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)

 

Ronald E. Robison
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:

12/31/07

 

 

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:

 



 

 

2007 Annual Report

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley

Emerging Markets Debt Fund,

Inc.

 

 

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, 2007, the Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) had total returns, based on net asset value and market value per share (including reinvestment of distributions), of 7.46%, net of fees, and -4.52%, respectively, compared to its benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Index (the “Index”) which returned 6.28%. On December 31, 2007, the closing price of the Fund’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange was $9.70, representing a 13.9% discount to the Fund’s net asset value per share. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Factors Affecting Performance

 

·                  Although emerging market economies were generally insulated from the credit and liquidity crisis emanating from the U.S., yield spreads of U.S. dollar denominated emerging market bonds did move wider, ending the period 84 basis points higher than at the start of the year. Nonetheless, emerging market debt (EMD) performed quite strongly for the one-year period, with performance of local currency debt far outpacing that of external debt in emerging economies.

 

·                  Economic growth across the EMD universe remained strong, with growth rates exceeding 7%. Emerging market currencies rallied against the U.S. dollar as the prospect of slower economic growth and lower interest rates in the U.S. put considerable pressure on the dollar. As a result, local currency denominated debt enjoyed strong returns.

 

·                  An emphasis on local currency denominated securities in the portfolio was additive to performance. An underweight in Pakistani debt was also beneficial as ongoing political strife in the country hurt bond performance. Security selection in Venezuela also helped boost returns.

 

·                  Detractors from performance in the portfolio included overweights in Russian quasi-sovereign bonds and Argentine domestic bonds.

 

Management Strategies

 

·                  The Fund favored local currency denominated securities in Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and a few other smaller countries. We saw significant value in local currency denominated EMD securities relative to U.S. dollar denominated debt.

 

·                  Later in the year, we focused on countries with strong liquidity positions or countries less dependant on international capital markets for financing.

 

 

Sincerely,

Ronald E. Robison

 

President and Principal Executive Officer

 

January 2008

2


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

Portfolio of Investments

 

(Showing percentage of Total Value of Investments)

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Face

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

Value

 

 

(000)

 

(000)

DEBT INSTRUMENTS (97.2%)

 

 

 

 

Argentina (3.9%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (3.9%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Argentina,

 

 

 

 

1.32%, 12/15/35

$(d)(f)1,108,801

 

$      126

1.38%, 12/15/35

 

(d)37,715,134

 

1,065

5.83%, 12/31/33

 

8,149

 

3,054

8.28%, 12/31/33

 

(f)3,974

 

3,787

Republic of Argentina
(Linked Variable Rate),

 

 

 

 

41.43%, (expired maturity)

 

(a)3,770

 

1,777

 

 

 

 

9,809

Brazil (14.6%)

 

 

 

 

Corporate (1.0%)

 

 

 

 

Banco ABN AMRO Real S.A.,

 

 

 

 

16.20%, 2/22/10

BRL

4,240

 

2,573

Sovereign (13.6%)

 

 

 

 

Citigroup, Inc., Nota do Tesouro Nacional

 

 

 

 

Credit Linked Notes,

 

 

 

 

6.00%, 5/18/09

 

2,000

 

2,717

Federative Republic of Brazil,

 

 

 

 

8.00%, 1/15/18

$                4,946

 

5,547

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

 

6,688

 

8,322

10.50%, 7/14/14

 

1,740

 

2,219

11.00%, 8/17/40

 

4,250

 

5,683

14.50%, 10/15/09

 

2,321

 

2,757

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Nota do Tesouro

 

 

 

 

Nacional Credit Linked Notes,

 

 

 

 

10.00%, 1/1/12

BRL

13,350

 

7,201

 

 

 

 

34,446

 

 

 

 

37,019

Bulgaria (1.5%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (1.5%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Bulgaria,

 

 

 

 

8.25%, 1/15/15

$                1,699

 

1,984

Republic of Bulgaria (Registered),

 

 

 

 

8.25%, 1/15/15

 

1,490

 

1,739

 

 

 

 

3,723

Chile (1.3%)

 

 

 

 

Corporate (1.3%)

 

 

 

 

Empresa Nacional de Petroleo,

 

 

 

 

6.75%, 11/15/12

 

(b)3,090

 

3,298

Colombia (2.4%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (2.4%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Colombia,

 

 

 

 

7.38%, 9/18/37

$                2,870

 

$   3,200

8.25%, 12/22/14

 

1,040

 

1,191

11.75%, 2/25/20

 

1,075

 

1,604

 

 

 

 

5,995

Ecuador (1.1%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (1.1%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Ecuador (Registered),

 

 

 

 

9.38%, 12/15/15

 

470

 

476

10.00%, 8/15/30

 

(c)2,500

 

2,425

 

 

 

 

2,901

Egypt (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

Arab Republic of Egypt,

 

 

 

 

8.75%, 7/18/12

EGP

10,510

 

1,964

Gabon(0.8%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Gabon,

 

 

 

 

8.20%, 12/12/17

$                1,953

 

2,031

Indonesia (3.2%)

