,
6.38%, 5/14/17

 

$

610

 

$

354

 

KazMunaiGaz Finance Sub BV,
9.13%, 7/2/18 (a)

 

5,720

 

3,746

 

 

 

 

 

4,100

 

Mexico (18.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (18.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

Mexican Bonos,
10.00%, 12/5/24

 

MXN

49,800

 

4,140

 

8.00%, 12/17/15

 

23,609

 

1,712

 

Pemex Project Funding Master
Trust,
3.30%, 6/15/10 (a)(d)

 

$

4,250

 

4,038

 

5.75%, 3/1/18 (a)

 

1,840

 

1,633

 

6.63%, 6/15/35

 

5,000

 

4,239

 

8.63%, 12/1/23

 

1,740

 

1,716

 

9.13%, 10/13/10

 

4,040

 

4,262

 

United Mexican States,
5.63%, 1/15/17 (b)

 

6,308

 

6,340

 

5.95%, 3/19/19

 

4,080

 

4,100

 

6.05%, 1/11/40

 

560

 

546

 

6.75%, 9/27/34

 

1,479

 

1,568

 

7.50%, 1/14/12

 

1

 

1

 

8.38%, 1/14/11

 

2,665

 

2,891

 

 

 

 

 

37,186

 

Nigeria (1.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (1.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

UBS AG, Federal Republic of
Nigeria, Credit Linked
Unsecured Notes,
Zero Coupon, 4/9/09
NGN

 

NGN

351,300

 

2,490

 

Panama (2.9%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (2.9%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Panama,
7.13%, 1/29/26

 

$

1,910

 

1,810

 

7.25%, 3/15/15

 

1,148

 

1,177

 

9.38%, 4/1/29

 

2,663

 

2,942

 

 

 

 

 

5,929

 

Peru (5.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (5.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Peru,
6.55%, 3/14/37

 

 

2,613

 

 

2,345

 

7.35%, 7/21/25

 

560

 

560

 

8.38%, 5/3/16

 

1,150

 

1,245

 

8.75%, 11/21/33

 

4,846

 

5,452

 

9.88%, 2/6/15

 

802

 

926

 

 

 

 

 

10,528

 

Philippines (6.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (6.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Philippines,
6.38%, 1/15/32

 

2,000

 

1,910

 

8.88%, 3/17/15

 

7,308

 

7,783

 

9.00%, 2/15/13

 

2,240

 

2,385

 

9.50%, 2/2/30

 

909

 

1,023

 

 

 

 

 

13,101

 

Qatar (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

 

State of Qatar (Registered),
9.75%, 6/15/30

 

1,260

 

1,556

 

Russia (10.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate (1.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

TNK-BP Finance S.A.,
7.88%, 3/13/18 (a)

 

3,800

 

1,919

 

Sovereign (9.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

RSHB Capital S.A. for OJSC

 

 

 

 

 

Russian Agricultural Bank,
6.30%, 5/15/17 (a)

 

2,004

 

1,152

 

7.18%, 5/16/13

 

270

 

197

 

7.18%, 5/16/13 (a)

 

2,800

 

2,044

 

Russian Federation,
7.50%, 3/31/30 (a)(e)

 

867

 

761

 

Russian Federation
(Registered),
7.50%, 3/31/30 (b)(e)

 

11,882

 

10,426

 

12.75%, 6/24/28

 

4,000

 

4,660

 

 

 

 

 

19,240

 

 

 

 

 

21,159

 

South Korea (0.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

Korea Development Bank,

 

 

 

 

 

5.30%, 1/17/13

 

1,000

 

911

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

5



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio of Investments (cont’d)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

 

 

 

Face
Amount
(000)

 

Value
(000)

 

Trinidad (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

 

National Gas Co. of Trinidad &
Tobago Ltd., 6.05%, 1/15/36 (a)

 

$

2,369

 

$

1,708

 

Turkey (9.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (9.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Turkey,
6.75%, 4/3/18

 

6,005

 

5,735

 

11.00%, 1/14/13

 

7,145

 

8,110

 

11.50%, 1/23/12

 

320

 

363

 

11.88%, 1/15/30

 

3,237

 

4,645

 

 

 

 

 

18,853

 

Uruguay (0.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Uruguay,
8.00%, 11/18/22

 

545

 

507

 

Venezuela (7.6%)

 

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (7.6%)

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Venezuela,
5.75%, 2/26/16

 

987

 

424

 

7.00%, 3/31/38

 

1,631

 

599

 

9.00%, 5/7/23

 

617

 

250

 

9.25%, 9/15/27 - 5/7/08

 

18,484

 

8,831

 

10.75%, 9/19/13

 

8,330

 

5,498

 

 

 

 

 

15,602

 

TOTAL DEBT INSTRUMENTS (Cost $233,342)

 

 

 

198,250

 

 

 

No. of
Warrants

 

 

 

WARRANTS (0.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria (0.2%)

 

 

 

 

 

Central Bank of Nigeria,
expires 11/15/20 (d)
(Cost $—)

 

3,000

 

300

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (3.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

United States (3.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Company (3.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity
Money Market Portfolio —
Institutional Class 
(Cost $7,662) (f)

 

7,661,838

 

$

7,662

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (100.0%) (Cost $241,004)

 

 

 

206,212

 

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

(20,506

)

NET ASSETS

 

 

 

$

185,706

 

 

(a)

144A security — Certain conditions for public sale may exist. Unless otherwise noted, these securities are deemed to be liquid.

 

 

(b)

Denotes all or a portion of securities subject to repurchase under the Reverse Repurchase Agreements as of December 31, 2008.

 

 

(c)

Issuer is in default.

 

 

(d)

Variable/Floating Rate Security — Interest rate changes on these instruments are based on changes in a designated base rate. The rates shown are those in effect on December 31, 2008.

 

 

(e)

Step Bond — Coupon rate increases in increments to maturity. Rate disclosed is as of December 31, 2008. Maturity date disclosed is the ultimate maturity date.

 

 

(f)

See Note G within the Notes to Financial Statements regarding investment in Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio — Institutional Class.

 

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Contract Information:

 

The Fund had the following foreign currency exchange contract(s) open at period end:

 

Currency
to
Deliver
(000)

 

Value
(000)

 

Settlement
Date

 

In
Exchange
For
(000)

 

Value
(000)

 

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
(000)

 

USD1,150

 

 

$1,150

 

 

1/12/09

 

MXN15,620

 

 

$1,125

 

 

 

$(25)

 

 

 

 

BRL

Brazilian Real

MXN

Mexican Peso

NGN

Nigerian Naira

USD

United States Dollar

 

6

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio of Investments (cont’d)
(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

 

Portfolio Composition

 

Classification

 

Percentage of
Total Investments

 

Sovereign

 

93.0

%

Other*

 

3.2

 

Short-Term Investment

 

 

3.8

 

Total Investments

 

 

100.0

%

 

*

Investment types which do not appear in the above table, as well as those which represent less than 5% of total investments, if applicable, are included in the category labeled “Other”.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

7



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2008
(000)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $233,342)

 

$198,550

 

Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $7,662)

 

7,662

 

Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $241,004)

 

206,212

 

Interest Receivable

 

5,332

 

Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $479)

 

445

 

Dividends Receivable

 

8

 

Receivable from Affiliate

 

1

 

Other Assets

 

5

 

Total Assets

 

212,003

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

Payable For:

 

 

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

16,467

 

Dividends Declared

 

8,389

 

Payable for Outstanding Warrants

 

956

 

Investment Advisory Fees

 

156

 

Bank Overdraft

 

137

 

Lehman Brothers Closed Reverse Repurchase Transactions

 

81

 

Custodian Fees

 

9

 

Administration Fees

 

6

 

Directors’ Fees and Expenses

 

6

 

Unrealized Depreciation on Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

25

 

Other Liabilities

 

65

 

Total Liabilities

 

26,297

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

Applicable to 21,116,315 Issued and Outstanding $0.01 Par Value Shares (100,000,000 Shares Authorized)

 

$185,706

 

Net Asset Value Per Share

 

$      8.79

 

Net Assets Consist of:

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

$       211

 

Paid-in Capital

 

233,740

 

Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income

 

(1,020

)

Accumulated Net Realized Loss

 

(11,337

)

Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments and Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts and Translations

 

(35,888

)

Net Assets

 

$185,706

 

 

8

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2008
(000)

 

Investment Income:

 

 

 

Interest from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers

 

$ 16,575

 

Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer

 

110

 

Total Investment Income

 

16,685

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

Investment Advisory Fees (Note B)

 

2,247

 

Administration Fees (Note C)

 

180

 

Professional Fees

 

132

 

Stockholder Reporting Expenses

 

39

 

Custodian Fees (Note D)

 

26

 

Stockholder Servicing Agent Fees

 

9

 

Directors’ Fees and Expenses

 

4

 

Other Expenses

 

49

 

Expenses Before Non Operating Expenses

 

2,686

 

Interest Expense on Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

192

 

Bank Overdraft Expense

 

3

 

Total Expenses

 

2,881

 

Waiver of Administration Fees (Note C)

 

(101

)

Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliated Cash Sweep (Note G)

 

(5

)

Expense Offset (Note D)

 

(3

)

Net Expenses

 

2,772

 

Net Investment Income

 

13,913

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

 

 

 

Investments

 

(2,776

)

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

2,158

 

Futures Contracts

 

(5,507

)

Swap Agreements

 

3,461

 

Net Realized Gain

 

(2,664

)

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

 

 

Investments

 

(46,690

)

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts and Translations

 

(170

)

Future Contracts

 

282

 

Swap Agreements

 

(462

)

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

(47,040

)

Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

(49,704

)

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

$(35,791

)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

9



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

Year Ended 
December 31, 2008
(000)

 

Year Ended 
December 31, 2007
(000)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

 

$  13,913

 

$  15,187

 

Net Realized Gain

 

(2,664

)

12,122

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

(47,040

)

(11,364

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

(35,791

)

15,945

 

Distributions from and/or in Excess of:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

 

(18,360

)

(14,541

)

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of Shares (699,771 and 230,595 shares, respectively)

 

(5,974

)

(2,257

)

Total Decrease

 

(60,125

)

(853

)

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of Period

 

245,831

 

246,684

 

End of Period (Including Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income of $(1,020) and $(1,682), respectively)

 

$185,706

 

$245,831

 

 

10

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2008
(000)

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Long-Term Investments

 

$  144,555

 

Purchase of Long-Term Investments

 

(143,816

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Investments

 

(1,702

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Foreign Currency Holdings

 

(479

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash Overdrafts

 

96

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) for Foreign Currency Transactions

 

2,158

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Futures Contracts

 

(5,507

)

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Swap Agreements

 

3,461

 

Net Investment Income

 

13,913

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Investment Income to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:

 

 

 

Net (Increase) Decrease in Receivables Related to Operations

 

381

 

Net (Increase) Decrease in Payables Related to Operations

 

(111

)

Accretion/Amortization of Discounts and Premiums

 

288

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

 

13,237

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

Cash Received for Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

73,490

 

Cash Paid for Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

(66,493

)

Payment for Fund Shares Repurchased

 

(5,974

)

Cash Distributions Paid

 

(14,260

)

