DEF: Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. Announces 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Sentiment:

Proxy Statement


Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders virtually on May 15, 2025, to elect Class III Directors and transact other business.

Summary

  • Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. is holding its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 15, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
  • The meeting will be held in a virtual format only.
  • Stockholders of record as of April 4, 2025, are entitled to vote.
  • The primary purpose of the meeting is to elect Class III Directors, each to serve until the third annual meeting following their election.
  • The nominees for Class III Director are Edward Kuczmarski, Stuart McFarland, and Susan Schauffert-Tam.
  • The Board of Directors recommends voting FOR the nominees.
  • The Fund had 55,254,696 shares outstanding as of the record date.
  • The proxy statement and related materials are being distributed to stockholders starting on or about April 14, 2025.
  • The Fund has engaged Equiniti Trust Company, LLC as the proxy solicitor for the meeting.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document is neutral in tone, providing necessary information for the annual meeting. The Board recommends voting for the nominees, suggesting a positive outlook on the current leadership.

Positives

  • The Fund is adhering to New York Stock Exchange listing standards regarding director independence.
  • The Board has a process for stockholders to send communications to the Board.
  • The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approval of the engagement of the Funds auditors.
  • The Board has established a continuing education policy for Directors.

Negatives

  • The meeting is virtual-only, which may limit stockholder engagement.
  • The Fund will be unable to conduct any business if less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast are represented.
  • Messrs. Kuczmarski and McFarland are currently scheduled to retire from the Board in 2027 and 2026, respectively, subject to any extensions granted by the Board pursuant to its retirement age policy or changes made by the Board to its retirement age policy.

Risks

  • Failure to achieve a quorum could result in adjournment and additional solicitation expenses.
  • The Fund's performance is subject to the risks associated with its investment adviser and sub-adviser.
  • The Fund's investments are subject to market risks and fluctuations.
  • The Fund's reliance on service providers exposes it to operational and compliance risks.

Future Outlook

The document outlines the election of directors for terms expiring in 2028, indicating a long-term focus on governance and leadership continuity.

Management Comments

  • The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the nominees named in the proxy statement.
  • We encourage you to authorize a proxy to vote your Shares via the internet using the control number that appears on your enclosed proxy card.
  • YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN.

Industry Context

The document reflects standard corporate governance practices for registered investment companies, including the election of directors, the establishment of board committees, and the engagement of independent auditors.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • The structure of the Board, with a majority of independent directors, aligns with industry best practices and regulatory requirements for investment companies.
  • The establishment of an Audit Committee, a Governance Committee, and a Qualified Legal Compliance Committee is typical for funds of this type.
  • The disclosure of director compensation and share ownership is consistent with regulatory requirements and industry norms.
  • The engagement of Deloitte as the independent registered public accounting firm is a common practice among investment companies.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Co-Portfolio ManagerN/APaula HornMarch 31, 2025New appointment
Co-Portfolio ManagerN/ARiley ONealMarch 31, 2025New appointment
Co-Portfolio ManagerLarry AntonatosN/AJune 30, 2025Retirement

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Director Retirement Age PolicyThe Board has a retirement policy, which sets a mandatory retirement age of 78 for the Directors; however, once a Director attains age 78, two additional one-year extensions up to the age of 80 may be implemented on an annual basis pending the majority vote by the other Directors.N/AEnsures regular turnover and fresh perspectives on the Board.
Independent Director CompensationEffective January 1, 2025, the aggregate annual retainer paid to each Independent Director of the Board for the Fund Complex is $260,000.January 1, 2025May impact the Fund's expenses and attractiveness to potential directors.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders have the opportunity to vote on the election of directors and other important matters.
  • The election of qualified directors is intended to benefit shareholders by ensuring effective oversight of the Fund.
  • The Fund's performance and governance practices can impact its reputation and attractiveness to investors.

Next Steps

  • Stockholders should review the proxy statement and vote on the proposals.
  • The Fund will hold the Annual Meeting on May 15, 2025.
  • The Board will consider the results of the voting and take appropriate action.

Key Dates

DateDescription
May 12, 2016The Fund was established.
December 5, 2016The Fund commenced operations.
November 20, 2024Ms. Susan Schauffert-Tam was appointed as an Independent Director/Trustee of the Fund Complex.
November 20-21, 2024The Board approved a one-year extension of Mr. McFarlands membership on the Board so that he may continue to serve on the Board until he reaches the age of 79.
December 31, 2024Fiscal year end for fee and ownership disclosures.
February 19, 2025The Audit Committee reviewed the Funds audited financial statements.
March 31, 2025Ms. Paula Horn and Messrs. Riley ONeal joined the Funds portfolio management team as co-portfolio managers.
April 4, 2025Record date for determining stockholders eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting.
April 14, 2025Proxy Statement and accompanying form of proxy is first being sent to stockholders.
May 15, 2025Date of the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
June 30, 2025Mr. Antonatos is scheduled to retire from the portfolio management team.
December 1, 2025Earliest date for stockholders to deliver notice of matters to be presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
December 31, 2025Latest date for stockholders to deliver notice of matters to be presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
December 31, 2025Deadline for receipt of stockholder proposals for inclusion in the 2026 proxy statement.
May 15, 2026Date of the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Keywords

Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, Board of Directors, Class III Directors, Stockholders, Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Election of Directors, Governance, Investment Company

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