 

 

 

 

Corporate (3.2%)

 

 

 

 

Pindo Deli Finance BV,

 

 

 

 

Tranche A, 6.00%, 4/28/15

 

(b)(d)1,108

 

939

Tranche B, 6.00%, 4/28/18

 

(b)(d)3,413

 

1,553

Tranche C,

 

 

 

 

Zero Coupon, 4/28/27

 

(b)(d)6,884

 

757

Tjiwi Kimia Finance BV,

 

 

 

 

Tranche A, 5.97%, 4/28/15

 

(d)2,070

 

1,759

Tranche A, 6.00%, 4/28/15

 

(b)(d)1,578

 

1,341

Tranche B, 6.00%, 4/28/18

 

(b)(d)2,954

 

1,381

Tranche C,

 

 

 

 

Zero Coupon, 4/28/27

 

(b)(d)3,352

 

369

 

 

 

 

8,099

Ivory Coast (0.3%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.3%)

 

 

 

 

Ivory Coast,

 

 

 

 

2.50%, 3/31/18

 

(a)2,045

 

726

Malaysia (0.9%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.9%)

 

 

 

 

Government of Malaysia,

 

 

 

 

7.50%, 7/15/11

 

420

 

460

8.75%, 6/1/09

 

1,929

 

2,033

 

 

 

 

2,493

 

 

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

3

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

Portfolio of Investments (cont’d)

 

(Showing percentage of Total Value of Investments)

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Face

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

Value

 

 

(000)

 

(000)

Mexico (16.8%)

 

 

 

 

Corporate (7.2%)

 

 

 

 

Pemex Project Funding Master Trust,

 

 

 

 

5.75%, 3/1/18

$           (b)1,840

 

$    1,845

6.29%, 6/15/10

 

(b)(d)4,250

 

4,320

6.63%, 6/15/35

 

5,000

 

5,295

8.63%, 12/1/23

 

1,740

 

2,169

9.13%, 10/13/10

 

4,040

 

4,474

 

 

 

 

18,103

Sovereign (9.6%)

 

 

 

 

Mexican Bonos,

 

 

 

 

8.00%, 12/17/15

MXN

54,910

 

4,982

9.50%, 12/18/14

 

111,250

 

10,961

United Mexican States,

 

 

 

 

5.63%, 1/15/17

 

$3,760

 

3,820

6.75%, 9/27/34

 

(h)1,479

 

1,637

7.50%, 1/14/12

 

1

 

1

8.38%, 1/14/11

 

2,665

 

2,956

 

 

 

 

24,357

 

 

 

 

42,460

Panama (2.6%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (2.6%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Panama,

 

 

 

 

7.13%, 1/29/26

 

1,910

 

2,111

7.25%, 3/15/15

 

700

 

775

9.38%, 4/1/29

 

1,890

 

2,594

9.63%, 2/8/11

 

906

 

1,021

 

 

 

 

6,501

Peru (2.9%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (2.9%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Peru,

 

 

 

 

8.38%, 5/3/16

 

1,150

 

1,354

8.75%, 11/21/33

 

3,130

 

4,163

9.88%, 2/6/15

 

1,385

 

1,730

 

 

 

 

7,247

Philippines (11.3%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (11.3%)

 

 

 

 

Credit Suisse, Republic of Philippines

 

 

 

 

Credit Linked Notes,

 

 

 

 

10.63%, 3/16/25

 

2,700

 

2,748

Republic of Philippines,

 

 

 

 

8.88%, 3/17/15

$           (h)9,480

 

$   11,210

9.00%, 2/15/13

 

(h)2,240

 

2,562

9.50%, 2/2/30

 

9,033

 

12,161

 

 

 

 

28,681

Qatar (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 

 

 

 

State of Qatar (Registered),

 

 

 

 

9.75%, 6/15/30

 

1,260

 

1,922

Russia (14.2%)

 

 

 

 

Corporate (6.0%)

 

 

 

 

Gaz Capital for Gazprom,

 

 

 

 

6.21%, 11/22/16

 

(b)3,282

 

3,157

8.63%, 4/28/34

 

3,670

 

4,545

JPMorgan Chase & Co.,

 

 

 

 

7.00%, 6/28/17

RUB

62,000

 

2,345

RSHB Capital S.A. for OJSC Russian
Agricultural Bank,

 

 

 

 

6.30%, 5/15/17

$           (b)2,004

 

1,904

7.18%, 5/16/13

 

(b)2,800

 

2,880

7.18%, 5/16/13

 

270

 

278

 

 

 

 

15,109

Sovereign (8.2%)

 

 

 

 

Credit Suisse, Russian Federation

 

 

 

 

(Registered) Credit Linked Notes,

 

 

 

 

7.50%, 3/31/30

 

2,700

 

2,749

Russian Federation,

 

 

 

 

7.50%, 3/31/30

 

(c)875

 

998

Russian Federation (Registered),

 

 

 

 

7.50%, 3/31/30

 

(c)4,950

 

5,643

11.00%, 7/24/18

 

321

 

459

12.75%, 6/24/28

 

