# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001011378
**File Stem:** 0001104659-23-027760
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 1400532
**Document Hash:** 85bc41644b9049b16100bc4a05d83d98
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-23-027760.hdr.sgml**: 20230302

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-23-027760

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: N-CSR

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 34

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20221231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230302

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230302

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230302

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** MORGAN STANLEY VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001011378
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** N-CSR
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-07607
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23697204

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 522 FIFTH AVENUE
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 800-548-7786

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 522 FIFTH AVENUE
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10036

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** UNIVERSAL INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20020322

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19960328

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio (Series ID: S000004166)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011738 | Class II     | MJIIX           |
| C000011739 | Class I      | MFIPX           |

### Discovery Portfolio (Series ID: S000004167)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011740 | Class II     | MMGTX           |
| C000011741 | Class I      | MMGPX           |

### US Real Estate Portfolio (Series ID: S000004172)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011748 | Class II     | MSRBX           |
| C000011749 | Class I      | MUSRX           |

### Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (Series ID: S000004174)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011751 | Class II     | MBDBX           |
| C000011752 | Class I      | MEMNX           |

### Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Series ID: S000004175)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011753 | Class II     | MSMBX           |
| C000011754 | Class I      | MEMEX           |

### Growth Portfolio (Series ID: S000004177)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011757 | Class I      | MEGIX           |
| C000011758 | Class II     | MEGTX           |

### Global Franchise Portfolio (Series ID: S000004178)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011760 | Class II     | MBIIX           |

### Global Strategist Portfolio (Series ID: S000004181)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000011764 | Class I      | MIMPX           |
| C000097939 | Class II     | MGTPX           |

### Global Real Estate Portfolio (Series ID: S000010224)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000028284 | Class II     | MGETX           |

### Global Infrastructure Portfolio (Series ID: S000043472)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000134832 | Class I      | MBGIX           |
| C000134833 | Class II     | MPIIX           |

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: 811-07607

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036 <br> (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

John H. Gernon

522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-296-0289

Date of fiscal year end: December 31,

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2022

Item 1 - Report to Shareholders

![](j2316592_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Portfolio of Investments | 5 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 14 |
| Statement of Operations | 15 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 16 |
| Financial Highlights | 17 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 19 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 30 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 31 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 32 |
| Director and Officer Information | 33 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Expense Example (unaudited)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending<br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $966.60 | $1021.98 | $3.17 | $3.26 | 0.64% |
| Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 965.70 | 1020.72 | 4.41 | 4.53 | 0.89 |

---

\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

The Fund seeks above-average total return over a market cycle of three to five years by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –14.33%, net of fees, and –14.58%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index (the "Index"), which returned –13.01%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Over the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, government bond yields rose significantly in the U.S. and throughout the world as central banks turned hawkish in their fight against inflation. This had a positive impact on relative performance as the Fund held a short duration position in the U.S. versus the Index.

• The period was characterized by tighter financial conditions, which led to significant spread widening and historically poor performance across fixed income credit sectors. Virtually all overweights to credit sectors led to relative underperformance. This was the case in corporates, as the portfolio's investment grade corporate bonds positioning and high yield corporate bonds detracted from relative performance. The allocation to convertible bonds also detracted on the back of weaker equities, rising yields and widening spreads.

• Securitized credit holdings also detracted from relative performance during the period as their spreads widened. Underperformance was seen across non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and asset-backed securities (ABS). Our agency RMBS underweight helped relative performance as they also underperformed similar duration Treasuries.

• The overweight to emerging markets government-related debt also detracted. Emerging markets currency exposure also hurt performance as the dollar strengthened over the year.

**Management Strategies**

• During the period, we reduced our overweight to a variety of non-Treasury sectors as it became increasingly clear that

the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) would raise short-term interest rates substantially to combat inflation. Combined with its shift from quantitative easing to tightening, this tightening in financial conditions is likely to lead to an economic slowdown, possibly even a recession, in 2023.

• Most of the Fund's reduction in credit exposure was in the corporate and emerging market debt sectors. We mostly maintained our securitized credit overweights, as we think they should generally hold up well, even in an economic downturn.

• Most of the proceeds of these reductions in credit holdings were redeployed into Treasuries and agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Agency MBS cheapened significantly during the period as the Fed began to reduce its MBS holdings.

• We also covered our duration underweight late in 2022, bringing the portfolio duration in line with the Index. After the historic rise in yields that occurred during the year, interest rates now appear to us to be close to fair value.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

![](j2316592_ba002.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

**Performance Compared to the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index<sup>(1)</sup>**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(5)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(3)</sup> | –14.33% | 0.28% | 2.02% | 4.07% |
| Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index | –13.01 | 0.02 | 1.06 | 4.20 |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(4)</sup> | –14.58 | 0.03 | 1.76 | 2.82 |
| Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index | –13.01 | 0.02 | 1.06 | 3.04 |

---

***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index tracks the performance of U.S. government agency and Treasury securities, investment-grade corporate debt securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(2)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(3)</sup> Commenced operations on January 2, 1997.

<sup>(4)</sup> Commenced offering on May 1, 2003.

<sup>(5)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Index refers to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Fixed Income Securities (99.0%)** | **Fixed Income Securities (99.0%)** | **Fixed Income Securities (99.0%)** |
| **Agency Adjustable Rate Mortgage (0.0%) (a)** | **Agency Adjustable Rate Mortgage (0.0%) (a)** | **Agency Adjustable Rate Mortgage (0.0%) (a)** |
| Federal National Mortgage Association,<br>Conventional Pool:<br>12 Month USD LIBOR + 1.59%, <br>3.84%, 12/1/45 | $10 | $10 |
| **Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (17.9%)** | **Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (17.9%)** | **Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (17.9%)** |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,<br>2.00%, 10/1/51 | 54 | 42 |
| Gold Pools:<br>3.50%, 1/1/44 | 276 | 258 |
| 4.00%, 12/1/41 - 10/1/44 | 316 | 305 |
| 5.41%, 7/1/37 - 8/1/37 | 10 | 10 |
| 5.44%, 1/1/37 - 2/1/38 | 40 | 41 |
| 5.46%, 5/1/37 - 1/1/38 | 39 | 39 |
| 5.48%, 8/1/37 | 10 | 10 |
| 5.50%, 8/1/37 - 11/1/37 | 40 | 42 |
| 5.52%, 10/1/37 | 5 | 5 |
| 5.62%, 12/1/36 - 8/1/37 | 45 | 47 |
| 6.00%, 8/1/37 - 5/1/38 | 9 | 10 |
| 7.50%, 5/1/35 | 15 | 16 |
| 8.00%, 8/1/32 | 10 | 10 |
| 8.50%, 8/1/31 | 14 | 14 |
| Federal National Mortgage Association,<br>2.00%, 11/1/51 | 293 | 231 |
| Conventional Pools:<br>2.50%, 2/1/50 | 196 | 169 |
| 3.00%, 7/1/49 | 49 | 43 |
| 3.50%, 7/1/46 - 7/1/49 | 626 | 578 |
| 4.00%, 11/1/41 - 8/1/49 | 567 | 546 |
| 4.50%, 8/1/40 - 9/1/48 | 169 | 165 |
| 5.00%, 7/1/40 | 44 | 45 |
| 5.62%, 12/1/36 | 17 | 18 |
| 6.00%, 12/1/38 | 143 | 150 |
| 6.50%, 11/1/27 - 10/1/38 | 11 | 11 |
| 7.00%, 6/1/29 | 3 | 3 |
| 7.50%, 8/1/37 | 26 | 28 |
| 8.00%, 4/1/33 | 20 | 21 |
| 8.50%, 10/1/32 | 22 | 23 |
| 9.50%, 4/1/30 | 1 | 1 |
| January TBA:<br>2.50%, 1/1/53 (b) | 1350 | 1145 |
| 3.50%, 1/1/53 (b) | 2825 | 2570 |
| 4.00%, 1/1/53 (b) | 350 | 329 |
| 4.50%, 1/1/53 (b) | 4250 | 4097 |
| 5.00%, 1/1/53 (b) | 1025 | 1011 |
| 5.50%, 1/1/53 (b) | 2600 | 2608 |
| Government National Mortgage Association,<br>Various Pools: | Government National Mortgage Association,<br>Various Pools: | Government National Mortgage Association,<br>Various Pools: |
| 3.50%, 11/20/40 - 7/20/46 | 238 | 222 |
| 4.00%, 7/15/44 | 84 | 80 |
| 5.00%, 12/20/48 - 2/20/49 | 12 | 12 |
|  |  | 14955 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Asset-Backed Securities (10.9%)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (10.9%)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (10.9%)** |
| AIMCO CLO,<br>Series 2018-B<br>3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.10%, <br>5.18%, 1/15/32 (c)(d) | $625 | $615 |
| Allegro CLO XI Ltd.,<br>3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.39%, <br>5.62%, 1/19/33 (c)(d) | 250 | 246 |
| American Homes 4 Rent Trust,<br>6.07%, 10/17/52 (c) | 490 | 477 |
| Benefit Street Partners CLO XX Ltd.,<br>3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.17%, <br>5.25%, 7/15/34 (c)(d) | 390 | 381 |
| Blackbird Capital Aircraft Lease <br>Securitization Ltd.,<br>5.68%, 12/16/41 (c) | 347 | 230 |
| Cologix Data Centers US Issuer LLC,<br>3.30%, 12/26/51 (c) | 225 | 197 |
| 4.94%, 1/25/52 (c) | 400 | 270 |
| Conn's Receivables Funding LLC,<br>2.87%, 5/15/26 (c) | 125 | 123 |
| 9.52%, 12/15/26 (c) | 400 | 397 |
| ELFI Graduate Loan Program LLC,<br>4.51%, 8/26/47 (c) | 190 | 180 |
| Falcon Aerospace Ltd.,<br>3.60%, 9/15/39 (c) | 176 | 143 |
| GAIA Aviation Ltd.,<br>7.00%, 12/15/44 (c) | 350 | 199 |
| Goodgreen Trust,<br>5.53%, 4/15/55 (c) | 376 | 314 |
| JOL Air Ltd.,<br>4.95%, 4/15/44 (c) | 227 | 151 |
| Lunar 2021-1 Structured Aircraft <br>Portfolio Notes,<br>2.64%, 10/15/46 (c) | 306 | 246 |
| Lunar Aircraft Ltd.,<br>3.38%, 2/15/45 (c) | 105 | 86 |
| Mosaic Solar Loan Trust,<br>1.92%, 6/20/52 (c) | 187 | 141 |
| New Residential Mortgage LLC,<br>Class A<br>5.44%, 6/25/25 - 7/25/25 (c) | 655 | 618 |
| Newday Funding Master Issuer PLC,<br>SOFR + 1.50%, <br>5.70%, 4/15/30 (c)(d) | 500 | 488 |
| NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.06%, <br>5.45%, 12/25/33 (d) | 175 | 173 |
| NRZ Excess Spread-Collateralized Notes,<br>Class A<br>3.47%, 11/25/26 (c) | 229 | 202 |
| Octagon Investment Partners 51 Ltd.,<br>3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.15%, <br>5.39%, 7/20/34 (c)(d) | 900 | 878 |
| Oxford Finance Funding LLC,<br>5.44%, 2/15/27 (c) | 110 | 110 |
| PMT FMSR Issuer Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.00%, <br>7.39%, 3/25/26 (c)(d) | 650 | 632 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>5

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Asset-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (cont'd)** |
| PNMAC GMSR Issuer Trust,<br>SOFR30A + 4.19%, <br>8.13%, 6/25/27 (c)(d) | $| 300 | $| 289 |  |
| SOFR30A + 4.25%, <br>8.18%, 5/25/27 (c)(d) |  | 300 |  | 284 |  |
| PRET 2021-NPL6 LLC,<br>2.49%, 7/25/51 (c) |  | 154 |  | 143 |  |
| Sculptor CLO XXVI Ltd.,<br>3 Month USD LIBOR + 1.27%, <br>5.51%, 7/20/34 (c)(d) |  | 840 |  | 819 |  |
| START Ireland,<br>4.09%, 3/15/44 (c) |  | 123 |  | 105 |  |
|  |  |  |  | 9137 |  |
| **Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — <br>Agency Collateral Series (0.2%)** | **Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — <br>Agency Collateral Series (0.2%)** | **Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — <br>Agency Collateral Series (0.2%)** | **Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — <br>Agency Collateral Series (0.2%)** | **Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — <br>Agency Collateral Series (0.2%)** | **Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — <br>Agency Collateral Series (0.2%)** |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,<br>IO REMIC<br>6.00% - 1 Month USD LIBOR, <br>1.68%, 11/15/43 (e) |  | 843 |  | 75 |  |
| IO STRIPS<br>7.50%, 12/15/29 |  | 2 |  |  | @ |
| Federal National Mortgage Association,<br>IO REMIC<br>6.00%, 5/25/33 - 7/25/33 |  | 94 |  | 20 |  |
| IO STRIPS<br>8.00%, 4/25/24 (d) |  | 6 |  | 1 |  |
| REMIC<br>7.00%, 9/25/32 |  | 16 |  | 16 |  |
| Government National Mortgage Association,<br>IO<br>0.66%, 8/20/58 (d) |  | 2205 |  | 23 |  |
| 5.00%, 2/16/41 |  | 41 |  | 9 |  |
|  |  |  |  | 144 |  |
| **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (11.9%)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (11.9%)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (11.9%)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (11.9%)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (11.9%)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (11.9%)** |
| BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust,<br>1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, <br>7.34%, 1/15/39 (c)(d) |  | 350 |  | 329 |  |
| BANK 2019-BNK21,<br>IO<br>0.85%, 10/17/52 (d) |  | 3503 |  | 146 |  |
| BANK 2020-BNK30,<br>2.92%, 12/15/53 (d) |  | 725 |  | 462 |  |
| BPR Trust,<br>1 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, <br>7.34%, 5/15/39 (c)(d) |  | 350 |  | 347 |  |
| BX Trust BX 2022 VAMF,<br>1 Month Term SOFR + 2.70%, <br>7.04%, 1/15/39 (c)(d) |  | 390 |  | 364 |  |
| Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust,<br>3.50%, 12/10/41 (c)(d) |  | 300 |  | 195 |  |
| IO<br>0.72%, 11/10/48 |  | 2270 |  | 37 |  |
| 0.87%, 9/10/58 (d) |  | 4140 |  | 78 |  |
| Commercial Mortgage Trust,<br>IO<br>0.03%, 7/10/45 (d) |  | 5781 |  |  | @ |
| 0.66%, 10/10/47 (d) |  | 2203 |  | 20 |  |
| 0.98%, 7/15/47 (d) |  | 2433 |  | 26 |  |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust,<br>Class A<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 3.97%, <br>8.29%, 4/15/23 (c)(d) | $514 | $502 |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. <br>Multifamily Structured <br>Pass-Through Certificates,<br>2.88%, 1/25/49 (d) | 800 | 143 |
| 2.98%, 1/25/32 (d) | 625 | 116 |
| 3.21%, 5/25/32 (d) | 1300 | 270 |
| 3.56%, 6/25/54 (d) | 775 | 179 |
| 4.15%, 8/25/54 (d) | 650 | 174 |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 4.35%, <br>8.49%, 12/25/26 (c)(d) | 39 | 38 |
| 1 Month USD LIBOR + 5.25%, <br>9.39%, 7/25/26 (c)(d) | 42 | 40 |
| IO<br>2.63%, 1/25/49 (d) | 3665 | 566 |
| 2.65%, 2/25/49 (d) | 1635 | 250 |
| 3.07%, 11/25/36 (d) | 475 | 129 |
| 3.46%, 10/25/38 (d) | 800 | 230 |
| 3.79%, 6/25/50 (d) | 900 | 217 |
| GS Mortgage Securities Trust,<br>4.72%, 8/10/46 (c)(d) | 500 | 404 |
| IO<br>0.71%, 9/10/47 (d) | 4094 | 37 |
| 1.20%, 10/10/48 (d) | 4479 | 120 |
| Highways 2021 PLC,<br>4.68%, 12/18/31 (c)(d) | 300 | 348 |
| Jackson Park Trust,<br>3.24%, 10/14/39 (c)(d) | $400 | 290 |
| JP Morgan Chase Commercial <br>Mortgage Securities Trust,<br>IO<br>0.58%, 4/15/46 (d) | 6000 | 9 |
| 0.59%, 12/15/49 (d) | 2515 | 43 |
| 0.81%, 7/15/47 (d) | 4225 | 26 |
| JPMBB Commercial Mortgage <br>Securities Trust,<br>IO<br>0.94%, 8/15/47 (d) | 2663 | 25 |
| Last Mile Logistics Pan Euro Finance DAC,<br>3 Month EURIBOR + 1.90%, <br>3.70%, 8/17/33 (c)(d) | 100 | 96 |
| Life Mortgage Trust,<br>1 Month Term SOFR + 2.09%, <br>6.43%, 5/15/39 (c)(d) | $175 | 170 |
| MF1 2021-W10X,<br>1 Month Term SOFR + 2.82%, <br>7.16%, 12/15/34 (c)(d) | 475 | 454 |
| MFT Trust,<br>3.48%, 2/10/42 (c)(d) | 200 | 124 |
| MKT 2020-525M Mortgage Trust,<br>2.94%, 2/12/40 (c)(d) | 200 | 108 |
| Multifamily Connecticut Avenue <br>Securities Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.95%, <br>6.34%, 3/25/50 (c)(d) | 15 | 14 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>6

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cont'd)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cont'd)** |
| Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust,<br>4.32%, 1/15/43 (c)(d) | $| 200 | $| 159 |
| 1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.70%, <br>6.02%, 8/15/38 (c)(d) |  | 325 |  | 308 |
| 1 Month Term SOFR + 2.20%, <br>6.52%, 7/15/36 (c)(d) |  | 500 |  | 456 |
| Real Estate Asset Liquidity Trust,<br>IO<br>1.14%, 2/12/31 (c)(d) | CAD | 3437 |  | 114 |
| SG Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust,<br>3.73%, 3/15/37 (c)(d) | $| 450 |  | 394 |
| SLG Office Trust,<br>IO<br>0.26%, 7/15/41 (c)(d) |  | 3650 |  | 59 |
| Taubman Centers Commercial <br>Mortgage Trust,<br>1 Month Term SOFR + 2.19%, <br>6.52%, 5/15/37 (c)(d) |  | 450 |  | 438 |
| Vita Scientia 2022-1 DAC,<br>3 Month EURIBOR + 2.49%, <br>4.41%, 8/27/25 (c)(d) | EUR | 250 |  | 233 |
| VMC Finance 2021-HT1 LLC,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.65%, <br>5.99%, 1/18/37 (c)(d) | $| 261 |  | 253 |
| WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust,<br>4.15%, 5/15/45 (c)(d) |  | 385 |  | 365 |
|  |  |  |  | 9905 |
| **Corporate Bonds (25.8%)** | **Corporate Bonds (25.8%)** | **Corporate Bonds (25.8%)** | **Corporate Bonds (25.8%)** | **Corporate Bonds (25.8%)** |
| **Finance (9.3%)** | **Finance (9.3%)** | **Finance (9.3%)** | **Finance (9.3%)** | **Finance (9.3%)** |
| AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap <br>Global Aviation Trust,<br>3.00%, 10/29/28 |  | 150 |  | 126 |
| 4.13%, 7/3/23 |  | 325 |  | 323 |
| Air Lease Corp.<br>2.10%, 9/1/28 |  | 25 |  | 20 |
| Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.<br>2.57%, 11/25/35 (c) |  | 200 |  | 147 |
| Avolon Holdings Funding Ltd.<br>2.88%, 2/15/25 (c) |  | 275 |  | 254 |
| Banco de Credito e Inversiones SA<br>2.88%, 10/14/31 (c) |  | 225 |  | 187 |
| Banco Santander Chile<br>2.70%, 1/10/25 (c) |  | 150 |  | 143 |
| Banco Santander SA<br>4.18%, 3/24/28 |  | 200 |  | 186 |
| Bank Hapoalim BM<br>3.26%, 1/21/32 (c) |  | 225 |  | 195 |
| Bank of America Corp.,<br>2.69%, 4/22/32 |  | 175 |  | 140 |
| 3.71%, 4/24/28 |  | 350 |  | 324 |
| 3.85%, 3/8/37 |  | 50 |  | 42 |
| 5.02%, 7/22/33 |  | 75 |  | 71 |
| Bank of Ireland Group PLC<br>2.03%, 9/30/27 (c) |  | 250 |  | 211 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Bank of Montreal<br>3.09%, 1/10/37 | $150 | $114 |
| Belrose Funding Trust<br>2.33%, 8/15/30 (c) | 100 | 76 |
| BNP Paribas SA<br>4.40%, 8/14/28 (c) | 300 | 284 |
| BPCE SA<br>5.15%, 7/21/24 (c) | 300 | 294 |
| Citigroup, Inc.,<br>2.52%, 11/3/32 | 475 | 371 |
| 5.50%, 9/13/25 | 150 | 151 |
| CNO Financial Group, Inc.<br>5.25%, 5/30/29 | 95 | 91 |
| Coinbase Global, Inc.<br>3.38%, 10/1/28 (c) | 110 | 58 |
| Credit Suisse Group AG<br>6.54%, 8/12/33 (c) | 250 | 220 |
| Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.<br>2.62%, 4/22/32 | 525 | 420 |
| Grupo Aval Ltd.<br>4.38%, 2/4/30 (c) | 200 | 162 |
| HSBC Holdings PLC<br>3.80%, 3/11/25 | 450 | 438 |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co.<br>1.95%, 2/4/32 | 125 | 96 |
| Life Storage LP<br>2.40%, 10/15/31 | 125 | 96 |
| Macquarie Group Ltd.<br>2.87%, 1/14/33 (c) | 125 | 96 |
| Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.<br>5.88%, 8/1/33 | 125 | 132 |
| Nationwide Building Society<br>4.30%, 3/8/29 (c) | 375 | 339 |
| Nordea Bank Abp<br>5.38%, 9/22/27 (c) | 200 | 201 |
| Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.<br>1.83%, 9/10/30 (c) | 200 | 180 |
| Rocket Mortgage LLC/Rocket <br>Mortgage Co-Issuer, Inc.<br>3.88%, 3/1/31 (c) | 170 | 130 |
| Societe Generale SA<br>2.63%, 1/22/25 (c) | 225 | 212 |
| Sun Communities Operating LP<br>4.20%, 4/15/32 | 225 | 199 |
| SVB Financial Group,<br>1.80%, 2/2/31 (g) | 125 | 91 |
| 4.10%, 2/15/31 (f) | 100 | 58 |
| Toronto-Dominion Bank<br>8.13%, 10/31/82 | 200 | 209 |
| United Overseas Bank Ltd.<br>3.86%, 10/7/32 (c) | 325 | 300 |
| Wells Fargo & Co.,<br>3.07%, 4/30/41 | 125 | 90 |
| MTN<br>2.88%, 10/30/30 | 200 | 170 |
| Westpac Banking Corp.<br>2.67%, 11/15/35 | 75 | 56 |
|  |  | 7703 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>7

