-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, OkoM/m9bigPE5wVBqn5NVtCMeeAd1JhpxQQA2c4vDifq4Zola2jOZRITY02r8z8+ paOaMdopMnqEGimDebbCaw== 0000950123-06-004362.txt : 20060407 0000950123-06-004362.hdr.sgml : 20060407 20060407110610 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-06-004362 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSRS PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060131 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060407 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060407 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20060407 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MORGAN STANLEY AGGRESSIVE EQUITY FUND CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001048710 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0731 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSRS SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-08471 FILM NUMBER: 06746844 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O MORGAN STANLEY TRUST STREET 2: HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER, PLAZA TWO CITY: JERSEY CITY STATE: NJ ZIP: 07311 BUSINESS PHONE: (212) 869-6397 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O MORGAN STANLEY TRUST STREET 2: HARBORSIDE FINANCIAL CENTER, PLAZA TWO CITY: JERSEY CITY STATE: NJ ZIP: 07311 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MORGAN STANLEY WITTER DEAN AGGRESSIVE EQUITY FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19981109 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MORGAN STANLEY WITTER DEAN RESEARCH FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19971218 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WITTER DEAN RESEARCH TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19971029 0001048710 S000002318 MORGAN STANLEY AGGRESSIVE EQUITY FUND C000006065 A AEQAX C000006066 B AEQBX C000006067 C AEQCX C000006068 D AEQDX N-CSRS 1 y17747nvcsrs.txt MORGAN STANLEY AGGRESSIVE EQUITY FUND 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: 811-08471 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Ronald E. Robison 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 (Name and address of agent for service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-762-4000 Date of fiscal year end: July 31, 2006 Date of reporting period: January 31, 2006 Item 1 - Report to Shareholders Welcome, Shareholder: In this report, you'll learn about how your investment in Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund performed during the semiannual period. We will provide an overview of the market conditions, and discuss some of the factors that affected performance during the reporting period. In addition, this report includes the Fund's financial statements and a list of Fund investments. THIS MATERIAL MUST BE PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS FOR THE FUND BEING OFFERED. MARKET FORECASTS PROVIDED IN THIS REPORT MAY NOT NECESSARILY COME TO PASS. THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND WILL ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. THE FUND IS SUBJECT TO MARKET RISK, WHICH IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT MARKET VALUES OF SECURITIES OWNED BY THE FUND WILL DECLINE AND, THEREFORE, THE VALUE OF THE FUND'S SHARES MAY BE LESS THAN WHAT YOU PAID FOR THEM. ACCORDINGLY, YOU CAN LOSE MONEY INVESTING IN THIS FUND. PLEASE SEE THE PROSPECTUS FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON INVESTMENT RISKS. FUND REPORT For the six months ended January 31, 2006 TOTAL RETURN FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2006
RUSSELL LIPPER 3000(R) MULTI-CAP GROWTH GROWTH CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D INDEX(1) FUNDS INDEX(2) 19.34% 18.84% 18.82% 19.40% 4.51% 10.45%
The performance of the Fund's four share classes varies because each has different expenses. The Fund's total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions but do not reflect the deduction of any applicable sales charges. Such costs would lower performance. See Performance Summary for standardized performance and benchmark information. MARKET CONDITIONS During the six-month period ended January 31, 2006, the U.S. stock market advanced. Returns were earned at an uneven pace, in terms of overall performance and market leadership. As the period opened in August, mixed economic data and additional increases in the federal funds rate stoked investor anxiety. Consternation rose as the Gulf Coast hurricanes sent oil prices spiking and heightened anxiety about the economy. However, as October wound to a close, the stock market showed signs of renewed optimism. Falling oil prices, better-than-expected economic data, the nomination of Ben S. Bernanke to head the Federal Reserve (the "Fed"), and strengthening consumer trends lifted investor sentiment. Stocks continued to advance through November, buoyed by indications that the Fed might soon slow the pace of rate increases, encouraging consumer confidence data, continued declines in oil prices, strong retail trends (excluding the beleaguered auto industry), and acceptable housing data. Stocks delivered more muted performance in December as cross currents buffeted the market. Rising gold prices, the ongoing struggles of the auto industry, an additional Fed tightening and trends in bond market yields rekindled concern. Yet, the market found positive signals as well, including favorable productivity, employment and consumer confidence data; consolidation activity in the oil industry; corporate litigation developments; and notes from the Fed's meeting minutes which more strongly suggested that its tightening cycle could be nearer to an end. Throughout these first five months of the reporting period, smaller capitalization stocks found themselves outpaced by larger capitalization issues. The tide turned in the new calendar year, however. Small cap stocks surged overall, with the smallest issues leading the way. Although geopolitical risk, oil prices and mixed corporate earnings weighed on investors, the "January Effect" was still rather pronounced. (The "January Effect" is a historical trend wherein the market rallies in the first month of the calendar year, particularly in higher-volatility segments of the market such as small-cap stocks.) PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund outperformed the Russell 3000(R) Growth Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index for the six months ended January 31, 2006, assuming no deduction of applicable sales charges. 2 The Fund outperformed the Russell 3000(R) Growth Index due to very strong stock selection across multiple market sectors. In terms of sector level contributions, the Fund's energy, consumer discretionary and utilities positions were most beneficial. Within energy, a sector overweight helped, as did the Fund's stake in the crude oil producer industry. Although the Fund's overweight to the consumer discretionary sector tempered relative performance (as the sector did not perform as strongly as others), stock selection within the sector -- particularly in consumer electronics and commercial services companies -- more than offset the negative impact of the overweight. Within utilities, stock selection in wireless companies and gas distributors was advantageous. While the Fund's gains were driven by broad strength, not all decisions proved advantageous to relative performance. For example, performance relative to the Index was hindered by the Fund's avoidance of strong-performing health care management services companies. There is no guarantee that any sectors mentioned will continue to perform as discussed herein or that securities in such sectors will be held by the Fund in the future.