4,000

 

7,290

TNK-BP Finance S.A.,

 

 

 

 

7.88%, 3/13/18

 

(b)3,800

 

3,772

 

 

 

 

20,911

 

 

 

 

36,020

Trinidad (0.9%)

 

 

 

 

Corporate (0.9%)

 

 

 

 

National Gas Co. of Trinidad & Tobago Ltd.,

 

 

 

 

6.05%, 1/15/36

 

(b)2,369

 

2,264

Turkey (7.9%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (7.9%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Turkey,

 

 

 

 

6.75%, 4/3/18

 

4,880

 

5,032

7.00%, 9/26/16

 

(h)2,920

 

3,103

 

4

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

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

Portfolio of Investments (cont’d)

 

(Showing percentage of Total Value of Investments)

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Face

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

Value

 

 

(000)

 

(000)

Turkey (cont’d)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (cont’d)

 

 

 

 

11.00%, 1/14/13

 

$       7,145

 

$     8,762

11.50%, 1/23/12

 

320

 

389

11.88%, 1/15/30

 

1,737

 

2,744

 

 

 

 

20,030

Ukraine (0.9%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (0.9%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Ukraine,

 

 

 

 

6.58%, 11/21/16

 

2,410

 

2,368

Venezuela (8.1%)

 

 

 

 

Sovereign (8.1%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Venezuela,

 

 

 

 

9.25%, 9/15/27

 

11,581

 

11,581

10.75%, 9/19/13

 

8,330

 

8,934

 

 

 

 

20,515

TOTAL DEBT INSTRUMENTS
(Cost $236,239)

 

 

 

246,066

 

 

No. of

 

 

 

 

Warrants

 

 

WARRANTS (0.4%)

 

 

 

 

Nigeria (0.3%)

 

 

 

 

Central Bank of Nigeria,
expiring 11/15/20

 

(e)3,000

 

690

Venezuela (0.1%)

 

 

 

 

Republic of Venezuela Oil-Linked
Payment Obligation,
expiring 4/15/20

 

(e)(f)11,350

 

426

TOTAL WARRANTS

 

 

 

 

(Cost $@—)

 

 

 

1,116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT(2.4%)

 

 

 

 

United States (2.4%)

 

 

 

 

Investment Company (2.4%)

 

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Institutional
Liquidity Money Market
Portfolio — Institutional Class

 

 

 

 

(Cost $5,960)

 

(g)5,959,561

 

5,960

TOTAL INVESTMENTS(100.0%)

 

 

 

 

(Cost $242,199)

 

 

 

253,142

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

(7,311)

NET ASSETS

 

 

 

$  245,831

 

(a)

 

Issuer is in default.

(b)

 

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

(c)

 

Step Bond — Coupon rate increases in increments to maturity. Rate disclosed is as of December 31, 2007. Maturity date disclosed is ultimate maturity.

(d)

 

Variable/Floating Rate Security — Interest rate changes on these instruments are based on changes in designated base rates. The rates shown are those in effect on December 31, 2007.

(e)

 

Non-income producing security.

(f)

 

Security was valued at fair value — At December 31, 2007, the Fund held $4,339,000 of fair valued securities, representing 1.8% of net assets.

(g)

 

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

(h)

 

Denotes all or a portion of securities subject to repurchase under the Reverse Repurchase Agreements as of December 31, 2007. See Note A-3 within the Notes to Financial Statements.

@

 

Amount is less than $500.

BRL

 

Brazilian Real

EGP

 

Egyptian Pound

MXN

 

Mexican Peso

RUB

 

Russian Ruble

 

Futures Contracts:

 

The Fund had the following futures contract(s) open at period end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

Number

 

 

 

 

 

Appreciation

 

 

 

of

 

Value

 

Expiration

 

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Contracts

 

(000)

 

Date

 

(000)

 

Short:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Year U.S.
Treasury Note

 

528

 

$58,229

 

Mar-08

 

$(282)

 

 

 

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

5

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

Portfolio of Investments (cont’d)

 

(Showing percentage of Total Value of Investments)

December 31, 2007

 

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

The Fund had the following interest rate swap agreement(s) open at period end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notional

 

Appreciation

 

 

 

Floating Rate

 

Pay/Receive

 

Fixed

 

Termination

 

Amount

 

(Depreciation)

 

Swap Counterparty

 

Index

 

Floating Rate

 

Rate

 

Date

 

(000)

 

(000)

 

JPMorgan Chase

 

3 Month LIBOR

 

Pay

 

4.39%

 

12/11/12

 

$54,409

 

 

$ 462

 

 

 

LIBOR London Inter Bank Offer Rate

 

Graphic Presentation of Portfolio Holdings

 

The following graph depicts the Fund’s holdings by industry and/or security type, as a percentage of total investments.