Net Cash Provided (Used) for Financing Activities

 

(13,237

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash

 

 

Cash at Beginning of Period

 

 

Cash at End of Period

 

$          —

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

Interest Paid on Reverse Repurchase Agreements during the Period

 

$        248

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

11



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Per Share Data and Ratios

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

 

$    11.27

 

$    11.19

 

$    10.80

 

$    10.39

 

$    10.24

 

Net Investment Income†

 

0.65

 

0.69

 

0.67

 

0.91

 

0.83

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

(2.32

)

0.03

 

0.49

 

0.44

 

0.19

 

Total from Investment Operations

 

(1.67

)

0.72

 

1.16

 

1.35

 

1.02

 

Distributions from and/or in Excess of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

 

(0.86

)

(0.66

)

(0.77

)

(0.94

)

(0.87

)

Anti-Dilutive Effect of Share Repurchase Program

 

0.05

 

0.02

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

 

$      8.79

 

$    11.27

 

$    11.19

 

$    10.80

 

$    10.39

 

Per Share Market Value, End of Period

 

$      7.07

 

$      9.70

 

$    10.84

 

$    10.88

 

$      9.61

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Value

 

(18.74

)%

(4.52

)%

7.38

%

23.98

%

7.95

%

Net Asset Value(1)

 

(12.95

)%

7.46

%

11.66

%

13.83

%

11.24

%

RATIOS, SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands)

 

$185,706

 

$245,831

 

$246,684

 

$238,091

 

$229,044

 

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(2)

 

1.23

%+

1.29

%+

1.34

%

1.36

%

1.22

%

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Excluding Non Operating Expenses

 

1.15

%+

1.10

%+

1.16

%

1.16

%

1.16

%

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets(2)

 

6.19

%+

6.11

%+

6.12

%

8.58

%

8.18

%

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

64

%

56

%

44

%

50

%

118

%

(2) Supplemental Information on the Ratios to Average Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios Before Expenses Waived by Administrator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

 

1.28

%+

1.34

%+

1.38

%

1.41

%

1.23

%

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

 

6.14

%+

6.06

%+

6.08

%

8.53

%

8.17

%

 

(1)   Total investment return based on net asset value per share reflects the effects of changes in net asset value on the performance of the Fund during each period, and assumes dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. This percentage is not an indication of the performance of a stockholder’s investment in the Fund based on market value due to differences between the market price of the stock and the net asset value per share of the Fund.

†      Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

+      Reflects rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio — Institutional Class during the period. As a result of such rebate, the expenses as a percentage of its net assets were effected by less than 0.005%.

 

12

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on May 6, 1993, and is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to produce high current income and as a secondary objective, to seek capital appreciation, through investments primarily in debt securities of government and government-related issuers located in emerging market countries and of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers. To the extent that the Fund invests in derivative instruments that the Adviser believes have economic characteristics similar to debt securities of government and government-related issuers located in emerging market countries and of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund’s policy in the previous sentence. To the extent the Fund makes such investments, the Fund will be subject to the risks of such derivative instruments as described herein.

 

A.  Accounting Policies: The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Such policies are consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

1.              Security Valuation: Bonds and other fixed income securities may be valued according to the broadest and most representative market. In addition, bonds and other fixed income securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service. The prices provided by a pricing service take into account broker dealer market price quotations for institutional size trading in similar groups of securities, security quality, maturity, coupon and other security characteristics as well as any developments related to the specific securities. Securities listed on a foreign exchange are valued at their closing price. Unlisted securities and listed securities not traded on the valuation date for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from reputable brokers. Equity securities listed on a U.S. exchange are valued at the latest quoted sales price on the valuation date. Equity securities listed or traded on NASDAQ, for which market quotations are available, are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Debt securities purchased with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, if it approximates market value.

 

All other securities and investments for which market values are not readily available, including restricted securities, and those securities for which it is inappropriate to determine prices in accordance with the aforementioned procedures, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board of Directors (the “Directors”), although the actual calculations may be done by others. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents and, if necessary, available information concerning other securities in similar circumstances.

 

Most foreign markets close before the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Occasionally, developments that could affect the closing prices of securities and other assets may occur between the times at which valuations of such securities are determined (that is, close of the foreign market on which the securities trade) and the close of business on the NYSE. If these developments are expected to materially affect the value of the securities, the valuations may be adjusted to reflect the estimated fair value as of the close of the NYSE, as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Directors.

 

2.              Reverse Repurchase Agreements: The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with institutions that the Fund’s investment adviser has determined are creditworthy. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities purchased with the proceeds from the sale of securities received by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve credit risk with the counterparty to the extent that the value of securities subject to repurchase exceed the Fund’s liability under the reverse repurchase agreement. Securities subject to repurchase under reverse repurchase agreements, if any, are designated as such in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

13



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

At December 31, 2008, the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding with UBS as follows:

 

 

 

Maturity in
Less than
366 Days

 

Value of Securities Subject to Repurchase

 

$19,731,000

 

Liability Under Reverse Repurchase Agreement

 

$16,467,000

 

Weighted Average Days to Maturity

 

11.52

 

 

The weighted average weekly balance of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2008 was approximately $8,031,000 at a weighted average weekly interest rate of 3.17%.

 

3.              Foreign Currency Translation: The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the bid and asked prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by a major bank as follows:

 

·  investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rates of exchange on the valuation date;

 

·  investment transactions and investment income at the prevailing rates of exchange on the dates of such transactions.

 

Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the period, the Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of the securities held at period end. Similarly, the Fund does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities sold during the period. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances.

 

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from sales and maturities of foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains (losses) from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translations in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency translations for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

 

A significant portion of the Fund’s net assets consist of securities of issuers located in emerging markets or which are denominated in foreign currencies. Such investments may be concentrated in a limited number of countries and regions and may vary throughout the year. Changes in currency exchange rates will affect the value of and investment income from foreign currency denominated securities. Emerging market securities are often subject to greater price volatility, limited capitalization and liquidity, and higher rates of inflation than U.S. securities. In addition, emerging market securities may be subject to substantial governmental involvement in the economy and greater social, economic and political uncertainty.

 

4.              Derivatives: The Fund may use derivatives to achieve its investment objectives. The Fund may engage in transactions in futures contracts on foreign currencies, stock indices, as well as in options, swaps and structured products. Consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies, the Fund may use derivatives for non-hedging as well as hedging purposes.

 

Following is a description of derivative instruments that the Fund has utilized and their associated risks:

 

Cross Currency Hedges: The Fund may enter into cross currency hedges, which involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency. Cross currency hedges may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. Hedging the Fund’s currency risks involves the risk of mismatching the Fund’s obligations under a forward or futures contract with the value of securities denominated in a particular currency. For cross currency hedges, there is an additional risk to the extent that these transactions create exposure to currencies in which the Fund’s securities are not denominated. At December 31, 2008, the Fund did not have any outstanding cross currency hedges.

 

14



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts generally to attempt to protect securities and related receivables and payables against changes in future foreign exchange rates and, in certain situations, to gain exposure to a foreign currency. A foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell currency at a set price on a future date. The market value of the contract will fluctuate with changes in currency exchange rates. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as unrealized gain or loss. The Fund records realized gains or losses when the contract is closed 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. Risk may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and is generally limited to the amount of unrealized gain on the contracts, if any, at the date of default. Risks may also arise from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

Purchased & Written Options: The Fund may write covered call and put options on portfolio securities and other financial instruments. Premiums are received and are recorded as liabilities. The liabilities are subsequently adjusted to reflect the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options which expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or are closed are added to or offset against the proceeds or amount paid on the transaction to determine the net realized gain or loss. By writing a covered call option, the Fund, in exchange for the premium, foregoes the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price should the market price of the underlying security increase. By writing a put option, the Fund, in exchange for the premium, accepts the risk of having to purchase a security at an exercise price that is above the current market price.

 

The Fund may purchase call and put options on its securities or other financial instruments. The Fund may purchase call options to protect against an increase in the price of the security or financial instrument it anticipates purchasing. The Fund may purchase put options on securities which it holds or other financial instruments to protect against a decline in the value of the security or financial instrument or to close out covered written put positions. Risks may arise from an imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the securities purchased or sold by the Fund and from the possible lack of a liquid secondary market for an option. The maximum exposure to loss for any purchased option is limited to the premium initially paid for the option. At December 31, 2008, the Fund did not have any outstanding purchased or written options.

 

Structured Securities: The Fund may invest in interests in entities organized and operated solely for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of sovereign debt obligations. This type of restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity of specified instruments and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities (“Structured Securities”) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. Structured Securities generally will expose the Fund to credit risks of the underlying instruments as well as of the issuer of the Structured Security. Structured Securities are typically sold in private placement transactions with no active trading market. Investments in Structured Securities may be more volatile than their underlying instruments, however, any loss is limited to the amount of the original investment.

 

Futures: The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts. Futures contracts provide for the sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specified security, index, instrument or basket of instruments. Futures contracts (secured by cash, government or other liquid securities deposited with brokers or custodians as “initial margin”) are valued based upon their quoted daily settlement prices; changes in initial settlement value (represented by cash paid to or received from brokers as “variation margin”) are accounted for as unrealized appreciation (depreciation). When futures contracts are closed, the difference between the opening value at the date of purchase and the value at closing is recorded as realized gains or losses in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Fund may use futures contracts in order to manage its exposure to the stock and bond markets, to hedge against unfavorable changes in the value of securities or to remain fully invested and to reduce transaction costs. Futures contracts involve market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks

 

15



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

arise from the possible movements in security values underlying these instruments. The change in value of futures contracts primarily corresponds with the value of their underlying instruments, which may not correlate with the change in value of the hedged investments. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.

 

At December 31, 2008, the Fund did not have any outstanding futures contracts.

 

Over-the-Counter Trading: Securities and other derivative instruments that may be purchased or sold by the Fund may consist of instruments not traded on an exchange. The risk of nonperformance by the obligor on such an instrument may be greater, and the ease with which the Fund can dispose of or enter into closing transactions with respect to such an instrument may be less, than in the case of an exchange-traded instrument. In addition, significant disparities may exist between bid and ask prices for derivative instruments that are not traded on an exchange. Derivative instruments not traded on exchanges are also not subject to the same type of government regulation as exchange traded instruments, and many of the protections afforded to participants in a regulated environment may not be available in connection with such transactions.

 

Swaps: A swap is a derivative in the form of an agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument. The payment streams are calculated by reference to a specified index and agreed upon notional amount. The term “specified index” includes currencies, fixed interest rates, prices, total return on interest rate indices, fixed income indices, stock indices and commodity indices (as well as amounts derived from arithmetic operations on these indices). For example, the Fund may agree to swap the return generated by a fixed income index for the return generated by a second fixed income index. The currency swaps in which the Fund may enter will generally involve an agreement to pay interest streams in one currency based on a specified index in exchange for receiving interest streams denominated in another currency. Such swaps may involve initial and final exchanges that correspond to the agreed upon notional amount. The Fund intends to use interest rate swaps for hedging purposes, to manage the maturity and duration of the Fund, or to gain exposure to a market without directly investing in securities traded in that market.

