DEF 14A: Morgan Stanley Funds Announce Annual Stockholder Meetings to Elect Directors
Proxy Statement
Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc., Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc., Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Debt Fund, Inc., and Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc. will hold annual meetings on June 25, 2024, to elect directors.
Summary
- Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc. (CAF), Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (MSD), Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Debt Fund, Inc. (EDD), and Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc. (IIF) will hold their Annual Meetings of Stockholders on June 25, 2024.
- The meetings will take place at the offices of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. in New York.
- The primary purpose of the meetings is to elect Directors for each fund to serve until the 2026 or 2027 annual meeting.
- Stockholders of record as of April 8, 2024, are entitled to notice and to vote at the meetings.
- The Board of each Fund recommends voting 'FOR' the election of each of the nominees as a Director of that Fund.
- The cost of soliciting proxies for the Meetings, including printing and mailing expenses, will be borne by each respective Fund.
- Stockholders can vote by mail, telephone, or internet.
Sentiment
Score: 7
Explanation: The document is a routine proxy statement, presenting factual information in a neutral tone. The positive sentiment stems from the clear communication and adherence to corporate governance norms.
Positives
- Stockholders have multiple options for voting: by mail, telephone, or internet.
- The Funds are providing easy access to proxy materials online.
- The Board is actively recommending a course of action to stockholders.
Risks
- If a quorum is not present, the meeting may be adjourned to permit further solicitation of proxies.
- A control person owning more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund may be able to influence the outcome of proposals.
Future Outlook
The document outlines the process for stockholders to submit proposals for the 2025 annual meeting, indicating ongoing corporate governance activities.
Management Comments
- The Board of each Fund recommends that you vote 'FOR' the election of each of the nominees as a Director of that Fund as set forth in Proposal No. 1 of this Joint Proxy Statement.
- Your vote is important. Please return your Proxy Card promptly no matter how many Shares you own.
Industry Context
This announcement is standard practice for registered investment companies, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations and providing stockholders with the opportunity to participate in corporate governance.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The structure of the Board and its committees, including the Audit, Governance, Compliance and Insurance, Risk, Equity Investment, and Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committees, is typical for closed-end funds.
- The compensation structure for directors is consistent with industry practices for funds of similar size and complexity.
- The use of a joint proxy statement to reduce expenses is a common practice among funds within the same fund family.
- The detailed disclosure of director qualifications and experience aligns with regulatory requirements and best practices for corporate governance.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders have the opportunity to vote on the election of directors, influencing the governance of the Funds.
- The election of qualified directors aims to ensure effective oversight and management of the Funds, benefiting shareholders through potentially improved performance and risk management.
Next Steps
- Stockholders are requested to vote their shares over the Internet, by telephone, or by dating and signing the enclosed Proxy Card and returning it in the enclosed envelope.
- The Funds will hold the Annual Meetings of Stockholders on June 25, 2024.
- The Board will implement the election results based on the votes received.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| July 31, 2003 | Original adoption date of the Joint Audit Committee Charter and Joint Governance Committee Charter |
| April 1, 2004 | Effective date of the Deferred Compensation Plan (DC Plan) |
| August 2006 | Frank L. Bowman and Kathleen A. Dennis began serving as Directors of the Funds |
| January 2015 | Nancy C. Everett and Jakki L. Haussler began serving as Directors of the Funds |
| January 2017 | Patricia A. Maleski began serving as a Director of the Funds |
| August 2020 | W. Allen Reed became Chair of the Boards of the Funds (except IIF) |
| February 2022 | Frances L. Cashman and Eddie A. Grier began serving as Directors of the Funds |
| January 1, 2023 | Jakki L. Haussler became Chairperson of the Audit Committee |
| December 31, 2023 | Fiscal year end for CAF, MSD and IIF |
| December 31, 2023 | Joseph J. Kearns retired from the Board of Directors of each Fund |
| October 31, 2023 | Fiscal year end for EDD |
| April 8, 2024 | Record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meetings |
| May 6, 2024 | Date of the notice of annual meetings of stockholders and joint proxy statement |
| May 10, 2024 | Expected date of first sending the Notice of Annual Meetings of Stockholders, Joint Proxy Statement and Proxy Card to Stockholders |
| June 25, 2024 | Date of the Annual Meetings of Stockholders |
| January 11, 2025 | Deadline for stockholders to submit proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting to be included in the proxy statement |
| March 27, 2025 | Earliest date for stockholders to deliver written notice of a proposal for the 2025 Annual Meeting without including it in the proxy statement |
| April 26, 2025 | Latest date for stockholders to deliver written notice of a proposal for the 2025 Annual Meeting without including it in the proxy statement |
Keywords
proxy statement, annual meeting, election of directors, stockholders, Morgan Stanley Funds, investment funds
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