 

 

*

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

 

6

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

 

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2007

 

(000)

Assets:

 

 

 

 

Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $236,239)

 

 

$247,182

 

Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $5,960)

 

 

5,960

 

Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $242,199)

 

 

253,142

 

Interest Receivable

 

 

5,723

 

Due from Broker

 

 

653

 

Unrealized Appreciation on Swap Agreements

 

 

462

 

Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $@—)

 

 

@—

 

Receivable from Affiliate

 

 

@—

 

Other Assets

 

 

4

 

Total Assets

 

 

259,984

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Payable For:

 

 

 

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

 

9,526

 

Dividends Declared

 

 

4,289

 

Investment Advisory Fees

 

 

211

 

Bank Overdraft

 

 

41

 

Directors’ Fees and Expenses

 

 

12

 

Custodian Fees

 

 

9

 

Administration Fees

 

 

7

 

Other Liabilities

 

 

58

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

14,153

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

Applicable to 21,816,086 Issued and Outstanding $0.01

 

 

 

 

Par Value Shares (100,000,000 Shares Authorized)

 

 

$245,831

 

Net Asset Value Per Share

 

 

$11.27

 

Net Assets Consist of:

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

$218

 

Paid-in Capital

 

 

239,707

 

Undistributed (Distributions in Excess of) Net Investment Income

 

 

(1,682

)

Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

(3,564

)

Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments, Foreign Currency Translations, Futures Contracts and Swap Agreements

 

 

11,152

 

Net Assets

 

 

$245,831

 

@ Amount is less than $500.

 

 

 

 

 

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

7


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended

 

December 31, 2007

 

(000)

Investment Income

 

 

 

 

Interest from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers

 

 

$

  18,260

 

Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer

 

 

145

 

Total Investment Income

 

 

18,405

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

Investment Advisory Fees (Note B)

 

 

2,486

 

Administration Fees (Note C)

 

 

199

 

Professional Fees

 

 

77

 

Custodian Fees (Note D)

 

 

30

 

Stockholder Reporting Expenses

 

 

23

 

Stockholder Servicing Agent Fees

 

 

14

 

Directors’ Fees and Expenses

 

 

6

 

Other Expenses

 

 

32

 

Expenses Before Interest Expense

 

 

2,867

 

Interest Expense on Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

 

471

 

Total Expenses

 

 

3,338

 

Waiver of Administration Fees (Note C)

 

 

(114

)

Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliated Cash Sweep (Note G)

 

 

(3

)

Expense Offset (Note D)

 

 

(3

)

Net Expenses

 

 

3,218

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

 

 

15,187

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

9,398

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

 

1,129

 

Options Written

 

 

1,532

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

63

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

12,122

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(11,531

)

Swaps Agreements

 

 

462

 

Foreign Currency Translations

 

 

24

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

(319

)

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

 

(11,364

)

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

 

 

758

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

 

$

 15,945

 

 

8

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

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

December 31, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

(000)

 

(000)

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

 

 

$

 15,187

 

 

$  14,685

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

12,122

 

 

8,878

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

 

(11,364

)

 

2,023

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

 

15,945

 

 

25,586

 

Distributions from and/or in Excess of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

(14,541

)

 

(16,993

)

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of Shares (230,595 Shares in 2007)

 

 

(2,257

)

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease)

 

 

(853

)

 

8,593

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of Period

 

 

246,684

 

 

238,091

 

End of Period (Including Undistributed (Distributions in Excess of) Net Investment Income of $(1,682) and $(3,000), respectively)

 

 

$

245,831

 

 

$246,684

 

 

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

9

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Statements

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

Year Ended

 

December 31, 2007

 

(000)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Long-Term Investments

 

 

$

140,870

 

Purchases of Long-Term Investments

 

 

(142,995

)

Net (Increase) Decrease in Short-Term Investments

 

 

721

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash Overdrafts

 

 

41

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) for Foreign Currency Transactions

 

 

1,129

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Futures Contracts

 

 

63

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Options Written

 

 

1,532

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

15,187

 

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

 

 

 

 

Net (Increase) Decrease in Receivables Related to Operations

 

 

94

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Payables Related to Operations

 

 

(23

)

Accretion/Amortization of Discounts and Premiums

 

 

25

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

 

 

16,644

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

Cash Received for Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

 

65,896

 

Cash Paid for Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

 

(65,605

)

Payment on Fund Shares Repurchased

 

 

(2,257

)

Cash Distributions Paid

 

 

(14,679

)

Net Cash Provided (Used) for Financing Activities

 

 

(16,645

)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash

 

 

(1

)

Cash at Beginning of Period

 

 

1

 

Cash at End of Period

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

Interest Paid on Reverse Repurchase Agreements during the Period

 

 

$

427

 

 

10

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

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

Selected Per Share Data and Ratios

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

 

$

11.19

 

$

10.80

 

$

10.39

 

$

10.24

 

$

8.45

 

Net Investment Income†

 

0.69

 

0.67

 

0.91

 

0.83

 

0.77

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

0.03

 

0.49

 

0.44

 

0.19

 

1.77

 

Total from Investment Operations

 

0.72

 

1.16

 

1.35

 

1.02

 

2.54

 

Distributions from and/or in Excess of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

 

(0.66

)

(0.77

)

(0.94

)

(0.87

)

(0.75

)