 

The swaps in which the Fund may engage also include rate caps, floors and collars under which one party pays a single or periodic fixed amount(s) (or premium), and the other party pays periodic amounts based on the movement of a specified index. Swaps do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets, or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. If there is a default by the counterparty, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.

 

The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund’s obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap Counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities to avoid any potential leveraging of the Fund.

 

The Fund may enter into OTC derivatives transactions (swaps, caps, floors, puts, etc., but excluding foreign exchange contracts) with counterparties that are approved by the Investment Adviser in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. These guidelines provide for a minimum credit rating for each counterparty and various credit enhancement techniques (for example,

 

16



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

collateralization of amounts due from counterparties) to limit exposure to counterparties with ratings below AA.

 

The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary fund securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates, and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used.

 

Credit Default Swaps: Credit default swaps involve commitments to pay a fixed rate in exchange for payment if a credit event affecting a third party (the referenced company) occurs. Credit events may include a failure to pay interest, bankruptcy, or restructuring. The Fund accrues for interim payments on swap contracts on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swap contracts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Once interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded within realized gain (loss) on swaps in the Statement of Operations. Credit default swaps are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for hedging purposes, to add leverage to its portfolio or to gain exposure to a credit in which the Fund may otherwise invest. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, the Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to the Fund because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

 

The Fund may also purchase credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in the Fund, in which case the Fund would function as the counterparty referenced in the preceding paragraph. This would involve the risk that the investment may expire worthless and would generate income only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund in the event of a default.

 

The Fund will earmark or segregate assets in the form of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to the aggregate market value of the credit default swaps of which it is the seller, marked to market on a daily basis.

 

Interest Rate Swaps: Interest rate swaps involve the exchange of commitments to pay and receive interest based on a notional principal amount. The Fund accrues for interim payments on swap contracts on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swap contracts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Once interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded within realized gain (loss) on swaps on the Statement of Operations. In a zero-coupon interest rate swap, payments only occur at maturity, at which time one counterparty pays the total compounded fixed rate over the life of the swap and the other pays the total compounded floating rate that would have been earned had a series of LIBOR investments been rolled over through the life of the swap. The Fund amortizes its interest payment obligation over the life of the swap. The amortized portion of this payment is recorded within realized gain (loss) on the Statement of Operations. The unamortized portion of this payment is included in “Due from (to) Broker” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Interest rate swaps are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations.

 

Total Return Swaps: Total return swaps involve commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market-linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent the total return of the security or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty, respectively. Total return swaps are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the

 

17



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

Statement of Operations. Periodic payments received or made at the end of each measurement period, but prior to termination, are recorded as realized gains or losses in the Statement of Operations.

 

Interest rate and total rate of return swaps do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets, or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate and total rate of return swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an interest rate or total rate of return swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. In contrast, currency swaps may involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap may be subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. If there is a default by the counterparty, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

Realized gains or losses on maturity or termination of swaps are presented in the Statement of Operations. Because there is no organized market for these swap agreements, the unrealized gain (loss) reported in the Statement of Assets & Liabilities may differ from that which would be realized in the event the Fund terminated its position in the agreement. Risks may arise upon entering into these agreements from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of the agreements and are generally limited to the amount of net interest payments to be received, if any, at the date of default. Risks also arise from potential losses from adverse market movements and such losses could exceed the related amounts shown in the Statement of Assets & Liabilities.

 

Cash collateral for swap agreements, if applicable, is deposited with the broker serving as counterparty to the agreement, and is included in “Due from (to) Broker” on the Statement of Assets & Liabilities. At December 31, 2008, the Fund did not have any outstanding swap agreements.

 

5.     New Accounting Pronouncement: On March 19, 2008, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of SFAS 161 is required for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of SFAS 161 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

6.     Fair Value Measurement: The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. In accordance with SFAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in a timely transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

18



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of December 31, 2008 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at value:

 

Valuation Inputs

 

Investments
in Securities
(000)

 

Other
Financial
Instruments*
(000)

 

Level 1 - Quoted Prices

 

$    7,662

 

$        —

 

Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs

 

198,550

 

(16,488

)

Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

 

 

Total

 

$206,212

 

$(16,488

)

 

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:

 

 

 

Investments
in Securities
(000)

 

Balance as of 12/31/07

 

$  422

 

Accrued discounts/premiums

 

2

 

Realized gain (loss)

 

(138

)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

(63

)

Net purchases (sales)

 

(223

)

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

Balance as of 12/31/08

 

$    —

 

The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at 12/31/08.

 

$    —

 

 

*Other financial instruments include forwards and reverse repurchase agreements.

 

7.              Other: Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis and discounts and premiums on investments purchased are accreted or amortized in accordance with the effective yield method over their respective lives, except where collection is in doubt. Dividend income and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except certain dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes.

 

B.  Investment Advisory Fees: Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the “Adviser” or “MS Investment Management”) provides investment advisory services to the Fund under the terms of an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, the Adviser is paid a fee computed weekly and payable monthly at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets.

 

C.  Administration Fees: MS Investment Management also serves as Administrator to the Fund pursuant to an Administration Agreement. Under the Administration Agreement, the administration fee is 0.08% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets. MS Investment Management has agreed to limit the administration fee through a waiver so that it will be no greater than the previous administration fee (prior to November 1, 2004) of 0.02435% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets plus $24,000 per annum. This waiver is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. For the year ended December 31, 2008, approximately $101,000 of administration fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement. Under a sub-administration agreement between the Administrator and JPMorgan Investor Services Co. (“JPMIS”), a corporate affiliate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., JPMIS provides certain administrative services to the Fund. For such services, the Administrator pays JPMIS a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund. Administration costs (including out-of-pocket expenses) incurred in the ordinary course of providing services under the agreement, except pricing services and extraordinary expenses, will be covered under the administration fee.

 

D.  Custodian Fees: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (the “Custodian”) serves as Custodian for the Fund. The Custodian holds cash, securities, and other assets of the Fund as required by the 1940 Act. Custody fees are payable monthly based on assets held in custody, investment purchases and sales activity and account maintenance fees, plus reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its Custodian whereby credits realized on uninvested cash balances were used to offset a portion of the Fund’s expenses. These custodian credits are shown as “Expense Offset” on the Statement of Operations.

 

E.  Federal Income Taxes: It is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for Federal income taxes is required in the financial statements. Distributions to stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

19



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/ or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes(FIN 48)sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in “Interest Expense” and penalties in “Other” expenses on the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 2008, remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

 

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

 

2008 Distributions
Paid From:
(000)

 

2007 Distributions
Paid From:
(000)

Ordinary
Income

 

Long-term
Capital
Gain

 

Ordinary
Income

 

Long-term
Capital
Gain

$18,360

 

$ —

 

$14,541

 

$ —

 

The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to be paid by the Fund are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The book/tax differences are considered either temporary or permanent in nature.

 

Temporary differences are generally due to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

 

Permanent differences, primarily due to differing treatments of gains (losses) related to foreign currency transactions, paydown reclass, swap transactions and investment in certain fixed income securities, resulted in the following reclassifications among the components of net assets at December 31, 2008:

 

Increase (Decrease)

Undistributed
(Distributions in
Excess of)
Net Investment
Income (Loss)
(000)

 

Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
(000)

 

Paid-in
Capital
(000)

$5,109

 

$(5,109

)

$ —

 

At December 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary Income
(000)

 

Undistributed
Long-term Capital Gain
(000)

$47

 

$ —

 

At December 31, 2008, the U.S. Federal income tax cost basis of investments was approximately $241,422,000 and, accordingly, net unrealized depreciation for U.S. Federal income tax purposes was $35,210,000 of which $3,071,000 related to appreciated securities and $38,281,000 related to depreciated securities.

 

Net capital, currency and passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) losses incurred after October 31, and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund deferred to January 2, 2009, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, capital losses of approximately $913,000.

 

At December 31, 2008, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward for U.S. Federal income tax purposes of approximately $8,272,000 available to offset future capital gains, of which $3,458,000 will expire on December 31, 2009 and $4,814,000 will expire on December 31, 2016.

 

20



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized during the carryover period as provided by U.S. Federal income tax regulations, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the stockholders.

 

F.                          Contractual Obligations: The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

G.                        Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates: The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio, an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser. Investment Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of advisory and administration fees paid by the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio. For the year ended December 31, 2008, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $5,000 relating to the Fund’s investment in the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Portfolio.

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in shares of the affiliated issuer during the year ended December 31, 2008 is as follows:

 

Market Value
December 31, 
2007
(000)

 

Purchases
at Cost
(000)

 

Sales
Proceeds
(000)

 

Dividend
Income
(000)

 

Market Value
December 31,
2008
(000)

 

$5,960

 

$133,546

 

$131,844

 

$110

 

$7,662

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund made purchases and sales totaling approximately $143,860,000 and $148,865,000, respectively, of investment securities other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments. There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities.

 

These investments may be traded by one market maker who may also be utilized by the Fund to provide pricing information used to value such securities. The amounts which will be realized upon disposition of the securities may differ from the value reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the differences could be material.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund incurred no brokerage commissions with Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, an affiliated broker/dealer.

 

H.                        Other: On June 19, 2007, the Directors approved a procedure whereby the Fund 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 the purchase. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund repurchased 699,771 of its shares at an average discount of 16.44% from net asset value per share. Since the inception of the program, the Fund has repurchased 930,366 of its shares at an average discount of 15.89% from net asset value per share. The Fund expects to continue to repurchase its outstanding shares at such time and in such amounts as it believes will further the accomplishment of the foregoing objectives, subject to review by the Directors.

 

On December 12, 2008 the Officers of the Fund, pursuant to authority granted by the Directors, declared a distribution of $0.3973 per share, derived from net investment income, payable on January 9, 2009, to stockholders of record on December 19, 2008.

 

I.                             Supplemental Proxy Information (unaudited): On June 19, 2008, an annual meeting of the Fund’s stockholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

 

Election of Directors by all stockholders:

 

 

 

For

 

Withhold

 

Kathleen A. Dennis

 

18,373,920

 

1,056,204

 

Joseph J. Kearns

 

18,373,169

 

1,056,955

 

Michael E. Nugent

 

18,357,852

 

1,072,272

 

Fergus Reid

 

18,365,225

 

1,064,899

 

 

Federal Income Tax Information (unaudited)

 

For Federal Income Tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund’s earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2008.

 

For non-U.S. residents, the Fund may designate up to a maximum of approximately $85,000 as qualifying as interest-related dividends.

 

In January, the Fund provides tax information to stockholders for the preceding calendar year.

 

21



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

For More Information About Portfolio Holdings (unaudited)

 

The Fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its semi-annual and annual reports within 60 days of the end of the Fund’s second and fourth fiscal quarters. The semi-annual reports and the annual reports are filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form N-CSRS and Form N-CSR, respectively. Morgan Stanley also delivers the semi-annual and annual reports to Fund stockholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/msim. Each Morgan Stanley fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the Fund’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 stockholders, nor are the reports posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. 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 website, 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 1(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.

 

In addition to filing a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC each fiscal quarter, the Fund makes portfolio holdings information available by periodically providing the information on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/msim.