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Industrials (14.3%)** | **Industrials (14.3%)** | **Industrials (14.3%)** |
| Airbnb, Inc.<br>0.00%, 3/15/26 | $130 | $107 |
| Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.<br>2.13%, 2/9/31 | 200 | 160 |
| Altria Group, Inc.<br>3.40%, 2/4/41 | 125 | 83 |
| Amazon.com, Inc.<br>2.70%, 6/3/60 | 100 | 61 |
| American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage <br>Loyalty IP Ltd.<br>5.75%, 4/20/29 (c) | 160 | 146 |
| Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.<br>4.60%, 4/15/48 | 73 | 64 |
| AT&T, Inc.,<br>2.55%, 12/1/33 | 225 | 174 |
| 3.55%, 9/15/55 | 150 | 101 |
| BAT Capital Corp.<br>2.26%, 3/25/28 | 275 | 229 |
| Boeing Co.<br>3.25%, 2/1/35 | 150 | 115 |
| BP Capital Markets PLC,<br>Zero Coupon, 12/31/99 (f) | 150 | 138 |
| Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC,<br>6.05%, 3/15/25 | 25 | 25 |
| 6.17%, 7/15/27 | 250 | 247 |
| Charter Communications Operating LLC/<br>Charter Communications Operating Capital,<br>2.80%, 4/1/31 | 150 | 117 |
| 3.50%, 3/1/42 | 300 | 193 |
| Children's Health System of Texas<br>2.51%, 8/15/50 | 175 | 105 |
| Comcast Corp.<br>1.95%, 1/15/31 | 200 | 162 |
| Crown Castle International Corp.<br>3.30%, 7/1/30 | 150 | 132 |
| CVS Health Corp.<br>5.05%, 3/25/48 | 150 | 135 |
| Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.<br>3.45%, 12/15/51 (c) | 275 | 169 |
| Delta Air Lines Pass Through Trust,<br>Series AA<br>3.20%, 10/25/25 | 150 | 146 |
| Dexcom, Inc.<br>0.25%, 11/15/25 (g) | 200 | 218 |
| Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.<br>4.10%, 1/15/52 | 250 | 162 |
| DXC Technology Co.<br>1.80%, 9/15/26 | 350 | 305 |
| Energy Transfer LP,<br>2.90%, 5/15/25 | 250 | 236 |
| 4.75%, 1/15/26 | 75 | 73 |
| Enterprise Products Operating LLC<br>3.30%, 2/15/53 | 100 | 67 |
| Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd.<br>1.75%, 9/30/27 (c) | 264 | 245 |
| Garda World Security Corp.<br>4.63%, 2/15/27 (c) | 200 | 177 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| General Motors Co.,<br>5.40%, 10/15/29 | $175 | $167 |
| 6.60%, 4/1/36 | 75 | 74 |
| 6.75%, 4/1/46 | 75 | 72 |
| Georgia-Pacific LLC<br>2.30%, 4/30/30 (c) | 175 | 146 |
| Global Partners LP/GLP Finance Corp.<br>7.00%, 8/1/27 | 80 | 76 |
| GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.<br>5.38%, 4/15/26 | 125 | 123 |
| Grifols SA<br>2.25%, 11/15/27 (c) | 200 | 187 |
| HCA, Inc.,<br>4.63%, 3/15/52 (c) | $50 | 39 |
| 5.25%, 6/15/49 | 125 | 107 |
| Hyundai Capital America<br>1.80%, 1/10/28 (c) | 250 | 205 |
| Imperial Brands Finance PLC<br>3.13%, 7/26/24 (c) | 350 | 335 |
| Intel Corp.<br>2.80%, 8/12/41 | 175 | 123 |
| JBS USA LUX SA/JBS USA Food Co./<br>JBS USA Finance, Inc.<br>2.50%, 1/15/27 (c) | 225 | 197 |
| Johns Hopkins University,<br>Series A<br>2.81%, 1/1/60 | 145 | 91 |
| Level 3 Financing, Inc.<br>3.40%, 3/1/27 (c) | 175 | 148 |
| Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC<br>5.50%, 4/15/29 (c) | 145 | 84 |
| Lowe's Cos., Inc.<br>5.80%, 9/15/62 | 75 | 72 |
| Macy's Retail Holdings LLC<br>5.88%, 3/15/30 (c) | 80 | 70 |
| Magallanes, Inc.<br>5.14%, 3/15/52 | 150 | 110 |
| Matador Resources Co.<br>5.88%, 9/15/26 | 205 | 197 |
| Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co.<br>7.25%, 4/15/25 (c)(g) | 120 | 111 |
| McLaren Health Care Corp.,<br>Series A<br>4.39%, 5/15/48 | 150 | 126 |
| Medline Borrower LP<br>3.88%, 4/1/29 (c) | 150 | 121 |
| NBN Co. Ltd.<br>2.63%, 5/5/31 (c) | 225 | 179 |
| Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group Pty Ltd.<br>4.40%, 9/29/27 (c) | 275 | 237 |
| Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.<br>3.04%, 9/15/23 (c) | 275 | 269 |
| NOVA Chemicals Corp.<br>4.25%, 5/15/29 (c)(g) | 165 | 135 |
| ONEOK, Inc.,<br>3.10%, 3/15/30 | 125 | 105 |
| 3.40%, 9/1/29 | 50 | 43 |
| Peloton Interactive, Inc.<br>0.00%, 2/15/26 | 235 | 168 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Industrials (cont'd)** | **Industrials (cont'd)** | **Industrials (cont'd)** | **Industrials (cont'd)** | **Industrials (cont'd)** |
| Pertamina Persero PT<br>2.30%, 2/9/31 | $| 450 | $| 365 |
| Resorts World Las Vegas LLC/<br>RWLV Capital, Inc.<br>4.63%, 4/16/29 (c) |  | 200 |  | 142 |
| RingCentral, Inc.<br>0.00%, 3/15/26 |  | 125 |  | 99 |
| Rockies Express Pipeline LLC<br>3.60%, 5/15/25 (c) |  | 100 |  | 95 |
| Rogers Communications, Inc.<br>4.55%, 3/15/52 (c) |  | 175 |  | 136 |
| Sealed Air Corp.<br>1.57%, 10/15/26 (c) |  | 75 |  | 65 |
| Silgan Holdings, Inc.<br>1.40%, 4/1/26 (c) |  | 200 |  | 177 |
| Splunk, Inc.<br>1.13%, 6/15/27 |  | 200 |  | 170 |
| Spotify USA, Inc.<br>0.00%, 3/15/26 |  | 140 |  | 113 |
| Standard Industries, Inc.<br>2.25%, 11/21/26 (c) | EUR | 125 |  | 115 |
| Syngenta Finance NV<br>4.89%, 4/24/25 (c) | $| 300 |  | 291 |
| Telefonica Emisiones SA<br>4.10%, 3/8/27 |  | 300 |  | 285 |
| Uber Technologies, Inc.<br>0.00%, 12/15/25 (g) |  | 190 |  | 161 |
| Var Energi ASA<br>7.50%, 1/15/28 (c) |  | 200 |  | 204 |
| Verizon Communications, Inc.<br>2.65%, 11/20/40 |  | 250 |  | 170 |
| Volkswagen Group of America Finance LLC<br>4.75%, 11/13/28 (c) |  | 275 |  | 267 |
| Vontier Corp.<br>2.40%, 4/1/28 |  | 250 |  | 201 |
| VTR Finance NV<br>6.38%, 7/15/28 (c) |  | 200 |  | 78 |
| Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.,<br>4.28%, 3/15/32 (c) |  | 175 |  | 145 |
| 5.05%, 3/15/42 (c) |  | 100 |  | 77 |
| Wayfair, Inc.<br>0.63%, 10/1/25 |  | 285 |  | 187 |
|  |  |  |  | 11952 |
| **Utilities (2.2%)** | **Utilities (2.2%)** | **Utilities (2.2%)** | **Utilities (2.2%)** | **Utilities (2.2%)** |
| Duke Energy Indiana LLC<br>2.75%, 4/1/50 |  | 83 |  | 53 |
| Enel Finance International NV<br>5.00%, 6/15/32 (c) |  | 225 |  | 203 |
| Entergy Louisiana LLC<br>1.60%, 12/15/30 |  | 125 |  | 96 |
| Fells Point Funding Trust<br>3.05%, 1/31/27 (c) |  | 250 |  | 228 |
| Jersey Central Power & Light Co.<br>2.75%, 3/1/32 (c) |  | 150 |  | 122 |
| Mississippi Power Co.<br>3.95%, 3/30/28 |  | 275 |  | 258 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.<br>3.00%, 1/15/52 | $| 150 | $| 99 |
| Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.<br>2.76%, 1/10/32 (c) |  | 300 |  | 244 |
| Northern States Power Co.<br>2.90%, 3/1/50 |  | 150 |  | 103 |
| NRG Energy, Inc.<br>3.88%, 2/15/32 (c) |  | 160 |  | 121 |
| Piedmont Natural Gas Co., Inc.<br>2.50%, 3/15/31 |  | 125 |  | 102 |
| Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.<br>2.45%, 11/15/31 |  | 150 |  | 120 |
| Virginia Electric and Power Co.<br>2.95%, 11/15/51 |  | 125 |  | 83 |
|  |  |  |  | 1832 |
|  |  |  |  | 21487 |
| **Mortgages — Other (22.1%)** | **Mortgages — Other (22.1%)** | **Mortgages — Other (22.1%)** | **Mortgages — Other (22.1%)** | **Mortgages — Other (22.1%)** |
| Alternative Loan Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.36%, <br>4.75%, 5/25/47 (d) |  | 70 |  | 59 |
| 5.50%, 2/25/36 |  | 5 |  | 3 |
| 6.00%, 7/25/37 |  | 37 |  | 24 |
| PAC<br>5.50%, 2/25/36 |  | 2 |  | 1 |
| 6.00%, 4/25/36 |  | 11 |  | 6 |
| Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%, <br>5.04%, 7/25/46 (d) |  | 89 |  | 72 |
| 6.36%, 10/25/36 |  | 253 |  | 77 |
| Banc of America Funding Trust,<br>5.25%, 7/25/37 |  | 13 |  | 13 |
| 6.00%, 7/25/37 |  | 14 |  | 11 |
| Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust,<br>0.46%, 12/15/55 |  | 2570 |  | 103 |
| Bayview MSR Opportunity Master Fund Trust,<br>3.00%, 11/25/51 (c)(d) |  | 222 |  | 186 |
| Brean Asset Backed Securities Trust,<br>1.75%, 10/25/61 (c)(d) |  | 243 |  | 213 |
| Class A<br>1.40%, 10/25/63 (c)(d) |  | 237 |  | 203 |
| CFMT 2021-HB7 LLC,<br>3.85%, 10/27/31 (c)(d) |  | 350 |  | 320 |
| CFMT 2022-HB8 LLC,<br>3.75%, 4/25/25 (c)(d) |  | 300 |  | 259 |
| CFMT LLC,<br>3.25%, 9/25/37 (c)(d) |  | 230 |  | 180 |
| ChaseFlex Trust,<br>6.00%, 2/25/37 |  | 307 |  | 126 |
| CIM Trust,<br>2.50%, 7/1/51 (c)(d) |  | 369 |  | 297 |
| 2.57%, 7/25/55 (c) |  | 322 |  | 304 |
| 2.82%, 10/25/61 (c) |  | 231 |  | 214 |
| COLT 2021-RPL1 Trust,<br>1.67%, 9/25/61 (c)(d) |  | 154 |  | 135 |
| CSFB Mortgage-Backed Pass-Through <br>Certificates,<br>6.50%, 11/25/35 |  | 752 |  | 169 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Mortgages — Other (cont'd)** | **Mortgages — Other (cont'd)** | **Mortgages — Other (cont'd)** |
| Eurosail-NL 2007-2 BV,<br>3 Month EURIBOR + 1.80%, <br>3.18%, 10/17/40 (d) | 300 | $316 |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. <br>Multifamily Structured Pass-Through <br>Certificates,<br>0.15%, 11/25/55 (d) | $1050 | 294 |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,<br>3.00%, 9/25/45 - 5/25/47 | 497 | 428 |
| 3.50%, 5/25/45 - 5/25/47 | 305 | 266 |
| 3.85%, 5/25/45 (c)(d) | 1 | 1 |
| 4.00%, 5/25/45 | 7 | 6 |
| Flagstar Mortgage Trust,<br>2.50%, 9/25/51 (c)(d) | 371 | 299 |
| FMC GMSR Issuer Trust,<br>3.85%, 10/25/26 (c)(d) | 300 | 241 |
| 7.90%, 7/25/27 (c) | 300 | 283 |
| GCAT 2022-NQM3 Trust,<br>4.35%, 4/25/67 (c)(d) | 501 | 486 |
| GSR Mortgage Loan Trust,<br>5.75%, 1/25/37 | 76 | 48 |
| Headlands Residential 2021-RPL1 LLC,<br>2.49%, 9/25/26 (c)(d) | 350 | 327 |
| Hundred Acre Wood Trust,<br>2.50%, 10/25/51 (c)(d) | 882 | 709 |
| Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust,<br>2.09%, 1/25/57 (c)(d) | 482 | 406 |
| 2.49%, 2/25/67 (c) | 274 | 238 |
| JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust,<br>6.00%, 12/25/35 | 32 | 27 |
| JP Morgan Mortgage Trust,<br>3.46%, 6/25/37 (d) | 26 | 21 |
| 6.00%, 6/25/37 | 4 | 6 |
| Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust,<br>3.25%, 2/25/60 (c) | 314 | 309 |
| Lehman Mortgage Trust,<br>6.50%, 9/25/37 | 623 | 228 |
| PMC PLS ESR Issuer LLC,<br>5.11%, 2/25/27 (c) | 265 | 249 |
| PNMAC GMSR Issuer Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 2.85%, <br>7.24%, 2/25/23 (c)(d) | 300 | 301 |
| Preston Ridge Partners LLC,<br>1.74%, 9/25/26 (c)(d) | 205 | 183 |
| 2.36%, 10/25/26 (c) | 223 | 202 |
| 2.49%, 11/25/26 (c) | 313 | 284 |
| 5.56%, 6/25/27 (c) | 266 | 255 |
| Preston Ridge Partners Mortgage LLC,<br>5.00%, 3/25/27 (c) | 290 | 272 |
| PRET 2022-NPL4 LLC,<br>6.56%, 8/25/52 (c) | 278 | 268 |
| RALI Trust,<br>6.00%, 4/25/36 - 1/25/37 | 22 | 17 |
| Rate Mortgage Trust,<br>2.50%, 11/25/51 (c)(d) | 521 | 418 |
| Residential Asset Securitization Trust,<br>6.00%, 7/25/36 | 20 | 11 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Sage AR Funding PLC (SGSHR) No. 1,<br>4.91%, 11/17/51 (c)(d) | 400 | $| 438 |
| Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust,<br>3.00%, 7/25/56 - 5/25/60 | $3996 |  | 3543 |
| 4.00%, 7/25/56 (d) | 165 |  | 163 |
| 4.00%, 8/25/58 - 2/25/59 | 334 |  | 315 |
| 4.25%, 5/25/60 (c)(d) | 600 |  | 515 |
| 4.50%, 6/25/57 | 576 |  | 567 |
| 4.75%, 7/25/56 - 6/25/57 (c)(d) | 700 |  | 640 |
| Stanwich Mortgage Loan Co. LLC,<br>2.74%, 10/16/26 (c) | 249 |  | 221 |
| Structured Asset Securities Corp. <br>Reverse Mortgage Loan Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 1.85%, <br>6.24%, 5/25/47 (c)(d) | 890 |  | 791 |
| TVC Mortgage Trust,<br>3.47%, 9/25/24 (c) | 59 |  | 58 |
| United Wholesale Mortgage Trust,<br>2.50%, 8/25/51 (c)(d) | 468 |  | 378 |
| UWM Mortgage Trust,<br>2.50%, 11/25/51 (c)(d) | 343 |  | 276 |
| VOLT CV LLC,<br>2.49%, 11/27/51 (c) | 163 |  | 144 |
|  |  |  | 18423 |
| **Municipal Bonds (1.6%)** | **Municipal Bonds (1.6%)** | **Municipal Bonds (1.6%)** | **Municipal Bonds (1.6%)** |
| Chicago O'Hare International Airport, IL,<br>O'Hare International Airport Revenue <br>Series 2010B<br>6.40%, 1/1/40 | 115 |  | 129 |
| City of New York, NY,<br>Series G-1<br>5.97%, 3/1/36 | 245 |  | 263 |
| Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, IL,<br>Highway Revenue, Build America Bonds <br>Series A<br>6.18%, 1/1/34 | 705 |  | 758 |
| University of Michigan, MI,<br>Series A<br>4.45%, 4/1/2122 | 170 |  | 138 |
|  |  |  | 1288 |
| **Sovereign (3.7%)** | **Sovereign (3.7%)** | **Sovereign (3.7%)** | **Sovereign (3.7%)** |
| Australia Government Bond,<br>1.25%, 5/21/32 | 825 |  | 441 |
| Dominican Republic International Bond,<br>5.88%, 1/30/60 (c) | $225 |  | 166 |
| Ecuador Government International Bond,<br>1.50%, 7/31/40 (c)(h) | 62 |  | 26 |
| Egypt Government International Bond,<br>6.38%, 4/11/31 (c) | 200 |  | 149 |
| 7.50%, 2/16/61 (c) | 200 |  | 124 |
| Export-Import Bank of India,<br>3.25%, 1/15/30 (c) | 200 |  | 174 |
| Hellenic Republic Government Bond,<br>2.00%, 4/22/27 (c) | 143 |  | 144 |
| Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro,<br>0.65%, 10/28/27 (c) | 621 |  | 627 |
| Ivory Coast Government International Bond,<br>4.88%, 1/30/32 (c) | $125 |  | 106 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** |
| Petroleos Mexicanos,<br>6.70%, 2/16/32 | $448 | $353 |
| Philippine Government International Bond,<br>4.20%, 3/29/47 | 200 | 172 |
| Republic of South Africa Government Bond,<br>8.25%, 3/31/32 | 12298 | 617 |
|  |  | 3099 |
| **Supranational (0.4%)** | **Supranational (0.4%)** | **Supranational (0.4%)** |
| Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement<br>4.70%, 10/22/31 (c) | 350 | 300 |
| **U.S. Treasury Securities (4.5%)** | **U.S. Treasury Securities (4.5%)** | **U.S. Treasury Securities (4.5%)** |
| U.S. Treasury Bond<br>1.75%, 8/15/41 | 5450 | 3732 |
| **Total Fixed Income Securities (Cost $92,475)** | **Total Fixed Income Securities (Cost $92,475)** | 82480 |
|  | **Shares** |  |
| **Short-Term Investments (13.7%)** | **Short-Term Investments (13.7%)** | **Short-Term Investments (13.7%)** |
| **Investment Company (11.8%)** | **Investment Company (11.8%)** | **Investment Company (11.8%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Government Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) <br>**(Cost $9,871)** | 9870744 | 9871 |
| **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.4%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.4%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.4%)** |
| **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Government Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) <br>**(Cost $347)** | 347238 | 347 |
|  | **Face Amount<br>(000)** |  |
| **U.S. Treasury Securities (1.5%)** | **U.S. Treasury Securities (1.5%)** | **U.S. Treasury Securities (1.5%)** |
| U.S. Treasury Bill<br>3.84%, 3/16/23 (i) | $833 | 826 |
| U.S. Treasury Note<br>0.50%, 3/15/23 | 450 | 447 |
| **Total U.S. Treasury Securities (Cost $1,275)** | **Total U.S. Treasury Securities (Cost $1,275)** | 1273 |
| **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $11,493)** | **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $11,493)** | 11491 |
| **Total Investments (112.7%) (Cost $103,858) <br>Including $717 of Securities Loaned** (j)(k) | **Total Investments (112.7%) (Cost $103,858) <br>Including $717 of Securities Loaned** (j)(k) | 93971 |
| **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–12.7%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–12.7%)** | (10588) |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $83383 |

---

@ Value is less than $500.

(a) Amount is less than 0.05%.

(b) Security is subject to delayed delivery.

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>

(d) Floating or variable rate securities: The rates disclosed are as of December 31, 2022. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the reference rate and spread are indicated in the description in the Portfolio of Investments. Certain variable rate securities may not be based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description in the Portfolio of Investments.

(e) Inverse Floating Rate Security — Interest rate fluctuates with an inverse relationship to an associated interest rate. Indicated rate is the effective rate at December 31, 2022.

(f) Perpetual — One or more securities do not have a predetermined maturity date. Rates for these securities are fixed for a period of time, after which they revert to a floating rate. Interest rates in effect are as of December 31, 2022.

(g) All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2022.

(h) Multi-step — Coupon rate changes in predetermined increments to maturity. Rate disclosed is as of December 31, 2022. Maturity date disclosed is the ultimate maturity date.

(i) Rate shown is the yield to maturity at December 31, 2022.

(j) Securities are available for collateral in connection with purchase of securities purchased on a forward commitment basis, open foreign currency exchange contracts, futures contracts and a swap agreement.

(k) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $103,583,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $593,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $10,645,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $10,052,000.

CLO Collateralized Loan Obligation.

EURIBOR Euro Interbank Offered Rate.

IO Interest Only.

LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate.

MTN Medium Term Note.

PAC Planned Amortization Class.

REMIC Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit.

SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate.

STRIPS Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities.

TBA To Be Announced.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:**

The Fund had the following foreign currency forward exchange contracts open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Counterparty** | **Contracts <br>to<br>Deliver <br>(000)** | **Contracts <br>to<br>Deliver <br>(000)** | **In <br>Exchange<br>For<br>(000)** | **In <br>Exchange<br>For<br>(000)** | **Delivery<br>Date** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| Bank of America NA | $206 |  | 4048 |  | 2/9/23 | $(— |
| Barclays Bank PLC | 677 |  | $434 |  | 2/9/23 | (28 |
| BNP Paribas SA | 2856 |  | $400 |  | 2/9/23 | (12 |
| BNP Paribas SA | $2 |  | 3 |  | 2/9/23 |  |
| BNP Paribas SA | $136 |  | 942 |  | 2/9/23 |  |
| BNP Paribas SA | $92 |  | 641 |  | 2/9/23 |  |
| BNP Paribas SA | $91 |  | 632 |  | 2/9/23 | (— |
| Goldman Sachs International | $212 |  | 1106 |  | 2/9/23 | (4 |
| HSBC Bank PLC | 1886 |  | $1874 |  | 2/9/23 | (150 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 1500 |  | $146 |  | 2/9/23 | 2 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $4 |  | 5 |  | 2/9/23 |  |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $4 |  | 5 |  | 2/9/23 | (— |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $92 |  | 641 |  | 2/9/23 | (— |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $209 |  | 30511 |  | 2/9/23 | 24 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $214 |  | 4235 |  | 2/9/23 | 2 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 10290 |  | $559 |  | 2/9/23 | (45 |
| Royal Bank of Canada | 170 |  | $126 |  | 2/9/23 | 1 |
| Royal Bank of Canada | $92 |  | 87 |  | 2/9/23 | 1 |
| Royal Bank of Canada | $86 |  | 11635 |  | 2/9/23 | 3 |
| Royal Bank of Canada | $345 |  | 46541 |  | 2/9/23 | 11 |
| UBS AG | 551 |  | $405 |  | 2/9/23 | (2 |
| UBS AG |  | @ | $— | @ | 2/9/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | 674 |  | $764 |  | 2/9/23 | (52 |
| UBS AG | $40 |  | 38 |  | 2/9/23 | 1 |
| UBS AG | $122 |  | 115 |  | 2/9/23 | 2 |
| UBS AG | $10 |  | 8 |  | 2/9/23 | (— |
|  |  |  |  |  |  | $(246 |

---

**Futures Contracts:**

The Fund had the following futures contracts open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number<br>of<br>Contracts** | **Expiration<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** |
| U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Note | 8 | Mar-23 | $800 | $898 | $(14) |
| U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Ultra Note | 36 | Mar-23 | 3600 | 4258 | (11) |
| U.S. Treasury 5 yr. Note | 46 | Mar-23 | 4600 | 4965 | (29) |
| U.S. Treasury Long Bond | 4 | Mar-23 | 400 | 501 | (16) |
| U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond | 39 | Mar-23 | 3900 | 5238 | (26) |
| **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** |
| Euro-Buxl 30 yr. Bond | 1 | Mar-23 | (100) | (145) | 26 |
| German Euro-BTP Index | 3 | Mar-23 | (300) | (350) | 29 |
| TSE Japanese 10 Yr. Bond Index | 1 | Mar-23 | (100000) | (1108) | 20 |
| U.S. Treasury 2 yr. Note | 18 | Mar-23 | $(3600) | (3691) | (1) |
|  |  |  |  |  | $(22) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>12

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

**Credit Default Swap Agreement:**

The Fund had the following credit default swap agreement open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Swap Counterparty <br>and Reference Obligation** | **Credit<br>Rating of<br>Reference<br>Obligation†** | **Buy/Sell<br>Protection** | **Pay/<br>Receive<br>Fixed Rate** | **Payment<br>Frequency** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Upfront<br>Payment<br>Paid<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation<br>(000)** |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\*<br>CDX.NA.HY.39 | NR | Buy | 5.00% | Quarterly | 12/20/27 | $878 | $(18) | $41 | $(59) |

---

@ Value is less than $500.

\* Cleared swap agreement, the broker is Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

† Credit rating as issued by Standard & Poor's.

NR Not rated.

BTP Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali.

AUD — Australian Dollar

BRL — Brazilian Real

CAD — Canadian Dollar

CNY — Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR — Euro

GBP — British Pound

JPY — Japanese Yen

MXN — Mexican Peso

SEK — Swedish Krona

USD — United States Dollar

ZAR — South African Rand

**Portfolio Composition\*\***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Mortgages — Other | 19.7 | % |
| Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages | 16.0 |  |
| Industrials | 12.8 |  |
| Short-Term Investments | 11.9 |  |
| Other\*\*\* | 11.1 |  |
| Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | 10.6 |  |
| Asset-Backed Securities | 9.7 |  |
| Finance | 8.2 |  |
| Total Investments | 100.0 | %\*\*\*\* |

---

\*\* Percentages indicated are based upon total investments (excluding Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities) as of December 31, 2022.

\*\*\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

\*\*\*\*\* Does not include open long/short futures contracts with a value of approximately $21,154,000 and net unrealized depreciation of approximately $22,000. Does not include open foreign currency forward exchange contracts with net unrealized depreciation of approximately $246,000. Also does not include open swap agreement with unrealized depreciation of approximately $59,000.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>13

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value<sup>(1)</sup> (Cost $93,750) | $83753 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $10,218) | 10218 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $103,968) | 93971 |
| Cash | 260 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $2) | 2 |
| Receivable for Investments Sold | 1851 |
| Interest Receivable | 579 |
| Receivable for Variation Margin on Futures Contracts | 548 |
| Due from Broker | 75 |
| Unrealized Appreciation on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 47 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 32 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 13 |
| Due from Adviser | 11 |
| Receivable for Variation Margin on Swap Agreements |  |
| Tax Reclaim Receivable | 4 |
| Receivable from Securities Lending Income | 2 |
| Other Assets | 13 |
| Total Assets | 97408 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Payable for Investments Purchased | 12809 |
| Collateral on Securities Loaned, at Value | 347 |
| Unrealized Depreciation on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 293 |
| Due to Broker | 260 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 72 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 63 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 49 |
| Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax | 31 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 16 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 6 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 2 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 2 |
| Other Liabilities | 75 |
| Total Liabilities | 14025 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $83383 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $96735 |
| Total Accumulated Loss | (13352 |
| **Net Assets** | $83383 |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $70482 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 8,339,809 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $8.45 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $12901 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 1,501,428 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $8.59 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** |
| Securities on Loan, at Value: | $717 |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>14

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Interest from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $1 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $3489 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 139 |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | 8 |
| Total Investment Income | 3636 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 332 |
| Professional Fees | 175 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 123 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 71 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 47 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 43 |
| Pricing Fees | 42 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 36 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 11 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 6 |
| Other Expenses | 22 |
| Total Expenses | 908 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (297) |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (10) |
| Net Expenses | 601 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 3035 |
| **Realized Gain (Loss):** | **Realized Gain (Loss):** |
| Investments Sold | (3780) |
| Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 615 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (4) |
| Futures Contracts | (2879) |
| Swap Agreements | 29 |
| Net Realized Loss | (6019) |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments (Net of Decrease in Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax of $2) | (10980) |
| Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | (241) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | 2 |
| Futures Contracts | (51) |
| Swap Agreements | (59) |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (11329) |
| **Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (17348) |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(14313) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>15

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022 <br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $3035 | $3165 |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (6019) | 1853 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (11329) | (6061) |
| Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (14313) | (1043) |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (4090) | (8987) |
| Class II | (657) | (1617) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (4747) | (10604) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 12715 | 18715 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 4090 | 8987 |
| Redeemed | (15846) | (19863) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 1115 | 13539 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 657 | 1617 |
| Redeemed | (2543) | (90146) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | 188 | (67151) |
| Total Decrease in Net Assets | (18872) | (78798) |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 102255 | 181053 |
| End of Period | $83383 | $102255 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 1435 | 1680 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 467 | 855 |
| Shares Redeemed | (1732) | (1788) |
| Net Increase in Class I Shares Outstanding | 170 | 747 |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 118 | 1183 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 74 | 152 |
| Shares Redeemed | (272) | (7806) |
| Net Decrease in Class II Shares Outstanding | (80) | (6471) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>16

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $10.47 | $11.72 | $11.31 | $10.63 | $10.98 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.32 | 0.26 | 0.28 | 0.35 | 0.34 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (1.80) | (0.29) | 0.58 | 0.79 | (0.41) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (1.48) | (0.03) | 0.86 | 1.14 | (0.07) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.37) | (0.46) | (0.33) | (0.46) | (0.28) |
| Net Realized Gain | (0.17) | (0.76) | (0.12) |  |  |
| Total Distributions | (0.54) | (1.22) | (0.45) | (0.46) | (0.28) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $8.45 | $10.47 | $11.72 | $11.31 | $10.63 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (14.33)% | (0.32)% | 7.80% | 10.88%<sup>(3)</sup> | (0.65)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $70482 | $85556 | $86993 | $92157 | $70476 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 0.98% | 0.82% | 0.75% | 0.77% | 0.76% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.64%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.67%<sup>(4)(5)</sup> | 0.68%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.69%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.68%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | N/A | N/A | 0.68%<sup>(4)</sup> | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 3.47%<sup>(4)</sup> | 2.35%<sup>(4)</sup> | 2.47%<sup>(4)</sup> | 3.16%<sup>(4)</sup> | 3.12%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.02% | 0.01% | 0.02% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 272% | 399% | 296% | 231% | 220% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) Performance was positively impacted by approximately 0.10% due to the receipt of proceeds from the settlement of class action suit involving the Fund's past holdings. This was a one-time settlement, and as a result, the impact on the NAV and consequently the performance will not likely be repeated in the future. Had this settlement not occurred, the total return for Class I shares would have been approximately 10.78%.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Effective July 1, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 0.65% for Class I shares. Prior to July 1, 2021, the maximum ratio was 0.70% for Class I shares.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>17

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $10.56 | $11.68 | $11.27 | $10.59 | $10.94 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.30 | 0.24 | 0.25 | 0.32 | 0.31 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (1.82) | (0.30) | 0.58 | 0.79 | (0.41) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (1.52) | (0.06) | 0.83 | 1.11 | (0.10) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.28) | (0.30) | (0.30) | (0.43) | (0.25) |
| Net Realized Gain | (0.17) | (0.76) | (0.12) |  |  |
| Total Distributions | (0.45) | (1.06) | (0.42) | (0.43) | (0.25) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $8.59 | $10.56 | $11.68 | $11.27 | $10.59 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (14.58)% | (0.54)% | 7.55% | 10.61%<sup>(3)</sup> | (0.91)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $12901 | $16699 | $94060 | $95952 | $91733 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.23% | 1.07% | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.01% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.89%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.92%<sup>(4)(5)</sup> | 0.93%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.93%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | N/A | N/A | 0.93%<sup>(4)</sup> | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 3.21%<sup>(4)</sup> | 2.10%<sup>(4)</sup> | 2.22%<sup>(4)</sup> | 2.91%<sup>(4)</sup> | 2.87%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.02% | 0.01% | 0.02% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 272% | 399% | 296% | 231% | 220% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) Performance was positively impacted by approximately 0.10% due to the receipt of proceeds from the settlement of class action suit involving the Fund's past holdings. This was a one-time settlement, and as a result, the impact on the NAV and consequently the performance will not likely be repeated in the future. Had this settlement not occurred, the total return for Class II shares would have been approximately 10.51%.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Effective July 1, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 0.90% for Class II shares. Prior to July 1, 2021, the maximum ratio was 0.95% for Class II shares.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>18

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying financial statements relate to the Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio. The Fund seeks above-average total return over a market cycle of three to five years by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities. The Fund offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP 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:** (1) Fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (2) futures are valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which they trade or, if a settlement price is unavailable, at the last sale price on the exchange; (3) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser determines that the

closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (4) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (5) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** FASB ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** |
| Agency Adjustable Rate <br>Mortgage | $— | $10 | $— | $10 |
| Agency Fixed Rate <br>Mortgages |  | 14955 |  | 14955 |
| Asset-Backed Securities |  | 9137 |  | 9137 |
| Collateralized Mortgage <br>Obligations - Agency <br>Collateral Series |  | 144 |  | 144 |
| Commercial Mortgage-<br>Backed Securities |  | 9905 |  | 9905 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Fixed Income Securities (Cont'd)** | **Fixed Income Securities (Cont'd)** | **Fixed Income Securities (Cont'd)** | **Fixed Income Securities (Cont'd)** | **Fixed Income Securities (Cont'd)** |
| Corporate Bonds | $— | $21487 | $— | $21487 |
| Mortgages - Other |  | 18423 |  | 18423 |
| Municipal Bonds |  | 1288 |  | 1288 |
| Sovereign |  | 3099 |  | 3099 |
| Supranational |  | 300 |  | 300 |
| U.S. Treasury Securities |  | 3732 |  | 3732 |
| **Total Fixed Income <br>Securities** | **—** | **82480** | **—** | **82480** |
| **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** |
| Investment Company | 10218 |  |  | 10218 |
| U.S. Treasury Securities |  | 1273 |  | 1273 |
| **Total Short-Term <br>Investments** | **10218** | **1273** | **—** | **11491** |
| **Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts** |  | 47 |  | 47 |
| **Futures Contracts** | 75 |  |  | 75 |
| **Total Assets** | **10293** | **83800** | **—** | **94093** |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| **Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts** |  | (293) |  | (293) |
| **Futures Contracts** | (97) |  |  | (97) |
| **Credit Default <br>Swap Agreement** |  | (59) |  | (59) |
| **Total Liabilities** | **(97)** | **(352)** | **—** | **(449)** |
| **Total** | $**10196** | $**83448** | $**—** | $**93644** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

**3.** **Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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 securities held at period

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from sales and maturities of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**4. Derivatives:** The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio

management or to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying asset and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. All of the Fund's holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked-to-market each day with the change in value reflected in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund used during the period and their associated risks:

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also entered into contracts with banks, brokers/dealers to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract ("currency contract") is a negotiated agreement between

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Currency contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. To the extent hedged by the use of currency contracts, the precise matching of the currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Furthermore, such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. There is additional risk to the extent that currency contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. The use of currency contracts involves the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. A currency 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 (losses) when the currency contract is closed equal to the difference between the value of the currency contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

**Futures:** A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. During the period the futures contract is open, payments are received

from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value of the contract (the variation margin). A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time.

