DEF 14A: Virtus Funds Announce Joint Annual Meeting of Shareholders to Elect Trustees and Directors

Virtus Funds will hold a virtual Joint Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 2, 2025, to elect trustees and directors for multiple funds.

Summary

• Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund, Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund, and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. will hold a Joint Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 2, 2025.
• The meeting will be held virtually at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Shareholders will vote to elect trustees and directors for the respective funds.
• The record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote is April 2, 2025.
• The Board of Trustees recommends voting for the election of each trustee nominee.
• Shareholders can attend the meeting virtually, vote their shares electronically, and submit questions online.
• The proxy statement and annual reports are available online.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document is a standard proxy statement, indicating a neutral to slightly positive sentiment due to the routine nature of the event and the board's recommendation to vote for the nominees.

Positives

• The Board of Trustees unanimously recommends voting for the election of each trustee nominee.
• Shareholders have the convenience of attending and participating in the Annual Meeting virtually.
• The proxy statement and annual reports are readily available online, promoting transparency.

Future Outlook

The document outlines the process for electing trustees and directors, ensuring the funds' governance structure remains in place for the coming years.

Management Comments

• The Board of Trustees of each fund unanimously recommends that shareholders vote for the election of each trustee nominee.

Industry Context

This announcement is a routine part of corporate governance for registered investment companies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and providing shareholders with the opportunity to participate in the election of board members.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The structure of the board with independent and interested trustees is common among investment companies, balancing oversight with industry expertise.
• Holding a virtual annual meeting aligns with current trends in corporate governance, increasing accessibility for shareholders.
• The detailed disclosure of trustee qualifications and compensation is consistent with industry best practices for transparency.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders have the opportunity to influence the governance of the funds by voting on the election of trustees and directors.
• The election of qualified trustees and directors is intended to benefit shareholders by ensuring effective oversight of the funds' management and operations.

Next Steps

• Shareholders are encouraged to review the proxy materials and vote on the proposals.
• Shareholders who plan to attend the virtual meeting should register in advance if they hold shares through an intermediary.
• The newly elected trustees and directors will assume their roles and responsibilities.

Key Dates

Keywords

Annual Meeting, Trustees, Directors, Shareholders, Virtus Funds, Proxy Statement, Fund Governance, Virtual Meeting, Voting