TOP 10 HOLDINGS Ultra Petroleum Corp. (Canada) 9.4% Google, Inc. (Class A) 5.8 eBay, Inc. 5.0 Corporate Executive Board Co. (The) 4.4 Monsanto Co. 4.2 Costco Wholesale Corp. 3.9 Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Class A) (Canada) 3.8 America Movil S.A. de C.V. (Series L) (ADR) (Mexico) 3.6 Getty Images, Inc. 3.5 Sears Holdings Corp. 2.9
TOP FIVE INDUSTRIES Oil & Gas Production 11.1% Internet Software/Services 8.6 Discount Stores 6.8 Other Consumer Services 6.6 Miscellaneous Commercial Services 6.0
Data as of January 31, 2006. Subject to change daily. All percentages for top 10 holdings and top five industries are as a percentage of net assets. These data are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed a recommendation to buy or sell the securities mentioned. Morgan Stanley is a full-service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. 3 INVESTMENT STRATEGY THE FUND NORMALLY INVESTS AT LEAST 80 PERCENT OF ITS ASSETS IN COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES OF U.S. OR FOREIGN COMPANIES THAT OFFER THE POTENTIAL FOR SUPERIOR EARNINGS GROWTH IN THE OPINION OF THE FUND'S "INVESTMENT ADVISER," MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT ADVISORS INC. THE FUND'S OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES MAY INCLUDE PREFERRED STOCK, DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS OR SECURITIES CONVERTIBLE INTO COMMON STOCK. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS EACH MORGAN STANLEY FUND PROVIDES A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS IN ITS SEMIANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE END OF THE FUND'S SECOND AND FOURTH FISCAL QUARTERS BY FILING THE SCHEDULE ELECTRONICALLY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC). THE SEMIANNUAL REPORTS ARE FILED ON FORM N-CSRS AND THE ANNUAL REPORTS ARE FILED ON FORM N-CSR. MORGAN STANLEY ALSO DELIVERS THE SEMIANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTS TO FUND SHAREHOLDERS AND MAKES THESE REPORTS AVAILABLE ON ITS PUBLIC WEB SITE, WWW.MORGANSTANLEY.COM. 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 SHAREHOLDERS, NOR ARE THE REPORTS POSTED TO THE MORGAN STANLEY PUBLIC WEB SITE. 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 WEB SITE, 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 (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. PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES AND PROXY VOTING RECORD YOU MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE FUND'S PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON REQUEST, BY CALLING TOLL FREE (800) 869-NEWS OR BY VISITING THE MUTUAL FUND CENTER ON OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.MORGANSTANLEY.COM. IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION'S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. YOU MAY OBTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING HOW THE FUND VOTED PROXIES RELATING TO PORTFOLIO SECURITIES DURING THE MOST RECENT TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30 WITHOUT CHARGE BY VISITING THE MUTUAL FUND CENTER ON OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.MORGANSTANLEY.COM. THIS INFORMATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION'S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. HOUSEHOLDING NOTICE TO REDUCE PRINTING AND MAILING COSTS, THE FUND ATTEMPTS TO ELIMINATE DUPLICATE MAILINGS TO THE SAME ADDRESS. THE FUND DELIVERS A SINGLE COPY OF CERTAIN SHAREHOLDER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING SHAREHOLDER REPORTS, PROSPECTUSES AND PROXY MATERIALS, TO INVESTORS WITH THE SAME LAST NAME WHO RESIDE AT THE SAME ADDRESS. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE FOR AN UNLIMITED PERIOD OF TIME UNLESS YOU INSTRUCT US OTHERWISE. YOU CAN REQUEST MULTIPLE COPIES OF THESE DOCUMENTS BY CALLING (800) 350-6414, 8:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M., ET. ONCE OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER HAS RECEIVED YOUR INSTRUCTIONS, WE WILL BEGIN SENDING INDIVIDUAL COPIES FOR EACH ACCOUNT WITHIN 30 DAYS. 4 PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS -- PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 2006
CLASS A SHARES* CLASS B SHARES** CLASS C SHARES(+) CLASS D SHARES(++) (since 02/24/99) (since 02/24/99) (since 02/24/99) (since 02/24/99) SYMBOL AEQAX AEQBX AEQCX AEQDX 1 YEAR 34.80%(3) 33.63%(3) 33.59%(3) 35.02%(3) 27.72(4) 28.63(4) 32.59(4) -- 5 YEARS 0.66(3) (0.11)(3) (0.09)(3) 0.89(3) (0.42)(4) (0.51)(4) (0.09)(4) -- SINCE INCEPTION 5.35(3) 4.55(3) 4.56(3) 5.59(3) 4.53(4) 4.55(4) 4.56(4) --
Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. For most recent month-end performance figures, please visit www.morganstanley.com or speak with your Financial Advisor. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate and fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The table does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Performance for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D shares will vary due to differences in sales charges and expenses. * The maximum front-end sales charge for Class A is 5.25%. ** The maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class B is 5.0%. The CDSC declines to 0% after six years. + The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for Class C is 1.0% for shares redeemed within one year of purchase. ++ Class D has no sales charge. (1) The Russell 3000(R) Growth Index measures the performance of those companies in the Russell 3000(R) Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Indexes are unmanaged and their returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. (2) The Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds Index is an equally weighted performance index of the largest qualifying funds (based on net assets) in the Lipper Multi-Cap Growth Funds classification. The Index, which is adjusted for capital gains distributions and income dividends, is unmanaged and should not be considered an investment. There are currently 30 funds represented in this Index. (3) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and does not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. (4) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and the deduction of the maximum applicable sales charge. See the Fund's current prospectus for complete details on fees and sales charges. 5 EXPENSE EXAMPLE As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including advisory fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period 08/01/05 - 01/31/06. ACTUAL EXPENSES The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing cost of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) and redemption fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs, and will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