 

The Fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings on the public website on a calendar-quarter basis approximately 31 calendar days after the close of the calendar quarter. The Fund also provides Top 10 holdings information on the public website approximately 15 business days following the end of each month. You may obtain copies of the Fund’s monthly or calendar-quarter website postings, by calling 1(800) 231-2608.

 

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record (unaudited)

 

A copy of (1) the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the voting of proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities; and (2) how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1 (800) 548-7786 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/msim. This information is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

22



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Portfolio Management (unaudited)

 

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Debt team. The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio are Eric J. Baurmeister, Federico L. Kaune and Abigail L. McKenna, each a Managing Director of the Adviser. Mr. Baurmeister has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1997 and joined the team managing the Fund in July 2002. Ms. McKenna has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1996 and joined the team managing the Fund in July 2002. Mr. Kaune has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2002 and joined the team managing the Fund in August 2002.

 

23



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2008, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2008, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. at December 31, 2008, the results of its operations and cash flows 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 five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts

February 24, 2009

 

24



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited)

 

Pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), each stockholder will be deemed to have elected, unless Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Plan Agent”) is otherwise instructed by the stockholder in writing, to have all distributions automatically reinvested in Fund shares. Participants in the Plan have the option of making additional voluntary cash payments to the Plan Agent, quarterly, in any amount from $100 to $3,000, for investment in Fund shares.

 

Dividend and capital gain distributions will be reinvested on the reinvestment date in full and fractional shares. If the market price per share equals or exceeds net asset value per share on the reinvestment date, the Fund will issue shares to participants at net asset value or, if net asset value is less than 95% of the market price on the reinvestment date, shares will be issued at 95% of the market price. If net asset value exceeds the market price on the reinvestment date, participants will receive shares valued at market price. The Fund may purchase shares of its Common Stock in the open market in connection with dividend reinvestment requirements at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Should the Fund declare a dividend or capital gain distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will purchase Fund shares for participants in the open market as agent for the participants.

 

The Plan Agent’s fees for the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be paid by the Fund. However, each participant’s account will be charged a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred on any open market purchases effected on such participant’s behalf. A participant will also pay brokerage commissions incurred on purchases made by voluntary cash payments. Although stockholders in the Plan may receive no cash distributions, participation in the Plan will not relieve participants of any income tax which may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

 

In the case of stockholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, that hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the stockholder as representing the total amount registered in the stockholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are participating in the Plan.

 

Stockholders who do not wish to have distributions automatically reinvested should notify the Plan Agent in writing. There is no penalty for non-participation or withdrawal from the Plan, and stockholders who have previously withdrawn from the Plan may rejoin at any time. Requests for additional information or any correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at:

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078
1(800) 231-2608

 

25



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Morgan Stanley Institutional Closed End Funds
An Important Notice Concerning Our
U.S. Privacy Policy (unaudited)

 

We are required by federal law to provide you with a copy of our Privacy Policy annually.

 

The following Policy applies to current and former individual investors in Morgan Stanley Institutional closed end funds. This Policy is not applicable to partnerships, corporations, trusts or other non-individual clients or account holders. Please note that we may amend this Policy at any time, and will inform you of any changes to this Policy as required by law.

 

We Respect Your Privacy

We appreciate that you have provided us with your personal financial information. We strive to maintain the privacy of such information while we help you achieve your financial objectives. This Policy describes what non-public personal information we collect about you, why we collect it, and when we may share it with others. We hope this Policy will help you understand how we collect and share non-public personal information that we gather about you. Throughout this Policy, we refer to the non-public information that personally identifies you or your accounts as “personal information.”

 

1. What Personal Information Do We Collect About You?

To serve you better and manage our business, it is important that we collect and maintain accurate information about you. We may obtain this information from applications and other forms you submit to us, from your dealings with us, from consumer reporting agencies, from our Web sites and from third parties and other sources.

 

For example:

·

 

We may collect information such as your name, address, e-mail address, telephone/fax numbers, assets, income and investment objectives through applications and other forms you submit to us.

 

 

 

·

 

We may obtain information about account balances, your use of account(s) and the types of products and services you prefer to receive from us through your dealings and transactions with us and other sources.

 

 

 

·

 

We may obtain information about your creditworthiness and credit history from consumer reporting agencies.

 

 

 

·

 

We may collect background information from and through third-party vendors to verify representations you have made and to comply with various regulatory requirements.

 

 

 

·

 

If you interact with us through our public and private Web sites, we may collect information that you provide directly through online communications (such as an e-mail address). We may also collect information about your Internet service provider, your domain name, your computer’s operating system and Web browser, your use of our Web sites and your product and service preferences, through the use of “cookies.” “Cookies” recognize your computer each time you return to one of our sites, and help to improve our sites’ content and personalize your experience on our sites by, for example, suggesting offerings that may interest you. Please consult the Terms of Use of these sites for more details on our use of cookies.

 

2. When Do We Disclose Personal Information We Collect About You?

To provide you with the products and services you request, to serve you better and to manage our business, we may disclose personal information we collect about you to our affiliated companies and to non-affiliated third parties as required or permitted by law.

 

 

 

A. Information We Disclose to Our Affiliated Companies. We do not disclose personal information that we collect about you to our affiliated companies except to enable them to provide services on our behalf or as otherwise required or permitted by law.

 

26



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Morgan Stanley Institutional Closed End Funds
An Important Notice Concerning Our
U.S. Privacy Policy (cont’d)

 

 

 

B. Information We Disclose to Third Parties. We do not disclose personal information that we collect about you to non-affiliated third parties except to enable them to provide services on our behalf, to perform joint marketing agreements with other financial institutions, or as otherwise required or permitted by law. For example, some instances where we may disclose information about you to nonaffiliated third parties include: for servicing and processing transactions, to offer our own products and services, to protect against fraud, for institutional risk control, to respond to judicial process or to perform services on our behalf. When we share personal information with these companies, they are required to limit their use of personal information to the particular purpose for which it was shared and they are not allowed to share personal information with others except to fulfill that limited purpose.

 

3. How Do We Protect the Security and Confidentiality of Personal Information We Collect About You?

We maintain physical, electronic and procedural security measures to help safeguard the personal information we collect about you. We have internal policies governing the proper handling of client information. Third parties that provide support or marketing services on our behalf may also receive personal information, and we require them to adhere to confidentiality standards with respect to such information.

 

27



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

 

Independent Directors:

 

Name, Age and Address of
Independent Director

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Independent
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Independent Directors

Frank L. Bowman (64)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis &
Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent
Trustees
1177 Avenue of the
Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August 
2006

 

President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Insurance, Valuation and Compliance Committee (since February 2007); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Institute (policy organization) through November 2008; retired as Admiral in the U.S. Navy in January 2005 after serving over 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and Deputy Administrator — Naval Reactors in the National Nuclear Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004). Knighted as Honary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officer de l’Orde National du Mérite by the French Government.

 

161

 

Director of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA; member, BP America External Advisory Council (energy); member, National Academy of Engineers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Bozic (68)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis &
Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent
Directors
1177 Avenue of the
Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
April 
1994

 

Private investor; Chairperson of the Insurance, Valuation and Compliance Committee (since October 2006); Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since April 1994) and Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Committee (July 2006-September 2006), Vice Chairman of Kmart Corporation (December 1998-October 2000), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitz Furniture Corporation (November 1995-November 1998) and President and Chief Executive Officer of Hills Department Stores (May 1991-July 1995); variously Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer (1987-1991) of the Sears Merchandise Group of Sears Roebuck & Co.

 

163

 

Director of various business organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen A. Dennis (55)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis &
Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent
Directors
1177 Avenue of the
Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August 
2006

 

President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management) (since July 2006); Chairperson of the Money Market and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of various Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006).

 

161

 

Director of various non-profit organizations.

 

28



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Independent Directors (cont’d):

 

Name, Age and Address of
Independent Director

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Independent
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Independent Directors

Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (60)
c/o Johnson Smick
Group, Inc.
888 16th Street, N.W.
Suite 740
Washington, D.C. 20006

 

Director

 

Since
July
1991

 

Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 1991) and Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council (G7C) (international economic commission); formerly, Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 1991-September 2006); Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.

 

163

 

Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction); Director of Evergreen Energy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph J. Kearns (66)
c/o Kearns & Associates LLC
PMB754
23852 Pacific Coast
Highway
Malibu, CA 90265

 

Director

 

Since
August
1994

 

President, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and Institutional Funds (since August 1994); formerly Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006) and Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Institutional Funds (October 2001- July 2003); formerly, CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust.

 

164

 

Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing) and The Ford Family Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael F. Klein (50)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Counsel to the
Independent Directors
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August
2006

 

Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Aetos Capital, LLC (since March 2000) and Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LLC (since January 2004); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of various Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management, President, Morgan Stanley Institutional Funds (June 1998-March 2000) and Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999).

 

161

 

Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Capital LLC; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael E. Nugent (72)
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.
445 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

 

Chairperson of the Board and Director

 

Chairperson of the Boards since July 2006 and Director since July 1991

 

General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P. (private investment partnership); Chairman of the Boards of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since July 2006); Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 1991) and Institutional Funds (since July 2001); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Committee (until July 2006).

 

163

 

None.

 

29



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Independent Directors (cont’d):

 

Name, Age and Address of
Independent Director

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Independent
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Independent Directors

W. Allen Reed (61)†
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Counsel to the
Independent Directors
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since
August
2006

 

Chairperson of the Equity Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (since October 2006) and Director or Trustee of various Retail and Institutional Funds (since August 2006); formerly, President and CEO of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (July 1994-December 2005).

 

161

 

Director of Temple-Inland Industries (packaging and forest products); Director of Legg Mason, Inc. and Director of the Auburn University Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fergus Reid (76)
c/o Lumelite Plastics
Corporation
85 Charles Coleman Blvd.
Pawling, NY 12564

 

Director

 

Since
June
1992

 

Chairman of Lumelite Plastics Corporation; Chairperson of the Governance Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and Institutional Funds (since June 1992).

 

164

 

Trustee and Director of certain investment companies in the JPMorgan Funds complex managed by JP Morgan Investment Management Inc.

 

Interested Directors:

 

Name, Age and Address of
Interested Director

 

Position(s) 
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Interested
Director**

 

Other Directorships Held by
Interested Director

James F. Higgins (61)
c/o Morgan Stanley Trust
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, NJ 07311

 

Director

 

Since
June
2000

 

Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since June 2000) and Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Senior Advisor of Morgan Stanley (since August 2000).

 

162

 

Director of AXA Financial, Inc. and The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (financial services).

 

 

*      This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Retail Funds or Institutional Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

 

**    The Fund Complex includes all funds advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (“MSIM”) that have an investment advisor that is an affiliated entity of MSIM (including but not limited to, Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (“MSIA”) and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP). The Retail Funds are those funds advised by MSIA. The Institutional Funds are certain U.S. registered funds advised by MSIM and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP.

 

†      For the period September 26, 2008 through February 5, 2009 W. Allen Reed was an interested Director. At all other times covered by this report, Mr. Reed was an Independent Director.