**Swaps:** The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. A swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for OTC swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. During the period swap agreements are open, payments are received from or made to the counterparty or clearing-house based on changes in the value of the contract or variation margin, respectively. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of certain standardized swap transactions. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing is occurring on a phased-in basis based on the type of market participant and U.S. Commodities

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") approval of contracts for central clearing and exchange trading.

The Fund's use of swaps during the period included those based on the credit of an underlying security commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap. Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by the issuer of the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event by the issuer of the referenced debt obligation. The use of credit default swaps could result in losses to the Fund if the Adviser fails to correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are estimated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable

broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value. The Fund's maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the swap agreement.

The current credit rating of each individual issuer is listed in the table following the Portfolio of Investments and serves as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk of the credit derivative. Alternatively, for credit default swaps on an index of credits, the quoted market prices and current values serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk of the credit derivative. Generally, lower credit ratings and increasing market values, in absolute terms, represent a deterioration of the credit and a greater likelihood of an adverse credit event of the issuer.

When the Fund has an unrealized loss on a swap agreement, the Fund has instructed the custodian to pledge cash or liquid securities as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the swap valuations fluctuate. If applicable, cash collateral is included with "Due from (to) Broker" in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Upfront payments paid or received by the Fund will be reflected as an asset or liability, respectively, in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

FASB ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund's financial position and results of operations.

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund's derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Asset Derivatives<br>Statement of Assets<br>and Liabilities <br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency <br>Forward <br>Exchange <br>Contracts | Unrealized Appreciation<br>on Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts | Currency Risk | $47 |
| Futures <br>Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Interest <br>Rate Risk | 75<br> (a) |
| Total |  |  | $122 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Liability Derivatives<br>Statement of Assets<br>and Liabilities <br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency <br>Forward<br>Exchange<br>Contracts | Unrealized Depreciation<br>on Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts | Currency Risk | $(293) |
| Futures<br>Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Interest<br>Rate Risk | (97)(a) |
| Swap<br>Agreement | Variation Margin on<br>Swap Agreement | Credit Risk | (59)(a) |
| Total |  |  | $(449) |

---

(a) This amount represents the cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities only reflects the current day's net variation margin.

The following tables set forth by primary risk exposure the Fund's realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by type of derivative contract for the year ended December 31, 2022 in accordance with ASC 815:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** |
| **<br>Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative<br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Foreign Currency Forward<br>Exchange Contracts | $615 |
| Interest Rate Risk | Futures Contracts | (2879) |
| Credit Risk | Swap Agreement | 29 |
| Total |  | $(2235) |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** |
| **<br>Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative<br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Foreign Currency Forward<br>Exchange Contracts | $(241) |
| Interest Rate Risk | Futures Contracts | (51) |
| Credit Risk | Swap Agreement | (59) |
| Total |  | $(351) |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund's derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **<br>Derivatives(b)** | **Assets(c)<br>(000)** | **Liabilities(c)<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency Forward <br>Exchange Contracts | $47 | $(293) |

---

(b) Excludes exchange-traded derivatives.

(c) Absent an event of default or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements ("ISDA

Master Agreements") or similar master agreements (collectively, "Master Agreements") with its contract counterparties for certain OTC derivatives in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain OTC derivative financial instruments' payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default, termination and/or potential deterioration in the credit quality of the counterparty. Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as swap, forward, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party and may be a feature in certain Master Agreements. In the event the Fund exercises its right to terminate a Master Agreement after a counterparty experiences a termination event as defined in the Master Agreement, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund's net liability may be delayed or denied.

The following tables present derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Asset <br>Derivatives<br>Presented in<br>the Statement<br>of Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Gross Asset <br>Derivatives<br>Presented in<br>the Statement<br>of Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| BNP Paribas SA | $— | @ | $(— | $— | $0 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 28 |  | (28 |  | 0 |
| Royal Bank of Canada | 16 |  |  |  | 16 |
| UBS AG | 3 |  | (3 |  | 0 |
| Total | $47 |  | $(31 | $— | $16 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Liability<br>Derivatives<br>Presented in<br>the Statement <br>of Assets and <br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Gross Liability<br>Derivatives<br>Presented in<br>the Statement <br>of Assets and <br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Pledged<br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| Bank of <br>America NA | $— | @ | $— | $— | $— | @ |
| Barclays Bank PLC | 28 |  |  |  | 28 |  |
| BNP Paribas SA | 12 |  | (— |  | 12 |  |
| Goldman sachs <br>International | 4 |  |  |  | 4 |  |
| HSBC Bank PLC | 150 |  |  |  | 150 |  |
| JPMorgan Chase <br>Bank NA | 45 |  | (28 |  | 17 |  |
| UBS AG | 54 |  | (3 |  | 51 |  |
| Total | $293 |  | $(31 | $— | $262 |  |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the approximate average monthly amount outstanding for each derivative type is as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** | **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** |
| Average monthly principal amount | $7673000 |
| **Futures Contracts:** | **Futures Contracts:** |
| Average monthly notional value | $30815000 |
| **Swap Agreements:** | **Swap Agreements:** |
| Average monthly notional amount | $771000 |

---

**5. When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities:** The Fund purchases and sells when-issued and delayed delivery securities. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis are purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield, and no income accrues to the Fund on such securities prior to delivery date. Payment and delivery for when-issued and delayed delivery securities can take place a month or more after the date of the transaction. When the Fund enters into a purchase transaction on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, securities are available for collateral in an amount at least equal in value to the Fund's commitments to purchase such securities. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may involve a risk that the market price at the time of delivery may be lower than the agreed upon purchase price, in which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery. Purchasing investments on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be considered a form of leverage which may increase the impact that gains (losses) may have on the Fund.

**6. Securities Lending:** The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Gross Asset <br>Amounts<br>Presented in the<br>Statement of <br>Assets and <br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Net Amount<br>(not less <br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| $717<br> (d) | $— | $(717)(e)(f) | $0 |

---

(d) Represents market value of loaned securities at year end.

(e) The Fund received cash collateral of approximately $347,000, which was subsequently invested in Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. In addition, the Fund received non-cash collateral of approximately $384,000 in the form of U.S. Government obligations, which the Fund cannot sell or repledge, and accordingly are not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments.

(f) The actual collateral received is greater than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

FASB ASC 860, "Transfers & Servicing: Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures", is intended to provide increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in securities lending transactions and other similar transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings.

The following table displays a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligations by class of collateral pledged and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** |
| | **Overnight and<br>Continuous<br>(000)** | **<30 days<br>(000)** | **Between<br>30 & <br>90 days<br>(000)** | **>90 days<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** |
| Corporate Bonds | $347 | $— | $— | $— | $347 |
| **Total Borrowings** | $**347** | $**—** | $**—** | $**—** | $**347** |
| **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | $**347** |

---

**7. Indemnifications:**The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**8. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

Settlement and registration of foreign securities transactions may be subject to significant risks not normally associated with investments in the United States. In certain markets, ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the issuer's share register. It is possible that a Fund holding these securities could lose its share registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. In addition, shares being delivered for sales and cash being paid for purchases may be delivered before the exchange is complete. This may subject the Fund to further risk of loss in the event of a failure to complete the transaction by the counterparty.

**9. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **First $1<br>billion** | **Over $1<br>billion** |
| 0.375% | 0.30% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.03% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.65% for Class I shares and 0.90% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $297,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $22,293,000 and $34,653,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities were approximately $214,407,000 and $205,670,000, respectively.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — Government Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $10,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value <br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales <br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $8555 | $70717 | $69054 | $139 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $10218 |

---

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $3240 | $1507 | $8540 | $2064 |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $3403 | $— |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term and long-term capital losses of approximately $3,155,000 and 3,555,000, respectively, that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the shareholders.

**J. Credit Facility:** The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 71.4%.

**L. Market Risk:**Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**M. LIBOR Discontinuance or Unavailability Risk:** LIBOR is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. The Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), which is the regulatory authority that oversees financial services firms, financial markets in the U.K. and the administrator of LIBOR, announced that, after the end of 2021, one-week and two-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR and all non-U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings have either ended or are no longer representative of the underlying market they seek to measure. The FCA also announced that the most commonly used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings, may continue to be provided on a representative basis until mid-2023. However, in connection with supervisory guidance from regulators, some regulated entities may no longer enter into most new LIBOR-based contracts. As a result of the foregoing, LIBOR may no longer be available or no longer deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on or impacting certain derivatives and other instruments or investments comprising some or all of the Fund's portfolio. In light of this eventuality, public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to establish new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of LIBOR. There is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of any such alternative reference rate will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that it will have the same volume or liquidity as did LIBOR prior to its discontinuance or unavailability, which may affect the value or liquidity or return on certain of the Fund's investments and result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades.

Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known. The transition process might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. While some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, there may be significant

uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments may have alternative rate-setting provisions and there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of issuers to add alternative rate-setting provisions in certain existing instruments. Although state and federal statutes have been enacted to address difficult LIBOR transition issues, the application and effect of these statutes are uncertain. In addition, a liquid market for newly-issued instruments that use a reference rate other than LIBOR is still developing. There may also be challenges for the Fund to enter into hedging transactions against such newly-issued instruments until a market for such hedging transactions develops. All of the aforementioned may adversely affect the Fund's investments (including their volatility, value and liquidity) and, as a result, the performance or NAV.

**N. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):** On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Core Plus Fixed Income Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316592_fa003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $1,507,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

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\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

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The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFCPFIANN<br>5435930 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j2316593_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Discovery Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Consolidated Portfolio of Investments | 5 |
| Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 8 |
| Consolidated Statement of Operations | 9 |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 10 |
| Consolidated Financial Highlights | 11 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 13 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 25 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 26 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 27 |
| Director and Officer Information | 28 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Expense Example (unaudited)

**Discovery Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Discovery Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending <br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Discovery Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $861.00 | $1020.47 | $4.41 | $4.79 | 0.94% |
| Discovery Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 860.90 | 1019.96 | 4.88 | 5.30 | 1.04 |

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\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Discovery Portfolio**

The Fund seeks long term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks and other equity securities.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –62.96%, net of fees, and –62.97%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the Russell Midcap<sup>®</sup> Growth Index (the "Index"), which returned –26.72%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Stubbornly high inflation, rapidly rising interest rates and moderating economic growth were significant headwinds to U.S. equity performance in 2022. The Russia-Ukraine war and China's widespread COVID-19 lockdowns worsened supply chain bottlenecks and drove food and energy prices higher. The U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks around the world responded with larger-than-normal interest rate increases to bring inflation down, compounding economic uncertainty and contributing to elevated volatility in stock and bond markets. While tightening financial conditions helped slow some segments of the economy and inflation appeared to be receding from peak levels, the jobs market remained resilient and inflation rates were still historically high at year-end, setting up expectations for additional interest rate hikes in 2023.

• Mid-cap growth equities, as measured by the Index, declined over the 12-month period. Outside of the energy sector's significant outperformance and a small positive return from utilities, all other Index sectors had negative performance in the year. Communication services, information technology and consumer discretionary were the bottom performing sectors.

• Counterpoint Global seeks high quality companies, which we define primarily as those with sustainable competitive advantages. We manage concentrated portfolios that are highly differentiated from the benchmark, with securities weighted on our assessment of the quality of the company and our conviction. The value added or detracted in any period of time will result from stock selection, given our philosophy and process.

• The long-term investment horizon and conviction-weighted investment approach embraced by the team since 1998 can result in periods of performance deviation from the benchmark and peers. The Fund underperformed the

Index in this reporting period due to unfavorable stock selection; sector allocations also detracted to a lesser extent.

• Fear and uncertainty due to concerns about inflation, rising interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing effects of the global pandemic continued to weigh on market sentiment, contributing to greater volatility and a continued aversion towards high growth equities. We believe this rotation away from high growth equities remains driven primarily by non-fundamental factors. Fundamentals across portfolio holdings have largely remained healthy and in line with our expectations. Despite market volatility, we continue to find many high quality companies with attractive end-game potential due to compelling fundamentals, strong balance sheets, and multiple competitive advantages. We believe today's market offers an attractive opportunity to buy unique companies with strong fundamentals that can be long-term winners over the next three to five years. While we have opportunistically added to some positions and initiated new ones, overall, we have made few changes as we remain confident in the long-term prospects for the businesses we own.

• Information technology was by far the top detractor in the portfolio this period, due to mixed stock selection. A technology company specializing in consumer buy-now-pay-later point of sale financing and payment processing, was the largest detractor within the sector and across the whole portfolio. Its shares languished due to concerns about a tougher funding environment and macroeconomic weakness resulting in potentially greater consumer delinquencies and loan losses.

• The portfolio's stock selection in and sector allocations to most other sectors detracted as well; stock selection in consumer discretionary, health care and financials, and an overweight to communication services were also among the largest detractors from relative results. Nearly all sectors detracted over the period; however, this was modestly offset by the positive impact of an average overweight in health care and average underweight in consumer discretionary. Utilities — a sector the portfolio has no exposure to — had a negligible impact on relative performance.

**Management Strategies**

• As a team, we believe having a market outlook can be an anchor. Our focus is on assessing company prospects over a five-year horizon, and owning a portfolio of unique companies whose market value we believe can increase significantly for underlying fundamental reasons.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Discovery Portfolio**

![](j2316593_ba002.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

**Performance Compared to the Russell Midcap<sup>®</sup> Growth Index<sup>(1)</sup>**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(5)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(3)</sup> | –62.96% | 5.20% | 7.96% | 6.26% |
| Russell Midcap<sup>®</sup> Growth Index | –26.72 | 7.64 | 11.41 | 7.91 |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(4)</sup> | –62.97 | 5.10 | 7.87 | 9.40 |
| Russell Midcap<sup>®</sup> Growth Index | –26.72 | 7.64 | 11.41 | 10.54 |

---

***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The Russell Midcap<sup>®</sup> Growth Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap<sup>®</sup> Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap<sup>®</sup> Index is a subset of the Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Index and includes approximately 800 of the smallest securities in the Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Index, which in turn consists of approximately 1,000 of the largest U.S. securities based on a combination of market capitalization and current index membership. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(2)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(3)</sup> Commenced operations on October 18, 1999.

<sup>(4)</sup> Commenced offering on May 5, 2003.

<sup>(5)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Index refers to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

**Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (94.9%)** | **Common Stocks (94.9%)** | **Common Stocks (94.9%)** |
| **Biotechnology (0.8%)** | **Biotechnology (0.8%)** | **Biotechnology (0.8%)** |
| Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | 13526 | $472 |
| ProKidney Corp. (a) | 79084 | 542 |
|  |  | 1014 |
| **Chemicals (0.4%)** | **Chemicals (0.4%)** | **Chemicals (0.4%)** |
| Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (a) | 278871 | 471 |
| **Commercial Services & Supplies (0.1%)** | **Commercial Services & Supplies (0.1%)** | **Commercial Services & Supplies (0.1%)** |
| Aurora Innovation, Inc. (a) | 129934 | 157 |
| **Consumer Finance (0.5%)** | **Consumer Finance (0.5%)** | **Consumer Finance (0.5%)** |
| Upstart Holdings, Inc. (a)(b) | 48161 | 637 |
| **Entertainment (4.5%)** | **Entertainment (4.5%)** | **Entertainment (4.5%)** |
| ROBLOX Corp., Class A (a) | 192414 | 5476 |
| **Health Care Providers & Services (7.1%)** | **Health Care Providers & Services (7.1%)** | **Health Care Providers & Services (7.1%)** |
| Agilon Health, Inc. (a) | 486061 | 7845 |
| Guardant Health, Inc. (a) | 29849 | 812 |
|  |  | 8657 |
| **Health Care Technology (5.7%)** | **Health Care Technology (5.7%)** | **Health Care Technology (5.7%)** |
| Doximity, Inc., Class A (a) | 205707 | 6904 |
| **Information Technology Services (23.1%)** | **Information Technology Services (23.1%)** | **Information Technology Services (23.1%)** |
| Adyen NV (Netherlands) (a) | 5297 | 7353 |
| Affirm Holdings, Inc. (a) | 263694 | 2550 |
| Cloudflare, Inc., Class A (a) | 172869 | 7815 |
| Shopify, Inc., Class A (Canada) (a) | 63200 | 2194 |
| Snowflake, Inc., Class A (a) | 57529 | 8258 |
|  |  | 28170 |
| **Interactive Media & Services (4.5%)** | **Interactive Media & Services (4.5%)** | **Interactive Media & Services (4.5%)** |
| ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc., Class A (a) | 183645 | 5530 |
| **Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (14.4%)** | **Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (14.4%)** | **Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (14.4%)** |
| Chewy, Inc., Class A (a) | 145505 | 5395 |
| Coupang, Inc. (a) | 199556 | 2936 |
| DoorDash, Inc., Class A (a) | 112354 | 5485 |
| Global-e Online Ltd. (Israel) (a) | 123679 | 2553 |
| Wayfair, Inc., Class A (a) | 35495 | 1167 |
|  |  | 17536 |
| **Leisure Products (1.6%)** | **Leisure Products (1.6%)** | **Leisure Products (1.6%)** |
| Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A (a) | 242392 | 1925 |
| **Life Sciences Tools & Services (3.2%)** | **Life Sciences Tools & Services (3.2%)** | **Life Sciences Tools & Services (3.2%)** |
| 10X Genomics, Inc., Class A (a) | 58761 | 2141 |
| Illumina, Inc. (a) | 8561 | 1731 |
|  |  | 3872 |
| **Media (6.1%)** | **Media (6.1%)** | **Media (6.1%)** |
| Trade Desk, Inc., Class A (a) | 166733 | 7475 |
| **Pharmaceuticals (7.2%)** | **Pharmaceuticals (7.2%)** | **Pharmaceuticals (7.2%)** |
| Royalty Pharma PLC, Class A (United Kingdom) | 222569 | 8796 |
| **Road & Rail (2.1%)** | **Road & Rail (2.1%)** | **Road & Rail (2.1%)** |
| Grab Holdings Ltd., Class A (Singapore) (a) | 788239 | 2538 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Software (13.3%)** | **Software (13.3%)** | **Software (13.3%)** |
| Bill.Com Holdings, Inc. (a) | 58027 | $6323 |
| Datadog, Inc., Class A (a) | 79685 | 5857 |
| Gitlab, Inc., Class A (a) | 45218 | 2055 |
| MicroStrategy, Inc., Class A (a)(b) | 2554 | 361 |
| Samsara, Inc., Class A (a) | 124865 | 1552 |
|  |  | 16148 |
| **Specialty Retail (0.3%)** | **Specialty Retail (0.3%)** | **Specialty Retail (0.3%)** |
| Carvana Co. (a) | 81123 | 384 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $209,073)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $209,073)** | 115690 |
| **Preferred Stock (1.6%)** | **Preferred Stock (1.6%)** | **Preferred Stock (1.6%)** |
| **Software (1.6%)** | **Software (1.6%)** | **Software (1.6%)** |
| Databricks, Inc., Series H (a)(c)(d) (acquisition <br>cost — $2,666; acquired 8/31/21) | 36279 | 1996 |
| **Investment Company (0.6%)** | **Investment Company (0.6%)** | **Investment Company (0.6%)** |
| Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (a) **(Cost $3,877)** | 87968 | 729 |
|  | **No. of<br>Warrants** |  |
| **Warrant (0.0%) (e)** | **Warrant (0.0%) (e)** | **Warrant (0.0%) (e)** |
| **Chemicals (0.0%) (e)** | **Chemicals (0.0%) (e)** | **Chemicals (0.0%) (e)** |
| Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. <br>expires 12/31/27 (a) **(Cost $55)** | 16415 | 3 |
|  | **Shares** |  |
| **Short-Term Investments (3.9%)** | **Short-Term Investments (3.9%)** | **Short-Term Investments (3.9%)** |
| **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.8%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.8%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.8%)** |
| **Investment Company (0.7%)** | **Investment Company (0.7%)** | **Investment Company (0.7%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — <br>Treasury Securities Portfolio — Institutional <br>Class (See Note H) | 848924 | 849 |
|  | **Face Amount<br>(000)** |  |
| **Repurchase Agreements (0.1%)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.1%)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.1%)** |
| HSBC Securities USA, Inc., (4.27%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $79; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 4.38% due 5/15/41; <br>valued at $80) | $79 | 79 |
| Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., (4.25%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $79; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 1.50% due 2/15/25; <br>valued at $80) | 79 | 79 |
|  |  | 158 |
| **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $1,007)** | **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $1,007)** | 1007 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>5

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Company (3.1%)** | **Investment Company (3.1%)** | **Investment Company (3.1%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Treasury Securities Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) <br>**(Cost $3,722)** | 3722212 | $3722 |
| **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $4,729)** | **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $4,729)** | 4729 |
| **Total Investments Excluding Purchased <br>Options (101.0%) (Cost $220,400)** |  | 123147 |
| **Total Purchased Options Outstanding (0.2%) <br>(Cost $342)** | **Total Purchased Options Outstanding (0.2%) <br>(Cost $342)** | 218 |
| **Total Investments (101.2%) <br>(Cost $220,742) Including $998 of <br>Securities Loaned** (f)(g)(h) | **Total Investments (101.2%) <br>(Cost $220,742) Including $998 of <br>Securities Loaned** (f)(g)(h) | 123365 |
| **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–1.2%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–1.2%)** | (1438) |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $121927 |

---

(a) Non-income producing security.

(b) All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2022.

(c) Security cannot be offered for public resale without first being registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and related rules ("restricted security"). Acquisition date represents the day on which an enforceable right to acquire such security is obtained and is presented along with related cost in the security description. The Fund has registration rights for certain restricted securities. Any costs related to such registration are borne by the issuer. The aggregate value of restricted securities (excluding 144A holdings) at December 31, 2022 amounts to $1,996,000 and represents 1.6% of net assets.

(d) At December 31, 2022, the Fund held a fair valued security at approximately $1,996,000, representing 1.6% of net assets. This security has been fair valued as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company's (as defined herein) Directors.

(e) Amount is less than 0.05%.

(f) The approximate fair value and percentage of net assets, $7,353,000 and 6.0%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A-1 within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(g) Securities are available for collateral in connection with purchased options.

(h) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $225,590,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $4,405,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $106,609,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $102,204,000.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>6

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Discovery Portfolio**

**Call Options Purchased:**

The Fund had the following call options purchased open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Counterparty** | **Description** | **Strike<br>Price** | **Expiration<br>Date** | **Number of<br>Contracts** | **Notional <br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Premiums<br>Paid<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation<br>(000)** |
| Goldman Sachs International | USD/CNH CNH | 7.87 | Oct-23 | 291150 | $291 | $1 | $2 | $(1) |
| JP Morgan Chase Bank NA | USD/CNH CNH | 7.53 | Jul-23 | 34360212 | 34360 | 99 | 170 | (71) |
| Standard Chartered Bank | USD/CNH CNH | 7.57 | Aug-23 | 38083157 | 38083 | 118 | 170 | (52) |
|  |  |  |  |  |  | $218 | $342 | $(124) |

---

CNH — Chinese Yuan Renminbi Offshore

USD — United States Dollar

**Portfolio Composition\***

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Information Technology Services | 23.1% |
| Others\*\* | 21.7 |
| Software | 14.8 |
| Internet & Direct Marketing Retail | 14.4 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 7.2 |
| Health Care Providers & Services | 7.1 |
| Media | 6.1 |
| Health Care Technology | 5.6 |
| Total Investments | 100.0% |

---

\* Percentages indicated are based upon total investments (excluding Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities) as of December 31, 2022.

\*\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>7

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value<sup>(1)</sup> (Cost $216,171) | $118794 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $4,571) | 4571 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $220,742) | 123365 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $1) | 1 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 648 |
| Receivable from Securities Lending Income | 51 |
| Receivable for Investments Sold | 42 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 12 |
| Other Assets | 15 |
| Total Assets | 124134 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Collateral on Securities Loaned, at Value | 1007 |
| Due to Broker | 650 |
| Payable for Investments Purchased | 226 |
| Payable for Advisory Fees | 140 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 75 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 38 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 12 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 9 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 9 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 6 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 2 |
| Other Liabilities | 33 |
| Total Liabilities | 2207 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $121927 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $318203 |
| Total Accumulated Loss | (196276) |
| **Net Assets** | $121927 |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $22330 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 7,031,517 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $3.18 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $99597 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 35,505,749 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $2.81 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** |
| Securities on Loan, at Value: | $998 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | $233 |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers | 167 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 65 |
| Total Investment Income | 465 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 1352 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 370 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 277 |
| Professional Fees | 171 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 144 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 75 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 11 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 10 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 7 |
| Pricing Fees | 4 |
| Other Expenses | 23 |
| Total Expenses | 2444 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (361 |
| Waiver of Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | (222 |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (10 |
| Net Expenses | 1851 |
| **Net Investment Loss** | (1386 |
| **Realized Gain (Loss):** | **Realized Gain (Loss):** |
| Investments Sold | (97683 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | 3 |
| Net Realized Loss | (97680 |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments | (104558 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (— |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (104558 |
| **Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (202238 |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(203624 |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, <br>2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Loss | $(1386) | $(3379) |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (97680) | 87816 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (104558) | (124504) |
| Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (203624) | (40067) |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (13903) | (23695) |
| Class II | (69217) | (124612) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (83120) | (148307) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 23666 | 19984 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 13903 | 23695 |
| Redeemed | (21791) | (25575) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 21019 | 32347 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 69217 | 124612 |
| Redeemed | (20660) | (64212) |
| Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | 85354 | 110851 |
| Total Decrease in Net Assets | (201390) | (77523) |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 323317 | 400840 |
| End of Period | $121927 | $323317 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 3170 | 837 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 3433 | 1162 |
| Shares Redeemed | (2867) | (1019) |
| Net Increase in Class I Shares Outstanding | 3736 | 980 |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 3325 | 1279 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 19334 | 6487 |
| Shares Redeemed | (3806) | (2819) |
| Net Increase in Class II Shares Outstanding | 18853 | 4947 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Financial Highlights

**Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2019<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2018<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $17.04 | $29.50 | $13.05 | $10.71 | $12.10 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Loss<sup>(2)</sup> | (0.04) | (0.19) | (0.17) | (0.07) | (0.08) |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (9.83) | (1.27) | 18.96 | 4.45 | 1.69 |
| Total from Investment Operations | (9.87) | (1.46) | 18.79 | 4.38 | 1.61 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Realized Gain | (3.99) | (11.00) | (2.34) | (2.04) | (3.00) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $3.18 | $17.04 | $29.50 | $13.05 | $10.71 |
| **Total Return<sup>(3)</sup>** | (62.96)% | (11.06)% | 152.30% | 40.11% | 10.65% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $22330 | $56135 | $68299 | $30739 | $27630 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.15% | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.15% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.95%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.95%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.94%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | N/A | 0.95%<sup>(4)</sup> | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.68)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.78)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.86)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.49)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.59)%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 49% | 95% | 112% | 101% | 89% |

---

(1) Not consolidated.