BEGINNING ENDING EXPENSES PAID ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE DURING PERIOD * ------------- ------------- --------------- 08/01/05 - 08/01/05 01/31/06 01/31/06 ------------- ------------- --------------- CLASS A Actual (19.34% return)...................................... $1,000.00 $1,193.40 $ 7.74 Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)............. $1,000.00 $1,018.15 $ 7.12 CLASS B Actual (18.84% return)...................................... $1,000.00 $1,188.40 $11.86 Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)............. $1,000.00 $1,014.37 $10.92 CLASS C Actual (18.82% return)...................................... $1,000.00 $1,188.20 $11.86 Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)............. $1,000.00 $1,014.37 $10.92 CLASS D Actual (19.40% return)...................................... $1,000.00 $1,194.00 $ 6.36 Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)............. $1,000.00 $1,019.41 $ 5.85
- ------------------ * Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.40%, 2.15%, 2.15% and 1.15% for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). 6 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED)
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------ Common Stocks (99.7%) Advertising/Marketing Services (3.5%) 143,300 Getty Images, Inc.*...... $ 11,700,445 ------------ Air Freight/Couriers (3.8%) 157,500 C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. ................... 6,372,450 89,800 Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. .... 6,603,892 ------------ 12,976,342 ------------ Casino/Gaming (4.3%) 187,100 International Game Technology.............. 6,694,438 116,700 Station Casinos, Inc. ... 7,801,395 ------------ 14,495,833 ------------ Chemicals: Agricultural (4.2%) 166,230 Monsanto Co. ............ 14,064,720 ------------ Discount Stores (6.8%) 260,500 Costco Wholesale Corp. .................. 12,996,345 81,600 Sears Holdings Corp.*.... 9,909,504 ------------ 22,905,849 ------------ Electronic Production Equipment (1.6%) 170,900 Tessera Technologies, Inc.*................... 5,516,652 ------------ Financial Conglomerates (3.8%) 241,800 Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Class A) (Canada)............. 12,950,808 ------------ Gas Distributors (1.0%) 41,300 Questar Corp. ........... 3,365,124 ------------ Home Building (3.1%) 145,500 Desarrolladora Homex S.A. de C.V. (ADR) (Mexico)*............... 5,050,305 6,754 NVR, Inc.*............... 5,364,364 ------------ 10,414,669 ------------
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------ Hotels/Resorts/ Cruiselines (2.9%) 191,100 Carnival Corp. (Panama)................ $ 9,891,336 ------------ Internet Retail (1.8%) 132,600 Amazon.com, Inc.*........ 5,943,132 ------------ Internet Software/ Services (8.6%) 45,400 Google, Inc. (Class A)*..................... 19,669,550 272,900 Yahoo!, Inc.*............ 9,371,386 ------------ 29,040,936 ------------ Investment Banks/Brokers (4.7%) 17,255 Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings, Inc. ................... 7,303,179 152,499 Greenhill & Co., Inc. ... 8,719,893 ------------ 16,023,072 ------------ Medical Specialties (2.2%) 187,000 Dade Behring Holdings, Inc. ................... 7,317,310 ------------ Miscellaneous Commercial Services (6.0%) 178,200 Corporate Executive Board Co. (The)............... 14,993,748 122,187 Iron Mountain Inc.*...... 5,092,754 ------------ 20,086,502 ------------ Motor Vehicles (1.3%) 83,700 Harley-Davidson, Inc. ... 4,480,461 ------------ Oil & Gas Production (11.1%) 138,486 Southwestern Energy Co.*.................... 5,974,286 459,420 Ultra Petroleum Corp. (Canada)*............... 31,603,502 ------------ 37,577,788 ------------ Other Consumer Services (6.6%) 390,600 eBay, Inc.*.............. 16,834,860 60,700 Strayer Education, Inc. ................... 5,375,592 ------------ 22,210,452 ------------
7 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) continued
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------ Packaged Software (3.3%) 175,900 Red Hat, Inc.*........... $ 5,092,305 149,100 Salesforce.com Inc.*..... 6,120,555 ------------ 11,212,860 ------------ Personnel Services (2.1%) 164,400 Monster Worldwide, Inc.*................... 7,013,304 ------------ Property -- Casualty Insurers (2.9%) 3,284 Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Class B)*.............. 9,628,688 ------------ Recreational Products (2.4%) 145,700 Electronic Arts, Inc.*... 7,952,306 ------------ Restaurants (1.4%) 90,100 P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.*........... 4,618,526 ------------ Semiconductors (1.7%) 84,500 Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (Bermuda)*......... 5,781,490 ------------ Services to the Health Industry (2.1%) 120,184 Stericycle, Inc.*........ 7,183,398 ------------ Specialty Telecommunications (2.9%) 308,116 Crown Castle International Corp.*.... 9,745,709 ------------ Wireless Telecommunications (3.6%) 361,200 America Movil S.A. de C.V. (Series L) (ADR) (Mexico)................ 12,183,276 ------------ Total Common Stocks (Cost $251,502,437)...... 336,280,988 ------------ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------ Short-Term Investment (1.0%) Repurchase Agreement $ 3,327 Joint repurchase agreement account 4.445% due 02/01/06 (dated 01/31/06; proceeds $3,327,411) (a) (Cost $3,327,000)....... $ 3,327,000 ------------
Total Investments (Cost $254,829,437) (b)..... 100.7% 339,607,988 Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets................ (0.7) (2,266,509) ----- ------------ Net Assets.................. 100.0% $337,341,479 ===== ============
- --------------------------------------------------- ADR American Depositary Receipt. * Non-income producing security. (a) Collateralized by federal agency and U.S. Treasury obligations. (b) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates the aggregate cost for book purposes. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $85,242,690 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $464,139, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $84,778,551.
8 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED)