 

30



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Executive Officers:

 

Name, Age and Address of Executive Officer

 

Position(s) Held
with Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Randy Takian (34)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

President and Principal Executive Officer

 

Since September 2008

 

President and Principal Executive Officer (since September 2008) of funds in the Fund Complex; President and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. (since September 2008). President of Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (since July 2008). Head of the Retail and Intermediary business within Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since July 2008). Head of Liquidity and Bank Trust business (since July 2008) and the Latin American franchise (since July 2008) at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Managing Director, Director and/or Officer of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser. Formerly, Head of Strategy and Product Development for the Alternatives Group and Senior Loan Investment Management. Formerly with Bank of America (July 1996-March 2006), most recently as Head of the Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions team for Global Wealth and Investment Management.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Klingert (46)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since
June 2008

 

Global Head, Chief Operating Officer and acting Chief Investment Officer of the Global Fixed Income Group of the Adviser and Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (since April 2008). Head of Global Liquidity Portfolio Management and co-Head of Liquidity Credit Research of Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since December 2007). Managing Director of the Adviser and Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (since December 2007). Previously, Managing Director on the Management Committee and head of Municipal Portfolio Management and Liquidity at BlackRock (October 1991 to January 2007).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy R. Doberman (46)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since
July 2004

 

Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since July 2004); Vice President of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since July 2004); Vice President of the Van Kampen Funds (since August 2004); Secretary (since February 2006) and Managing Director (since July 2004) of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser. Formerly, Managing Director and General Counsel — Americas, UBS Global Asset Management (July 2000-July 2004).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carsten Otto (45)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Since
October 2004

 

Managing Director and Global Head of Compliance for Morgan Stanley Investment Management (since April 2007) and Chief Compliance Officer of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since October 2004). Formerly, U.S. Director of Compliance (October 2004-April 2007) and Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of the Retail Funds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stefanie V. Chang Yu (42)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since December 1997

 

Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Vice President of the Retail Funds (since July 2002) and Institutional Funds (since December 1997). Formerly, Secretary of various entities affiliated with the Adviser.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary E. Mullin (41)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Secretary

 

Since
June 1999

 

Executive Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Secretary of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and Institutional Funds (since June 1999).

 

31



 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

 

Executive Officers (cont’d):

 

Name, Age and Address of Executive Officer

 

Position(s) Held
with Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served*

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

James W. Garrett (40)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Treasurer since February 2002 and Chief Financial Officer since July 2003

 

Head of Global Fund Administration; Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Institutional Funds.

 

 

*    This is the earliest date the Officer began serving the Retail Funds or Institutional Funds. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

 

In accordance with Section 303A. 12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Fund’s Annual CEO Certification certifying as to compliance with NYSE’s Corporate Governance Listing Standards was submitted to the Exchange on October 3, 2008.

 

The Fund’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 were filed with the Fund’s N-CSR and are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

32



 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

Directors

 

Michael E. Nugent

Kevin Klingert

 

Vice President

Frank L. Bowman

 

 

Amy R. Doberman

Michael Bozic

Vice President

 

 

Kathleen A. Dennis

Stefanie V. Chang Yu

 

Vice President

James F. Higgins

 

 

James W. Garrett

Dr. Manuel H. Johnson

Treasurer and Chief

 

Financial Officer

Joseph J. Kearns

 

 

Carsten Otto

Michael F. Klein

Chief Compliance Officer

 

 

W. Allen Reed

Mary E. Mullin

 

Secretary

Fergus Reid

 

 

 

Officers

 

Michael E. Nugent

 

Chairman of the Board and

 

Director

 

 

 

Randy Takian

 

President and Principal

 

Executive Officer

 

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

522 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10036

 

Custodian

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

270 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

 

Stockholder Servicing Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

250 Royall Street

Canton, Massachusetts 02021

 

Legal Counsel

Clifford Chance US LLP

31 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019-6131

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

 

For additional Fund information, including the Fund’s net asset value per share and information regarding the investments comprising the Fund’s portfolio, please call 1(800) 231-2608 or visit our website at www.morganstanley.com/msim. All investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal.

 

© 2009 Morgan Stanley

 

CEMSDANN  IU09-00642I-Y12/08

 



 

Item 2.  Code of Ethics.

 

(a)                                  The Fund has adopted a code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Fund or a third party.

 

(b)                                 No information need be disclosed pursuant to this paragraph.

 

(c)                                  Not applicable.

 

(d)                                 Not applicable.

 

(e)                                  Not applicable.

 

(f)

 

(1)                                  The Fund’s Code of Ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit 12 A.

 

(2)                                  Not applicable.

 

(3)                                  Not applicable.

 

Item 3.  Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees has determined that Joseph J. Kearns, an “independent” Trustee, is an “audit committee financial expert” serving on its audit committee. Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

 

Item 4.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)(b)(c)(d) and (g).  Based on fees billed for the periods shown:

 

2008

 

 

 

Registrant

 

Covered Entities(1)

 

Audit Fees

 

$

88,700

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Audit Fees

 

 

 

 

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$

 

 

$

742,276

(2)

Tax Fees

 

$

3,380

(3)

$

99,522

(4)

All Other Fees

 

$

 

 

$

246,887

(5)

Total Non-Audit Fees

 

$

3,380

 

$

1,088,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

92,080

 

$

1,088,685

 

 

2007

 

 

 

Registrant

 

Covered Entities(1)

 

Audit Fees

 

$

81,400

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Audit Fees

 

 

 

 

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$

 

 

$

731,800

(2)

Tax Fees

 

$

3,100

(3)

$

104,020

(4)

All Other Fees

 

$

 

 

$

166,270

(5)

Total Non-Audit Fees

 

$

3,100

 

$

1,002,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

84,500

 

$

1,002,090

 

 


N/A- Not applicable, as not required by Item 4.

 

(1)   Covered Entities include the Adviser (excluding sub-advisors) and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant.

 

(2)   Audit-Related Fees represent assurance and related services provided that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the financial statements of the Covered Entities and funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates, specifically attestation services provided in connection with a SAS 70 Report and advisory consulting work.

 

(3)   Tax Fees represent tax advice and compliance services provided in connection with the review of the Registrant’s tax returns.

 

(4)   Tax Fees represent tax advice services provided to Covered Entities, including research and identification of PFIC entities.

 

(5)   All Other Fees represent attestation services provided in connection with performance presentation standards and a compliance review project performed

 

1



 

(e)(1) The audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures are as follows:

 

APPENDIX A

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES

PRE-APPROVAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES

OF THE

MORGAN STANLEY RETAIL AND INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS

 

AS ADOPTED AND AMENDED JULY 23, 2004,(1)

 

1.              Statement of Principles

 

The Audit Committee of the Board is required to review and, in its sole discretion, pre-approve all Covered Services to be provided by the Independent Auditors to the Fund and Covered Entities in order to assure that services performed by the Independent Auditors do not impair the auditor’s independence from the Fund.

 

The SEC has issued rules specifying the types of services that an independent auditor may not provide to its audit client, as well as the audit committee’s administration of the engagement of the independent auditor.  The SEC’s rules establish two different approaches to pre-approving services, which the SEC considers to be equally valid.  Proposed services either: may be pre-approved without consideration of specific case-by-case services by the Audit Committee (“general pre-approval”); or require the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee or its delegate (“specific pre-approval”).  The Audit Committee believes that the combination of these two approaches in this Policy will result in an effective and efficient procedure to pre-approve services performed by the Independent Auditors.  As set forth in this Policy, unless a type of service has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval authority has been delegated) if it is to be provided by the Independent Auditors.  Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts will also require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.

 

The appendices to this Policy describe the Audit, Audit-related, Tax and All Other services that have the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee.  The term of any general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Audit Committee considers and provides a different period and states otherwise.  The Audit Committee will annually review and pre-approve the services that may be provided by the Independent Auditors without obtaining specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee will add to or subtract from the list of general pre-approved services from time to time, based on subsequent determinations.

 


(1)                                  This Audit Committee Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures (the “Policy”), adopted as of the date above, supersedes and replaces all prior versions that may have been adopted from time to time.

 

2



 

 

The purpose of this Policy is to set forth the policy and procedures by which the Audit Committee intends to fulfill its responsibilities.  It does not delegate the Audit Committee’s responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the Independent Auditors to management.

 

The Fund’s Independent Auditors have reviewed this Policy and believes that implementation of the Policy will not adversely affect the Independent Auditors’ independence.

 

2.              Delegation

 

As provided in the Act and the SEC’s rules, the Audit Committee may delegate either type of pre-approval authority to one or more of its members.  The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

3.              Audit Services

 

The annual Audit services engagement terms and fees are subject to the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee.  Audit services include the annual financial statement audit and other procedures required to be performed by the Independent Auditors to be able to form an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements.  These other procedures include information systems and procedural reviews and testing performed in order to understand and place reliance on the systems of internal control, and consultations relating to the audit.  The Audit Committee will approve, if necessary, any changes in terms, conditions and fees resulting from changes in audit scope, Fund structure or other items.

 

In addition to the annual Audit services engagement approved by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval to other Audit services, which are those services that only the Independent Auditors reasonably can provide.  Other Audit services may include statutory audits and services associated with SEC registration statements (on Forms N-1A, N-2, N-3, N-4, etc.), periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings.

 

The Audit Committee has pre-approved the Audit services in Appendix B.1.  All other Audit services not listed in Appendix B.1 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

4.              Audit-related Services

 

Audit-related services are assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Fund’s financial statements and, to the extent they are Covered Services, the Covered Entities or that are traditionally performed by the Independent Auditors.  Because the Audit Committee believes that the provision of Audit-related services does not impair the independence of the auditor and is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence, the Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval to Audit-related services.  Audit-related services include, among others, accounting consultations related to accounting, financial reporting or disclosure matters

 

3



 

not classified as “Audit services”; assistance with understanding and implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance from rulemaking authorities; agreed-upon or expanded audit procedures related to accounting and/or billing records required to respond to or comply with financial, accounting or regulatory reporting matters; and assistance with internal control reporting requirements under Forms N-SAR and/or N-CSR.

 

The Audit Committee has pre-approved the Audit-related services in Appendix B.2.  All other Audit-related services not listed in Appendix B.2 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

5.              Tax Services

 

The Audit Committee believes that the Independent Auditors can provide Tax services to the Fund and, to the extent they are Covered Services, the Covered Entities, such as tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice without impairing the auditor’s independence, and the SEC has stated that the Independent Auditors may provide such services.

 

Pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the Tax Services in Appendix B.3.  All Tax services in Appendix B.3 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

6.              All Other Services

 

The Audit Committee believes, based on the SEC’s rules prohibiting the Independent Auditors from providing specific non-audit services, that other types of non-audit services are permitted.  Accordingly, the Audit Committee believes it may grant general pre-approval to those permissible non-audit services classified as All Other services that it believes are routine and recurring services, would not impair the independence of the auditor and are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.

 

The Audit Committee has pre-approved the All Other services in Appendix B.4.  Permissible All Other services not listed in Appendix B.4 must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).

 

7.              Pre-Approval Fee Levels or Budgeted Amounts

 

Pre-approval fee levels or budgeted amounts for all services to be provided by the Independent Auditors will be established annually by the Audit Committee.  Any proposed services exceeding these levels or amounts will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee is mindful of the overall relationship of fees for audit and non-audit services in determining whether to pre-approve any such services.