(2) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(3) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Financial Highlights

**Discovery Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2019<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2018<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $16.04 | $28.41 | $12.63 | $10.42 | $11.85 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Loss<sup>(2)</sup> | (0.04) | (0.20) | (0.18) | (0.08) | (0.09) |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (9.20) | (1.17) | 18.30 | 4.33 | 1.66 |
| Total from Investment Operations | (9.24) | (1.37) | 18.12 | 4.25 | 1.57 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Realized Gain | (3.99) | (11.00) | (2.34) | (2.04) | (3.00) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $2.81 | $16.04 | $28.41 | $12.63 | $10.42 |
| **Total Return<sup>(3)</sup>** | (62.97)% | (11.19)% | 152.04% | 39.97% | 10.53% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $99597 | $267182 | $332541 | $133224 | $100030 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.40% | 1.31% | 1.33% | 1.36% | 1.40% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup> | 1.05%<sup>(4)</sup> | 1.05%<sup>(4)</sup> | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup> | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | N/A | 1.05%<sup>(4)</sup> | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.78)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.88)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.96)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.59)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.69)%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 49% | 95% | 112% | 101% | 89% |

---

(1) Not consolidated.

(2) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(3) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>12

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements relate to the Discovery Portfolio. The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks and other equity securities. The Fund offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights. Effective April 5, 2021, the Fund suspended offering of Class I and Class II shares to new investors. On March 15, 2022, the Fund recommenced offering Class I and Class II shares to new investors.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:**The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. GAAP may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands, VIF Discovery Cayman Portfolio, Ltd. (the "Subsidiary"). The Subsidiary may invest in bitcoin indirectly through cash settled futures or indirectly through investments in Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC) ("GBTC"), a privately offered investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The consolidated portfolio of investments and consolidated financial statements include the positions and accounts of the Fund and the Subsidiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions of the Fund and the Subsidiary have been eliminated in consolidation and all accounting policies of the Subsidiary are consistent with those of the Fund. As of December 31, 2022, the Subsidiary represented approximately $908,000 or approximately 0.74% of the total net assets of the Fund.

Investments in the Subsidiary are expected to provide the Fund with exposure to bitcoin within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and recent Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") revenue rulings, which require that a mutual fund receive no more than ten percent of its gross income from such investments in order to receive favorable tax treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC"). Tax treatment of the income received from the Subsidiary may potentially be affected by changes in legislation, regulations or other legally binding authority, which could affect the character, timing and amount of the Fund's taxable income and distributions. If such changes occur, the Fund may need to significantly change its investment strategy and recognize unrealized gains in order to remain qualified for taxation as a RIC, which could adversely affect the Fund.

In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions ("ASU 2022-03"), which clarifies the guidance in ASC Topic No. 820 on the fair value measurement of an equity security that is subject to a contractual sale restriction and introduces new disclosures related to such equity security. ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual sale restriction prohibiting the sale of an equity security is a characteristic of the reporting entity holding the equity security and is not included in the equity security's unit of account. Accordingly, an entity should not consider the contractual sale restriction when measuring the equity security's fair value (i.e., the entity should not apply a discount related to the contractual sale restriction, as stated in ASC 820-10-35-36B as amended by ASU 2022-03). In addition, ASU 2022-03 prohibits an entity from recognizing a contractual sale restriction as a separate unit of account. The new guidance is effective for public companies with annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods in the following year, with early adoption permitted. At this time, management is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2022-03.

**1. Security Valuation:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) listed options are valued at the last reported sales price on the exchange on which they are listed (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price). If an official closing price or last reported sales price is unavailable, the listed option should be fair valued at the mean between its latest bid and ask prices. Unlisted options are valued at the mean between their latest bid and ask prices from a broker/dealer or valued by a pricing service/vendor; (4) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (5) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (6) Private Investment in Public Equity ("PIPE") investments may be valued based on the underlying stock price less a discount until the commitment is fulfilled and shares are registered; and (7) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** FASB ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Biotechnology | $1014 | $— | $— | $1014 |
| Chemicals | 471 |  |  | 471 |
| Commercial Services & <br>Supplies | 157 |  |  | 157 |
| Consumer Finance | 637 |  |  | 637 |
| Entertainment | 5476 |  |  | 5476 |
| Health Care Providers & <br>Services | 8657 |  |  | 8657 |
| Health Care Technology | 6904 |  |  | 6904 |
| Information Technology <br>Services | 20817 | 7353 |  | 28170 |
| Interactive Media & <br>Services | 5530 |  |  | 5530 |
| Internet & Direct <br>Marketing Retail | 17536 |  |  | 17536 |
| Leisure Products | 1925 |  |  | 1925 |
| Life Sciences Tools & <br>Services | 3872 |  |  | 3872 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** |
| Media | $7475 | $— | $— | $7475 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 8796 |  |  | 8796 |
| Road & Rail | 2538 |  |  | 2538 |
| Software | 16148 |  |  | 16148 |
| Specialty Retail | 384 |  |  | 384 |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **108337** | **7353** | **—** | **115690** |
| **Preferred Stock** | **Preferred Stock** | **Preferred Stock** | **Preferred Stock** | **Preferred Stock** |
| Software |  |  | 1996 | 1996 |
| **Investment Company** | 729 |  |  | 729 |
| **Warrant** | 3 |  |  | 3 |
| **Call Options Purchased** |  | 218 |  | 218 |
| **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** |
| Investment Company | 4571 |  |  | 4571 |
| Repurchase Agreements |  | 158 |  | 158 |
| **Total Short-Term <br>Investments** | **4571** | **158** | **—** | **4729** |
| **Total Assets** | $**113640** | $**7729** | $**1996** | $**123365** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Preferred<br>Stock<br>(000)** |
| **Beginning Balance** | $2729 |
| Purchases |  |
| Sales |  |
| Amortization of discount |  |
| Transfers in |  |
| Transfers out |  |
| Corporate actions |  |
| Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (733) |
| Realized gains (losses) |  |
| **Ending Balance** | $1996 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from <br>investments still held as of December 31, 2022 | $(733) |

---

The following table presents additional information about valuation techniques and inputs used for investments that are measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 as of December 31, 2022. Various valuation techniques were used in the valuation of certain investments and weighted based on the level of

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

significance. The Fund calculated the weighted averages of the unobservable inputs relative to each investment's fair value as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fair Value at<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Valuation Technique** | **Unobservable Input** | **Amount\*** | **Amount\*** | **Impact to<br>Valuation from an<br>Increase in Input\*\*** |
| Preferred Stock | $1996 | Discounted Cash Flow | Weighted Average<br>Cost of Capital | 14.0 | % | Decrease |
|  |  |  | Perpetual Growth Rate | 3.5 | % | Increase |
|  |  | Market Comparable <br>Companies | Enterprise Value/<br>Revenue | 12.8 | x | Increase |
|  |  |  | Discount for Lack of <br>Marketability | 15.0 | % | Decrease |

---

\* Amount is indicative of the weighted average.

\*\* Represents the expected directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase in the corresponding input. A decrease to the unobservable input would have the opposite effect. Significant changes in these inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.

**3. Repurchase Agreements:**The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which the Fund lends 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 which are held as 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 that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest as earned. If such a decrease occurs, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, will be added to the account to maintain full collateralization. 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 of the collateral proceeds may be subject to cost and delays. The Fund, along with other affiliated investment companies, may utilize a joint trading account for the purpose of entering into repurchase agreements.

**4. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:**The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**5. Derivatives:** The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying asset and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. All of the Fund's

holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked-to-market each day with the change in value reflected in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund used during the period and their associated risks:

**Options:** With respect to options, the Fund is subject to equity risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument or foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. The Fund may purchase and/or sell put and call options. Purchasing call options tends to increase the Fund's exposure to the underlying (or similar) instrument. Purchasing put options tends to decrease the Fund's exposure to the underlying (or similar) instrument. When entering into purchased option contracts, the Fund bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the purchased option contracts; however the risk of loss is limited to the premium paid. Purchased options are reported as part of "Total Investments in Securities" in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expired are treated as realized losses. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another party the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument or foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

**Private Investment in Public Equity:**The Fund may acquire equity securities of an issuer that are issued through a private investment in public equity transaction, including on a when-issued basis. PIPE transactions typically involve the purchase of securities directly from a publicly traded company or its affiliates in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's securities. The Fund's PIPE investment represents an unfunded subscription agreement in a private investment in public equity.

As of December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any open PIPE contract.

FASB ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund's financial position and results of operations.

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund's derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Asset Derivatives<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of Assets <br>and Liabilities <br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Purchased Options | Investments, at Value<br>(Purchased Options) | Currency Risk | $218<br> (a) |

---

(a) Amounts are included in Investments in Securities in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following tables set forth by primary risk exposure the Fund's realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by type of derivative contract for the year ended December 31, 2022 in accordance with ASC 815:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative<br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Investments<br>(Purchased Options) | $(1749)(b) |

---

(b) Amounts are included in Realized Loss on Investments Sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative<br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Investments<br>(Purchased Options) | $1398<br> (c) |

---

(c) Amounts are included in Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund's derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Derivatives** | **Assets(d)<br>(000)** | **Liabilities(d)<br>(000)** |
| Purchased Options | $218<br> (a) | $— |

---

(a) Amounts are included in Investments in Securities in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(d) Absent an event of default or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements ("ISDA Master Agreements") or similar master agreements (collectively, "Master Agreements") with its contract counterparties for certain OTC derivatives in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain OTC derivative financial instruments' payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default, termination and/or potential deterioration in the credit quality of the counterparty. Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as swap, forward, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party and may be a feature in certain Master Agreements. In the event the Fund exercises its right to terminate a Master Agreement after a counterparty experiences a termination event as defined in the Master

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

Agreement, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund's net liability may be delayed or denied.

The following table presents derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Asset<br>Derivatives<br>Presented<br>in the<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of<br>Assets and <br>Liabilities(a)<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received(e)<br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less <br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| Goldman Sachs <br>International | $1 | $— | $(1) | $0 |
| JP Morgan <br>Chase Bank | 99 |  | (99) | 0 |
| Standard <br>Chartered <br>Bank | 118 |  | (118) | 0 |
| Total | $218 | $— | $(218) | $0 |

---

(a) Amounts are included in Investments in Securities in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(e) In some instances, the actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the approximate average monthly amount outstanding for each derivative type is as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Purchased Options:** | **Purchased Options:** |
| Average monthly notional amount | 190459000 |
| **Derivative Contract — PIPE:** | **Derivative Contract — PIPE:** |
| Average monthly notional amount | $395000 |

---

**6. Securities Lending:** The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Consolidated Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Gross Asset<br>Amounts<br>Presented<br>in the<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of <br>Assets and <br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Net Amount<br>(not less <br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| $998<br> (f) | $— | $(998)(g)(h) | $0 |

---

(f) Represents market value of loaned securities at year end.

(g) The Fund received cash collateral of approximately $1,007,000, which was subsequently invested in Repurchase Agreements and Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds as reported in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

(h) The actual collateral received is greater than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

FASB ASC 860, "Transfers & Servicing: Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures", is intended to provide increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in securities lending transactions and other similar transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

The following table displays a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligations by class of collateral pledged and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** |
| | **Overnight and<br>Continuous<br>(000)** | **<30 days<br>(000)** | **Between<br>30 & <br>90 days<br>(000)** | **>90 days<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** |
| Common Stocks | $1007 | $— | $— | $— | $1007 |
| **Total Borrowings** | $**1007** | $**—** | $**—** | $**—** | $**1007** |
| **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | $**1007** |

---

**7. Restricted Securities:** The Fund invests in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities. The term "restricted securities" refers to securities that are unregistered or are held by control persons of the issuer and securities that are subject to contractual restrictions on their resale. As a result, restricted securities may be more difficult to value and the Fund may have difficulty disposing of such assets either in a timely manner or for a reasonable price. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered so that the Fund can sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and the acquirer of the securities. The Fund would, in either case, bear market risks during that period.

Restricted securities are identified in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

**8. Indemnifications:**The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**9. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such

dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

**10. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:**Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **First $500<br>million** | **Next $500<br>million** | **Over $1<br>billion** |
| 0.75% | 0.70% | 0.65% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.54% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.95% for Class I shares and 1.05% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $361,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Subsidiary pursuant to the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement (the "Agreement"). Under the Agreement, the Subsidiary will pay the Adviser at the end of each fiscal quarter, calculated by applying a quarterly rate, based on the annual rate of 0.05%, to the average daily net assets of the Subsidiary.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

The Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fees by the amount of advisory fees it receives from the Subsidiary.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.15% of the 0.25% distribution fee that it may receive. This fee waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, this waiver amounted to approximately $222,000.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:**The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $106,588,000 and $86,579,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds -Treasury Securities Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $10,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value <br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales <br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $24583 | $47844 | $67856 | $65 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain(Loss) <br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31, <br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $4571 |

---

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a RIC and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the consolidated financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for consolidated financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the consolidated financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $5485 | $77635 | $32577 | $115730 |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regula-

tions which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

Permanent differences, primarily due to a net operating loss, resulted in the following reclassifications among the components of net assets at December 31, 2022:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Total<br>Accumulated<br>Loss<br>(000)** | **Paid-in-<br>Capital<br>(000)** |
| $3131 | $(3131) |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had no distributable earnings on a tax basis.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term and long-term capital losses of approximately $39,808,000 and 54,246,000, respectively, that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the shareholders.

**J. Credit Facility:**The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 80.1%.

**L. Market Risk and Risks Relating to Certain Financial Instruments:**

**Bitcoin:** The Fund may have exposure to cryptocurrencies indirectly through investments in GBTC, a privately offered investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as "virtual currencies" and "digital currencies") are digital assets designed to act as a medium of exchange. Although cryptocurrency is an emerging asset class, there are

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

thousands of cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin. Cryptocurrency facilitates decentralized, peer-to-peer financial exchange and value storage that is used like money, without the oversight of a central authority or banks. The value of cryptocurrency is not backed by any government, corporation, or other identified body. Similar to fiat currencies (i.e., a currency that is backed by a central bank or a national, supra-national or quasi-national organization), cryptocurrencies are susceptible to theft, loss and destruction. For example, the bitcoin held by GBTC (and the Fund's indirect exposure to such bitcoin) is also susceptible to these risks. The value of the GBTC investments in cryptocurrency is subject to fluctuations in the value of the cryptocurrency, which have been and may in the future be highly volatile. The value of cryptocurrencies is determined by the supply and demand for cryptocurrency in the global market for the trading of cryptocurrency, which consists primarily of transactions on electronic exchanges. The price of bitcoin could drop precipitously (including to zero) for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, a crisis of confidence, flaw or operational issue in the bitcoin network or a change in user preference to competing cryptocurrencies. The GBTC exposure to cryptocurrency could result in substantial losses to the Fund.

**Market:**Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19

and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPAC"):**The Fund may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of SPACs or similar special purpose entities. A SPAC is typically a publicly traded company that raises investment capital via an initial public offering ("IPO") for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein) via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. The Fund may acquire an interest in a SPAC in an IPO or a secondary market transaction.

Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash. To the extent the SPAC is invested in cash or similar securities, this may negatively affect the Fund's performance. Because SPACs and similar entities are in essence blank check companies without operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Fund invests will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. In addition, these securities, which are typically traded in the over-the-counter market, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.

Other risks of investing in SPACs include that a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target transaction; an attractive transaction may not be identified at all (or any requisite approvals may not be obtained) and the SPAC may dissolve and be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders, causing the Fund to incur the opportunity cost of missed investment opportunities the Fund otherwise could have benefited from; a transaction once identified or effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by the Fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; and an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC. In addition, a

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

SPAC target company may have limited operating experience, a smaller size, limited product lines, markets, distribution channels and financial and managerial resources. Investing in the securities of smaller companies involves greater risk, and portfolio price volatility.

**Private Investment in Public Equity:** The Fund may acquire equity securities of an issuer that are issued through a PIPE transaction, including on a when-issued basis. The Fund will generally earmark an amount of cash or high quality securities equal (on a daily mark to market basis) to the amount of its commitment to purchase the when-issued securities. PIPE transactions typically involve the purchase of securities directly from a publicly traded company or its affiliates in a private placement transaction, including through a SPAC, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's securities. There is a risk that if the market price of the securities drops below a set threshold, the company may have to issue additional stock at a significantly reduced price, which may dilute the value of the Fund's investment. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):**On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Discovery Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Discovery Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316593_fa003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $77,635,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |

---

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship; Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE <br>Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

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The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFMCGANN<br>5435887 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j2316594_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Portfolio of Investments | 5 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 13 |
| Statement of Operations | 14 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 15 |
| Financial Highlights | 16 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 18 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 29 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 30 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 31 |
| Director and Officer Information | 32 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Expense Example (unaudited)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending <br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $1039.20 | $1019.66 | $5.65 | $5.60 | 1.10% |
| Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 1038.90 | 1019.41 | 5.91 | 5.85 | 1.15 |

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\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

The Fund seeks high total return by investing primarily in fixed income securities of government and government related issuers and, to a lesser extent, of corporate issuers in emerging market countries.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –18.74%, net of fees, and –18.81%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index (the "Index"), which returned –17.78%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Emerging markets (EM) debt assets posted negative returns over the one-year period ended December 31, 2022 (as measured by the Index). Credit spreads widened for most of the period due to uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment. Spreads began to tighten in the last few months of the year as growth expectations for EM generally increased, fundamentals improved and inflation appeared to have peaked in many EM countries.

• In the 12-month period, bonds from countries in the Middle East and Latin America led the way, while those from Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe lagged the Index. In particular, bonds from Turkey, Oman and Bahrain outperformed the Index the most, while bonds from Ukraine, Ghana and Pakistan lagged.

• For the Fund, overweight positions in Iraq, Venezuela and Benin added to relative performance in the year overall. Security selection was additive to relative returns, particularly in Russia, Sri Lanka and Belarus. Conversely, overall positioning in Sri Lanka (despite favorable security selection) and Zambia detracted from relative performance, as did security selection in Ukraine and Mexico.

• Derivatives did not have a major impact on performance and were primarily used to adjust duration exposure via U.S. and German bond futures, and to adjust currency exposure in the select instances where the Fund took non-U.S. dollar exposure.

**Management Strategies**

• Following the strong rally to close out the year, we believe there is additional value to be gained from EM debt in 2023. While commodity prices are off their recent highs, potentially supporting lower inflation, they are still high relative to the past decade and should also continue to support commodity export countries. Fundamentals continue to improve, technicals are turning positive and valuations remain compelling, in our view. China's move away from a zero-COVID policy and its announcement of substantial support for the property sector will likely support growth and likely flow through to the broader EM debt market. We continue to place emphasis on differentiation among countries and credits and evaluate all opportunities from the bottom up.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

![](j2316594_ba002.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

**Performance Compared to the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index<sup>(1)</sup> and the Emerging Markets Debt Blended Index<sup>(2)</sup>**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(6)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(4)</sup> | –18.74% | –2.23% | 0.06% | 5.14% |
| J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets<br>Bond Global Diversified Index | –17.78 | –1.31 | 1.59 | 6.63 |
| Emerging Markets Debt Blended <br>Index | –17.78 | –1.49 | 1.10 | 6.38 |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(5)</sup> | –18.81 | –2.27 | 0.02 | 5.37 |
| J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets <br>Bond Global Diversified Index | –17.78 | –1.31 | 1.59 | 6.21 |
| Emerging Markets Debt Blended <br>Index | –17.78 | –1.49 | 1.10 | 6.22 |

---

***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady Bonds, loans, Eurobonds and local market instruments for emerging market countries but limits the weights of countries with larger debt stocks by only including a specified portion of these countries' eligible current face amounts of debt outstanding. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(2)</sup> The Emerging Markets Debts Blended Index is a performance linked benchmark of old and new benchmark of the Fund. Old benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Index (benchmark that tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities) from the Fund's inception to December 31, 2019 and the new benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index for periods thereafter. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(3)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(4)</sup> Commenced operations on June 16, 1997.

<sup>(5)</sup> Commenced offering on December 19, 2002.

<sup>(6)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Index refers to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Fixed Income Securities (89.4%)** | **Fixed Income Securities (89.4%)** | **Fixed Income Securities (89.4%)** |
| **Albania (0.1%)** | **Albania (0.1%)** | **Albania (0.1%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.1%)** | **Sovereign (0.1%)** | **Sovereign (0.1%)** |
| Albania Government International Bond,<br>3.50%, 10/9/25 | 109 | $109 |
| **Angola (0.7%)** | **Angola (0.7%)** | **Angola (0.7%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** |
| Angolan Government International Bond,<br>8.00%, 11/26/29 | $495 | 436 |
| 8.00%, 11/26/29 (a) | 300 | 264 |
|  |  | 700 |
| **Argentina (0.8%)** | **Argentina (0.8%)** | **Argentina (0.8%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.8%)** | **Sovereign (0.8%)** | **Sovereign (0.8%)** |
| Argentine Republic Government <br>International Bond,<br>3.50%, 7/9/41 (b) | 890 | 253 |
| Province of Salta,<br>8.50%, 12/1/27 | 108 | 76 |
| Provincia de Cordoba,<br>6.88%, 12/10/25 | 645 | 523 |
|  |  | 852 |
| **Armenia (0.6%)** | **Armenia (0.6%)** | **Armenia (0.6%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** |
| Ardshinbank CJSC Via Dilijan Finance BV,<br>6.50%, 1/28/25 | 460 | 439 |
| **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** |
| Republic of Armenia International Bond,<br>3.60%, 2/2/31 | 250 | 200 |
|  |  | 639 |
| **Azerbaijan (0.4%)** | **Azerbaijan (0.4%)** | **Azerbaijan (0.4%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** |
| Republic of Azerbaijan International Bond,<br>3.50%, 9/1/32 | 550 | 460 |
| **Bahrain (0.9%)** | **Bahrain (0.9%)** | **Bahrain (0.9%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.9%)** | **Sovereign (0.9%)** | **Sovereign (0.9%)** |
| Bahrain Government International Bond,<br>7.50%, 9/20/47 | 1020 | 920 |
| **Barbados (1.5%)** | **Barbados (1.5%)** | **Barbados (1.5%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.5%)** | **Sovereign (1.5%)** | **Sovereign (1.5%)** |
| Barbados Government International Bond,<br>6.50%, 10/1/29 | 1660 | 1547 |
| **Benin (1.9%)** | **Benin (1.9%)** | **Benin (1.9%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** |
| Benin Government International Bond,<br>4.88%, 1/19/32 | 764 | 638 |
| 4.95%, 1/22/35 | 1600 | 1251 |
| 6.88%, 1/19/52 | 110 | 86 |
|  |  | 1975 |
| **Brazil (3.2%)** | **Brazil (3.2%)** | **Brazil (3.2%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (3.0%)** | **Corporate Bonds (3.0%)** | **Corporate Bonds (3.0%)** |
| Braskem Netherlands Finance BV,<br>4.50%, 1/31/30 (a) | $360 | 307 |
| Coruripe Netherlands BV,<br>10.00%, 2/10/27 | 600 | 481 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Gol Finance SA,<br>8.00%, 6/30/26 | $| 671 | $| 400 |
| Guara Norte Sarl,<br>5.20%, 6/15/34 |  | 629 |  | 533 |
| Hidrovias International Finance Sarl,<br>4.95%, 2/8/31 |  | 580 |  | 430 |
| MC Brazil Downstream Trading Sarl,<br>7.25%, 6/30/31 |  | 680 |  | 562 |
| Natura & Co Luxembourg Holdings Sarl,<br>6.00%, 4/19/29 (a) |  | 350 |  | 307 |
| Suzano Austria GmbH,<br>3.75%, 1/15/31 |  | 175 |  | 147 |
|  |  |  |  | 3167 |
| **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** |
| Brazilian Government International Bond,<br>3.88%, 6/12/30 (c) |  | 200 |  | 174 |
|  |  |  |  | 3341 |
| **Burkina Faso (0.7%)** | **Burkina Faso (0.7%)** | **Burkina Faso (0.7%)** | **Burkina Faso (0.7%)** | **Burkina Faso (0.7%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** |
| Endeavour Mining PLC,<br>5.00%, 10/14/26 |  | 880 |  | 758 |
| **Chile (2.7%)** | **Chile (2.7%)** | **Chile (2.7%)** | **Chile (2.7%)** | **Chile (2.7%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (2.7%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.7%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.7%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.7%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.7%)** |
| AES Andes SA,<br>7.13%, 3/26/79 |  | 400 |  | 381 |
| ATP Tower Holdings LLC/Andean <br>Tower Partners Colombia <br>SAS/Andean Telecom Par,<br>4.05%, 4/27/26 |  | 223 |  | 197 |
| Latam Airlines Group SA,<br>13.38%, 10/15/27 (a) |  | 490 |  | 498 |
| Liberty Latin America Ltd.,<br>2.00%, 7/15/24 |  | 815 |  | 727 |
| Mercury Chile Holdco LLC,<br>6.50%, 1/24/27 |  | 400 |  | 384 |
| VTR Comunicaciones SpA,<br>4.38%, 4/15/29 |  | 434 |  | 255 |
| 5.13%, 1/15/28 |  | 566 |  | 352 |
|  |  |  |  | 2794 |
| **China (3.7%)** | **China (3.7%)** | **China (3.7%)** | **China (3.7%)** | **China (3.7%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (0.5%)** | **Corporate Bonds (0.5%)** | **Corporate Bonds (0.5%)** | **Corporate Bonds (0.5%)** | **Corporate Bonds (0.5%)** |
| KWG Group Holdings Ltd.,<br>7.88%, 8/30/24 |  | 300 |  | 143 |
| Shimao Group Holdings Ltd.,<br>5.60%, 7/15/26 |  | 660 |  | 126 |
| Sunac China Holdings Ltd.,<br>8.35%, 4/19/23 |  | 740 |  | 163 |
| Times China Holdings Ltd.,<br>5.55%, 6/4/24 |  | 330 |  | 64 |
| 6.75%, 7/16/23 |  | 280 |  | 62 |
|  |  |  |  | 558 |
| **Sovereign (3.2%)** | **Sovereign (3.2%)** | **Sovereign (3.2%)** | **Sovereign (3.2%)** | **Sovereign (3.2%)** |
| Sinopec Group Overseas <br>Development 2012 Ltd.,<br>4.88%, 5/17/42 |  | 390 |  | 364 |
| Sinopec Group Overseas <br>Development 2018 Ltd.,<br>2.95%, 11/12/29 (a) |  | 1600 |  | 1439 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>5