PERCENT OF INDUSTRY VALUE NET ASSETS - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas Production........................................ $ 37,577,788 11.1% Internet Software/Services.................................. 29,040,936 8.6 Discount Stores............................................. 22,905,849 6.8 Other Consumer Services..................................... 22,210,452 6.6 Miscellaneous Commercial Services........................... 20,086,502 6.0 Investment Banks/Brokers.................................... 16,023,072 4.7 Casino/Gaming............................................... 14,495,833 4.3 Chemicals: Agricultural..................................... 14,064,720 4.2 Air Freight/Couriers........................................ 12,976,342 3.8 Financial Conglomerates..................................... 12,950,808 3.8 Wireless Telecommunications................................. 12,183,276 3.6 Advertising/Marketing Services.............................. 11,700,445 3.5 Packaged Software........................................... 11,212,860 3.3 Home Building............................................... 10,414,669 3.1 Hotels/Resorts/Cruiselines.................................. 9,891,336 2.9 Specialty Telecommunications................................ 9,745,709 2.9 Property -- Casualty Insurers............................... 9,628,688 2.9 Recreational Products....................................... 7,952,306 2.4 Medical Specialties......................................... 7,317,310 2.2 Services to the Health Industry............................. 7,183,398 2.1 Personnel Services.......................................... 7,013,304 2.1 Internet Retail............................................. 5,943,132 1.8 Semiconductors.............................................. 5,781,490 1.7 Electronic Production Equipment............................. 5,516,652 1.6 Restaurants................................................. 4,618,526 1.4 Motor Vehicles.............................................. 4,480,461 1.3 Gas Distributors............................................ 3,365,124 1.0 Repurchase Agreement........................................ 3,327,000 1.0 ------------ ----- $339,607,988 100.7% ============ =====
9 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Assets and Liabilities January 31, 2006 (unaudited) Assets: Investments in securities, at value (cost $254,829,437)..... $339,607,988 Cash........................................................ 970 Receivable for: Investments sold........................................ 712,907 Shares of beneficial interest sold...................... 347,480 Dividends............................................... 30,150 Foreign withholding taxes reclaimed..................... 7,071 Interest................................................ 411 Prepaid expenses and other assets........................... 68,524 ------------ Total Assets............................................ 340,775,501 ------------ Liabilities: Payable for: Investments purchased................................... 2,400,846 Shares of beneficial interest redeemed.................. 487,514 Distribution fee........................................ 255,520 Investment advisory fee................................. 194,976 Transfer agent fee...................................... 27,876 Administration fee...................................... 23,281 Accrued expenses and other payables......................... 44,009 ------------ Total Liabilities....................................... 3,434,022 ------------ Net Assets.............................................. $337,341,479 ============ Composition of Net Assets: Paid-in-capital............................................. $630,134,281 Net unrealized appreciation................................. 84,780,502 Accumulated net investment loss............................. (2,264,173) Accumulated net realized loss............................... (375,309,131) ------------ Net Assets.............................................. $337,341,479 ============ Class A Shares: Net Assets.................................................. $51,425,654 Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)... 4,085,640 Net Asset Value Per Share............................... $12.59 ============ Maximum Offering Price Per Share, (net asset value plus 5.54% of net asset value)......... $13.29 ============ Class B Shares: Net Assets.................................................. $249,506,249 Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)... 20,936,392 Net Asset Value Per Share............................... $11.92 ============ Class C Shares: Net Assets.................................................. $31,680,325 Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)... 2,655,164 Net Asset Value Per Share............................... $11.93 ============ Class D Shares: Net Assets.................................................. $4,729,251 Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)... 369,476 Net Asset Value Per Share............................... $12.80 ============
10 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued Statement of Operations For the six months ended January 31, 2006 (unaudited) Net Investment Loss: Income Dividends................................................... $ 918,705 Interest.................................................... 65,091 ----------- Total Income............................................ 983,796 ----------- Expenses Distribution fee (Class A shares)........................... 55,549 Distribution fee (Class B shares)........................... 1,209,090 Distribution fee (Class C shares)........................... 151,250 Investment advisory fee..................................... 1,067,225 Transfer agent fees and expenses............................ 487,468 Administration fee.......................................... 127,430 Shareholder reports and notices............................. 65,430 Professional fees........................................... 34,919 Registration fees........................................... 24,091 Custodian fees.............................................. 12,935 Trustees' fees and expenses................................. 1,656 Other....................................................... 10,566 ----------- Total Expenses.......................................... 3,247,609 ----------- Net Investment Loss..................................... (2,263,813) ----------- Net Realized and Unrealized Gain: Net realized gain........................................... 20,426,681 Net change in unrealized appreciation....................... 36,703,610 ----------- Net Gain................................................ 57,130,291 ----------- Net Increase................................................ $54,866,478 ===========
11 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued Statement of Changes in Net Assets
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR MONTHS ENDED ENDED JANUARY 31, 2006 JULY 31, 2005 ---------------- ------------- (unaudited) Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: Operations: Net investment loss......................................... $ (2,263,813) $ (4,878,748) Net realized gain........................................... 20,426,681 47,277,366 Net change in unrealized appreciation....................... 36,703,610 33,865,577 ------------ ------------- Net Increase............................................ 54,866,478 76,264,195 Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial interest.................................................. (36,501,610) (123,847,024) ------------ ------------- Net Increase (Decrease)................................. 18,364,868 (47,582,829) Net Assets: Beginning of period......................................... 318,976,611 366,559,440 ------------ ------------- End of Period (Including accumulated net investment losses of $2,264,173 and $360, respectively).......................... $337,341,479 $ 318,976,611 ============ =============