Anti-Dilutive Effect of Share Repurchase Program

 

0.02

 

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

 

$

11.27

 

$

11.19

 

$

10.80

 

$

10.39

 

$

10.24

 

Per Share Market Value, End of Period

 

$

9.70

 

$

10.84

 

$

10.88

 

$

9.61

 

$

9.76

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Value

 

(4.52

)%

7.38

%

23.98

%

7.95

%

40.21

%

Net Asset Value (1)

 

7.46

%

11.66

%

13.83

%

11.24

%

31.44

%

RATIOS, SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands)

 

$

245,831

 

$

246,684

 

$

238,091

 

$

229,044

 

$

225,784

 

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(2)

 

1.29

%+

1.34

%

1.36

%

1.22

%

1.25

%

Ratio of Expenses Excluding Interest Expense to Average Net Assets

 

1.10

%+

1.16

%

1.16

%

1.16

%

1.20

%

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

 

6.11

%+

6.12

%

8.58

%

8.18

%

8.04

%

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

56

%

44

%

50

%

118

%

187

%

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios Before Expenses Waived by Administrator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets

 

1.34

%+

1.38

%

1.41

%

1.23

%

N/A

 

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

 

6.06

%+

6.08

%

8.53

%

8.17

%

N/A

 

 

(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 amounts are based on average shares outstanding.

+

Reflects rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Money Market Port- folio — 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%.

 

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

11

 


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2007

 

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.

 

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 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.                          Repurchase Agreements:  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which the Fund lends excess cash and takes possession of securities with an agreement that the counterparty will repurchase such securities. In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, a bank as custodian for the Fund takes possession of the underlying securities (collateral), with a market value at least equal to the amount of the repurchase transaction, including principal and accrued interest. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is marked-to-market on a daily basis to determine the adequacy of the collateral. In the event of default on the obligation to repurchase, the Fund has the right to liquidate the collateral and apply the proceeds in satisfaction of the obligation. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty to the agreement, realization and/or retention of the collateral or proceeds may be subject to legal proceedings.

 

The Fund, along with other affiliated investment companies, may utilize a joint trading account for the purpose of entering into one or more repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2007, the Fund did not have any outstanding repurchase agreements.

 

3.                          Reverse Repurchase Agreements:  The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with institutions that the Fund’s investment adviser has determined are

 

12


 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

December 31, 2007

 

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.

 

At December 31, 2007, the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding with Lehman Brothers as follows:

 

 

 

Maturity in

 

 

less than

 

 

365 Days

 

 

 

Value of Securities Subject to Repurchase

 

$

10,466,000

Liability Under Reverse Repurchase Agreement

 

$

9,526,000

Weighted Average Days to Maturity

 

46.88

 

The weighted average weekly balance of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2007 was approximately $8,944,000 at a weighted average weekly interest rate of 5.11%.

 

4.                          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 ask 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) due to securities transactions 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 net 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.

 

5.                          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:

 

13


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

December 31, 2007

 

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, 2007, the Fund did not have any oustanding cross currency hedges.

 

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. At December 31, 2007, the Fund did not have any oustanding foreign currency exchange contracts.

 

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.

 

Options written for the year ended December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Contracts
(000)

 

Premiums
Received
(000)

 

Options Outstanding — January 1, 2007

 

 

 

$

 

Options Written

 

114,323

 

 

2,755

 

Options Terminated in Closing Purchase Transactions

 

 

(114,323

)

 

(2,755

)

Options Outstanding — December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

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

 

14


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

December 31, 2007

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

Swap Agreements:  The Fund may enter into swap agreements to exchange the interest rate on, or return generated by, one nominal instrument for the return generated by another nominal instrument. 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. The following summarizes swaps entered into by the Fund:

 

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.

 

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 in the Statement of Operations as an adjustment to interest income. The unamortized portion of this payment is included in “Due

 

15


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

December 31, 2007

 

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 marketlinked 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 obligtion, 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 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.

 

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.

 

6.                          New Accounting Pronouncement:  In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As of December 31, 2007, the Adviser does not believe the adoption of SFAS 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures will be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements of fair value and the effect of certain measurements reported in the Statement of Operations for a fiscal period.

 

7.                          Other:  Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains and 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. Effective July 1, 2007 the Administration Agreement has been amended to 0.08% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets. Prior to July 1, 2007, under the Administration Agreement, the administration fee was 0.08% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. MS Investment Management has agreed to limit the administration fee so that it will be no greater than the previous administration fee 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, 2007, approximately $114,000 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 JP Morgan 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 administration agreement, except pricing services and extraordinary expenses, are covered under the administration fee.

 

D.            Custodian Fees:  JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) and its affiliates serve as Custodian for the Fund.

 

16


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

December 31, 2007

 

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. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and various states. Generally, the tax authorities can examine all tax returns filed for the last three years.

 

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.

 

The Fund adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Interpretation number 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (the “Interpretation”), on June 30, 2007. The Interpretation is to be applied to all open tax years as of the date of effectiveness. As of December 31, 2007, this did not result in an impact to the Fund’s financial statements.