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** |
| Three Gorges Finance I Cayman <br>Islands Ltd.,<br>3.70%, 6/10/25 | $750 | 729 |
| 3.70%, 6/10/25 (a) | 838 | 815 |
|  |  | 3347 |
|  |  | 3680 |
| **Colombia (0.8%)** | **Colombia (0.8%)** | **Colombia (0.8%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.2%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.2%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.2%)** |
| Canacol Energy Ltd.,<br>5.75%, 11/24/28 | 206 | 182 |
| **Sovereign (0.6%)** | **Sovereign (0.6%)** | **Sovereign (0.6%)** |
| Colombia Government International Bond,<br>3.00%, 1/30/30 | 400 | 307 |
| 5.00%, 6/15/45 | 500 | 342 |
|  |  | 649 |
|  |  | 831 |
| **Costa Rica (0.4%)** | **Costa Rica (0.4%)** | **Costa Rica (0.4%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** |
| Costa Rica Government International Bond,<br>6.13%, 2/19/31 (a) | 380 | 370 |
| **Dominican Republic (3.2%)** | **Dominican Republic (3.2%)** | **Dominican Republic (3.2%)** |
| **Sovereign (3.2%)** | **Sovereign (3.2%)** | **Sovereign (3.2%)** |
| Dominican Republic International Bond,<br>5.30%, 1/21/41 (a) | 400 | 310 |
| 5.50%, 2/22/29 (a) | 350 | 323 |
| 5.88%, 1/30/60 (a) | 760 | 560 |
| 6.00%, 7/19/28 (a) | 570 | 552 |
| 6.85%, 1/27/45 (a) | 740 | 645 |
| 6.88%, 1/29/26 | 500 | 506 |
| 7.45%, 4/30/44 (a) | 500 | 468 |
|  |  | 3364 |
| **Ecuador (1.8%)** | **Ecuador (1.8%)** | **Ecuador (1.8%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.8%)** | **Sovereign (1.8%)** | **Sovereign (1.8%)** |
| Ecuador Government International Bond,<br>0.00%, 7/31/30 (a) | 273 | 108 |
| 1.50%, 7/31/40 (b) | 265 | 109 |
| 1.50%, 7/31/40 (a)(b) | 1126 | 464 |
| 2.50%, 7/31/35 (b) | 440 | 205 |
| 2.50%, 7/31/35 (a)(b) | 1107 | 514 |
| 5.50%, 7/31/30 (a)(b) | 787 | 510 |
|  |  | 1910 |
| **Egypt (2.7%)** | **Egypt (2.7%)** | **Egypt (2.7%)** |
| **Sovereign (2.7%)** | **Sovereign (2.7%)** | **Sovereign (2.7%)** |
| Egypt Government International Bond,<br>5.25%, 10/6/25 (a) | 200 | 180 |
| 6.38%, 4/11/31 (a) | 500 | 374 |
| 7.50%, 2/16/61 (a) | $770 | 478 |
| 8.15%, 11/20/59 (a) | 1500 | 986 |
| 8.88%, 5/29/50 | 750 | 510 |
| 8.88%, 5/29/50 (a) | 340 | 231 |
|  |  | 2759 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **El Salvador (1.4%)** | **El Salvador (1.4%)** | **El Salvador (1.4%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.4%)** | **Sovereign (1.4%)** | **Sovereign (1.4%)** |
| El Salvador Government International Bond,<br>6.38%, 1/18/27 | $1141 | $511 |
| 7.75%, 1/24/23 | 824 | 807 |
| 8.63%, 2/28/29 (a) | 370 | 165 |
|  |  | 1483 |
| **Ethiopia (0.5%)** | **Ethiopia (0.5%)** | **Ethiopia (0.5%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** |
| Ethiopia International Bond,<br>6.63%, 12/11/24 | 830 | 521 |
| **Gabon (1.1%)** | **Gabon (1.1%)** | **Gabon (1.1%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.1%)** | **Sovereign (1.1%)** | **Sovereign (1.1%)** |
| Gabon Government International Bond,<br>6.95%, 6/16/25 (a) | 610 | 579 |
| 7.00%, 11/24/31 | 650 | 535 |
|  |  | 1114 |
| **Ghana (0.7%)** | **Ghana (0.7%)** | **Ghana (0.7%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** |
| Puma International Financing SA,<br>5.13%, 10/6/24 | 780 | 733 |
| **Guatemala (0.5%)** | **Guatemala (0.5%)** | **Guatemala (0.5%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** |
| Guatemala Government Bond,<br>4.65%, 10/7/41 (a) | 310 | 251 |
| 6.13%, 6/1/50 (a) | 320 | 302 |
|  |  | 553 |
| **Honduras (1.8%)** | **Honduras (1.8%)** | **Honduras (1.8%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.8%)** | **Sovereign (1.8%)** | **Sovereign (1.8%)** |
| Honduras Government International Bond,<br>5.63%, 6/24/30 | 500 | 403 |
| 5.63%, 6/24/30 (a) | 180 | 145 |
| 6.25%, 1/19/27 | 1514 | 1340 |
|  |  | 1888 |
| **Hungary (1.0%)** | **Hungary (1.0%)** | **Hungary (1.0%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.0%)** | **Sovereign (1.0%)** | **Sovereign (1.0%)** |
| Hungary Government International Bond,<br>5.38%, 3/25/24 | 750 | 751 |
| 7.63%, 3/29/41 | 220 | 241 |
|  |  | 992 |
| **India (2.9%)** | **India (2.9%)** | **India (2.9%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (1.4%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.4%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.4%)** |
| JSW Infrastructure Ltd.,<br>4.95%, 1/21/29 | 780 | 665 |
| Network i2i Ltd.,<br>5.65%, 1/15/25 (d) | 276 | 264 |
| Vedanta Resources Finance II PLC,<br>13.88%, 1/21/24 | 550 | 480 |
|  |  | 1409 |
| **Sovereign (1.5%)** | **Sovereign (1.5%)** | **Sovereign (1.5%)** |
| Export-Import Bank of India,<br>3.25%, 1/15/30 | 890 | 773 |
| 3.38%, 8/5/26 (a) | 790 | 741 |
|  |  | 1514 |
|  |  | 2923 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>6

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Indonesia (6.0%)** | **Indonesia (6.0%)** | **Indonesia (6.0%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (1.6%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.6%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.6%)** |
| Alam Sutera Realty Tbk PT,<br>6.50% Cash, 4.50% PIK, 11/2/25 (g) | $1450 | $972 |
| Minejesa Capital BV,<br>4.63%, 8/10/30 | 751 | 661 |
|  |  | 1633 |
| **Sovereign (4.4%)** | **Sovereign (4.4%)** | **Sovereign (4.4%)** |
| Indonesia Government International Bond,<br>3.55%, 3/31/32 | 800 | 724 |
| 3.85%, 7/18/27 | 400 | 387 |
| 4.13%, 1/15/25 | 800 | 794 |
| 4.45%, 4/15/70 | 560 | 474 |
| 4.65%, 9/20/32 | 400 | 392 |
| 6.75%, 1/15/44 | 640 | 719 |
| Pertamina Persero PT,<br>4.30%, 5/20/23 | 800 | 794 |
| 6.50%, 11/7/48 (a) | 300 | 302 |
|  |  | 4586 |
|  |  | 6219 |
| **Iraq (2.2%)** | **Iraq (2.2%)** | **Iraq (2.2%)** |
| **Sovereign (2.2%)** | **Sovereign (2.2%)** | **Sovereign (2.2%)** |
| Iraq International Bond,<br>5.80%, 1/15/28 | 2524 | 2333 |
| **Ivory Coast (0.4%)** | **Ivory Coast (0.4%)** | **Ivory Coast (0.4%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** |
| Ivory Coast Government <br>International Bond,<br>4.88%, 1/30/32 | 400 | 339 |
| 6.63%, 3/22/48 | 100 | 76 |
|  |  | 415 |
| **Jamaica (1.0%)** | **Jamaica (1.0%)** | **Jamaica (1.0%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (1.0%)** | **Corporate Bond (1.0%)** | **Corporate Bond (1.0%)** |
| Digicel International Finance Ltd./<br>Digicel International Holdings Ltd.,<br>8.75%, 5/25/24 | $1267 | 1092 |
| **Jordan (0.7%)** | **Jordan (0.7%)** | **Jordan (0.7%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** |
| Jordan Government International Bond,<br>7.38%, 10/10/47 (a) | 840 | 725 |
| **Kazakhstan (0.8%)** | **Kazakhstan (0.8%)** | **Kazakhstan (0.8%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.8%)** | **Sovereign (0.8%)** | **Sovereign (0.8%)** |
| Kazakhstan Government International Bond,<br>6.50%, 7/21/45 | 800 | 836 |
| **Kenya (0.5%)** | **Kenya (0.5%)** | **Kenya (0.5%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** |
| Kenya Government International Bond,<br>8.00%, 5/22/32 (a) | 250 | 214 |
| Republic of Kenya Government <br>International Bond,<br>7.25%, 2/28/28 | 370 | 326 |
|  |  | 540 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Lebanon (0.2%)** | **Lebanon (0.2%)** | **Lebanon (0.2%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** |
| Lebanon Government International Bond,<br>6.85%, 3/23/27 - 5/25/29 (e)(f) | $2940 | $180 |
| **Macedonia (1.1%)** | **Macedonia (1.1%)** | **Macedonia (1.1%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.1%)** | **Sovereign (1.1%)** | **Sovereign (1.1%)** |
| North Macedonia Government <br>International Bond,<br>1.63%, 3/10/28 | 1340 | 1127 |
| **Mexico (6.8%)** | **Mexico (6.8%)** | **Mexico (6.8%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (2.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.3%)** |
| Banco Mercantil del Norte SA,<br>8.38%, 10/14/30 (d) | $450 | 447 |
| BBVA Bancomer SA,<br>5.13%, 1/18/33 | 465 | 418 |
| Braskem Idesa SAPI,<br>7.45%, 11/15/29 | 1250 | 989 |
| Total Play Telecomunicaciones SA de CV,<br>7.50%, 11/12/25 | 600 | 527 |
|  |  | 2381 |
| **Sovereign (4.5%)** | **Sovereign (4.5%)** | **Sovereign (4.5%)** |
| Petroleos Mexicanos,<br>5.95%, 1/28/31 | 840 | 638 |
| 6.35%, 2/12/48 | 1000 | 613 |
| 6.70%, 2/16/32 | 2294 | 1806 |
| 6.95%, 1/28/60 | 470 | 298 |
| 7.69%, 1/23/50 | 1900 | 1319 |
|  |  | 4674 |
|  |  | 7055 |
| **Moldova (0.5%)** | **Moldova (0.5%)** | **Moldova (0.5%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.5%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.5%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.5%)** |
| Aragvi Finance International DAC,<br>8.45%, 4/29/26 | 750 | 538 |
| **Mongolia (0.4%)** | **Mongolia (0.4%)** | **Mongolia (0.4%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** |
| Mongolia Government International Bond,<br>5.63%, 5/1/23 | 399 | 390 |
| **Morocco (0.8%)** | **Morocco (0.8%)** | **Morocco (0.8%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** |
| OCP SA,<br>5.13%, 6/23/51 | 600 | 458 |
| **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** | **Sovereign (0.4%)** |
| Morocco Government International Bond,<br>4.00%, 12/15/50 (a) | 610 | 420 |
|  |  | 878 |
| **Mozambique (0.5%)** | **Mozambique (0.5%)** | **Mozambique (0.5%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** |
| Mozambique International Bond,<br>5.00%, 9/15/31 (b) | 639 | 492 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>7

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Nigeria (1.8%)** | **Nigeria (1.8%)** | **Nigeria (1.8%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (1.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.3%)** |
| IHS Netherlands Holdco BV,<br>8.00%, 9/18/27 (a) | $950 | $841 |
| SEPLAT Energy PLC,<br>7.75%, 4/1/26 | 610 | 491 |
|  |  | 1332 |
| **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** | **Sovereign (0.5%)** |
| Nigeria Government International Bond,<br>6.38%, 7/12/23 | 270 | 268 |
| 6.50%, 11/28/27 (a) | 300 | 243 |
|  |  | 511 |
|  |  | 1843 |
| **Oman (1.3%)** | **Oman (1.3%)** | **Oman (1.3%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.3%)** | **Sovereign (1.3%)** | **Sovereign (1.3%)** |
| Oman Government International Bond,<br>6.25%, 1/25/31 (a) | 900 | 908 |
| 6.75%, 1/17/48 | 440 | 414 |
|  |  | 1322 |
| **Pakistan (0.2%)** | **Pakistan (0.2%)** | **Pakistan (0.2%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** | **Sovereign (0.2%)** |
| Pakistan Government International Bond,<br>7.38%, 4/8/31 | 345 | 124 |
| 8.88%, 4/8/51 | 300 | 106 |
|  |  | 230 |
| **Panama (2.0%)** | **Panama (2.0%)** | **Panama (2.0%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.3%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.3%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.3%)** |
| AES Panama Generation Holdings SRL,<br>4.38%, 5/31/30 (a) | 375 | 327 |
| **Sovereign (1.7%)** | **Sovereign (1.7%)** | **Sovereign (1.7%)** |
| Panama Government International Bond,<br>2.25%, 9/29/32 | 930 | 692 |
| 3.87%, 7/23/60 | 470 | 305 |
| 4.50%, 4/1/56 | 1060 | 777 |
|  |  | 1774 |
|  |  | 2101 |
| **Paraguay (1.0%)** | **Paraguay (1.0%)** | **Paraguay (1.0%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** |
| Frigorifico Concepcion SA,<br>7.70%, 7/21/28 | 910 | 736 |
| **Sovereign (0.3%)** | **Sovereign (0.3%)** | **Sovereign (0.3%)** |
| Paraguay Government International Bond,<br>5.40%, 3/30/50 (a) | 400 | 346 |
|  |  | 1082 |
| **Peru (2.1%)** | **Peru (2.1%)** | **Peru (2.1%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.8%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.8%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.8%)** |
| Auna SAA,<br>6.50%, 11/20/25 | 958 | 796 |
| **Sovereign (1.3%)** | **Sovereign (1.3%)** | **Sovereign (1.3%)** |
| Corporación Financiera de Desarrollo SA,<br>5.25%, 7/15/29 (a) | 739 | 709 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Fondo MIVIVIENDA SA,<br>4.63%, 4/12/27 (a) | $260 | $| 247 |
| Peruvian Government International Bond,<br>3.55%, 3/10/51 (c) | 200 |  | 143 |
| 6.55%, 3/14/37 | 200 |  | 211 |
|  |  |  | 1310 |
|  |  |  | 2106 |
| **Romania (3.7%)** | **Romania (3.7%)** | **Romania (3.7%)** | **Romania (3.7%)** |
| **Sovereign (3.7%)** | **Sovereign (3.7%)** | **Sovereign (3.7%)** | **Sovereign (3.7%)** |
| Romania Government International Bond,<br>1.75%, 7/13/30 | 110 |  | 82 |
| 1.75%, 7/13/30 (a) | 315 |  | 235 |
| 2.00%, 4/14/33 | 330 |  | 227 |
| 2.12%, 7/16/31 | 87 |  | 65 |
| 2.13%, 3/7/28 | 532 |  | 477 |
| 3.00%, 2/27/27 (a) | 636 |  | 566 |
| 3.75%, 2/7/34 (a) | 560 |  | 450 |
| 4.00%, 2/14/51 | $830 |  | 554 |
| 5.00%, 9/27/26 | 455 |  | 491 |
| 6.13%, 1/22/44 | 250 |  | 231 |
| 6.63%, 9/27/29 | 445 |  | 480 |
|  |  |  | 3858 |
| **Serbia (1.8%)** | **Serbia (1.8%)** | **Serbia (1.8%)** | **Serbia (1.8%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.8%)** | **Sovereign (1.8%)** | **Sovereign (1.8%)** | **Sovereign (1.8%)** |
| Serbia International Bond,<br>1.50%, 6/26/29 | 1310 |  | 1009 |
| 2.05%, 9/23/36 | 270 |  | 164 |
| 2.13%, 12/1/30 | 720 |  | 520 |
| 2.13%, 12/1/30 (a) | 310 |  | 224 |
|  |  |  | 1917 |
| **South Africa (0.3%)** | **South Africa (0.3%)** | **South Africa (0.3%)** | **South Africa (0.3%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.3%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.3%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.3%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.3%)** |
| Petra Diamonds U.S. Treasury PLC,<br>6.59% Cash, 3.91% PIK, 3/8/26 (g) | 286 |  | 284 |
| **Sri Lanka (1.9%)** | **Sri Lanka (1.9%)** | **Sri Lanka (1.9%)** | **Sri Lanka (1.9%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** |
| Sri Lanka Government International Bond,<br>6.20%, 5/11/27 (e)(f) | 2000 |  | 638 |
| 6.85%, 3/14/24 (e)(f) | 200 |  | 64 |
| 6.85%, 11/3/25 (e)(f) | 1300 |  | 419 |
| 7.55%, 3/28/30 (e)(f) | 2420 |  | 772 |
| 7.85%, 3/14/29 (e)(f) | 200 |  | 64 |
|  |  |  | 1957 |
| **Suriname (1.9%)** | **Suriname (1.9%)** | **Suriname (1.9%)** | **Suriname (1.9%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** | **Sovereign (1.9%)** |
| Suriname Government International Bond,<br>9.25%, 10/26/26 (e)(f) | 2424 |  | 1959 |
| **Tanzania, United Republic of (0.7%)** | **Tanzania, United Republic of (0.7%)** | **Tanzania, United Republic of (0.7%)** | **Tanzania, United Republic of (0.7%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** |
| HTA Group Ltd.,<br>7.00%, 12/18/25 | 820 |  | 763 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Turkey (1.7%)** | **Turkey (1.7%)** | **Turkey (1.7%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (1.4%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.4%)** | **Corporate Bonds (1.4%)** |
| Limak Iskenderun Uluslararasi Liman <br>Isletmeciligi AS,<br>9.50%, 7/10/36 | $950 | $821 |
| Ulker Biskuvi Sanayi AS,<br>6.95%, 10/30/25 | 740 | 626 |
|  |  | 1447 |
| **Sovereign (0.3%)** | **Sovereign (0.3%)** | **Sovereign (0.3%)** |
| Turkey Government International Bond,<br>4.88%, 4/16/43 | 300 | 196 |
| 6.88%, 3/17/36 | 200 | 168 |
|  |  | 364 |
|  |  | 1811 |
| **Ukraine (1.2%)** | **Ukraine (1.2%)** | **Ukraine (1.2%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (0.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (0.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (0.3%)** |
| Kernel Holding SA,<br>6.50%, 10/17/24 | 200 | 90 |
| 6.75%, 10/27/27 | 219 | 94 |
| NPC Ukrenergo,<br>6.88%, 11/9/28 (a)(e)(f) | 510 | 93 |
|  |  | 277 |
| **Sovereign (0.9%)** | **Sovereign (0.9%)** | **Sovereign (0.9%)** |
| Ukraine Government International Bond,<br>6.75%, 6/20/28 | 1200 | 238 |
| 6.88%, 5/21/31 | 1000 | 192 |
| 7.75%, 9/1/25 | 2210 | 505 |
|  |  | 935 |
|  |  | 1212 |
| **United Arab Emirates (4.9%)** | **United Arab Emirates (4.9%)** | **United Arab Emirates (4.9%)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (2.5%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.5%)** | **Corporate Bonds (2.5%)** |
| DP World Salaam,<br>6.0%, 10/1/25 (d) | 500 | 496 |
| Emirates NBD Bank PJSC,<br>6.13%, 4/9/26 (d) | 610 | 597 |
| Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd.,<br>3.25%, 9/30/40 (a) | 965 | 750 |
| Shelf Drilling Holdings Ltd.,<br>8.88%, 11/15/24 | 797 | 782 |
|  |  | 2625 |
| **Sovereign (2.4%)** | **Sovereign (2.4%)** | **Sovereign (2.4%)** |
| Abu Dhabi Government International Bond,<br>2.50%, 9/30/29 (a) | 600 | 539 |
| 3.13%, 4/16/30 | 450 | 419 |
| Finance Department Government of Sharjah,<br>4.00%, 7/28/50 | 1671 | 1101 |
| 4.38%, 3/10/51 | 676 | 457 |
|  |  | 2516 |
|  |  | 5141 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Uruguay (1.0%)** | **Uruguay (1.0%)** | **Uruguay (1.0%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.0%)** | **Sovereign (1.0%)** | **Sovereign (1.0%)** |
| Uruguay Government International Bond,<br>5.10%, 6/18/50 | $1020 | $1004 |
| **Uzbekistan (1.1%)** | **Uzbekistan (1.1%)** | **Uzbekistan (1.1%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.4%)** |
| Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank ATB,<br>5.75%, 12/2/24 | 462 | 435 |
| **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** |
| Republic of Uzbekistan International Bond,<br>3.70%, 11/25/30 (a) | 200 | 168 |
| 3.90%, 10/19/31 | 634 | 523 |
|  |  | 691 |
|  |  | 1126 |
| **Venezuela (0.7%)** | **Venezuela (0.7%)** | **Venezuela (0.7%)** |
| **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** | **Sovereign (0.7%)** |
| Petroleos de Venezuela SA,<br>6.00%, 11/15/26 (e)(f) | 15740 | 767 |
| **Vietnam (2.0%)** | **Vietnam (2.0%)** | **Vietnam (2.0%)** |
| **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** | **Corporate Bond (0.7%)** |
| Mong Duong Finance Holdings BV,<br>5.13%, 5/7/29 | 856 | 714 |
| **Sovereign (1.3%)** | **Sovereign (1.3%)** | **Sovereign (1.3%)** |
| Vietnam Government International Bond,<br>4.80%, 11/19/24 | 1320 | 1305 |
|  |  | 2019 |
| **Zambia (1.2%)** | **Zambia (1.2%)** | **Zambia (1.2%)** |
| **Sovereign (1.2%)** | **Sovereign (1.2%)** | **Sovereign (1.2%)** |
| Zambia Government International Bond,<br>5.38%, 9/20/22 (e)(f) | 1292 | 544 |
| 8.50%, 4/14/24 (e)(f) | 201 | 92 |
| 8.97%, 7/30/27 (e)(f) | 1360 | 613 |
|  |  | 1249 |
| **Total Fixed Income Securities (Cost $122,095)** | **Total Fixed Income Securities (Cost $122,095)** | 94012 |
|  | **No. of<br>Warrants** |  |
| **Warrant (0.0%) (h)** | **Warrant (0.0%) (h)** | **Warrant (0.0%) (h)** |
| **Venezuela (0.0%) (h)** | **Venezuela (0.0%) (h)** | **Venezuela (0.0%) (h)** |
| Venezuela Government International Bond, <br>Oil-Linked Payment Obligation, expires <br>4/15/20 (i) **(Cost $—)** | 3750 | 19 |
|  | **Shares** |  |
| **Short-Term Investments (7.1%)** | **Short-Term Investments (7.1%)** | **Short-Term Investments (7.1%)** |
| **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.2%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.2%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.2%)** |
| **Investment Company (0.2%)** | **Investment Company (0.2%)** | **Investment Company (0.2%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — <br>Treasury Securities Portfolio — Institutional <br>Class (See Note H) | 149717 | 150 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Repurchase Agreements (0.0%) (h)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.0%) (h)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.0%) (h)** |
| HSBC Securities USA, Inc., (4.27%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $14; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 4.38% due 5/15/41; <br>valued at $14) | $14 | $14 |
| Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., (4.25%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $14; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 1.50% due 2/15/25; <br>valued at $14) | 14 | 14 |
|  |  | 28 |
| **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $178)** | **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $178)** | 178 |
|  | **Shares** |  |
| **Investment Company (6.9%)** | **Investment Company (6.9%)** | **Investment Company (6.9%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — <br>Treasury Securities Portfolio — Institutional <br>Class (See Note H) **(Cost $7,152)** | 7152246 | 7152 |
| **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $7,330)** | **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $7,330)** | 7330 |
| **Total Investments (97.5%) (Cost $129,425) <br>Including $257 of Securities Loaned (j)(k)** | **Total Investments (97.5%) (Cost $129,425) <br>Including $257 of Securities Loaned (j)(k)** | 101361 |
| **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (2.5%)** | **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (2.5%)** | 2560 |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $103921 |

---

Country assignments and aggregations are based generally on third party vendor classifications and information, and may be different from the assignments and aggregations under the policies set forth in the Fund's prospectus and/or statement of additional information relating to geographic classifications.

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

(b) Multi-step — Coupon rate changes in predetermined increments to maturity. Rate disclosed is as of December 31, 2022. Maturity date disclosed is the ultimate maturity date.

(c) All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2022.

(d) Perpetual — One or more securities do not have a predetermined maturity date. Rates for these securities are fixed for a period of time, after which they revert to a floating rate. Interest rates in effect are as of December 31, 2022.

(e) Non-income producing security; bond in default.

(f) Issuer in bankruptcy.

(g) Income may be paid in additional securities and/or cash at the discretion of the issuer.

(h) Amount is less than 0.005%.

(i) Perpetual maturity date. Date disclosed is the last expiration date.

(j) Securities are available for collateral in connection with an open foreign currency forward exchange contracts, futures contracts and swap agreements.

(k) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $130,156,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $2,417,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $31,100,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $28,683,000.

CJSC Closed Joint Stock Company.

PIK Payment-in-Kind.

PJSC Public Joint Stock Company.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:**

The Fund had the following foreign currency forward exchange contracts open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Counterparty** | **Contracts<br>to<br>Deliver<br>(000)** | **Contracts<br>to<br>Deliver<br>(000)** | **In<br>Exchange<br>For<br>(000)** | **Delivery<br>Date** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation<br>(000)** |
| HSBC Bank PLC | EUR | 5846 | $6137 | 1/13/23 | $(124) |
| HSBC Bank PLC | EUR | 1527 | $1603 | 1/13/23 | (33) |
| HSBC Bank PLC | EUR | 803 | $843 | 1/13/23 | (17) |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | EUR | 160 | $171 | 3/15/23 | (1) |
|  |  |  |  |  | $(175) |

---

**Futures Contracts:**

The Fund had the following futures contracts open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number<br>of<br>Contracts** | **Expiration<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** |
| U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Ultra Note (United States) | 40 | Mar-23 | $4000 | $4731 | $(9 |
| U.S. Treasury 2 yr. Note (United States) | 4 | Mar-23 | 800 | 820 | 1 |
| U.S. Treasury 5 yr. Note (United States) | 26 | Mar-23 | 2600 | 2806 | 1 |
| U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Note (United States) | 35 | Mar-23 | 3500 | 3931 | (44 |
| U.S. Treasury Long Bond (United States) | 24 | Mar-23 | 2400 | 3008 | (— |
| U.S. Treasury Ultra Bond (United States) | 59 | Mar-23 | 5900 | 7925 | (17 |
| **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** |
| Euro-Buxl 30 yr. Bond (Germany) | 1 | Mar-23 | (100) | (145) | 30 |
| German Euro-Bobl Index (Germany) | 19 | Mar-23 | (1900) | (2354) | 80 |
| German Euro-Bund Index (Germany) | 26 | Mar-23 | (2600) | (3700) | 250 |
|  |  |  |  |  | $292 |

---

**Credit Default Swap Agreements:**

The Fund had the following credit default swap agreements open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Swap Counterparty <br>and Reference Obligation** | **Credit<br>Rating of<br>Reference<br>Obligation†** | **Buy/Sell<br>Protection** | **Pay/<br>Receive<br>Fixed Rate** | **Payment<br>Frequency** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Upfront<br>Payment<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(000)** |
| Goldman Sachs International<br>CMBX.NA.BBB.60 | NR | Sell | 1.00% | Quarterly | 12/20/27 | $705 | $(13) | $(21) | $8 |
| Goldman Sachs International<br>CMBX.NA.BBB.60 | NR | Sell | 1.00% | Quarterly | 12/20/27 | 5495 | (99) | (131) | 32 |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $(112) | $(152) | $40 |

---

@ Value is less than $500.

† — Credit rating as issued by Standard & Poor's.

NR — Not rated.

EUR — Euro

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

**Portfolio Composition\***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Sovereign | 67.3 | % |
| Corporate Bonds | 25.6 |  |
| Short-Term Investments | 7.1 |  |
| Total Investments | 100.0 | %\*\* |

---

\* Percentages indicated are based upon total investments (excluding Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities) as of December 31, 2022.

\*\* Does not include open long/short futures contracts with a value of approximately $29,420,000 and net unrealized appreciation of approximately $292,000. Does not include open foreign currency forward exchange contracts with total unrealized depreciation of approximately $175,000. Also does not include open swap agreements with total unrealized appreciation of approximately $40,000.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>12

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value<sup>(1)</sup> (Cost $122,123) | $94059 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $7,302) | 7302 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $129,425) | 101361 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $268) | 289 |
| Cash | 116 |
| Interest Receivable | 2263 |
| Receivable for Variation Margin on Futures Contracts | 1007 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 98 |
| Unrealized Appreciation on Swap Agreements | 40 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 23 |
| Receivable from Securities Lending Income |  |
| Other Assets | 16 |
| Total Assets | 105213 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax | 434 |
| Collateral on Securities Loaned, at Value | 178 |
| Unrealized Depreciation on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 175 |
| Upfront Payment Received on Open Swap Agreements | 152 |
| Payable for Advisory Fees | 140 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 71 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 58 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 24 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 9 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 7 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 2 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 1 |
| Other Liabilities | 41 |
| Total Liabilities | 1292 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $103921 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $165715 |
| Total Accumulated Loss | (61794 |
| **Net Assets** | $103921 |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $91828 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 17,060,793 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $5.38 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $12093 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 2,268,263 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $5.33 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** |
| Securities on Loan, at Value: | $257 |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>13

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Interest from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $23 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $9263 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 62 |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | 4 |
| Total Investment Income | 9329 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 868 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 194 |
| Professional Fees | 159 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 93 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 38 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 33 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 28 |
| Pricing Fees | 18 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 11 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 7 |
| Other Expenses | 22 |
| Total Expenses | 1471 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (161) |
| Waiver of Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | (26) |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (5) |
| Net Expenses | 1279 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 8050 |
| **Realized Gain (Loss):** | **Realized Gain (Loss):** |
| Investments Sold (Net of $197 of Capital Gain Country Tax) | (16117) |
| Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 271 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (91) |
| Futures Contracts | (967) |
| Swap Agreements | 7 |
| Net Realized Loss | (16897) |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments (Net of Decrease in Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax of $56) | (18547) |
| Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | (149) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | 60 |
| Futures Contracts | 292 |
| Swap Agreements | 40 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (18304) |
| **Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (35201) |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(27151) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>14

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $8050 | $7147 |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (16897) | 706 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (18304) | (11049) |
| Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (27151) | (3196) |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (7558) | (7092) |
| Class II | (985) | (875) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (8543) | (7967) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 4959 | 10446 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 7558 | 7092 |
| Redeemed | (22399) | (19503) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 1040 | 1399 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 985 | 875 |
| Redeemed | (2122) | (2626) |
| Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | (9979) | (2317) |
| Total Decrease in Net Assets | (45673) | (13480) |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 149594 | 163074 |
| End of Period | $103921 | $149594 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 810 | 1399 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 1459 | 969 |
| Shares Redeemed | (3740) | (2616) |
| Net Decrease in Class I Shares Outstanding | (1471) | (248) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 188 | 190 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 192 | 120 |
| Shares Redeemed | (379) | (357) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Class II Shares Outstanding | 1 | (47) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>15

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $7.20 | $7.74 | $7.68 | $7.09 | $8.08 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.41 | 0.34 | 0.32 | 0.38 | 0.36 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (1.78) | (0.49) | 0.08 | 0.62 | (0.92) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (1.37) | (0.15) | 0.40 | 1.00 | (0.56) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.45) | (0.39) | (0.34) | (0.41) | (0.43) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $5.38 | $7.20 | $7.74 | $7.68 | $7.09 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (18.74)% | (2.02)% | 5.55% | 14.25% | (6.94)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $91828 | $133413 | $145312 | $170382 | $165582 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.24% | 1.17% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.10%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.12%<sup>(3)(4)</sup> | 1.15%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.11%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.11%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.11%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 6.96%<sup>(3)</sup> | 4.59%<sup>(3)</sup> | 4.34%<sup>(3)</sup> | 5.04%<sup>(3)</sup> | 4.83%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 75% | 28% | 40% | 40% | 32% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Effective July 1, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 1.10% for Class I shares. Prior to July 1, 2021, the maximum ratio was 1.30% for Class I shares.