12 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) 1. Organization and Accounting Policies Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is capital growth. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 29, 1997 and commenced operations on February 24, 1999. The Fund offers Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D shares. The four classes are substantially the same except that most Class A shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase and some Class A shares, and most Class B shares and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed on shares redeemed within eighteen months, six years and one year, respectively. Class D shares are not subject to a sales charge. Additionally, Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares incur distribution expenses. Effective August 29, 2005, the Board of Trustees of the Fund approved the implementation of a 2% redemption fee on Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares, and Class D shares, which is paid directly to the Fund, for shares redeemed within seven days of purchase. The redemption fee is designed to protect the Fund and its remaining shareholders from the effects of short-term trading. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies: A. Valuation of Investments -- (1) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") or American Stock Exchange or other exchange is valued at its latest sale price prior to the time when assets are valued; if there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price; (2) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on the Nasdaq is valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price; if there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price; (3) all other portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (4) for equity securities traded on foreign exchanges, the last reported sale price or the latest bid price may be used if there were no sales on a particular day; (5) futures are valued at the latest price published by the commodities exchange on which they trade; (6) when market quotations are not readily available or Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Adviser") determines that the latest sale price, the bid price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked price do not reflect a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Trustees. Occasionally, developments affecting the closing prices of securities and other 13 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) continued 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 developments occur during such periods that are expected to materially affect the value of such securities, such valuations may be adjusted to reflect the estimated fair value of such securities as of the close of the NYSE, as determined in good faith by the Fund's Trustees or by the Investment Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Trustees of the Fund; (7) certain portfolio securities may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by the Fund's Trustees; and (8) short-term debt securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at time of purchase are valued on a mark-to-market basis until sixty days prior to maturity and thereafter at amortized cost based on their value on the 61st day. Short-term debt securities having a maturity date of sixty days or less at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost. B. Accounting for Investments -- Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined by the identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily. C. Repurchase Agreements -- Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by the Investment Adviser, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more joint repurchase agreement accounts. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements and are collateralized by cash, U.S. Treasury or federal agency obligations. The Fund may also invest directly with institutions in repurchase agreements. The Fund's custodian receives the collateral, which is marked-to-market daily to determine that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest. D. Multiple Class Allocations -- Investment income, expenses (other than distribution fees), and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative net asset value on the date such items are recognized. Distribution fees are charged directly to the respective class. E. Foreign Currency Translation and Forward Foreign Currency Contracts -- The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities and forward foreign currency contracts ("forward contracts") are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2) purchases, sales, income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The resultant exchange gains and losses are recorded as 14 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) continued realized and unrealized gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions. Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, certain foreign exchange gains/losses included in realized and unrealized gain/loss are included in or are a reduction of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. 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 changes in the market prices of the securities. Forward contracts are valued daily at the appropriate exchange rates. The resultant unrealized exchange gains and losses are recorded as unrealized foreign currency gain or loss. The Fund records realized gains or losses on delivery of the currency or at the time the forward contract is extinguished (compensated) by entering into a closing transaction prior to delivery. F. Futures Contracts -- A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell financial instruments or contracts based on financial indices at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the applicable futures exchange. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments known as variation margin are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains and losses. Upon closing of the contract, the Fund realizes a gain or loss 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. G. Federal Income Tax Policy -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required. H. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders -- Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. I. Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 2. Investment Advisory/ Administration Agreements Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser an advisory fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the annual rate to the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day: 0.67% to the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.645% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.62% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.595% to the portion of the daily net assets in excess of $3 billion. 15 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) continued Pursuant to an Administration Agreement with Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. (the "Administrator"), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, the Fund pays an administration fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the annual rate of 0.08% to the Fund's daily net assets. 3. Plan of Distribution Shares of the Fund are distributed by Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser and Administrator. The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. The Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee which is accrued daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates: (i) Class A -- up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A; (ii) Class B - up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class B; and (iii) Class C -- up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class C. In the case of Class B shares, provided that the Plan continues in effect, any cumulative expenses incurred by the Distributor but not yet recovered may be recovered through the payment of future distribution fees from the Fund pursuant to the Plan and contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of Class B shares. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses. The Distributor has advised the Fund that such excess amounts totaled $20,499,315 at January 31, 2006. In the case of Class A shares and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to the Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the Fund through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing a gross sales credit to Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or other selected broker-dealer representatives may be reimbursed in the subsequent calendar year. For the six months ended January 31, 2006, the distribution fee was accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.25% and 1.0%, respectively. The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the six months ended January 31, 2006, it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the Fund's Class B shares and Class C shares of $182,556 and $1,241, respectively and received $43,499 in front-end sales charges from sales of the Fund's Class A shares. The respective shareholders pay such charges which are not an expense of the Fund. 16 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) continued 4. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments, for the six months ended January 31, 2006, aggregated $66,554,547 and $103,391,014, respectively. Included in the aforementioned are sales with other Morgan Stanley funds of $230,880, including a net realized gain of $57,172. For the six months ended January 31, 2006, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions of $5,502 with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, Administrator and Distributor, for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the Fund. At January 31, 2006, Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Class Fund, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, Administrator and Distributor held 163,237 Class D shares of beneficial interest of the Fund. Morgan Stanley Trust, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, Administrator and Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent. The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan") which allows each independent Trustee to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he receives for serving on the Board of Trustees. Each eligible Trustee generally may elect to have the deferred amounts credited with a return equal to the total return on one or more of the Morgan Stanley funds that are offered as investment options under the Compensation Plan. Appreciation/depreciation and distributions received from these investments are recorded with an offsetting increase/decrease in the deferred compensation obligation and do not affect the net asset value of the Fund. 5. Federal Income Tax Status The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as distributions of paid-in-capital. As of July 31, 2005, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $395,735,804 of which $274,679,081 will expire on July 31, 2010 and $121,056,723 will expire on July 31, 2011 to offset future capital gains to the extent provided by regulations. As of July 31, 2005, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences attributable to nondeductible expenses. 17 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) continued 6. Shares of Beneficial Interest Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR MONTHS ENDED ENDED JANUARY 31, 2006 JULY 31, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------------- (unaudited) SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- CLASS A SHARES Sold............................................ 444,026 $ 5,247,561 231,806 $ 2,009,382 Conversion from Class B......................... 276,921 3,138,937 2,971,793 26,716,883 Redeemed........................................ (630,132) (7,015,956) (1,195,775) (11,026,653) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- Net increase - Class A.......................... 90,815 1,370,542 2,007,824 17,699,612 ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- CLASS B SHARES Sold............................................ 566,560 6,261,483 607,812 5,372,272 Conversion to Class A........................... (292,001) (3,138,937) (3,122,042) (26,716,883) Redeemed........................................ (3,744,007) (39,700,158) (12,433,367) (108,895,987) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- Net decrease - Class B.......................... (3,469,448) (36,577,612) (14,947,597) (130,240,598) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- CLASS C SHARES Sold............................................ 111,662 1,239,133 113,688 1,001,636 Redeemed........................................ (483,395) (5,152,683) (1,304,111) (11,509,513) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- Net decrease - Class C.......................... (371,733) (3,913,550) (1,190,423) (10,507,877) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- CLASS D SHARES Sold............................................ 239,503 2,998,500 9,562 90,754 Redeemed........................................ (32,145) (379,490) (94,938) (888,915) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- Net increase (decrease) - Class D............... 207,358 2,619,010 (85,376) (798,161) ---------- ------------ ----------- ------------- Net decrease in Fund............................ (3,543,008) $(36,501,610) (14,215,572) $(123,847,024) ========== ============ =========== =============