 

8.              Procedures

 

All requests or applications for services to be provided by the Independent Auditors that do not require specific approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer and must include a detailed description of the services to be

 

4



 

rendered.  The Fund’s Chief Financial Officer will determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee will be informed on a timely basis of any such services rendered by the Independent Auditors.  Requests or applications to provide services that require specific approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by both the Independent Auditors and the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer, and must include a joint statement as to whether, in their view, the request or application is consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.

 

The Audit Committee has designated the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer to monitor the performance of all services provided by the Independent Auditors and to determine whether such services are in compliance with this Policy.  The Fund’s Chief Financial Officer will report to the Audit Committee on a periodic basis on the results of its monitoring.  Both the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer and management will immediately report to the chairman of the Audit Committee any breach of this Policy that comes to the attention of the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer or any member of management.

 

9.              Additional Requirements

 

The Audit Committee has determined to take additional measures on an annual basis to meet its responsibility to oversee the work of the Independent Auditors and to assure the auditor’s independence from the Fund, such as reviewing a formal written statement from the Independent Auditors delineating all relationships between the Independent Auditors and the Fund, consistent with Independence Standards Board No. 1, and discussing with the Independent Auditors its methods and procedures for ensuring independence.

 

10.       Covered Entities

 

Covered Entities include the Fund’s investment adviser(s) and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Fund’s investment adviser(s) that provides ongoing services to the Fund(s).  Beginning with non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund’s audit committee must pre-approve non-audit services provided not only to the Fund but also to the Covered Entities if the engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund.  This list of Covered Entities would include:

 

Morgan Stanley Retail Funds

Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Morgan Stanley DW Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited

Morgan Stanley Asset & Investment Trust Management Co., Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company

Van Kampen Asset Management

Morgan Stanley Services Company, Inc.

Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc.

Morgan Stanley Trust FSB

 

5



 

Morgan Stanley Institutional Funds

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited

Morgan Stanley Asset & Investment Trust Management Co., Limited

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.

Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP

Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners LP

 

(e)(2)  Beginning with non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the audit committee also is required to pre-approve services to Covered Entities to the extent that the services are determined to have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the Registrant. 100% of such services were pre-approved by the audit committee pursuant to the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures (attached hereto).

 

(f)    Not applicable.

 

(g)    See table above.

 

(h)    The audit committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of services other than audit services performed by the auditors to the Registrant and Covered Entities is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence in performing audit services.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

(a) The Fund has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act whose members are: Frank Joseph Kearns, Michael Nugent and Allen Reed.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

 

(a) Refer to Item 1.

 

(b) Not used.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

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APPROVED FEBRUARY 28, 2008

 

MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

I.                                         POLICY STATEMENT

 

Introduction - Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s (“MSIM”) policy and procedures for voting proxies (“Policy”) with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients applies to those MSIM entities that provide discretionary investment management services and for which an MSIM entity has authority to vote proxies.  This Policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.

 

The MSIM entities covered by this Policy currently include the following: Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc., Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Asset & Investment Trust Management Co., Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited, Van Kampen Asset Management, and Van Kampen Advisors Inc. (each an “MSIM Affiliate” and collectively referred to as the “MSIM Affiliates” or as “we” below).

 

Each MSIM Affiliate will use its best efforts to vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets. With respect to the MSIM registered management investment companies (Van Kampen, Institutional and Advisor Funds–collectively referred to herein as the “MSIM Funds”), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the MSIM Funds. An MSIM Affiliate will not vote proxies if the “named fiduciary” for an ERISA account has reserved the authority for itself, or in the case of an account not governed by ERISA, the investment management or investment advisory agreement does not authorize the MSIM Affiliate to vote proxies.  MSIM Affiliates will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in a client’s benefit plan(s) for which the MSIM Affiliates manage assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns (“Client Proxy Standard”).  In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may provide an MSIM Affiliate with a proxy voting policy.  In these situations, the MSIM Affiliate will comply with the client’s policy.

 

Proxy Research Services - RiskMetrics Group ISS Governance Services (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis (together with other proxy research providers as we may retain from time to time, the “Research Providers”) are independent advisers that specialize in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians, consultants, and other institutional investors.  The services provided include in-depth research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations. While we may review and utilize the recommendations of the Research Providers in

 

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making proxy voting decisions, we are in no way obligated to follow such recommendations. In addition to research, ISS provides vote execution, reporting, and recordkeeping.

 

Voting Proxies for Certain Non-U.S. Companies - Voting proxies of companies located in some jurisdictions, particularly emerging markets, may involve several problems that can restrict or prevent the ability to vote such proxies or entail significant costs.  These problems include, but are not limited to:  (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer’s jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting; and (vi) requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate our voting instructions.  As a result, we vote clients’ non-U.S. proxies on a best efforts basis only, after weighing the costs and benefits of voting such proxies, consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.  ISS has been retained to provide assistance in connection with voting non-U.S. proxies.

 

II.                                     GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

To promote consistency in voting proxies on behalf of its clients, we follow this Policy (subject to any exception set forth herein), including the guidelines set forth below.  These guidelines address a broad range of issues, and provide general voting parameters on proposals that arise most frequently.  However, details of specific proposals vary, and those details affect particular voting decisions, as do factors specific to a given company. Pursuant to the procedures set forth herein, we may vote in a manner that is not in accordance with the following general guidelines, provided the vote is approved by the Proxy Review Committee (see Section III for description) and is consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.  Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP will follow the procedures as described in Appendix A.

 

We endeavor to integrate governance and proxy voting policy with investment goals and to follow the Client Proxy Standard for each client. At times, this may result in split votes, for example when different clients have varying economic interests in the outcome of a particular voting matter (such as a case in which varied ownership interests in two companies involved in a merger result in different stakes in the outcome).  We also may split votes at times based on differing views of portfolio managers, but such a split vote must be approved by the Proxy Review Committee.

 

We may abstain on matters for which disclosure is inadequate.

 

A.                                    Routine Matters.    We generally support routine management proposals.  The following are examples of routine management proposals:

 

·                  Approval of financial statements and auditor reports.

 

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·                  General updating/corrective amendments to the charter, articles of association or bylaws.

 

·                  Most proposals related to the conduct of the annual meeting, with the following exceptions.  We generally oppose proposals that relate to “the transaction of such other business which may come before the meeting,” and open-ended requests for adjournment.  However, where management specifically states the reason for requesting an adjournment and the requested adjournment would facilitate passage of a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this Policy (i.e. an uncontested corporate transaction), the adjournment request will be supported.

 

We generally support shareholder proposals advocating confidential voting procedures and independent tabulation of voting results.

 

B.                                    Board of Directors

 

1.               Election of directors: In the absence of a proxy contest, we generally support the board’s nominees for director except as follows:

 

a.               We consider withholding support from or voting against interested directors if the company’s board does not meet market standards for director independence, or if otherwise we believe board independence is insufficient.  We refer to prevalent market standards as promulgated by a stock exchange or other authority within a given market (e.g., New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq rules for most U.S. companies, and The Combined Code on Corporate Governance in the United Kingdom). Thus, for an NYSE company with no controlling shareholder, we would expect that at a minimum a majority of directors should be independent as defined by NYSE.  Where we view market standards as inadequate, we may withhold votes based on stronger independence standards. Market standards notwithstanding, we generally do not view long board tenure alone as a basis to classify a director as non-independent, although lack of board turnover and fresh perspective can be a negative factor in voting on directors.

 

i.              At a company with a shareholder or group that controls the company by virtue of a majority economic interest in the company, we have a reduced expectation for board independence, although we believe the presence of independent directors can be helpful, particularly in staffing the audit committee, and at times we may withhold support from or vote against a nominee on the view the board or its committees are not sufficiently independent.

 

ii.           We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if he or she is affiliated with a major shareholder that has representation on a board disproportionate to its economic interest.

 

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b.              Depending on market standards, we consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who is interested and who is standing for election as a member of the company’s compensation, nominating or audit committee.

 

c.               We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if we believe a direct conflict exists between the interests of the nominee and the public shareholders, including failure to meet fiduciary standards of care and/or loyalty.  We may oppose directors where we conclude that actions of directors are unlawful, unethical or negligent.  We consider opposing individual board members or an entire slate if we believe the board is entrenched and/or dealing inadequately with performance problems, and/or acting with insufficient independence between the board and management.

 

d.              We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee standing for election if the board has not taken action to implement generally accepted governance practices for which there is a “bright line” test.  For example, in the context of the U.S. market, failure to eliminate a dead hand or slow hand poison pills would be seen as a basis for opposing one or more incumbent nominees.

 

e.               In markets that encourage designated audit committee financial experts, we consider voting against members of an audit committee if no members are designated as such.

 

f.                 We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who has failed to attend at least 75% of board meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse.

 

g.              We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who serves on the board of directors of more than six companies (excluding investment companies).  We also consider voting against a director who otherwise appears to have too many commitments to serve adequately on the board of the company.

 

2.                 Board independence:  We generally support U.S. shareholder proposals requiring that a certain percentage (up to 662/3%) of the company’s board members be independent directors, and promoting all-independent audit, compensation and nominating/governance committees.

 

3.                 Board diversity:  We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals urging diversity of board membership with respect to social, religious or ethnic group.

 

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4.                 Majority voting:  We generally support proposals requesting or requiring majority voting policies in election of directors, so long as there is a carve-out for plurality voting in the case of contested elections.

 

5.                 Proxy access:  We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to provide procedures for inclusion of shareholder nominees in company proxy statements.

 

6.                 Proposals to elect all directors annually:  We generally support proposals to elect all directors annually at public companies (to “declassify” the Board of Directors) where such action is supported by the board, and otherwise consider the issue on a case-by-case basis based in part on overall takeover defenses at a company.

 

7.                 Cumulative voting:  We generally support proposals to eliminate cumulative voting in the U.S. market context. (Cumulative voting provides that shareholders may concentrate their votes for one or a handful of candidates, a system that can enable a minority bloc to place representation on a board).  U.S. proposals to establish cumulative voting in the election of directors generally will not be supported.

 

8.                 Separation of Chairman and CEO positions:  We vote on shareholder proposals to separate the Chairman and CEO positions and/or to appoint a non-executive Chairman based in part on prevailing practice in particular markets, since the context for such a practice varies.  In many non-U.S. markets, we view separation of the roles as a market standard practice, and support division of the roles in that context.

 

9.                 Director retirement age and term limits:  Proposals recommending set director retirement ages or director term limits are voted on a case-by-case basis.

 

10.           Proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or broaden indemnification of directors.  Generally, we will support such proposals provided that the officers and directors are eligible for indemnification and liability protection if they have acted in good faith on company business and were found innocent of any civil or criminal charges for duties performed on behalf of the company.

 

C.            Corporate transactions and proxy fights.  We examine proposals relating to mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions (i.e., takeovers, spin-offs, sales of assets, reorganizations, restructurings and recapitalizations) on a case-by-case basis.  However, proposals for mergers or other significant transactions that are friendly and approved by the Research Providers generally will be supported and in those instances will not need to be reviewed by the Proxy Review Committee, where there is no portfolio manager objection and where there is no material conflict of interest.  We also analyze proxy contests on a case-by-case basis.