 

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 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

2007 Distributions

 

2006 Distributions

Paid From:

 

Paid From:

(000)

 

(000)

 

 

Long-term

 

 

 

Long-term

Ordinary

 

Capital

 

Ordinary

 

Capital

Income

 

Gain

 

Income

 

Gain

$14,541

 

$ —

 

$16,993

 

$ —

 

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. These book/tax differences are considered either temporary or permanent in nature.

 

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of income, 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, foreign options, investment in certain fixed income securities, paydown reclass and expired capital loss carryforward, resulted in the following reclassifications among the components of net assets at December 31, 2007:

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Undistributed

 

 

 

 

 

(Distributions in

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of) Net

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Investment

 

Net Realized

 

Paid-in

 

Income (Loss)

 

Gain (Loss)

 

Capital

 

(000)

 

(000)

 

(000)

 

$672

 

$1,002

 

$(1,674)

 

 

At December 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed

Undistributed

Ordinary Income
(000)

Long-term Capital Gain
(000)

$1,384

$ —

 

At December 31, 2007, the U.S. Federal income tax cost basis of securities was approximately $244,473,000 and, accordingly, net unrealized appreciation for U.S. Federal income tax purposes was $8,669,000 of which $15,203,000 related to appreciated securities and $6,534,000 related to depreciated securities.

 

At December 31, 2007, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward for U.S. Federal income tax purposes of approximately $3,458,000 available to offset future capital gains, of which $3,458,000 will expire on December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2007, the Fund had expired capital loss carryforward for U.S. Federal income tax purposes of approximately $997,000. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund utilized capital loss carryforward for U.S. Federal income tax purposes of approximately $12,138,000.

 

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

 

17


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

December 31, 2007

 

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 openend 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, 2007, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $3,000 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, 2007 is as follows:

 

Market Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Market Value

December 31,

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Dividend

 

December 31,

2006

 

at Cost

 

Proceeds

 

Income

 

2007

(000)

 

(000)

 

(000)

 

(000)

 

(000)

$—

 

$105,394

 

$99,434

 

$145

 

$5,960

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund made purchases and sales totaling approximately $142,995,000 and $141,481,000 respectively, of investment securities other than long-term U.S. Government securities, purchased options 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.

 

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.

 

On July 1, 2007, the Stockholder Servicing Agent changed from American Stock Transfer & Trust Company to Computershare Trust Company, N.A. Requests for information or any correspondence concerning the Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan after July 1, 2007 should be directed to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43010, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3010, 1 (800) 231-2608.

 

On December 14, 2007 the Officers of the Fund, pursuant to authority granted by the Directors, declared a distribution of $0.1966 per share, derived from net investment income, payable on January 7, 2008, to stockholders of record on December 21, 2007.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund repurchased 230,595 of its shares at an average discount of 14.41% from net asset value per share. Since the inception of the program, the Fund has repurchased 230,595 of its shares at an average discount of 14.41% 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.

 

I.       Supplemental Proxy Information (unaudited):  On June 19, 2007, 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

 

 

 

Frank L. Bowman

17,037,460

380,828

James F. Higgins

17,057,494

360,794

Manuel H. Johnson

17,055,444

362,844

 

18


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (cont’d)

 

December 31, 2007

 

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, http://www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy them at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 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 web site at www.sec.gov.

 

19


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public

 

December 31, 2007

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 Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2007, 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian. 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, 2007, the results of its operations and its 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 19, 2008

 

20


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Revised Investment Policy (unaudited)

 

December 31, 2007

 

The Board of Directors approved changes/clarifications in the investment policies discussed below:

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

21


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Revised Investment Policy (cont’d)

 

December 31, 2007

 

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.

 

22


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

December 31, 2007

 

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 Director

Frank L. Bowman (63)
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 and Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (since February 2005); 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); formerly, variously, Admiral in the U.S. Navy, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and Deputy Administrator— Naval Reactors in the National Nuclear Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004). Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

 

180

 

Director of the National Energy Foundation, the U.S. Energy Association, the American Council for Capital Formation and the Armed Services YMCA of the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Bozic (66)
c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Counsel to the Independent Directors
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036

 

Director

 

Since April 2004

 

Private Investor; Chairperson of the Insurance, Valuation and Compliance Committee (since October 2006); Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since April 1994) and the 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.

 

182

 

Director of various business organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen A. Dennis (54)
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).

 

180

 

Director of various non-profit organizations.

 

23


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

December 31, 2007

 

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 Director

Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (58)
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 the 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.

 

182

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph J. Kearns (65)
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 the 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); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust.

 

183

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael F. Klein (49)
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

 

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).

 

180

 

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 (71)
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.
445 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

 

Chairman of the Board and Director

 

Chairman of the Boards since July 2006 and Trustee since July 1991

 

General Partner of 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 the Institutional Funds (since July 2001); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Committee (until July 2006).

 

182

 

None.

 

24


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

December 31, 2007

 

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 Director

W. Allen Reed (60)
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 Funds 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).