7. Purposes of and Risks Relating to Certain Financial Instruments The Fund may enter into forward contracts to facilitate settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio transactions or to manage foreign currency exposure associated with foreign currency denominated securities. To hedge against adverse interest rate, foreign currency and market risks, the Fund may purchase and sell interest rate, currency and index futures ("futures contracts"). Forward contracts and futures contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amount reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rates underlying the forward contracts. Risks may also rise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. 18 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - JANUARY 31, 2006 (UNAUDITED) continued 8. Legal Matters The Investment Adviser, certain affiliates of the Investment Adviser, certain officers of such affiliates and certain investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, including the Fund, are named as defendants in a consolidated class action. This consolidated action also names as defendants certain individual Trustees and Directors of the Morgan Stanley funds. The consolidated amended complaint, filed in the United States District Court Southern District of New York on April 16, 2004, generally alleges that defendants, including the Fund, violated their statutory disclosure obligations and fiduciary duties by failing properly to disclose (i) that the Investment Adviser and certain affiliates of the Investment Adviser allegedly offered economic incentives to brokers and others to recommend the funds advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates to investors rather than funds managed by other companies, and (ii) that the funds advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, including the Fund, allegedly paid excessive commissions to brokers in return for their efforts to recommend these funds to investors. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified compensatory damages, rescissionary damages, fees and costs. The defendants have moved to dismiss the action and intend to otherwise vigorously defend it. On March 9, 2005, Plaintiffs sought leave to supplement their complaint to assert claims on behalf of other investors. While the Fund and Adviser believe that each has meritorious defenses, the ultimate outcome of this matter is not presently determinable at this stage of the litigation, and no provision has been made in the Fund's financial statements for the effect, if any, of this matter. 19 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, MONTHS ENDED ----------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 ---------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- (unaudited) Class A Shares Selected Per Share Data: Net asset value, beginning of period..... $10.55 $ 8.34 $7.71 $7.51 $9.62 $15.24 ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment loss++................ (0.04) (0.08) (0.07) (0.02) (0.03) 0.00 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)............................... 2.08 2.29 0.70 0.22 (2.05) (3.90) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Total income (loss) from investment operations.............................. 2.04 2.21 0.63 0.20 (2.08) (3.90) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Less distributions from net realized gains................................... -- -- -- -- (0.03) (1.72) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Net asset value, end of period........... $12.59 $10.55 $8.34 $7.71 $7.51 $ 9.62 ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ====== Total Return+............................ 19.34 %(1) 26.50% 8.17% 2.66% (21.65)% (28.31)% Ratios to Average Net Assets(3): Expenses................................. 1.40 %(2) 1.42% 1.37% 1.40% 1.29% 1.16% Net investment loss...................... (0.78)%(2) (0.75)% (0.77)% (0.32)% (0.39)% (0.03)% Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period, in thousands............................... $51,426 $42,146 $16,564 $18,340 $21,888 $39,662 Portfolio turnover rate.................. 21 %(1) 123% 219% 263% 325% 399%
- --------------------------------------------------- ++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period. + Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. (1) Not annualized. (2) Annualized. (3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.
20 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS continued
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, MONTHS ENDED ------------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 ---------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- (unaudited) Class B Shares Selected Per Share Data: Net asset value, beginning of period.... $10.03 $ 7.98 $7.44 $7.31 $9.42 $15.08 ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment loss++............... (0.08) (0.13) (0.12) (0.08) (0.10) (0.10) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).............................. 1.97 2.18 0.66 0.21 (1.98) (3.84) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Total income (loss) from investment operations............................. 1.89 2.05 0.54 0.13 (2.08) (3.94) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Less distributions from net realized gains.................................. -- -- -- -- (0.03) (1.72) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Net asset value, end of period.......... $11.92 $10.03 $7.98 $7.44 $7.31 $ 9.42 ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ====== Total Return+........................... 18.84 %(1) 25.69% 7.26% 1.78% (22.11)% (28.93)% Ratios to Average Net Assets(3): Expenses................................ 2.15 %(2) 2.17% 2.13% 2.15% 2.05% 1.94% Net investment loss..................... (1.53)%(2) (1.50)% (1.53)% (1.07)% (1.15)% (0.81)% Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period, in thousands.............................. $249,506 $244,708 $314,195 $387,751 $492,959 $881,115 Portfolio turnover rate................. 21 %(1) 123% 219% 263% 325% 399%
- --------------------------------------------------- ++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period. + Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. (1) Not annualized. (2) Annualized. (3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.