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>16

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $7.14 | $7.67 | $7.61 | $7.03 | $8.02 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.40 | 0.34 | 0.31 | 0.37 | 0.36 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (1.76) | (0.48) | 0.08 | 0.62 | (0.92) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (1.36) | (0.14) | 0.39 | 0.99 | (0.56) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.45) | (0.39) | (0.33) | (0.41) | (0.43) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $5.33 | $7.14 | $7.67 | $7.61 | $7.03 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (18.81)% | (1.96)% | 5.53% | 14.17% | (7.04)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $12093 | $16181 | $17762 | $21163 | $19502 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.49% | 1.42% | 1.40% | 1.37% | 1.36% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.15%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.17%<sup>(3)(4)</sup> | 1.20%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.16%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.16%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.16%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 6.91%<sup>(3)</sup> | 4.54%<sup>(3)</sup> | 4.29%<sup>(3)</sup> | 4.99%<sup>(3)</sup> | 4.78%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 75% | 28% | 40% | 40% | 32% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Effective July 1, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 1.15% for Class II shares. Prior to July 1, 2021, the maximum ratio was 1.35% for Class II shares.

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>17

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying financial statements relate to the Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. The Fund seeks high total return by investing primarily in fixed income securities of government and government-related issuers and, to a lesser extent, of corporate issuers in emerging market countries. The Fund offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP 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:** (1) Fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited ("MSIM Limited") (the "Sub-Adviser"), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (2) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by

Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (3) futures are valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which they trade or, if a settlement price is unavailable, at the last sale price on the exchange; (4) over-the-counter ("OTC") swaps may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by the Directors or quotes from a broker/dealer. Swaps cleared on a clearinghouse or exchange may be valued using the closing price provided by the clearinghouse or exchange; (5) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (6) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** |
| Corporate Bonds | $— | $25878  | $— | $25878 |
| Sovereign |  | 68134 |  | 68134 |
| **Total Fixed Income <br>Securities** | **—** | **94012** | **—** | **94012** |
| **Warrant** |  | 19 |  | 19 |
| **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** |
| Investment Company | 7302 |  |  | 7302 |
| Repurchase Agreements |  | 28 |  | 28 |
| **Total Short-Term <br>Investments** | **7302** | **28** | **—** | **7330** |
| **Futures Contracts** | 362 |  |  | 362 |
| **Credit Default <br>Swap Agreements** |  | 40 |  | 40 |
| **Total Assets** | **7664** | **94099** | **—** | **101763** |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| **Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts** |  | (175) |  | (175) |
| **Futures Contracts** | (70) |  |  | (70) |
| **Total Liabilities** | **(70)** | **(175)** | **—** | **(245)** |
| **Total** | $**7594** | $**93924** | $**—** | $**101518** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

**3. Repurchase Agreements:** The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which the Fund lends 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 which are held as 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 that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest as earned. If such a decrease occurs, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, will be added to the account to maintain full

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

collateralization. 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 of the collateral proceeds may be subject to cost and delays. The Fund, along with other affiliated investment companies, may utilize a joint trading account for the purpose of entering into repurchase agreements.

**4. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**5. Structured Investments:** The Fund invested a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

**6. Derivatives:** The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying asset and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. All of the Fund's holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked-to-market each day with the change in value reflected in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund used during the period and their associated risks:

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also entered into contracts with banks, brokers/dealers to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract ("currency contract") is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified

amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Currency contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. To the extent hedged by the use of currency contracts, the precise matching of the currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Furthermore, such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. There is additional risk to the extent that currency contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. The use of currency contracts involves the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. A currency 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 (losses) when the currency contract is closed equal to the difference between the value of the currency contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

**Futures:** A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. During the period the futures contract is open, payments are received from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value of the contract (the variation margin). A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time.

**Swaps:** The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. A swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for OTC swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. During the period swap agreements are open, payments are received from or made to the counterparty or clearing-house based on changes in the value of the contract or variation margin, respectively. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of certain standardized swap transactions. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing is occurring on a phased-in basis based on the type of market participant and U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") approval of contracts for central clearing and exchange trading.

The Fund's use of swaps during the period included those based on the credit of an underlying security commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap. Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it

would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by the issuer of the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event by the issuer of the referenced debt obligation. The use of credit default swaps could result in losses to the Fund if the Adviser fails to correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are estimated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value. The Fund's maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the swap agreement.

When the Fund has an unrealized loss on a swap agreement, the Fund has instructed the custodian to pledge

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

cash or liquid securities as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the swap valuations fluctuate. If applicable, cash collateral is included with "Due from (to) Broker" in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Upfront payments paid or received by the Fund will be reflected as an asset or liability, respectively, in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

FASB ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund's financial position and results of operations.

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund's derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Asset Derivatives<br>Statement of Assets <br>and Liabilities <br>Location** | **Primary Risk <br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Futures Contracts  | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Interest <br>Rate Risk | $362<br> (a) |
| Swap Agreements | Unrealized Appreciation <br>on Swap Agreements | Credit Risk | 40 |
| Total |  |  | $402 |
|  | **Liability Derivatives<br>Statement of Assets <br>and Liabilities <br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency<br>Forward | Unrealized Depreciation <br>on Foreign Currency |  |  |
| Exchange<br>Contracts | Forward Exchange<br>Contracts | Currency Risk | $(175) |
| Futures Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Interest <br>Rate Risk | (70)(a) |
| Total |  |  | $(245) |

---

(a) This amount represents the cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities only reflects the current day's net variation margin.

The following tables set forth by primary risk exposure the Fund's realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by type of derivative contract

for the year ended December 31, 2022 in accordance with ASC 815:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative <br>Type** | **Value <br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange<br>Contracts | $271 |
| Interest Rate Risk | Futures Contracts | (967) |
| Credit Risk | Swap Agreements | 7 |
| Total |  | $(689) |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative <br>Type** | **Value <br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts | $(149) |
| Interest Rate Risk | Futures Contracts | 292 |
| Credit Risk | Swap Agreements | 40 |
| Total |  | $183 |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund's derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Derivatives(b)** | **Assets(c)<br>(000)** | **Liabilities(c)<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency Forward <br>Exchange Contracts | $— | $(175) |
| Swap Agreements | 40 |  |
| Total | $40 | $(175) |

---

(b) Excludes exchange-traded derivatives.

(c) Absent an event of default or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements ("ISDA Master Agreements") or similar master agreements (collectively, "Master Agreements") with its contract counterparties for certain OTC derivatives in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain OTC derivative financial instruments' payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default, termination and/or potential deterioration in the credit quality of the counterparty. Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

swap, forward, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party and may be a feature in certain Master Agreements. In the event the Fund exercises its right to terminate a Master Agreement after a counterparty experiences a termination event as defined in the Master Agreement, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund's net liability may be delayed or denied.

The following table presents derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Asset <br>Derivatives<br>Presented in the <br>Statement of<br>Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial <br>Instrument <br>(000)** | **Collateral <br>Received <br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| Goldman Sachs <br>International | $40 | $— | $— | $40 |
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of <br>Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Liability <br>Derivatives<br>Presented in the <br>Statement of<br>Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial <br>Instrument <br>(000)** | **Collateral <br>Pledged <br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| HSBC Bank PLC | $174 | $— | $— | $174 |
| JPMorgan Chase <br>Bank NA | 1 |  |  | 1 |
| Total | $175 | $— | $— | $175 |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the approximate average monthly amount outstanding for each derivative type is as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** | **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** |
| Average monthly principal amount | $6699000 |
| **Futures Contracts:** | **Futures Contracts:** |
| Average monthly notional value | $17864000 |
| **Swap Agreements:** | **Swap Agreements:** |
| Average monthly notional amount | $1092000 |

---

**7. Securities Lending:** The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Gross Asset <br>Amounts<br>Presented <br>in the <br>Statement of <br>Assets and <br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Net Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| $257<br> (d) | $— | $(257)(e)(f) | $0 |

---

(d) Represents market value of loaned securities at year end.

(e) The Fund received cash collateral of approximately $178,000, which was subsequently invested in Repurchase Agreements and Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. In addition, the Fund received non-cash collateral of approximately $85,000 in the form of U.S. Government obligations, which the Fund cannot sell or repledge, and accordingly are not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments.

(f) The actual collateral received is greater than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

FASB ASC 860, "Transfers & Servicing: Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures", is intended to provide increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in securities lending transactions and other similar transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings.

The following table displays a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligations by class of collateral pledged and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** |
| | **Overnight and<br>Continuous<br>(000)** | **<30 days<br>(000)** | **Between<br>30 & <br>90 days<br>(000)** | **>90 days<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** |
| Sovereign | $178 | $— | $— | $— | $178 |
| **Total Borrowings** | $**178** | $**—** | $**—** | $**—** | $**178** |
| **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | $**178** |

---

**8. Indemnifications:** The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**9. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains

or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

Settlement and registration of foreign securities transactions may be subject to significant risks not normally associated with investments in the United States. In certain markets, ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the issuer's share register. It is possible that a Fund holding these securities could lose its share registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. In addition, shares being delivered for sales and cash being paid for purchases may be delivered before the exchange is complete. This may subject the Fund to further risk of loss in the event of a failure to complete the transaction by the counterparty.

**10. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory/Sub-Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **First $500<br>million** | **Next $500<br>million** | **Over $1<br>billion** |
| 0.75% | 0.70% | 0.65% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.61% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.10% for Class I shares and 1.15% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $161,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Sub-Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's Officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.20% of the 0.25% distribution fee that it may receive. This fee waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, this waiver amounted to approximately $26,000.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a

Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $83,255,000 and $103,986,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — Treasury Securities Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $5,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value <br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales <br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $2831 | $60110 | $55639 | $62 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $7302 |

---

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| $8543 | $7967 |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $9020 | $— |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term and long-term capital losses of approximately $5,187,000 and $32,539,000, respectively, that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the shareholders.

**J. Credit Facility:** The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 82.2%.

**L. Market Risk:** Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts,

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

The continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine resulted in many countries, including the U.S., imposing economic sanctions on Russian governmental institutions, Russian entities, and Russian individuals, which have had a negative impact on the Russian economy and currency, and on investments and companies having exposure to Russia, Ukraine, and other combatants, including Belarus. Russia in turn imposed its own restrictions against investors and countries outside Russia. Businesses in the U.S. and globally have experienced shortages in materials and increased costs for transportation, energy and raw materials due, in part, to the negative effects of the conflict on the global economy. The escalation or continuation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine or other hostilities presents heightened risks relating to cyber-attacks, the frequency and volume of failures to settle securities transactions, supply chain disruptions, inflation, as

well as the potential for increased volatility in commodity, currency and other financial markets. The current events have had, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on global markets performance and liquidity, thereby negatively affecting the value of the Fund's investments beyond any direct exposure to Russian or Ukrainian issuers, markets or economies. The duration and extent of the economic impacts resulting from the military conflict with Russia and the related sanctions is uncertain at this time.

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):** On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316594_fa003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund designated approximately $1,221,000 of its distributions paid as business interest income.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in <br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in <br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in <br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

---

The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Sub-Adviser**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited<br>25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf<br>London, E14 4QA, England

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFEMDANN<br>5431861 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j2316595_aa014.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Portfolio of Investments | 6 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 8 |
| Statement of Operations | 9 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 10 |
| Financial Highlights | 11 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 13 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 21 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 22 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 23 |
| Director and Officer Information | 24 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Expense Example (unaudited)

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending<br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $1017.10 | $1018.90 | $6.36 | $6.36 | 1.25% |
| Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 1017.00 | 1018.65 | 6.61 | 6.61 | 1.30 |

---

\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –25.08%, net of fees, and –25.13%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the "Index"), which returned –20.09%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Emerging markets (EM) equities, as measured by the Index, posted a strong absolute return in the fourth quarter of 2022, notably outperforming U.S. equities (as represented by the S&P 500 Index). However, the EM asset class underwent a tough 2022, with the Index falling –20% in 2022 — including an equity drawdown that matched levels last seen during the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, and previously during the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s and dot-com bubble burst in 2000. Equities suffered from volatility driven by a combination of: the Federal Reserve's tightening cycle, which has dampened the performance of high growth and indebted companies; Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its contribution to already high energy and food prices; China's mixed policy signals and broader economic slowdown; and ongoing supply disruptions as countries seek to increase the domestic or allied production of critical technologies.

• In many ways, though, the fourth quarter of 2022 appeared to show signs of the improving growth factors in much of emerging markets, which should help shift investor demand in favor of EM equities after years of underperforming developed markets. It is also a noteworthy break from past trends that in a year when Index-dominant China further slowed economically and underperformed the Index, many countries outperformed, including India, Mexico, South Africa and Brazil, among others. Domestic sources of growth, as these outperforming countries continued to emerge from the pandemic, and global themes, such as the energy transition toward meeting decarbonization goals, both contributed to supporting the performance of the materials, industrials, communications services and health care sectors at the end of 2022.

• Over the one-year period, the Fund's overweight to and stock selection in the information technology sector

detracted from relative performance. Allocations to semiconductors and semiconductor equipment companies detracted as the semiconductors industry sold off sharply in 2022 (–33%)<sup>(i)</sup> on recession concerns and slowing demand.

• Allocations to select Russian and Eastern European companies held earlier in 2022 detracted from relative performance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the first quarter of 2022, with a retail chain operator, an internet search engine and a digital bank among the largest detractors from performance. A Polish retailer and an IT services company also underperformed as they suffered from a contagion sell-off. The Fund has since fully exited the positions in Russia.

• Positioning in Brazil detracted from relative performance. Brazil ended the year as the third best performing emerging market, after rallying in the first and third quarters of 2022. In the fourth quarter, allocations in Brazil particularly detracted as the market underperformed likely due to investor concerns about the incoming Lula administration's spending plans. We have long maintained that the micro reforms implemented since 2016 and the counterweight of the center-right congress should serve to restrain some of these spending plans. The Central Bank of Brazil was among the most aggressive EM central banks in raising rates to fight inflation; at some point, even if delayed longer than initially hoped by investors, Brazil and other central banks will likely be in a position to cut rates, potentially even ahead of when the Federal Reserve eventually does. Given our constructive view on the improving macro environment, we are confident in our stock selection within Brazil and continue to monitor both the macro and company-specific factors as we make adjustments in the portfolio.

• Zero allocation to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait — detracted from relative performance. With the sharp increase in oil prices in 2022, GCC countries had performed strongly through the third quarter. We did not participate in these markets in 2022 as this rally was largely owing to exogenous forces: rising oil prices, as well as the strong dollar and low interest rates. These former tailwinds have now become headwinds and the region's markets have reversed previous gains. We are analyzing potential opportunities meeting our quality growth criteria and will assess market attractiveness as such headwinds ease.

• The overweight allocation to and stock selection in India contributed to relative performance, driven by allocations to financials. Our portfolio positioning in India includes several themes: digitization, increase in health care

<sup>(i)</sup> Performance based on MSCI Emerging Markets Index sector/subsector performance. Data as of December 31, 2022.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

spending, and manufacturing benefiting from a combination of onshoring, incentives for large-scale production and global companies seeking a so-called China plus one outsourcing strategy.

• The stock selection in and overweight allocation to Mexico contributed to relative performance, led by the allocation to one of the country's largest banks. Mexico has emerged from the pandemic in a better macroeconomic position than it entered, with strong growth in both real and nominal terms. The country's economy should continue to benefit from trade and economic links with major trading partner, the United States. The Lopez Obrador administration has shown fiscal rectitude, even if the state has increased its role in the oil and electricity sectors.

• The allocation to a Panama-based airline contributed as the company has seen a strong recovery in passenger volume and yields while operating margins continue to improve. The company has been able to gain market share as other operators struggled to navigate their business operations through the pandemic.

• From a sector perspective, stock selection in energy and materials contributed, as did the overweight to financials. Allocations to green commodities producers including platinum group metals and copper producers and oil and gas players added to performance.

**Management Strategies**

• We believe our portfolio is well positioned in the future leaders of emerging markets returns. Even if the Federal Reserve and individual central banks are able to slow down tight monetary policy, we do not expect markets to mean-revert to the extremely high growth stock leaders of the past. We continue to have exposure to resilient, domestic sources of growth and in global themes benefiting from the energy transition toward meeting decarbonization goals. We maintain our overweight to financials — in select countries with strong balance sheets and where credit demand is recovering; in select materials, such as aluminum, copper and platinum, related to energy transition; in select quality, well-managed energy names; in consumer staples that meet our quality growth criteria; and with overweights in countries such as India, Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia, which are benefiting from some element of themes such as recovery and growing demand for credit, continued high prices for select materials and the trend toward increased local and regional manufacturing of strategic industries.

• We maintain our overweight to India on its secular growth driven by a low base, supportive demographics (the opposite of China's aging population), supply-side investments particularly in manufacturing, and continued benefits from a rapid shift to digitization. We believe that India still faces some medium-term headwinds from high

oil prices (as a net importer) and the continued strong dollar, but we have high conviction in the quality of the companies we own and their ability to deliver on earnings.

• We continue to own certain commodity companies where years of under-investment, medium-term supply constraints and rising green demand dynamics are attractive.

• Select financials are benefiting from the continued rise in interest rates in certain countries; banks with effective fintech strategies will likely be the beneficiaries of rising demand for credit at greater profitability. We remain positive on banks we hold in South Africa and Brazil. Financials are our largest overweight on a sector basis.

• Overarching our high conviction in these individual names, we are constructive on the improving growth macro factors that may help shift investor demand in favor of emerging markets as an asset class. Key among the catalysts to support improved returns for EM equities are:

• A post-COVID recovery led by credit creation after a period of deleveraging;

• A manufacturing revival in certain markets led by a "China plus one" strategy driving reshoring and friend-shoring;

• A continuation of the commodity boom driven by decarbonization, which is resource intensive and benefits resource-rich economies;

• A digitization-led productivity and growth boost across most EM regions;

• A favorable political and reform cycle in several pockets of EM.

• Favorable political and reform cycles have taken place in several areas of EM, including India and Indonesia, and will likely continue to be a positive catalyst in coming quarters. Earnings revisions began to shift upward during the fourth quarter 2022 for many sectors, and we believe this should continue to serve as a catalyst for equity investors, particularly as developed markets, mostly the U.S., begin to revise down corporate earnings in coming quarters. And after years of currency weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, which has continuously strengthened over the years, individual currencies, such as those of Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Korea, have begun to recover in a reflection of their healthy current account status and improving growth. We believe our portfolio is well positioned to continue to capture the excess return potential in EM in the year ahead from active country allocation, select thematic investments in certain sectors and high conviction stock selection.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

![](j2316595_ba015.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

**Performance Compared to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index<sup>(1)</sup>**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(5)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(3)</sup> | –25.08% | –2.71% | 0.59% | 4.62% |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index | –20.09 | –1.40 | 1.44 | 5.08 |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(4)</sup> | –25.13 | –2.77 | 0.54 | 7.41 |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index | –20.09 | –1.40 | 1.44 | 8.53 |

---

***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index currently consists of 24 emerging market country indices. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Returns, including periods prior to January 1, 2001, are calculated using the return data of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (gross dividends) through December 31, 2000 and the return data of the MSCI Emerging Markets Net Index (net dividends) after December 31, 2000. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(2)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(3)</sup> Commenced operations on October 1, 1996.

<sup>(4)</sup> Commenced offering on January 10, 2003.

<sup>(5)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Index refers to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (97.7%)** | **Common Stocks (97.7%)** | **Common Stocks (97.7%)** |
| **Brazil (6.4%)** | **Brazil (6.4%)** | **Brazil (6.4%)** |
| Banco BTG Pactual SA (Units) (a) | 307985 | $1393 |
| Cia Brasileira de Aluminio | 324932 | 701 |
| Itau Unibanco Holding SA (Preference) | 650364 | 3080 |
| Lojas Renner SA | 554667 | 2150 |
| Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Preference) | 349623 | 1622 |
| Raia Drogasil SA | 270849 | 1220 |
|  |  | 10166 |
| **China (20.6%)** | **China (20.6%)** | **China (20.6%)** |
| Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (b)(c) | 226400 | 2484 |
| BYD Co., Ltd. H Shares (c) | 65500 | 1607 |
| China Construction Bank Corp. H Shares (c) | 5456230 | 3412 |
| China Mengniu Dairy Co., Ltd. (c) | 495000 | 2232 |
| China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. H Shares (c) | 344500 | 1907 |
| China Resources Beer Holdings Co., Ltd. (c) | 306000 | 2128 |
| China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp. Ltd. (b)(c) | 31900 | 935 |
| Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd. (b)(c) | 99000 | 343 |
| JD.com, Inc., Class A (c) | 35280 | 985 |
| Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd., Class A | 139709 | 773 |
| Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Class A | 6991 | 1729 |
| Li Ning Co., Ltd. (c) | 153000 | 1316 |
| Meituan, Class B (b)(c) | 52300 | 1159 |
| NARI Technology Co. Ltd., Class A | 201800 | 705 |
| Postal Savings Bank of China Co. Ltd. (c) | 2499000 | 1547 |
| Proya Cosmetics Co. Ltd., Class A | 33620 | 809 |
| Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd. (c) | 164400 | 1833 |
| Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd. | 67098 | 1077 |
| Tencent Holdings Ltd. (c) | 114800 | 4868 |
| Will Semiconductor Co. Ltd. Shanghai | 17820 | 197 |
| Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. H Shares (c) | 632000 | 849 |
|  |  | 32895 |
| **Czech Republic (0.4%)** | **Czech Republic (0.4%)** | **Czech Republic (0.4%)** |
| Komercni Banka AS | 24835 | 718 |
| **Germany (0.6%)** | **Germany (0.6%)** | **Germany (0.6%)** |
| Infineon Technologies AG | 34272 | 1041 |
| **India (22.1%)** | **India (22.1%)** | **India (22.1%)** |
| Bajaj Auto Ltd. | 38928 | 1697 |
| Delhivery Ltd. (b) | 194917 | 781 |
| Eicher Motors Ltd. | 25397 | 988 |
| Gland Pharma Ltd. (b) | 24118 | 459 |
| HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR | 54097 | 3701 |
| Hindalco Industries Ltd. | 469744 | 2685 |
| Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd. | 56829 | 1807 |
| ICICI Bank Ltd. | 404997 | 4356 |
| ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co., Ltd. | 187348 | 1019 |
| Infosys Ltd. | 114982 | 2096 |
| Infosys Ltd. ADR | 29515 | 532 |
| Macrotech Developers Ltd. (b) | 84282 | 1109 |
| Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. | 511280 | 1446 |
| Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. | 121792 | 1834 |
| MakeMyTrip Ltd. (b) | 25882 | 714 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Max Healthcare Institute Ltd. (b) | 269633 | $| 1430 |
| Reliance Industries Ltd. | 153723 |  | 4719 |
| Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. (b) | 107166 |  | 733 |
| State Bank of India | 439412 |  | 3249 |
|  |  |  | 35355 |
| **Indonesia (3.2%)** | **Indonesia (3.2%)** | **Indonesia (3.2%)** | **Indonesia (3.2%)** |
| Bank Central Asia Tbk PT | 3761500 |  | 2063 |
| Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT | 2820100 |  | 1798 |
| Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT | 3986200 |  | 1264 |
|  |  |  | 5125 |
| **Korea, Republic of (9.5%)** | **Korea, Republic of (9.5%)** | **Korea, Republic of (9.5%)** | **Korea, Republic of (9.5%)** |
| KB Financial Group, Inc. | 46721 |  | 1790 |
| Kia Corp. | 16025 |  | 754 |
| Korea Zinc Co. Ltd. | 1994 |  | 894 |
| LG Chem Ltd. | 2329 |  | 1112 |
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 165980 |  | 7285 |
| Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. | 3048 |  | 1431 |
| SK Hynix, Inc. | 32445 |  | 1936 |
|  |  |  | 15202 |
| **Mexico (4.0%)** | **Mexico (4.0%)** | **Mexico (4.0%)** | **Mexico (4.0%)** |
| Gruma SAB de CV | 18544 |  | 248 |
| Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV Series O | 445339 |  | 3197 |
| Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV | 849043 |  | 3001 |
|  |  |  | 6446 |
| **Panama (2.0%)** | **Panama (2.0%)** | **Panama (2.0%)** | **Panama (2.0%)** |
| Copa Holdings SA, Class A (b) | 38026 |  | 3163 |
| **Poland (1.5%)** | **Poland (1.5%)** | **Poland (1.5%)** | **Poland (1.5%)** |
| LPP SA | 963 |  | 2348 |
| **Portugal (1.8%)** | **Portugal (1.8%)** | **Portugal (1.8%)** | **Portugal (1.8%)** |
| Galp Energia SGPS SA | 217583 |  | 2935 |
| **South Africa (6.6%)** | **South Africa (6.6%)** | **South Africa (6.6%)** | **South Africa (6.6%)** |
| Anglo American Platinum Ltd. | 26647 |  | 2224 |
| Anglo American PLC | 118243 |  | 4636 |
| AVI Ltd. | 123309 |  | 546 |
| Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd. | 16016 |  | 1744 |
| Woolworths Holdings Ltd. | 350781 |  | 1366 |
|  |  |  | 10516 |
| **Taiwan (13.7%)** | **Taiwan (13.7%)** | **Taiwan (13.7%)** | **Taiwan (13.7%)** |
| Airtac International Group | 82901 |  | 2503 |
| Chailease Holding Co., Ltd. | 204000 |  | 1437 |
| CTBC Financial Holding Co., Ltd. | 2017000 |  | 1447 |
| Delta Electronics, Inc. | 360000 |  | 3337 |
| Silergy Corp. | 37000 |  | 523 |
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | 476000 |  | 6913 |
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., <br>Ltd. ADR | 69129 |  | 5150 |
| Voltronic Power Technology Corp. | 10000 |  | 502 |
|  |  |  | 21812 |
| **Thailand (0.6%)** | **Thailand (0.6%)** | **Thailand (0.6%)** | **Thailand (0.6%)** |
| Ngern Tid Lor PCL | 1038892 |  | 884 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>6

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **United Kingdom (3.3%)** | **United Kingdom (3.3%)** | **United Kingdom (3.3%)** |
| Antofagasta PLC | 131700 | $2458 |
| Mondi PLC | 163718 | 2800 |
|  |  | 5258 |
| **United States (1.4%)** | **United States (1.4%)** | **United States (1.4%)** |
| EPAM Systems, Inc. (b) | 4641 | 1521 |
| MercadoLibre, Inc. (b) | 793 | 671 |
|  |  | 2192 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $142,153)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $142,153)** | 156056 |
| **Short-Term Investment (2.0%)** | **Short-Term Investment (2.0%)** | **Short-Term Investment (2.0%)** |
| **Investment Company (2.0%)** | **Investment Company (2.0%)** | **Investment Company (2.0%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Government Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) <br>**(Cost $3,271)** | 3271414 | 3271 |
| **Total Investments (99.7%) (Cost $145,424)** (d)(e) | **Total Investments (99.7%) (Cost $145,424)** (d)(e) | 159327 |
| **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (0.3%)** | **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (0.3%)** | 432 |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $159759 |

---

Country assignments and aggregations are based generally on third party vendor classifications and information, and may be different from the assignments and aggregations under the policies set forth in the Fund's prospectus and/or statement of additional information relating to geographic classifications.