 

180

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fergus Reid (75)
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 the Institutional Funds (since June 1992).

 

183

 

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 (59)
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 the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Senior Advisor of Morgan Stanley (since August 2000).

 

181

 

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 open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Adviser and any funds that have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc.).

 

25


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

December 31, 2007

 

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

Ronald E. Robison (67)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

President and Principal Executive Officer

 

President since September 2005 and Principal Executive Officer since May 2003

 

President (since September 2005) and Principal Executive Officer (since May 2003) of funds in the Fund Complex; President (since September 2005) and Principal Executive Officer (since May 2003) of the Van Kampen Funds; Managing Director, Director and/or Officer of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Director of Morgan Stanley SICAV (since May 2004). Formerly, Executive Vice President (July 2003 to September 2005) of funds in the Fund Complex and the Van Kampen Funds; President and Director of the Institutional Funds (March 2001 to July 2003); Chief Administrative Officer of Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.; Chief Administrative Officer of Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. David Germany (53)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited 20 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London, England
E144AD

 

Vice President

 

Since February 2006

 

Managing Director and (since December 2005) Chief Investment Officer— Global Fixed Income of Morgan Stanley Investment Management; Managing Director and Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited; Vice President of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since February 2006).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dennis F. Shea (54)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since February 2006

 

Managing Director and (since February 2006) Chief Investment Officer— Global Equity of Morgan Stanley Investment Management; Vice President of the Retail Funds and Institutional Funds (since February 2006). Formerly, Managing Director and Director of Global Equity Research at Morgan Stanley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy R. Doberman (45)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

 

Vice President

 

Since
July 2004

 

Managing Director and General Counsel, U.S. Investment Management 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 (44)
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 Morgan Stanley 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 (41)
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 the Institutional Funds (since December 1997). Formerly, Secretary of various entities affiliated with the Adviser.

 

26


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

Director and Officer Information (cont’d)

December 31, 2007

 

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

Mary E. Mullin (40)
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 the Institutional Funds (since June 1999).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James W. Garrett (39)
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 August 8, 2007.

 

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.

 

27


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan

 

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

 

28


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

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.

 

29


 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

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.

 

30

 


 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

Directors

 

Michael E. Nugent

J. David Germany

 

Vice President

Frank L. Bowman

 

 

Dennis F. Shea

Michael Bozic

Vice President

 

 

Kathleen A. Dennis

Amy R. Doberman

 

Vice President

James F. Higgins

 

 

Stefanie V. Chang Yu

Dr. Manuel H. Johnson

Vice President

 

 

Joseph J. Kearns

James W. Garrett

 

Treasurer and Chief

Michael F. Klein

Financial Officer

 

 

W. Allen Reed

Carsten Otto

 

Chief Compliance Officer

Fergus Reid

 

 

 

Officers

 

Michael E. Nugent

Mary E. Mullin

Chairman of the Board and

Secretary

Director

 

 

 

Ronald E. Robison

 

President and Principal
Executive Officer

 

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

522 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10036

 

Custodian

JP Morgan 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.

 

© 2008 Morgan Stanley

 

CEMSDANN        IU08-00736I-Y12/07


 

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:

 



 

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

 

 

2006

 

 

 

Registrant

 

Covered Entities(1)

 

Audit Fees

 

$

79,000

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Audit Fees

 

 

 

 

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

$

 

 

$

756,000

(2)

Tax Fees

 

$

3,000

(3)

$

79,422

(6)

All Other Fees

 

$

 

$

531,708

(7)

Total Non-Audit Fees

 

$

3,000

 

$

1,367,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

82,000

 

$

1,367,130

 

 


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.

 

(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 and consulting services for the Van Kampen Funds.

 

(5)   All Other Fees represent attestation services provided in connection with performance presentation standards.

 

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

 

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



 

(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

 


(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.

 



 

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.

 

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 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 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

 

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

 

Refer to Item 1.

 

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

 

The Fund’s/Trust’s and its Investment Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are as follows:

 

POLICY APPROVED MARCH 15, 2007

 

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 a 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 - Institutional Shareholder 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 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 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.

 



 

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

 

·      Approval of financial statements and auditor reports.

 

·      General updating/corrective amendments to the charter.

 

·      Most proposals related to the conduct of the annual meeting, with the following exceptions. We may 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 is necessary to permit a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this Policy to be carried out (i.e. an uncontested corporate transaction), the adjournment request will be supported. Finally, 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 withhold or vote 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, generally 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 a NYSE company with dispersed ownership, we would expect that at a minimum a majority of directors should be independent as defined by NYSE. Non-independent directors under NYSE standards include an employee or an individual with an immediate family member who is an executive (or in either case was in such position within the previous three years). A director’s consulting arrangements with the company, or material business relationships between the director’s employer and the company, also impair independence. Market standards notwithstanding, we generally do not view long board tenure alone as a basis to classify a director as non-independent. Where we view market standards as inadequate, we may withhold votes based on stronger independence standards.

 

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 committees.