 

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D.            Changes in capital structure.

 

1.                         We generally support the following:

 

·                  Management and shareholder proposals aimed at eliminating unequal voting rights, assuming fair economic treatment of classes of shares we hold.

 

·                  Management proposals to increase the authorization of existing classes of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) if: (i) a clear business purpose is stated that we can support and the number of shares requested is reasonable in relation to the purpose for which authorization is requested; and/or (ii) the authorization does not exceed 100% of shares currently authorized and at least 30% of the total new authorization will be outstanding.

 

·                  Management proposals to create a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital, unless we have concerns about use of the authority for anti-takeover purposes.

 

·                  Management proposals to authorize share repurchase plans, except in some cases in which we believe there are insufficient protections against use of an authorization for anti-takeover purposes.

 

·                  Management proposals to reduce the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or to eliminate classes of preferred stock.

 

·                  Management proposals to effect stock splits.

 

·                  Management proposals to effect reverse stock splits if management proportionately reduces the authorized share amount set forth in the corporate charter.  Reverse stock splits that do not adjust proportionately to the authorized share amount generally will be approved if the resulting increase in authorized shares coincides with the proxy guidelines set forth above for common stock increases.

 

·                  Management proposals for higher dividend payouts.

 

2.        We generally oppose the following (notwithstanding management support):

 

·                  Proposals to add classes of stock that would substantially dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.

 

·                  Proposals to increase the authorized or issued number of shares of existing classes of stock that are unreasonably dilutive, particularly if there are no preemptive rights for existing shareholders.

 

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·                  Proposals that authorize share issuance at a discount to market rates, except where authority for such issuance is de minimis, or if there is a special situation that we believe justifies such authorization (as may be the case, for example, at a company under severe stress and risk of bankruptcy).

 

·                  Proposals relating to changes in capitalization by 100% or more.

 

We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to increase dividend payout ratios, in light of market practice and perceived market weaknesses, as well as individual company payout history and current circumstances.  For example, currently we perceive low payouts to shareholders as a concern at some Japanese companies, but may deem a low payout ratio as appropriate for a growth company making good use of its cash, notwithstanding the broader market concern.

 

E.             Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights

 

1.     Shareholder rights plans:  We generally support proposals to require shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans (poison pills).  In voting on rights plans or similar takeover defenses, we consider on a case-by-case basis whether the company has demonstrated a need for the defense in the context of promoting long-term share value; whether provisions of the defense are in line with generally accepted governance principles; and the specific context if the proposal is made in the midst of a takeover bid or contest for control.

 

2.     Supermajority voting requirements: We generally oppose requirements for supermajority votes to amend the charter or bylaws, unless the provisions protect minority shareholders where there is a large shareholder.  In line with this view, in the absence of a large shareholder we support reasonable shareholder proposals to limit such supermajority voting requirements.

 

3.     Shareholder rights to call meetings:  We consider proposals to enhance shareholder rights to call meetings on a case-by-case basis.

 

4.     Reincorporation: We consider management and shareholder proposals to reincorporate to a different jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis.  We oppose such proposals if we believe the main purpose is to take advantage of laws or judicial precedents that reduce shareholder rights.

 

5.     Anti-greenmail provisions: Proposals relating to the adoption of anti-greenmail provisions will be supported, provided that the proposal: (i) defines greenmail; (ii) prohibits buyback offers to large block holders (holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares and in certain cases, a greater amount, as determined by the Proxy Review Committee) not made to all shareholders or not approved by disinterested shareholders; and (iii) contains no anti-takeover measures or other provisions restricting the rights of shareholders.

 

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6.     Bundled proposals:  We may consider opposing or abstaining on proposals if disparate issues are “bundled” and presented for a single vote.

 

F.             Auditors.   We generally support management proposals for selection or ratification of independent auditors.  However, we may consider opposing such proposals with reference to incumbent audit firms if the company has suffered from serious accounting irregularities and we believe rotation of the audit firm is appropriate, or if fees paid to the auditor for non-audit-related services are excessive.  Generally, to determine if non-audit fees are excessive, a 50% test will be applied (i.e., non-audit-related fees should be less than 50% of the total fees paid to the auditor). We generally vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

G.            Executive and Director Remuneration.

 

1.     We generally support the following proposals:

 

·                  Proposals for employee equity compensation plans and other employee ownership plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest.  Such approval may be against shareholder interest if it authorizes excessive dilution and shareholder cost, particularly in the context of high usage (“run rate”) of equity compensation in the recent past; or if there are objectionable plan design and provisions.

 

·                  Proposals relating to fees to outside directors, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry, and provided that the structure is appropriate within the market context.  While stock-based compensation to outside directors is positive if moderate and appropriately structured, we are wary of significant stock option awards or other performance-based awards for outside directors, as well as provisions that could result in significant forfeiture of value on a director’s decision to resign from a board (such forfeiture can undercut director independence).

 

·                  Proposals for employee stock purchase plans that permit discounts up to 15%, but only for grants that are part of a broad-based employee plan, including all non-executive employees.

 

·                  Proposals for the establishment of employee retirement and severance plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest.

 

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2.               Shareholder proposals requiring shareholder approval of all severance agreements will not be supported, but proposals that require shareholder approval for agreements in excess of three times the annual compensation (salary and bonus) generally will be supported. We generally oppose shareholder proposals that would establish arbitrary caps on pay.  We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that seek to limit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs), but support such proposals where we consider SERPs to be excessive.

 

3.               Shareholder proposals advocating stronger and/or particular pay-for-performance models will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of the merits of the individual proposal within the context of the particular company and its labor markets, and the company’s current and past practices.  While we generally support emphasis on long-term components of senior executive pay and strong linkage of pay to performance, we consider whether a proposal may be overly prescriptive, and the impact of the proposal, if implemented as written, on recruitment and retention.

 

4.               We consider shareholder proposals for U.K.-style advisory votes on pay on a case-by-case basis.

 

5.               We generally support proposals advocating reasonable senior executive and director stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for shares gained in option exercises.

 

6.               Management proposals effectively to re-price stock options are considered on a case-by-case basis.  Considerations include the company’s reasons and justifications for a re-pricing, the company’s competitive position, whether senior executives and outside directors are excluded, potential cost to shareholders, whether the re-pricing or share exchange is on a value-for-value basis, and whether vesting requirements are extended.

 

H.            Social, Political and Environmental Issues.  We consider proposals relating to social, political and environmental issues on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they will have a financial impact on shareholder value. However, we generally vote against proposals requesting reports that are duplicative, related to matters not material to the business, or that would impose unnecessary or excessive costs. We may abstain from voting on proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value. We generally oppose proposals requiring adherence to workplace standards that are not required or customary in market(s) to which the proposals relate.

 

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I.              Fund of Funds.  Certain Funds advised by an MSIM Affiliate invest only in other MSIM Funds.  If an underlying fund has a shareholder meeting, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, such proposals will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders of the underlying fund, unless otherwise determined by the Proxy Review Committee.

 

III.           ADMINISTRATION OF POLICY

 

The MSIM Proxy Review Committee (the “Committee”) has overall responsibility for creating and implementing the Policy, working with an MSIM staff group (the “Corporate Governance Team”).  The Committee, which is appointed by MSIM’s Chief Investment Officer of Global Equities (“CIO”), consists of senior investment professionals who represent the different investment disciplines and geographic locations of the firm.  Because proxy voting is an investment responsibility and impacts shareholder value, and because of their knowledge of companies and markets, portfolio managers and other members of investment staff play a key role in proxy voting, although the Committee has final authority over proxy votes.

 

The Committee Chairperson is the head of the Corporate Governance Team, and is responsible for identifying issues that require Committee deliberation or ratification. The Corporate Governance Team, working with advice of investment teams and the Committee, is responsible for voting on routine items and on matters that can be addressed in line with these Policy guidelines.  The Corporate Governance Team has responsibility for voting case-by-case where guidelines and precedent provide adequate guidance, and to refer other case-by-case decisions to the Proxy Review Committee.

 

The Committee will periodically review and have the authority to amend, as necessary, the Policy and establish and direct voting positions consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.

 

A.            Committee Procedures

 

The Committee will meet at least monthly to (among other matters) address any outstanding issues relating to the Policy or its implementation. The Corporate Governance Team will timely communicate to ISS MSIM’s Policy (and any amendments and/or any additional guidelines or procedures the Committee may adopt).

 

The Committee will meet on an ad hoc basis to (among other matters): (1) authorize “split voting” (i.e., allowing certain shares of the same issuer that are the subject of the same proxy solicitation and held by one or more MSIM portfolios to be voted differently than other shares) and/or “override voting” (i.e., voting all MSIM portfolio shares in a manner contrary to the Policy); (2) review and approve upcoming votes, as appropriate, for matters for which specific direction has been provided in this Policy; and (3)  determine how to vote matters for which specific direction has not been provided in this Policy.

 

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Members of the Committee may take into account Research Providers’ recommendations and research as well as any other relevant information they may request or receive, including portfolio manager and/or analyst research, as applicable.  Generally, proxies related to securities held in accounts that are managed pursuant to quantitative, index or index-like strategies (“Index Strategies”) will be voted in the same manner as those held in actively managed accounts, unless economic interests of the accounts differ.  Because accounts managed using Index Strategies are passively managed accounts, research from portfolio managers and/or analysts related to securities held in these accounts may not be available.  If the affected securities are held only in accounts that are managed pursuant to Index Strategies, and the proxy relates to a matter that is not described in this Policy, the Committee will consider all available information from the Research Providers, and to the extent that the holdings are significant, from the portfolio managers and/or analysts.

 

B.            Material Conflicts of Interest

 

In addition to the procedures discussed above, if the Committee determines that an issue raises a material conflict of interest, the Committee will request a special committee to review, and recommend a course of action with respect to, the conflict(s) in question (“Special Committee”).

 

The Special Committee shall be comprised of the Chairperson of the Proxy Review Committee, the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee, a senior portfolio manager (if practicable, one who is a member of the Proxy Review Committee) designated by the Proxy Review Committee, and MSIM’s relevant Chief Investment Officer or his/her designee, and any other persons deemed necessary by the Chairperson. The Special Committee may request the assistance of MSIM’s General Counsel or his/her designee who will have sole discretion to cast a vote.  In addition to the research provided by Research Providers, the Special Committee may request analysis from MSIM Affiliate investment professionals and outside sources to the extent it deems appropriate.

 

C.            Identification of Material Conflicts of Interest

 

A potential material conflict of interest could exist in the following situations, among others:

 

1.               The issuer soliciting the vote is a client of MSIM or an affiliate of MSIM and the vote is on a material matter affecting the issuer.

 

2.               The proxy relates to Morgan Stanley common stock or any other security issued by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates except if echo voting is used, as with MSIM Funds, as described herein.

 

3.               Morgan Stanley has a material pecuniary interest in the matter submitted for a vote (e.g., acting as a financial advisor to a party to a merger or acquisition for which Morgan Stanley will be paid a success fee if completed).