(a) Consists of one or more classes of securities traded together as a unit; stocks with attached warrants.

(b) Non-income producing security.

(c) Security trades on the Hong Kong exchange.

(d) The approximate fair value and percentage of net assets, $134,158,000 and 84.0%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A-1 within the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(e) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $146,166,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $28,196,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $15,025,000, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of approximately $13,171,000.

ADR American Depositary Receipt.

**Futures Contract:**

The Fund had the following futures contract open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number<br>of<br>Contracts** | **Expiration<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(000)** |
| **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** |
| MSCI China Index (Germany) | 155 | Mar-23 | $8 | $3739 | $10 |

---

**Portfolio Composition**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Others\* | 53.8 | % |
| Banks | 21.2 |  |
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 10.1 |  |
| Metals & Mining | 9.1 |  |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 5.8 |  |
| Total Investments | 100.0 | %\*\* |

---

\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

\*\* Does not include open long futures contract with a value of approximately $3,739,000 and unrealized appreciation of approximately $10,000.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>7

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $142,153) | $156056 |  |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $3,271) | 3271 |  |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $145,424) | 159327 |  |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $166) | 166 |  |
| Receivable for Investments Sold | 925 |  |
| Dividends Receivable | 460 |  |
| Receivable for Variation Margin on Futures Contracts | 452 |  |
| Tax Reclaim Receivable | 51 |  |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 9 |  |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 5 |  |
| Receivable from Securities Lending Income | 1 |  |
| Other Assets | 20 |  |
| Total Assets | 161416 |  |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax | 867 |  |
| Payable for Advisory Fees | 282 |  |
| Payable to Bank | 144 |  |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 129 |  |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 70 |  |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 53 |  |
| Payable for Investments Purchased | 41 |  |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 28 |  |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 11 |  |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 3 |  |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares |  | @ |
| Other Liabilities | 29 |  |
| Total Liabilities | 1657 |  |
| **NET ASSETS** | $159759 |  |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $141840 |  |
| Total Distributable Earnings | 17919 |  |
| **Net Assets** | $159759 |  |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $111050 |  |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 9,320,076 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $11.92 |  |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $48709 |  |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 4,104,345 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $11.87 |  |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ****<br> Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $624 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $4650 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 44 |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | 10 |
| Total Investment Income | 4704 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 1503 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 282 |
| Professional Fees | 192 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 141 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 133 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 103 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 70 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 15 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 7 |
| Pricing Fees | 6 |
| Interest Expenses | 2 |
| Other Expenses | 12 |
| Total Expenses | 2466 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (122 |
| Waiver of Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | (106 |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (4 |
| Net Expenses | 2234 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 2470 |
| **Realized Gain (Loss):** | **Realized Gain (Loss):** |
| Investments Sold (Net of $35 of Capital Gain Country Tax) | 3202 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (149 |
| Futures Contracts | (— |
| Net Realized Gain | 3053 |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments (Net of Increase in Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax of $171) | (62014 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (3 |
| Futures Contracts | 10 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (62007 |
| **Net Realized Gain and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (58954 |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(56484 |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $2470 | $1045 |
| Net Realized Gain | 3053 | 37437 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (62007) | (30847) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (56484) | 7635 |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (13481) | (1446) |
| Class II | (5774) | (557) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (19255) | (2003) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 7561 | 17164 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 13481 | 1446 |
| Redeemed | (17620) | (28766) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 5705 | 6350 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 5774 | 557 |
| Redeemed | (7364) | (14697) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | 7537 | (17946) |
| Total Decrease in Net Assets | (68202) | (12314) |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 227961 | 240275 |
| End of Period | $159759 | $227961 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 543 | 918 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 1186 | 77 |
| Shares Redeemed | (1280) | (1544) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Class I Shares Outstanding | 449 | (549) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 409 | 341 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 510 | 30 |
| Shares Redeemed | (545) | (790) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Class II Shares Outstanding | 374 | (419) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $18.11 | $17.73 | $15.99 | $14.48 | $17.65 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.19 | 0.08 | 0.05 | 0.20 | 0.14 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (4.81) | 0.46 | 2.15 | 2.56 | (3.23) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (4.62) | 0.54 | 2.20 | 2.76 | (3.09) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.06) | (0.16) | (0.21) | (0.17) | (0.08) |
| Net Realized Gain | (1.51) |  | (0.25) | (1.08) |  |
| Total Distributions | (1.57) | (0.16) | (0.46) | (1.25) | (0.08) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $11.92 | $18.11 | $17.73 | $15.99 | $14.48 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (25.08)% | 2.99% | 14.44% | 19.59% | (17.47)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $111050 | $160661 | $166989 | $163794 | $175300 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.32% | 1.25% | 1.30% | 1.27% | N/A |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.22%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | N/A | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.22%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.41%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.44%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.35%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.33%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.86%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.01% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 38% | 39% | 52% | 36% | 42% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $18.04 | $17.66 | $15.93 | $14.44 | $17.59 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.18 | 0.07 | 0.04 | 0.19 | 0.13 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (4.79) | 0.46 | 2.14 | 2.54 | (3.21) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (4.61) | 0.53 | 2.18 | 2.73 | (3.08) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.05) | (0.15) | (0.20) | (0.16) | (0.07) |
| Net Realized Gain | (1.51) |  | (0.25) | (1.08) |  |
| Total Distributions | (1.56) | (0.15) | (0.45) | (1.24) | (0.07) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $11.87 | $18.04 | $17.66 | $15.93 | $14.44 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (25.13)% | 2.95% | 14.36% | 19.51% | (17.51)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $48709 | $67300 | $73286 | $71662 | $68404 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.57% | 1.50% | 1.55% | 1.52% | 1.48% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.27%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | 1.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | N/A | 1.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.27%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.36%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.39%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.30%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.28%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.81%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.01% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 38% | 39% | 52% | 36% | 42% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>12

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying financial statements relate to the Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries. The Fund offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP 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:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales price (or at the market official closing price if such

market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company ("MSIM Company") (the "Sub-Adviser"), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (4) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (5) futures are valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which they trade or, if a settlement price is unavailable, at the last sale price on the exchange; (6) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (7) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Air Freight & Logistics | $— | $781 | $— | $781 |
| Airlines | 3163 |  |  | 3163 |
| Automobiles |  | 6880 |  | 6880 |
| Banks | 6898 | 26828 |  | 33726 |
| Beverages |  | 3857 |  | 3857 |
| Capital Markets |  | 1393 |  | 1393 |
| Chemicals |  | 1112 |  | 1112 |
| Commercial Banks |  | 1547 |  | 1547 |
| Consumer Finance |  | 2330 |  | 2330 |
| Diversified Financial <br>Services |  | 1437 |  | 1437 |
| Diversified Financials |  | 1807 |  | 1807 |
| Electrical Equipment |  | 2284 |  | 2284 |
| Electronic Equipment, <br>Instruments & <br>Components |  | 4768 |  | 4768 |
| Food & Staples Retailing | 3001 | 1220 |  | 4221 |
| Food Products | 248 | 2778 |  | 3026 |
| Health Care Providers & <br>Services |  | 1430 |  | 1430 |
| Hotels, Restaurants & <br>Leisure | 714 |  |  | 714 |
| Information Technology <br>Services | 2053 | 2096 |  | 4149 |
| Insurance |  | 1752 |  | 1752 |
| Interactive Media & <br>Services |  | 4868 |  | 4868 |
| Internet & Direct <br>Marketing Retail | 671 | 4628 |  | 5299 |
| Machinery |  | 2503 |  | 2503 |
| Metals & Mining |  | 14447 |  | 14447 |
| Multi-Line Retail |  | 3516 |  | 3516 |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable <br>Fuels |  | 9276 |  | 9276 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** |
| Paper & Forest Products | $— | $2800 | $— | $2800 |
| Personal Products |  | 809 |  | 809 |
| Pharmaceuticals |  | 1232 |  | 1232 |
| Real Estate <br>Management & <br>Development |  | 1109 |  | 1109 |
| Semiconductors & <br>Semiconductor <br>Equipment | 5150 | 10953 |  | 16103 |
| Specialty Retail |  | 935 |  | 935 |
| Tech Hardware, <br>Storage & <br>Peripherals |  | 7285 |  | 7285 |
| Textiles, Apparel & <br>Luxury Goods |  | 5497 |  | 5497 |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **21898** | **134158** | **—** | **156056** |
| **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** |
| Investment Company | 3271 |  |  | 3271 |
| **Futures Contract** | 10 |  |  | 10 |
| **Total Assets** | $**25179** | $**134158** | $**—** | $**159337** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

**3. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax

regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**4. Derivatives:** The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying asset and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. All of the Fund's holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked-to-market each day with the change in value reflected in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund used during the period and their associated risks:

**Futures:** A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. During the period the futures contract is open, payments are received from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value of the contract (the variation margin). A decision as

to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time.

FASB ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund's financial position and results of operations.

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund's derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Asset Derivatives<br>Statement of Assets<br>and Liabilities<br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Futures Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Equity Risk | $10<br> (a) |

---

(a) This amount represents the cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities only reflects the current day's net variation margin.

The following table sets forth by primary risk exposure the Fund's change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by type of derivative contract for the year ended December 31, 2022 in accordance with ASC 815:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative<br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Equity Risk | Futures Contracts | $(— | @) |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative<br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Equity Risk | Futures Contracts | $10 |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the approximate average monthly amount outstanding for each derivative type is as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Futures Contracts:** | **Futures Contracts:** |
| Average monthly notional value  | $311000 |

---

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

**5. Securities Lending:** The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any outstanding securities on loan.

**6. Indemnifications:** The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**7. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash

dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

Settlement and registration of foreign securities transactions may be subject to significant risks not normally associated with investments in the United States. In certain markets, ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the issuer's share register. It is possible that a Fund holding these securities could lose its share registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. In addition, shares being delivered for sales and cash being paid for purchases may be delivered before the exchange is complete. This may subject the Fund to further risk of loss in the event of a failure to complete the transaction by the counterparty.

**8. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory/Sub-Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **First $500<br>million** | **Next $500<br>million** | **Next $1.5<br>billion** | **Over $2.5<br>billion** |
| 0.85% | 0.75% | 0.70% | 0.65% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.78% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.25% for Class I shares and 1.30% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $122,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Sub-Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's Officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.20% of the 0.25% distribution fee that it may receive. This fee waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, this waiver amounted to approximately $106,000.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on

the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $67,525,000 and $80,010,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — Government Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $4,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value <br>December 31,<br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales<br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $2032 | $45807 | $44568 | $44 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $3271 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for

tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $731 | $18524 | $2003 | $— |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $2595 | $2837 |

---

**J. Credit Facility:** The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 67.1%.

**L. Market Risk:** Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):** On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316595_fa016.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders 1.53% of the dividends qualified for the dividends received deduction.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $18,524,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund's earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $1,308,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

The Fund intends to pass through foreign tax credits of approximately $577,000 and has derived net income from sources within foreign countries amounting to approximately $5,283,000.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

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\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

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The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Sub-Adviser**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company<br>23 Church Street<br>16-01 Capital Square, Singapore 049481

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFEMEANN<br>5431876 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j2316596_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Global Franchise Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Portfolio of Investments | 6 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 7 |
| Statement of Operations | 8 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 9 |
| Financial Highlights | 10 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 11 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 17 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 18 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 19 |
| Director and Officer Information | 20 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Expense Example (unaudited)

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Global Franchise Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending<br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Global Franchise Portfolio Class II | $1000.00 | $1013.50 | $1019.16 | $6.09 | $6.11 | 1.20% |

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\* Expenses are calculated using the Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class II shares had a total return based on net asset value and investment of distributions per share of –17.57%, net of fees. The Fund's Class II shares outperformed the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI World Net Index (the "Index"), which returned –18.14%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Despite a weak December, the Index managed an impressive fourth quarter 2022 return of +9.77% in U.S. dollars (USD). Overall, 2022 has been a tough environment for global equity markets, with the Index down 18.14% in USD, wiping out most of the Index's 2021 gains. Looking at sectors, the fourth quarter was skewed toward the more cyclical sectors: Energy (+20%) was strong, as it has been for the year as a whole, up a remarkable +46% in 2022 — the only sector with positive performance. Industrials (+18%), materials (+17%) and financials (+16%) also finished ahead of the Index in the quarter and were also ahead for the year, albeit with double-digit drawdowns. The portfolio's key defensive sectors — health care (+13%) and consumer staples (+12%) — followed, ahead of the overall Index both in the quarter and the year (–5% and –6% respectively for 2022). In contrast, the expensive, growth-tilted information technology (+5%) and consumer discretionary (–2%) sectors lagged in the fourth quarter, as they have done for much of 2022, both finishing down more than 30%.

• Looking at geographies, the U.S. (+7%) was behind the Index in the fourth quarter of 2022, which meant other major markets tended to outperform. Key euro markets did particularly well, helped by the recovery in the currency, with Italy (+26%), Germany (+25%), Spain (+23%) and France (+22%) all well ahead. In Asia, Hong Kong was also strong in the fourth quarter (+18%), while Singapore (+10%) and Japan (+13%) were closer to the overall Index. Elsewhere, Switzerland (+10%) was roughly in line, while the U.K. significantly outperformed (+17%). The U.S. also underperformed for the year (–20% against the Index's –18%), while most of Europe outperformed, with the notable exception of Germany (–22%). The U.K. finished as one of the year's top performers, having returned –5%. Within Asia,

Hong Kong did well (–5%), while Singapore (–10%) and Japan (–17%) showed milder outperformance. (Country performance is shown in USD.)

• For 2022 overall, the Fund's outperformance was driven by sector allocation, helped by the portfolio's overweight positions in the defensive health care and consumer staples sectors, which held up well in the year. The consumer discretionary underweight and absence of communication services stocks were also beneficial, offsetting the drag from the overweight to information technology and zero weight to energy. The negative stock selection was driven by health care underperformance, as the portfolio is concentrated in the life sciences and equipment sub-sectors rather than pharmaceuticals and providers. Information technology and consumer discretionary outperformance was insufficient to compensate.

• The Fund's four largest absolute contributors for 2022 were PMI, Coca-Cola, Becton Dickinson and LVMH. The Fund's top absolute detractors in the year were Microsoft, Baxter, Accenture, Reckitt Benckiser and Fidelity National.

**Management Strategies**

**Multiples have Tumbled, are Earnings Next?**

• At the start of 2022, we only had two worries about the equity market, but they were significant ones: the multiple and the earnings. In 2022, forward earnings held up reasonably well, up 4% for MSCI World Index.<sup>(i)</sup> The 18% fall in the Index has been entirely down to a sharp derating in public markets, with the MSCI World Index forward earnings multiple falling from 19.3x to 15.0x — in contrast to private markets, which have protected investors from volatility by failing to mark prices down. This derating has been particularly concentrated in the more expensive, "growthier" companies, with communication services, consumer discretionary and information technology all falling over 30%. The combination of resilient earnings and this skewed derating have made 2022 a very unusual year, as quality has not provided the downside risk mitigation that it did in the previous down years of 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2018, with the MSCI World Quality Index down 22% for the year, 400 basis points (bps) behind the wider Index.

<sup>(i)</sup> Source for all earnings, earnings estimates and earnings multiples data used in this Investment Overview: FactSet. Data as of December 2022. One basis point = 0.01%. The MSCI World Quality Index measures the performance of quality growth stocks (based on high return on equity, stable year-over-year earnings growth and low financial leverage) in the MSCI World Index.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

• At the start of 2023, our two worries from 12 months ago have reduced to one and a bit. The fall in the MSCI World Index multiple to 15x, now only 5% above the 2003-19 average as against the 36% premium at the start of the year, suggests that the market is no longer clearly overvalued, though of course the multiple could fall below average levels if there is a major economic downturn. It is earnings that remain the major concern. Inflation should help top-line growth, in nominal terms at least, but the margins do look stretched, with the MSCI World Index forward EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margin at 16.3%, 100 bps above the pre-COVID peak and a full 300 bps ahead of the 2003-19 average. This is consistent with the world of excess demand we have been in, which has given all sorts of lower quality companies pricing power. Companies' earnings issues in this period have tended to be idiosyncratic, rather than due to systematic demand issues. Many have come from either the direct impacts of COVID-19, for instance in messing up their supply chains, or from the post-pandemic hangover, with former "COVID heroes" — beneficiaries of the virtual world of the pandemic — having to adjust to the return toward an IRL (in real life) world.

• It is striking that bottom-up forward earnings estimates still look relatively healthy, despite what has been described as the most predicted recession in history, with 2023 MSCI World Index earnings estimated to be 3% higher than 2022 despite the headwind from the strong dollar, and 36% above the pre-COVID 2019 level. Central banks, particularly in the U.S., are raising rates aggressively to deal with inflation by attempting to slow demand. There is discussion about exactly how far they need to go, weighing up the balance between slowing goods inflation and continuing wage rises, as well as arcane discussion of the lags in the shelter element of the U.S. inflation calculation. We are in no position to take a view on these intricacies as mighty economists face off against each other. However, the basic fact remains that even in the case of a successful soft landing, the consensus economic outlook is for 2023 growth to roughly grind to a halt in most Western economies. The impacts of central bank actions are already being felt in the more interest rate sensitive areas, notably housing, and consumers are facing an ugly squeeze on real incomes thanks to inflation; but labor markets still remain tight, with U.S. unemployment still down at 3.5%,<sup>(ii)</sup> keeping upward pressure on wages — and on central bank action. Forward-looking indicators have turned down, but most of the economic pain, and thus earnings pain, is still to come.

• As the excess demand of 2021 and 2022 shifts toward excess supply in 2023, there is likely to be an earnings recession, as margins fall from current peaks. Once again, the market will discover which companies have resilient earnings in tough times. Our bet, as ever, is that pricing power and recurring revenue, two of the key criteria for inclusion in our portfolios, will once again show their worth, as they did in the 2008-09 Financial Crisis and in the first half of 2020, during the early days of the pandemic. Compounders should continue to compound. The silver lining of the painful derating of 2022 is that any compounding is now coming on top of a lower multiple, with the portfolio trading at a circa 5% free cash flow yield, versus the circa 4% of a year ago. Given that there are only two ways of losing money in equities — the earnings going away, or the multiple going away — owning a portfolio of resilient earnings at a reasonable multiple does seem a sensible approach in such uncertain times.

<sup>(ii)</sup> Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data as of December 2022.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

![](j2316596_ba002.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

**Performance Compared to the MSCI World Net Index<sup>(1)</sup>**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(4)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(3)</sup> | –17.57% | 7.64% | 9.79% | 10.40% |
| MSCI World Net Index | –18.14 | 6.14 | 8.85 | 8.14 |

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***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The MSCI World Net Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the global equity market performance of developed markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The MSCI World Net Index currently consists of 23 developed market country indices. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(2)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(3)</sup> Commenced operations on April 30, 2003.

<sup>(4)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Index refers to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (98.4%)** | **Common Stocks (98.4%)** | **Common Stocks (98.4%)** |
| **France (6.8%)** | **France (6.8%)** | **France (6.8%)** |
| L'Oreal SA | 1497 | $536 |
| LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | 948 | 690 |
| Pernod Ricard SA | 3324 | 654 |
|  |  | 1880 |
| **Germany (5.2%)** | **Germany (5.2%)** | **Germany (5.2%)** |
| SAP SE | 13815 | 1426 |
| **Italy (0.4%)** | **Italy (0.4%)** | **Italy (0.4%)** |
| Davide Campari-Milano NV | 10581 | 107 |
| **Netherlands (2.2%)** | **Netherlands (2.2%)** | **Netherlands (2.2%)** |
| Heineken NV | 6602 | 622 |
| **United Kingdom (10.5%)** | **United Kingdom (10.5%)** | **United Kingdom (10.5%)** |
| Experian PLC | 12464 | 422 |
| Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | 23260 | 1612 |
| RELX PLC (Euronext NV) | 6445 | 179 |
| RELX PLC (LSE) | 24956 | 690 |
|  |  | 2903 |
| **United States (73.3%)** | **United States (73.3%)** | **United States (73.3%)** |
| Abbott Laboratories | 9875 | 1084 |
| Accenture PLC, Class A | 4729 | 1262 |
| Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | 3055 | 730 |
| Baxter International, Inc. | 16258 | 829 |
| Becton Dickinson & Co. | 3871 | 984 |
| Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | 2640 | 354 |
| Coca-Cola Co. | 8253 | 525 |
| Danaher Corp. | 5578 | 1481 |
| Equifax, Inc. | 2753 | 535 |
| Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A | 1548 | 384 |
| Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | 1576 | 107 |
| Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | 10693 | 1097 |
| Microsoft Corp. | 10205 | 2447 |
| Moody's Corp. | 1237 | 345 |
| NIKE, Inc., Class B | 3507 | 410 |
| Otis Worldwide Corp. | 5768 | 452 |
| Philip Morris International, Inc. | 20774 | 2103 |
| Procter & Gamble Co. | 5425 | 822 |
| Roper Technologies, Inc. | 1592 | 688 |
| Steris PLC | 1636 | 302 |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 2336 | 1286 |
| Visa, Inc., Class A | 8326 | 1730 |
| Zoetis, Inc. | 1872 | 274 |
|  |  | 20231 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $17,178)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $17,178)** | 27169 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Short-Term Investment (1.4%)** | **Short-Term Investment (1.4%)** | **Short-Term Investment (1.4%)** |
| **Investment Company (1.4%)** | **Investment Company (1.4%)** | **Investment Company (1.4%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — <br>Treasury Securities Portfolio — Institutional <br>Class (See Note H) **(Cost $380)** | 379754 | $380 |
| **Total Investments (99.8%) (Cost $17,558)** (a)(b) | **Total Investments (99.8%) (Cost $17,558)** (a)(b) | 27549 |
| **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (0.2%)** | **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (0.2%)** | 64 |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $27613 |

---

Country assignments and aggregations are based generally on third party vendor classifications and information, and may be different from the assignments and aggregations under the policies set forth in the Fund's prospectus and/or statement of additional information relating to geographic classifications.

(a) The approximate fair value and percentage of net assets, $6,938,000 and 25.1%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A-1 within the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(b) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $17,805,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $10,575,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $832,000, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of approximately $9,743,000.

Euronext NV Euronext Amsterdam Stock Market.

LSE London Stock Exchange.

**Portfolio Composition**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Software | 16.6% |
| Information Technology Services | 15.2 |
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies | 11.6 |
| Other\* | 11.4 |
| Life Sciences Tools & Services | 10.1 |
| Household Products | 8.8 |
| Tobacco | 7.6 |
| Beverages | 6.9 |
| Professional Services | 6.6 |
| Capital Markets | 5.2 |
| Total Investments | 100.0% |

---

\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>6

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $17,178) | $27169 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $380) | 380 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $17,558) | 27549 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $12) | 12 |
| Receivable for Investments Sold | 150 |
| Dividends Receivable | 40 |
| Tax Reclaim Receivable | 15 |
| Due from Adviser | 3 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 1 |
| Other Assets | 8 |
| Total Assets | 27778 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 66 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 49 |
| Payable for Investments Purchased | 14 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 13 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 6 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 4 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 2 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 1 |
| Other Liabilities | 10 |
| Total Liabilities | 165 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $27613 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $16141 |
| Total Distributable Earnings | 11472 |
| **Net Assets** | $27613 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 2,756,989 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $10.02 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>7

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $12 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $520 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 7 |
| Total Investment Income | 527 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 246 |
| Professional Fees | 133 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 77 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 43 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 25 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 22 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 8 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 5 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 4 |
| Pricing Fees | 2 |
| Other Expenses | 10 |
| Total Expenses | 575 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (206) |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (1) |
| Net Expenses | 368 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 159 |
| **Realized Gain (Loss):** | **Realized Gain (Loss):** |
| Investments Sold | 1606 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (7) |
| Net Realized Gain | 1599 |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments | (8340) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (1) |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (8341) |
| **Net Realized Gain and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (6742) |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(6583) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $159 | $187 |
| Net Realized Gain | 1599 | 3069 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (8341) | 3889 |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (6583) | 7145 |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class II | (3248) | (3966) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 1495 | 2741 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 3248 | 3966 |
| Redeemed | (5433) | (5940) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | (690) | 767 |
| Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (10521) | 3946 |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 38134 | 34188 |
| End of Period | $27613 | $38134 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 139 | 216 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 325 | 315 |
| Shares Redeemed | (499) | (461) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Class II Shares Outstanding | (35) | 70 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Global Franchise Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $13.66 | $12.56 | $12.47 | $11.18 | $13.73 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.06 | 0.07 | 0.09 | 0.10 | 0.11 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (2.46) | 2.52 | 1.41 | 3.09 | (0.22) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (2.40) | 2.59 | 1.50 | 3.19 | (0.11) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.07) | (0.09) | (0.11) | (0.12) | (0.15) |
| Net Realized Gain | (1.17) | (1.40) | (1.30) | (1.78) | (2.29) |
| Total Distributions | (1.24) | (1.49) | (1.41) | (1.90) | (2.44) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $10.02 | $13.66 | $12.56 | $12.47 | $11.18 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (17.57)% | 21.67% | 13.21% | 29.53% | (1.77)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $27613 | $38134 | $34188 | $35293 | $32322 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.87% | 1.80% | 1.80% | 1.69% | 1.77% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.20%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.20%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.20%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.20%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.20%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 0.51%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.52%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.74%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.82%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.88%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 14% | 14% | 17% | 14% | 27% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying financial statements relate to the Global Franchise Portfolio. The Company seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Fund currently offers Class II shares only, although Class I shares may be offered in the future.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP 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:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices

are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited ("MSIM Limited") (the "Sub-Adviser"), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (4) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (5) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (6) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Beverages | $525 | $1383 | $— | $1908 |
| Capital Markets | 1442 |  |  | 1442 |
| Health Care Equipment & <br>Supplies | 3199 |  |  | 3199 |
| Household Products | 822 | 1612 |  | 2434 |
| Information Technology <br>Services | 4183 |  |  | 4183 |
| Life Sciences Tools & <br>Services | 2767 |  |  | 2767 |
| Machinery | 452 |  |  | 452 |
| Personal Products | 384 | 536 |  | 920 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 274 |  |  | 274 |
| Professional Services | 535 | 1291 |  | 1826 |
| Software | 3135 | 1426 |  | 4561 |
| Textiles, Apparel & <br>Luxury Goods | 410 | 690 |  | 1100 |
| Tobacco | 2103 |  |  | 2103 |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **20231** | **6938** | **—** | **27169** |
| **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** |
| Investment Company | 380 |  |  | 380 |
| **Total Assets** | $**20611** | $**6938** | $**—** | $**27549** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

**3. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**4. Indemnifications:** The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**5. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

Settlement and registration of foreign securities transactions may be subject to significant risks not normally associated with investments in the United States. In certain markets, ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the issuer's share register. It is possible that a Fund holding these securities could lose its share registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. In addition, shares being delivered for sales and cash being paid for purchases may be delivered before the exchange is complete. This may subject the Fund to further risk of loss in the event of a failure to complete the transaction by the counterparty.

**6. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory/Sub-Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **First $500<br>million** | **Next $500<br>million** | **Over $1<br>billion** |
| 0.80% | 0.75% | 0.70% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.13% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that the total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.20% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $206,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Sub-Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's Officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of

the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $4,211,000 and $7,881,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — Treasury Securities Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $1,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated<br>Investment<br>Company** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds<br>from Sales<br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $590 | $5173 | $5383 | $7 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment<br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $380 |

---

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $188 | $3060 | $276 | $3690 |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $151 | $1581 |

---

**J. Credit Facility:** The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 79.4%.

**L. Market Risk:** Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):** On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Global Franchise Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Global Franchise Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316596_fa003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders 100.0% of the dividends qualified for the dividends received deduction.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $3,060,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund's earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $188,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

---

The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Sub-Adviser**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited<br>25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf<br>London, E14 4QA, England

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFGFANN<br>5431844 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j2316597_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Global Infrastructure Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Portfolio of Investments | 6 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 8 |
| Statement of Operations | 9 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 10 |
| Financial Highlights | 11 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 13 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 20 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 21 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 22 |
| Director and Officer Information | 23 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Expense Example (unaudited)

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Global Infrastructure Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending <br>Account<br>Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Global Infrastructure Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $983.50 | $1020.82 | $4.35 | $4.43 | 0.87% |
| Global Infrastructure Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 980.90 | 1019.56 | 5.59 | 5.70 | 1.12 |

---

\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

The Fund seeks both capital appreciation and current income.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –8.02%, net of fees, and –8.32%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Index<sup>SM</sup> (the "Index"), which returned –6.62%, but outperformed the S&P Global BMI Index, a proxy for global equities, which returned –18.24%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Infrastructure shares decreased 6.62% in the year ending December 31, 2022, as measured by the Index. From a sector perspective, gas midstream, electricity transmission & distribution, other utilities, pipeline companies, gas distribution utilities, toll roads, diversified, and airports outperformed the Index, while water & waste, ports, European regulated utilities, and communications underperformed.