 


 


 

c.     We consider withholding support or voting against a nominee if we believe a direct conflict exists between the interests of the nominee and the public shareholders. This includes consideration for withholding support or voting against individual board members or an entire slate if we believe the board is entrenched and dealing inadequately with performance problems, and/or 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. In the context of the U.S. market, these would include elimination of dead hand or slow hand poison pills, requiring audit, compensation or nominating committees to be composed of independent directors and requiring a majority independent board.

 

e.     We generally withhold support from or vote against a nominee who has failed to attend at least 75% of board meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse.

 

f.      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 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 proposals urging diversity of board membership with respect to social, religious or ethnic group.

 

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.     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.

 

6.     Cumulative voting:  We generally support proposals to eliminate cumulative voting (which 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). Proposals to establish cumulative voting in the election of directors generally will not be supported.

 

7.     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.

 

8.     Director retirement age:  Proposals recommending set director retirement ages are voted on a case-by-case basis.

 

9.     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.

 

D.            Changes in legal and capital structure. We generally vote in favor of management proposals for technical and administrative changes to a company’s charter, articles of association or bylaws. We review non-routine proposals, including reincorporation to a different jurisdiction, on a case-by-case basis.

 

1.     We generally support the following:

 

·      Proposals that eliminate other classes of stock and/or eliminate unequal voting rights.

 

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

 



 

·      Proposals to create a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital.

 

·      Proposals to authorize share repurchase plans.

 

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

 

·      Proposals to effect stock splits.

 

·      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.

 

·      Proposals for higher dividend payouts.

 

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

 

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

 

·      Proposals to increase the authorized number of shares of existing classes of stock that carry preemptive rights or supervoting rights.

 

·      Proposals to create “blank check” preferred stock.

 

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

 

E.             Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights

 

1.     Shareholder rights plans:  We support proposals to require shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans (poison pills).

 

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.     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.

 

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, 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). Proposals requiring auditors to attend the annual meeting of shareholders will be supported. We generally vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

G.            Executive and Director Remuneration.

 

1.     We generally support the following proposals:

 

·      Proposals relating to director fees, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

 

·      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 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 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.

 

2.     Blanket 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.

 



 

3.     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 current and past practices.

 

4.     Proposals to U.S. companies that request disclosure of executive compensation in addition to the disclosure required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations generally will not be supported.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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).

 

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 a 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.

 

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.

 

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

 

 FUND MANAGEMENT

 

As of the date of this report, the Fund is managed by members of the Taxable Fixed Income team.  The team consists of portfolio managers and analysts.  The members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Fund are Abigail L. McKenna and Eric J. Baurmeister, each a Managing Director of the Adviser and Federico L. Kaune, an Executive Director of the Adviser.  Ms. McKenna has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since August 1996 and joined the team managing the Fund in July 2002. Mr. Baurmeister has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since October 1997 and joined the team managing the Fund in July 2002. Mr. Kaune has been associated with the Adviser in an investment management capacity since August 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, 2007.

 

Ms. McKenna managed eight registered investment companies with a total of approximately $2.5 billion in assets; nine pooled investment vehicles other than registered investment companies with a total of approximately $673.2 million in assets; and three other accounts (including accounts managed under certain “wrap fee programs”) with a total of approximately $1.6 billion in assets.

 

Mr. Baurmeister managed five registered investment companies with a total of approximately $1.9 billion in assets; two pooled investment vehicles other than registered investment companies with approximately $233.2 million in assets; and two other accounts with a total of approximately $375.1 million in assets.

 

Mr. Kaune managed four registered investment companies with a total of approximately $1.7 billion in assets; two pooled investment vehicles other than registered investment companies with a total of approximately $233.2 million in assets; and no other accounts.

 

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 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 the IMAP deferral 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: (1) across a range of designated investment funds, including funds advised by the Adviser or its affiliates; and/or (2) in Morgan Stanley stock units.

 

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

 

- 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, 2007, the portfolio managers did not own any shares of the Fund.

 

Item 9. Closed-End Fund Repurchases

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF

 

MAXIMUM NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHARES PURCHASED

 

OF SHARES THAT MAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AS

 

 YET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART OF PUBLICLY

 

BE PURCHASED UNDER

 

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF

 

AVERAGE PRICE

 

ANNOUNCED PLANS

 

THE PLANS OR

 

Period

 

SHARES PURCHASED

 

PAID PER SHARE

 

OR PROGRAMS

 

PROGRAMS

 

July

 

 

 

 

Unlimited

 

August

 

 

 

 

Unlimited

 

September

 

 

 

 

Unlimited

 

October

 

97,118

 

$

9.84

 

97,118

 

Unlimited

 

November

 

133,477

 

$

9.70

 

133,477

 

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.

 



 

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/ Ronald E. Robison

 

Name:

Ronald E. Robison

Title:

Principal Executive Officer

Date:

February 15, 2008

 

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/ Ronald E. Robison

 

Name:

Ronald E. Robison

Title:

Principal Executive Officer

Date:

February 15, 2008

 

 

By:

/s/ James W. Garrett

 

Name:

James W. Garrett

Title:

Principal Financial Officer

Date:

February 15, 2008