 

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If the Chairperson of the Committee determines that an issue raises a potential material conflict of interest, depending on the facts and circumstances, the Chairperson will address the issue as follows:

 

1.     If the matter relates to a topic that is discussed in this Policy, the proposal will be voted as per the Policy.

 

2.     If the matter is not discussed in this Policy or the Policy indicates that the issue is to be decided case-by-case, the proposal will be voted in a manner consistent with the Research Providers, provided that all the Research Providers have the same recommendation, no portfolio manager objects to that vote, and the vote is consistent with MSIM’s Client Proxy Standard.

 

3.     If the Research Providers’ recommendations differ, the Chairperson will refer the matter to the Committee to vote on the proposal.  If the Committee determines that an issue raises a material conflict of interest, the Committee will request a Special Committee to review and recommend a course of action, as described above.  Notwithstanding the above, the Chairperson of the Committee may request a Special Committee to review a matter at any time as he/she deems necessary to resolve a conflict.

 

D.            Proxy Voting Reporting

 

The Committee and the Special Committee, or their designee(s), will document in writing all of their decisions and actions, which documentation will be maintained by the Committee and the Special Committee, or their designee(s), for a period of at least 6 years.  To the extent these decisions relate to a security held by an MSIM Fund, the Committee and Special Committee, or their designee(s), will report their decisions to each applicable Board of Trustees/Directors of those Funds at each Board’s next regularly scheduled Board meeting. The report will contain information concerning decisions made by the Committee and Special Committee during the most recently ended calendar quarter immediately preceding the Board meeting.

 

The Corporate Governance Team will timely communicate to applicable portfolio managers and to ISS, decisions of the Committee and Special Committee so that, among other things, ISS will vote proxies consistent with their decisions.

 

MSIM will promptly provide a copy of this Policy to any client requesting it. MSIM will also, upon client request, promptly provide a report indicating how each proxy was voted with respect to securities held in that client’s account.

 

MSIM’s Legal Department is responsible for filing an annual Form N-PX on behalf of each MSIM Fund for which such filing is required, indicating how all proxies were voted with respect to such Fund’s holdings.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

The following procedures apply to accounts managed by Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (“AIP”).

 

Generally, AIP will follow the guidelines set forth in Section II of MSIM’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.  To the extent that such guidelines do not provide specific direction, or AIP determines that consistent with the Client Proxy Standard, the guidelines should not be followed, the Proxy Review Committee has delegated the voting authority to vote securities held by accounts managed by AIP to the Liquid Markets investment team and the Private Markets investment team of AIP.  A summary of decisions made by the investment teams will be made available to the Proxy Review Committee for its information at the next scheduled meeting of the Proxy Review Committee.

 

In certain cases, AIP may determine to abstain from determining (or recommending) how a proxy should be voted (and therefore abstain from voting such proxy or recommending how such proxy should be voted), such as where the expected cost of giving due consideration to the proxy does not justify the potential benefits to the affected account(s) that might result from adopting or rejecting (as the case may be) the measure in question.

 

Waiver of Voting Rights

 

For regulatory reasons, AIP may either 1) invest in a class of securities of an underlying fund (the “Fund”) that does not provide for voting rights; or 2) waive 100% of its voting rights with respect to the following:

 

1.               Any rights with respect to the removal or replacement of a director, general partner, managing member or other person acting in a similar capacity for or on behalf of the Fund (each individually a “Designated Person,” and collectively, the “Designated Persons”), which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the election or removal of a Designated Person in the event of such Designated Person’s death, disability, insolvency, bankruptcy, incapacity, or other event requiring a vote of interest holders of the Fund to remove or replace a Designated Person; and

 

2.               Any rights in connection with a determination to renew, dissolve, liquidate, or otherwise terminate or continue the Fund, which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the renewal, dissolution, liquidation, termination or continuance of the Fund upon the occurrence of an event described in the Fund’s organizational documents; provided, however, that, if the Fund’s organizational documents require the consent of the Fund’s general partner or manager, as the case may be, for any such termination or continuation of the Fund to be effective, then AIP may exercise its voting rights with respect to such matter.

 

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APPENDIX B

 

The following procedures apply to the portion of the Van Kampen Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund (“VK Fund”) sub advised by Avenue Europe International Management, L.P. (“Avenue”).  (The portion of the VK Fund managed solely by Van Kampen Asset Management will continue to be subject to MSIM’s Policy.)

 

1.                                       Generally:  With respect to Avenue’s portion of the VK Fund, the Board of Trustees of the VK Fund will retain sole authority and responsibility for proxy voting.  The Adviser’s involvement in the voting process of Avenue’s portion of the VK Fund is a purely administrative function, and serves to execute and deliver the proxy voting decisions made by the VK Fund Board in connection with the Avenue portion of the VK Fund, which may, from time to time, include related administrative tasks such as receiving proxies, following up on missing proxies, and collecting data related to proxies.  As such, the Adviser shall not be deemed to have voting power or shared voting power with Avenue with respect to Avenue’s portion of the Fund.

 

2.                                       Voting Guidelines:  All proxies, with respect to Avenue’s portion of the VK Fund, will be considered by the VK Fund Board or such subcommittee as the VK Fund Board may designate from time to time for determination and voting approval.  The VK Board or its subcommittee will timely communicate to MSIM’s Corporate Governance Group its proxy voting decisions, so that among other things the votes will be effected consistent with the VK Board’s authority.

 

3.                                       Administration:  The VK Board or its subcommittee will meet on an adhoc basis as may be required from time to time to review proxies that require its review and determination.  The VK Board or its subcommittee will document in writing all of its decisions and actions which will be maintained by the VK Fund, or its designee(s), for a period of at least 6 years.  If a subcommittee is designated, a summary of decisions made by such subcommittee will be made available to the full VK Board for its information at its next scheduled respective meetings.

 

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Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

FUND MANAGEMENT

 

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Debt team.  The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts.  Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio are Eric J. Baurmeister, Federico L. Kaune and Abigail L. McKenna, each a Managing Director of the Adviser.  Mr. Baurmeister has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1997 and joined the team managing the Fund in July 2002.  Ms. McKenna has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 1996 and joined the team managing the Fund in July 2002. Mr. Kaune has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since 2002 and joined the team managing the Fund in August 2002.

 

The composition of the team may change without notice from time to time.

 

OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

The following information is as of December 31, 2008:

 

Mr. Baurmeister managed nine registered investment companies with a total of approximately $1.6 billion in assets; seven pooled investment vehicles other than registered investment companies with approximately $568.7 million in assets; and four other accounts with a total of approximately $346.9 million in assets.

 

Mr. Kaune managed nine registered investment companies with a total of approximately $1.6 billion in assets; seven pooled investment vehicles other than registered investment companies with a total of approximately $568.7 million in assets; and four other accounts with a total of approximately $246.9 million in assets.

 

Ms. McKenna managed 11 registered investment companies with a total of approximately $1.7 billion in assets; seven pooled investment vehicles other than registered investment companies with a total of approximately $568.7 million in assets; and seven other accounts (including accounts managed under certain “wrap fee programs”) with a total of approximately $1.8 billion in assets.

 

Because the portfolio managers manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, and/or other accounts (including institutional clients, pension plans and certain high net worth individuals), there may be an incentive to favor one client over another resulting in conflicts of interest. For instance, the Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio managers may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over the Fund.  In addition, a conflict of interest could exist to the extent the Adviser has proprietary investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal

 

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investments in certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in the Adviser’s employee benefits and/or deferred compensation plans.  The portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor these accounts over others.  If the Adviser manages accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, the Adviser could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaged in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall.  The Adviser has adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION STRUCTURE

 

Portfolio managers receive a combination of base compensation and discretionary compensation, comprised of a cash bonus and several deferred compensation programs described below. The methodology used to determine portfolio manager compensation is applied across all accounts managed by the portfolio managers.

 

BASE SALARY COMPENSATION. Generally, portfolio managers receive base salary compensation based on the level of their position with the Adviser.

 

DISCRETIONARY COMPENSATION. In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary compensation.

 

Discretionary compensation can include:

 

· Cash Bonus;

 

· Morgan Stanley’s Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program awards — a mandatory program that defers a portion of discretionary year-end compensation into restricted stock units or other awards or other investments based on Morgan Stanley common stock that are subject to vesting and other conditions;

 

· Investment Management Alignment Plan (IMAP) awards — a mandatory program that defers a portion of discretionary year-end compensation and notionally invests it in designated funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates. The award is subject to vesting and other conditions. Portfolio managers must notionally invest a minimum of 25% to a maximum of 100% of their IMAP deferral account into a combination of the designated open-end funds they manage that are included in the IMAP Fund menu;

 

· Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans — voluntary programs that permit certain employees to elect to defer a portion of their discretionary year-end compensation and directly or notionally invest the deferred amount across a range of designated investment funds, including funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates.

 

Several factors determine discretionary compensation, which can vary by portfolio management team and circumstances. In order of relative importance, these factors include:

 

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· Investment performance. A portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Investment performance is calculated for one-, three- and five-year periods measured against an appropriate securities market index (or indices) for the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager. The assets managed by the portfolio managers in funds, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts are described in “Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers” above. Generally, the greatest weight is placed on the three- and five-year periods.

 

· Revenues generated by the investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager.

 

· Contribution to the business objectives of the Adviser.

 

· The dollar amount of assets managed by the portfolio manager.

 

· Market compensation survey research by independent third parties.

 

· Other qualitative factors, such as contributions to client objectives.

 

· Performance of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., and the overall performance of the investment team(s) of which the portfolio is a member.

 

SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

As of December 31, 2008, the portfolio managers did not own any shares of the Fund.

 

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Item 9. Closed-End Fund Repurchases

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHARES PURCHASED AS

 

MAXIMUM NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART OF PUBLICLY

 

OF SHARES THAT MAY YET

 

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF

 

AVERAGE PRICE

 

ANNOUNCED PLANS

 

BE PURCHASED UNDER

 

Period

 

SHARES PURCHASED

 

PAID PER SHARE

 

OR PROGRAMS

 

THE PLANS OR PROGRAMS

 

July

 

24,000

 

$

9.35

 

24,000

 

Unlimited

 

August

 

55,900

 

$

9.16

 

55,900

 

Unlimited

 

September

 

16,600

 

$

8.93

 

16,600

 

Unlimited

 

October

 

119,100

 

$

6.17

 

119,100

 

Unlimited

 

November

 

141,200

 

$

6.33

 

141,200

 

Unlimited

 

December

 

 

 

 

Unlimited

 

 


*  The Share Repurchase Program commenced on 6/19/2007.

The Fund expects to continue to repurchase its outstanding shares at such time and in such amounts as it believes will further the accomplishment of the foregoing objectives, subject to review by the Board of Directors.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures

 

(a)  The Fund’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Fund 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.

 

(b)  There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits

 

(a) The Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers is attached hereto.

 

(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.

 

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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.

 

(Registrant)

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Randy Takian

 

Name:

Randy Takian

Title:

Principal Executive Officer

Date:

February 19, 2009

 

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.

 

By:

/s/ Randy Takian

 

Name:

Randy Takian

Title:

Principal Executive Officer

Date:

February 19, 2009

 

 

By:

/s/ James W. Garrett

 

Name:

James W. Garrett

Title:

Principal Financial Officer

Date:

February 19, 2009