21 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS continued
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, MONTHS ENDED ----------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 ---------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- (unaudited) Class C Shares Selected Per Share Data: Net asset value, beginning of period...... $10.04 $ 7.99 $7.45 $7.32 $9.42 $15.08 ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment loss++................. (0.08) (0.13) (0.12) (0.08) (0.09) (0.10) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)................................ 1.97 2.18 0.66 0.21 (1.98) (3.84) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Total income (loss) from investment operations............................... 1.89 2.05 0.54 0.13 (2.07) (3.94) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Less distributions from net realized gains.................................... -- -- -- -- (0.03) (1.72) ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ------ Net asset value, end of period............ $11.93 $10.04 $7.99 $7.45 $7.32 $ 9.42 ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ====== Total Return+............................. 18.82 %(1) 25.66% 7.25% 1.78% (22.00)% (28.93)% Ratios to Average Net Assets(3): Expenses.................................. 2.15 %(2) 2.16% 2.12% 2.15% 1.93% 1.94% Net investment loss....................... (1.53)%(2) (1.49)% (1.52)% (1.07)% (1.03)% (0.81)% Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period, in thousands... $31,680 $30,386 $33,710 $40,555 $49,639 $83,603 Portfolio turnover rate................... 21 %(1) 123% 219% 263% 325% 399%
- --------------------- ++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period. + Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. (1) Not annualized. (2) Annualized. (3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.
22 See Notes to Financial Statements Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS continued
FOR THE SIX FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, MONTHS ENDED -------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 ---------------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- (unaudited) Class D Shares Selected Per Share Data: Net asset value, beginning of period........ $10.72 $ 8.45 $7.80 $7.58 $ 9.68 $15.30 ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)++.......... (0.03) (0.05) (0.04) (0.01) (0.01) 0.02 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).................................. 2.11 2.32 0.69 0.23 (2.06) (3.92) ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ Total income (loss) from investment operations................................. 2.08 2.27 0.65 0.22 (2.07) (3.90) ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ Less distributions from net realized gains...................................... -- -- -- -- (0.03) (1.72) ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ Net asset value, end of period.............. $12.80 $10.72 $8.45 $7.80 $ 7.58 $ 9.68 ====== ====== ===== ===== ====== ====== Total Return+............................... 19.40 %(1) 26.86% 8.33% 2.90% (21.33)% (28.26)% Ratios to Average Net Assets(3): Expenses.................................... 1.15 %(2) 1.17% 1.13% 1.15% 1.05% 0.94% Net investment income (loss)................ (0.53)%(2) (0.50)% (0.53)% (0.07)% (0.15)% 0.19% Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period, in thousands..... $4,729 $1,737 $2,091 $2,468 $2,622 $5,111 Portfolio turnover rate..................... 21 %(1) 123% 219% 263% 325% 399%
- --------------------------------------------------- ++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period. + Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. (1) Not annualized. (2) Annualized. (3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.
23 See Notes to Financial Statements TRUSTEES Michael Bozic Charles A. Fiumefreddo Edwin J. Garn Wayne E. Hedien James F. Higgins Dr. Manuel H. Johnson Joseph J. Kearns Michael E. Nugent Fergus Reid OFFICERS Charles A. Fiumefreddo Chairman of the Board Ronald E. Robison President and Principal Executive Officer J. David Germany Vice President Dennis F. Shea Vice President Barry Fink Vice President Amy R. Doberman Vice President Carsten Otto Chief Compliance Officer Stefanie V. Chang Vice President Francis J. Smith Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Thomas F. Caloia Vice President Mary E. Mullin Secretary TRANSFER AGENT Morgan Stanley Trust Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Deloitte & Touche LLP Two World Financial Center New York, New York 10281 INVESTMENT ADVISER Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 The financial statements included herein have been taken from the records of the Fund without examination by the independent auditors and accordingly they do not express an opinion thereon. This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. For more detailed information about the Fund, its fees and expenses and other pertinent information, please read its Prospectus. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its trustees. It is available, without charge, by calling (800) 869-NEWS. This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective Prospectus. Read the Prospectus carefully before investing. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley DW Inc., member SIPC. Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc., member NASD. (c) 2006 Morgan Stanley [MORGAN STANLEY LOGO] MORGAN STANLEY FUNDS Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund Semiannual Report January 31, 2006 [MORGAN STANLEY LOGO] 36052RPT-RA06-00217P-Y01/06 Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 6. Refer to Item 1. Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable for semiannual reports. Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies Applicable only to reports filed by closed-end funds. Item 9. Closed-End Fund Repurchases Applicable to reports filed by closed-end funds. 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 registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Item 12. Exhibits (a) Code of Ethics - Not applicable for semiannual reports. (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. 2 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. Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund /s/ Ronald E. Robison Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer March 23, 2006 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. /s/ Ronald E. Robison Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer March 23, 2006 /s/ Francis Smith Francis Smith Principal Financial Officer March 23, 2006 3 EX-99.CERT 2 y17747exv99wcert.txt EX-99.CERT: CERTIFICATION EXHIBIT 12 B1 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATIONS I, Ronald E. Robison, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 4 a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: March 23, 2006 /s/ Ronald E. Robison Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer 5 EXHIBIT 12 B2 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATIONS I, Francis Smith, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 6 a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. Date: March 23, 2006 /s/ Francis Smith Francis Smith Principal Financial Officer 7 EX-99.906CERT 3 y17747exv99w906cert.txt EX-99.906CERT: CERTIFICATION SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended January 31, 2006 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Date: March 23, 2006 /s/ Ronald E. Robison --------------------------- Ronald E. Robison Principal Executive Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 8 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended January 31, 2006 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Date: March 23, 2006 /s/ Francis Smith ---------------------- Francis Smith Principal Financial Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 9 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----