• 2022 was a challenging year for most financial assets, as the headwinds of high inflation, restrictive central bank policymaking in developed markets, war in Ukraine, COVID-19 lockdowns in China, and geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China served to blunt a robust labor market in the majority of countries and generally positive corporate earnings trends in Western economies. In the context of this challenging year, listed infrastructure securities held up well, outpacing global equities and some parts of the bond market on a relative basis. This outperformance of listed infrastructure was driven by a number of favorable characteristics of the asset class, as well as certain sector-level exposures. In terms of structural characteristics, listed infrastructure's inflation-linked revenues and cash flows, as well as its earnings and cash flow resilience, served it well in a high inflation, high volatility environment. From a sector exposure perspective, listed infrastructure benefited from exposure to defensive asset areas like utilities, in addition to exposure to energy, both traditional energy as well as clean energy, in the context of Russia-Ukraine war and many governments' efforts to transition away from fossil fuel-based, foreign energy sources. Exposure to leisure travel through airports was also a benefit, given the strong travel recovery coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• For the full-year 2022, the Fund underperformed the Index, due to adverse stock selection, while sector allocation contributed positively. From a bottom-up perspective, the Fund benefited from favorable stock selection in communications, gas midstream, and airports, which was offset by adverse stock selection in the gas distribution utilities, water & waste, and other utilities. From a top-down perspective, the Fund benefited from its overweight positioning in other utilities, water & waste, and gas distribution utilities, and its underweight to European regulated utilities.

**Management Strategies**

• We remain committed to our core investment philosophy as an infrastructure value investor. As value-oriented, bottom-up driven investors, our investment perspective is that over the medium and long term, the key factor in determining the performance of infrastructure securities will be underlying infrastructure asset values. Given the large and growing private infrastructure market, we believe that there are limits as to the level of premium or discount at which the public sector should trade relative to its underlying private infrastructure value. These limits can be viewed as the point at which the arbitrage opportunity between owning infrastructure in the private versus public markets becomes compelling. In aiming to achieve core infrastructure exposure in a cost-effective manner, we invest in equity securities of publicly listed infrastructure companies we believe offer the best value relative to their underlying infrastructure value and net asset value growth prospects.

• Our research currently leads us to an overweighting in the Fund to a group of companies in the water & waste, other utilities, gas distribution utilities, and airports sectors, and an underweighting to pipeline companies and companies in the electricity transmission & distribution, gas midstream, diversified, European regulated utilities, toll roads, and ports sectors. Our positioning in communications is relatively in line with the Index. Finally, we continue to retain out-of-benchmark positions in renewables.

• For 2023, despite the material outperformance of listed infrastructure relative to global equities in 2022, we remain constructive for several reasons. First, although there are broader market concerns over a potential "earnings recession" in 2023, we anticipate positive earnings and cash flow growth across most infrastructure subsectors for the year, with some areas set to achieve outsized growth due to

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

follow-on, 2022 inflation-linked pricing escalators for 2023. Second, we anticipate interest rates to be a neutral to positive influence on perceived cost-of-capital in 2023 as long-term bond yields start to roll over in conjunction with fears over recession. And third, we view the backdrop for energy, both in terms of clean energy and traditional energy infrastructure, as particularly strong in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tight supply/demand dynamics. Whereas "energy transition" was the sole area of focus in recent years, "energy security" has become equally important, and with it, a renewed focus on traditional energy infrastructure.

![](j2316597_ba002.jpg)

\* Performance shown for the Fund's Class I shares reflects the performance of the Class X shares of VIS Global Infrastructure for periods prior to April 28, 2014.

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

**Performance Compared to the Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Index<sup>SM(1)</sup> and the S&P Global BMI Index<sup>(2)</sup>**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(5)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(4)</sup> | –8.02% | 4.20% | 6.52% | 7.67% |
| Dow Jones Brookfield Global <br>Infrastructure Index<sup>SM</sup> | –6.62 | 4.31 | 6.38 | 8.63 |
| S&P Global BMI Index | –18.24 | 5.26 | 8.38 | 7.75 |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(4)</sup> | –8.32 | 3.94 | 6.24 | 4.77 |
| Dow Jones Brookfield Global <br>Infrastructure Index<sup>SM</sup> | –6.62 | 4.31 | 6.38 | 6.91 |
| S&P Global BMI Index | –18.24 | 5.26 | 8.38 | 5.64 |

---

***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Index<sup>SM</sup> is a float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that measures the stock performance of companies that exhibit strong infrastructure characteristics. The Index intends to measure all sectors of the infrastructure market. The Index was first published in July 2008; however, back-tested hypothetical performance information is available for this Index since December 31, 2002. Returns are calculated using the return data of the S&P Global BMI Index through December 31, 2002 and the return data of the Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Index for periods thereafter. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Effective after the close of business on April 29, 2022, the Fund selected the Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Index<sup>SM</sup> as its broad-based index as a replacement for the Standard and Poor's Global BMI Index ("S&P Global BMI Index") because it believes the Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Index<sup>SM</sup> is more reflective of the Fund's principal investment strategies.

<sup>(2)</sup> The S&P Global BMI Index is a broad market index designed to capture exposure to equities in all countries in the world that meet minimum size and liquidity requirements. The index members represent developed and emerging market countries. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(3)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(4)</sup> On April 28, 2014, the Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (formerly Universal Institutional Funds, Inc.,) on behalf of the Fund, acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Morgan Stanley Select Dimensions Investment Series — Global Infrastructure Portfolio ("SD Global Infrastructure") and Morgan Stanley Variable Investment Series — Global Infrastructure Portfolio ("VIS Global Infrastructure") in exchange for shares of the Fund. The Fund adopted the financial and performance history of VIS Global Infrastructure. As a result, performance shown for Class I shares and Class II shares reflects the performance history of VIS Global Infrastructure's Class X shares and Class Y shares, respectively, for periods prior to April 28, 2014. VIS Global Infrastructure's Class X shares commenced operations on March 1, 1990 and Class Y shares commenced operations on June 5, 2000.

<sup>(5)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Indexes refer to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (99.6%)** | **Common Stocks (99.6%)** | **Common Stocks (99.6%)** |
| **Australia (2.1%)** | **Australia (2.1%)** | **Australia (2.1%)** |
| Transurban Group (Units) (a) | 192102 | $1690 |
| **Canada (17.7%)** | **Canada (17.7%)** | **Canada (17.7%)** |
| Enbridge, Inc. | 77047 | 3011 |
| GFL Environmental, Inc. | 219782 | 6424 |
| Gibson Energy, Inc. (b) | 56557 | 987 |
| Pembina Pipeline Corp. | 62618 | 2126 |
| TC Energy Corp. (b) | 41676 | 1662 |
|  |  | 14210 |
| **China (8.9%)** | **China (8.9%)** | **China (8.9%)** |
| China Gas Holdings Ltd. (c) | 4954400 | 7180 |
| **France (4.5%)** | **France (4.5%)** | **France (4.5%)** |
| Aeroports de Paris (d) | 1814 | 243 |
| Getlink SE | 18601 | 298 |
| Vinci SA | 30624 | 3053 |
|  |  | 3594 |
| **Hong Kong (0.9%)** | **Hong Kong (0.9%)** | **Hong Kong (0.9%)** |
| Power Assets Holdings Ltd. | 126000 | 689 |
| **Italy (5.8%)** | **Italy (5.8%)** | **Italy (5.8%)** |
| Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA | 378145 | 3815 |
| Terna — Rete Elettrica Nazionale | 113292 | 837 |
|  |  | 4652 |
| **Mexico (2.3%)** | **Mexico (2.3%)** | **Mexico (2.3%)** |
| Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, <br>Class B | 57526 | 825 |
| Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, <br>Class B | 42628 | 994 |
|  |  | 1819 |
| **New Zealand (0.5%)** | **New Zealand (0.5%)** | **New Zealand (0.5%)** |
| Auckland International Airport Ltd. (d) | 81786 | 406 |
| **Portugal (0.4%)** | **Portugal (0.4%)** | **Portugal (0.4%)** |
| EDP Renovaveis SA | 15654 | 345 |
| **Spain (5.3%)** | **Spain (5.3%)** | **Spain (5.3%)** |
| Aena SME SA | 4057 | 509 |
| Cellnex Telecom SA | 42695 | 1416 |
| Ferrovial SA | 43158 | 1130 |
| Iberdrola SA | 106774 | 1246 |
|  |  | 4301 |
| **Switzerland (0.5%)** | **Switzerland (0.5%)** | **Switzerland (0.5%)** |
| Flughafen Zurich AG (Registered) (d) | 2403 | 372 |
| **United Kingdom (7.3%)** | **United Kingdom (7.3%)** | **United Kingdom (7.3%)** |
| National Grid PLC | 270022 | 3235 |
| Pennon Group PLC | 125487 | 1349 |
| Severn Trent PLC | 41467 | 1325 |
|  |  | 5909 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (43.4%)** | **United States (43.4%)** | **United States (43.4%)** |
| Ameren Corp. | 7029 | $625 |
| American Electric Power Co., Inc. | 27172 | 2580 |
| American Tower Corp. REIT | 22367 | 4739 |
| American Water Works Co., Inc. | 10588 | 1614 |
| Atmos Energy Corp. | 10507 | 1177 |
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 41154 | 1234 |
| Cheniere Energy, Inc. | 15401 | 2309 |
| Crown Castle, Inc. REIT | 10287 | 1395 |
| Edison International | 21013 | 1337 |
| Entergy Corp. | 10481 | 1179 |
| Eversource Energy | 28677 | 2404 |
| Exelon Corp. | 9520 | 412 |
| Kinder Morgan, Inc. | 35799 | 647 |
| NextEra Energy, Inc. | 3847 | 322 |
| NiSource, Inc. | 37585 | 1031 |
| ONEOK, Inc. | 15623 | 1026 |
| PG&E Corp. (d) | 91184 | 1483 |
| SBA Communications Corp. REIT | 8397 | 2354 |
| Sempra Energy | 19491 | 3012 |
| Targa Resources Corp. | 25424 | 1869 |
| Williams Cos., Inc. | 57784 | 1901 |
| Xcel Energy, Inc. | 3199 | 224 |
|  |  | 34874 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $78,030)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $78,030)** | 80041 |
| **Short-Term Investments (0.9%)** | **Short-Term Investments (0.9%)** | **Short-Term Investments (0.9%)** |
| **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.5%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.5%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.5%)** |
| **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Treasury Securities Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) | 329953 | 330 |
|  | **Face Amount <br>(000)** |  |
| **Repurchase Agreements (0.1%)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.1%)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.1%)** |
| HSBC Securities USA, Inc., (4.27%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $30; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 4.38% due 5/15/41; <br>valued at $31) | $30 | 30 |
| Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., (4.25%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $31; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 1.50% due 2/15/25; <br>valued at $31) | 31 | 31 |
|  |  | 61 |
| **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $391)** | **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $391)** | 391 |

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>6

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Treasury Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) <br>**(Cost $348)** | 348423 | $348 |
| **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $739)** | **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $739)** | 739 |
| **Total Investments (100.5%) (Cost $78,769) <br>Including $2,002 of Securities Loaned** (e)(f) | **Total Investments (100.5%) (Cost $78,769) <br>Including $2,002 of Securities Loaned** (e)(f) | 80780 |
| **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–0.5%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–0.5%)** | (381) |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $80399 |

---

Country assignments and aggregations are based generally on third party vendor classifications and information, and may be different from the assignments and aggregations under the policies set forth in the Fund's prospectus and/or statement of additional information relating to geographic classifications.

(a) Consists of one or more classes of securities traded together as a unit; stocks with attached warrants.

(b) All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2022.

(c) Security trades on the Hong Kong exchange.

(d) Non-income producing security.

(e) The approximate fair value and percentage of net assets, $29,138,000 and 36.2%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A-1 within the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(f) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $82,999,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $5,424,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $7,645,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $2,221,000.

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust.

**Portfolio Composition\***

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation | 34.7% |
| Communications | 17.1 |
| Others | 17.0 |
| Electricity Transmission & Distribution | 12.1 |
| Other\* | 7.1 |
| Diversified | 6.7 |
| Water | 5.3 |
| Total Investments | 100.0% |

---

\* Percentage indicated are based upon total investments (excluding Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities) as of December 31, 2022.

\*\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>7

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value<sup>(1)</sup> (Cost $78,091) | $80102 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $678) | 678 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $78,769) | 80780 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $11) | 11 |
| Dividends Receivable | 218 |
| Tax Reclaim Receivable | 31 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 4 |
| Receivable from Securities Lending Income | 2 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 1 |
| Other Assets | 10 |
| Total Assets | 81057 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Collateral on Securities Loaned, at Value | 391 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 59 |
| Payable for Investments Purchased | 41 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 41 |
| Payable for Advisory Fees | 40 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 39 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 18 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 11 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 6 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 1 |
| Other Liabilities | 11 |
| Total Liabilities | 658 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $80399 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $70327 |
| Total Distributable Earnings | 10072 |
| **Net Assets** | $80399 |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $30227 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 4,318,445 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $7.00 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $50172 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 7,236,273 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $6.93 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** |
| Securities on Loan, at Value: | $2002 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $153 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $2723 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 31 |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | 9 |
| Total Investment Income | 2763 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 733 |
| Professional Fees | 155 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 133 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 130 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 59 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 69 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 33 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 7 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 6 |
| Interest Expenses | 5 |
| Pricing Fees | 3 |
| Other Expenses | 16 |
| Total Expenses | 1349 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (460) |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (4) |
| Net Expenses | 885 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 1878 |
| **Realized Gain (Loss):** | **Realized Gain (Loss):** |
| Investments Sold | 7988 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (20) |
| Net Realized Gain | 7968 |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments | (16968) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (3) |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (16971) |
| **Net Realized Gain and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (9003) |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(7125) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $1878 | $1646 |
| Net Realized Gain | 7968 | 6024 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (16971) | 3185 |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (7125) | 10855 |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (2843) | (2180) |
| Class II | (4465) | (2860) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (7308) | (5040) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 2567 | 1945 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 2843 | 2180 |
| Redeemed | (6055) | (6091) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 34260 | 14755 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 4465 | 2860 |
| Redeemed | (33678) | (8179) |
| Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | 4402 | 7470 |
| Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (10031) | 13285 |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 90430 | 77145 |
| End of Period | $80399 | $90430 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 325 | 241 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 404 | 267 |
| Shares Redeemed | (795) | (745) |
| Net Decrease in Class I Shares Outstanding | (66) | (237) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 4640 | 1822 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 639 | 354 |
| Shares Redeemed | (4555) | (1022) |
| Net Increase in Class II Shares Outstanding | 724 | 1154 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $8.34 | $7.76 | $8.12 | $6.80 | $7.91 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.18 | 0.17 | 0.15 | 0.20 | 0.20 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (0.84) | 0.92 | (0.26) | 1.69 | (0.79) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (0.66) | 1.09 | (0.11) | 1.89 | (0.59) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.23) | (0.21) | (0.13) | (0.22) | (0.23) |
| Net Realized Gain | (0.45) | (0.30) | (0.12) | (0.35) | (0.29) |
| Total Distributions | (0.68) | (0.51) | (0.25) | (0.57) | (0.52) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $7.00 | $8.34 | $7.76 | $8.12 | $6.80 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (8.02)% | 14.26% | (1.15)% | 28.30% | (7.85)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $30227 | $36573 | $35868 | $42162 | $38642 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.41% | 1.38% | 1.36% | 1.33% | 1.34% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.88%<sup>(3)(5)</sup> | 0.87%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.87%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.87%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.87%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | 0.87%<sup>(3)</sup> | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 2.32%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.11%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.06%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.58%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.80%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 89% | 59% | 62% | 30% | 44% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Amount is less than 0.005%.

(5) Ratio is above the expense limitation due to interest expenses, which are not included in the determination of the expense limitation. Refer to Footnote B in the Note to Financial Statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $8.27 | $7.70 | $8.06 | $6.76 | $7.85 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.13 | 0.18 | 0.18 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (0.83) | 0.92 | (0.26) | 1.67 | (0.77) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (0.68) | 1.07 | (0.13) | 1.85 | (0.59) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.21) | (0.20) | (0.11) | (0.20) | (0.21) |
| Net Realized Gain | (0.45) | (0.30) | (0.12) | (0.35) | (0.29) |
| Total Distributions | (0.66) | (0.50) | (0.23) | (0.55) | (0.50) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $6.93 | $8.27 | $7.70 | $8.06 | $6.76 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (8.32)% | 14.00% | (1.43)% | 27.87% | (7.89)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $50172 | $53857 | $41277 | $46055 | $38193 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.66% | 1.63% | 1.61% | 1.58% | 1.59% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.13%<sup>(3)(5)</sup> | 1.12%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.12%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.12%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.12%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation Excluding Interest Expenses | 1.12%<sup>(3)</sup> | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 2.07%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.86%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.81%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.33%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.55%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 89% | 59% | 62% | 30% | 44% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Amount is less than 0.005%.

(5) Ratio is above the expense limitation due to interest expenses, which are not included in the determination of the expense limitation. Refer to Footnote B in the Note to Financial Statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>12

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying financial statements relate to the Global Infrastructure Portfolio. The Fund seeks both capital appreciation and current income. The Fund offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP 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:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no

trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (4) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (5) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (6) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Airports | $1819 | $1530 | $— | $3349 |
| Communications | 8488 | 5231 |  | 13719 |
| Diversified | 1234 | 4183 |  | 5417 |
| Electricity Transmission & <br>Distribution | 5636 | 4072 |  | 9708 |
| Oil & Gas Storage & <br>Transportation | 20758 | 7180 |  | 27938 |
| Other | 11354 | 2280 |  | 13634 |
| Toll Roads |  | 1988 |  | 1988 |
| Water | 1614 | 2674 |  | 4288 |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **50903** | **29138** | **—** | **80041** |
| **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** |
| Investment Company | 678 |  |  | 678 |
| Repurchase Agreements |  | 61 |  | 61 |
| **Total Short-Term <br>Investments** | **678** | **61** | **—** | **739** |
| **Total Assets** | $**51581** | $**29199** | $**—** | $**80780** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

**3. Repurchase Agreements:** The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which the Fund lends 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 which are held as 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 that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest as earned. If such a decrease occurs,

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

additional collateral will be requested and, when received, will be added to the account to maintain full collateralization. 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 of the collateral proceeds may be subject to cost and delays. The Fund, along with other affiliated investment companies, may utilize a joint trading account for the purpose of entering into repurchase agreements.

**4. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency

transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**5. Securities Lending:** The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Gross Asset<br>Amounts<br>Presented in<br>the Statement<br>of Assets and <br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Net Amount<br>(not less <br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| $2002<br> (a) | $— | $(2002)(b)(c) | $0 |

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(a) Represents market value of loaned securities at year end.

(b) The Fund received cash collateral of approximately $391,000, which was subsequently invested in Repurchase Agreements and Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. In addition, the Fund received non-cash collateral of approximately $1,703,000 in the form of U.S. Government obligations, which the Fund cannot sell or repledge, and accordingly are not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments.

(c) The actual collateral received is greater than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

FASB ASC 860, "Transfers & Servicing: Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures", is intended to provide increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in securities lending transactions and other similar transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings.

The following table displays a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligations by class of collateral pledged and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** |
| | **Overnight and<br>Continuous<br>(000)** | **<30 days<br>(000)** | **Between<br>30 & <br>90 days<br>(000)** | **>90 days<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** |
| Common Stocks | $391 | $— | $— | $— | $391 |
| **Total Borrowings** | $**391** | $**—** | $**—** | $**—** | $**391** |
| **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | $**391** |

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**6. Indemnifications:** The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**7. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

Settlement and registration of foreign securities transactions may be subject to significant risks not normally associated with investments in the United States. In certain markets, ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the issuer's share register. It is possible that a Fund holding these securities could lose its share registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. In addition, shares being delivered for sales and cash being paid for purchases may be delivered before the exchange is complete. This may subject the Fund to further risk of loss in the event of a failure to complete the transaction by the counterparty.

**8. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.85% of the daily net assets of the Fund.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.87% for Class I shares and 1.12% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $460,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $75,798,000 and $74,333,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $4,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value <br>December 31,<br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales<br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $2577 | $55843 | $57742 | $31 |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $678 |

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The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to

short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $3242 | $4066 | $2024 | $3016 |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $1768 | $10525 |

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**J. Credit Facility:** The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 80.6%.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

**L. Market Risk:** Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):** On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Global Infrastructure Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Global Infrastructure Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316597_fa003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders 19.20% of the dividends qualified for the dividends received deduction.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $4,066,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

The Fund designated approximately $145,000 of its distributions paid as qualified business income.

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund's earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $2,051,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

The Fund intends to pass through foreign tax credits of approximately $147,000 and has derived net income from sources within foreign countries amounting to approximately $1,900,000.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

---

The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFGINANN<br>5431890 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j2316598_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Global Real Estate Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Portfolio of Investments | 6 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 9 |
| Statement of Operations | 10 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 11 |
| Financial Highlights | 12 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 13 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 21 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 22 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 23 |
| Director and Officer Information | 24 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Expense Example (unaudited)

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Global Real Estate Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value <br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending <br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Global Real Estate Portfolio Class II | $1000.00 | $937.00 | $1018.90 | $6.10 | $6.36 | 1.25% |

---

\* Expenses are calculated using the Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

The Fund seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class II shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –26.20%, net of fees. The Fund's Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index (the "Index"), which returned –25.09%, and underperformed the MSCI World Net Index, which returned –18.14%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Global real estate securities declined 25.1% during the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022, as measured by the Index. Amid a down market primarily dominated by inflation and related concerns — recession, rising interest rates — the real estate sector underperformed the broader equity markets.

• North American property stocks declined 25.6% for the year as measured by the FTSE EPRA Nareit North America Net Total Return Index,<sup>(i)</sup> performing in line with the broader real estate market.

o The Federal Reserve (Fed) announced its first interest rate hike of 25 basis points (bps) in the first quarter of 2022, followed by more aggressive interest rate hikes in increments of 50 and 75 bps, surprising the market and investors.<sup>(ii)</sup> The Fed's aggressive monetary policy tightening was negative for risk assets, including real estate, and led to negative absolute performance for real estate investment trusts (REITs).

o The Fund's security selection in shopping centers, apartments and storage, and the underweight to office companies were the top relative contributors for the year. Key detractors included the underweights to gaming net lease and hotels, and security selection in data centers and in Canada.

• Within Asia, property stocks returned –11.4% for the year, as measured by the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Asia Net Total Return Index,<sup>(i)</sup> outperforming global real estate securities for the year.

o The COVID-19 outbreak and tight pandemic policies in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and mainland China (which led to lockdowns across the country) negatively impacted economic activity for most of the year.

Geopolitical tensions further weighed on investor sentiment, exacerbating supply chain disruptions and aggravating inflation issues. By the second half of 2022, Australia and Japan lifted COVID-19 restrictions, boosting tourism by lifting travel restrictions and accelerating in-person activities, including shopping and dining. Late in the year, Hong Kong and China followed, as the Communist Party of China successfully completed the 20<sup>th</sup> National Congress in October, and quickly reversed the dynamic zero-COVID policy in an attempt to reverse economic declines. Within the Index, Hong Kong and Singapore outperformed and Australia and Japan underperformed.

o The Fund's security selection in Japan and the overweight to Hong Kong were key contributors for the year. Key detractors included security selection in Australia and Singapore.

• European property stocks returned –40.9% for the year, as measured by the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Europe Index,<sup>(i)</sup> underperforming the broader real estate market.

o In Europe, inflation and the ongoing war in Ukraine were the two dominant themes in 2022. These factors fueled significant market uncertainty and put upward pressure on interest rates across Europe. Markets remained volatile as investors tried to gauge the impact on European economic growth and inflation and appraise the risk of military escalation. Within the Index, Austria, Ireland and Switzerland outperformed, while Germany, Norway and Sweden underperformed.

o Key Fund contributors included the underweights to Sweden and Germany, and the overweight to and security selection within the Netherlands. Key detractors were the underweight to Switzerland and modest overweight to Ireland.

<sup>(i)</sup> The FTSE EPRA Nareit North America Net Total Return Index is a subset of the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index and is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index composed of listed real estate securities in the North American (U.S. and Canada) real estate market. The FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Asia Net Total Return Index is a subset of the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index and is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index composed of listed real estate securities in the Asian real estate markets. The FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Europe Net Total Return Index is a subset of the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index and is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index composed of listed real estate securities in the European real estate markets. The performance of the indexes is listed in U.S. dollars and assume reinvestment of dividends. The 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. Data as of December 31, 2022.

<sup>(ii)</sup> One basis point = 0.01%

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

**Management Strategies**

• The team uses internal proprietary research to invest in public real estate companies that we believe offer the best value relative to their underlying assets and growth prospects. The team combines a bottom-up approach, assessing the intrinsic value, equity multiples and growth prospects of each security, with a top-down view that incorporates fundamental inflection points, macroeconomic considerations, and geopolitical and country risk. By incorporating both an equity market valuation and a more traditional real estate valuation with a top-down overlay, we believe the Fund will be better prepared to identify securities with the best expected total returns.

• Forecasted returns for the listed real estate asset class have deteriorated in the intermediate term given the more challenging macro backdrop. However, we believe relative strength in cash flows can be expected given the unique nature of listed real estate. Specifically, the contracted rental streams with inflation-linked escalations and the necessity-based nature of real estate — the listed real estate market evolves and grows with the broader needs of society and the economy and sits at the epicenter of how people live, work, shop and communicate — coupled with limited new real estate supply additions due to rising construction costs, may suggest limited downside in cash flows and support more resiliency in fundamentals, despite near-term macro uncertainty. While our cash flow growth estimates have been reduced for 2023 in light of our expectation for lower gross domestic product growth and a potential recession, we still forecast attractive cash flow growth rates for REITs.

• Real estate values are ultimately a function of supply, demand and credit. With demand moderating due to slowing growth and credit markets tightening with increasing interest rates, real estate values within the public markets have suffered. In fact, despite the inflation protection typically associated with the listed real estate sector, REITs underperformed the broader equities market. At the same time, and as is often the case, values within the private markets are taking longer to adjust. The appraisal-based nature of private real estate typically lags public valuations by approximately 12 months, while the daily pricing and volatility of listed real estate typically results in overcorrections in the public markets, which may create an interesting arbitrage opportunity as there may be some potential contraction in private real estate values and potential appreciation in public real estate. While credit

markets remain tight, the trajectory of Fed interest rate hikes is expected to slow, allowing for normalization in lending, spreads and real estate capitalization rates. Ultimately, we believe the growth profile and values of REITs should hold up better than broader equities and private real estate over the next year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

![](j2316598_ba002.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

**Performance Compared to the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index<sup>(1)</sup>, the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Index – Net Total Return to U.S. Investors<sup>(2)</sup> and the MSCI World Net Index<sup>(3)</sup>**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(4)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(4)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(4)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(4)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(6)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(5)</sup> | –26.20% | –3.35% | 0.95% | 2.00% |
| FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed <br>Net Total Return Index | –25.09 | –0.23 | 2.99 | 2.79 |
| FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed <br>Index – Net Total Return <br>to U.S. Investors | –24.60 | 0.41 | 3.63 | 3.32 |
| MSCI World Net Index | –18.14 | 6.14 | 8.85 | 5.95 |

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***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to reflect the stock performance of companies engaged in the North American, European and Asian real estate markets. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Effective after the close of business on April 29, 2022, the Fund selected the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index as its broad-based index as a replacement for the MSCI World Net Index because it believes the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Net Total Return Index is more reflective of the Fund's principal investment strategies.

<sup>(2)</sup> The FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Index — Net Total Return to U.S. Investors is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to reflect the stock performance of companies engaged in the North American, European and Asian real estate markets. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. "Net Total Return to U.S. Investors" reflects a reduction in total returns after taking into account the withholding tax on dividends by certain foreign countries represented in the Index. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(3)</sup> The MSCI World Net Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the global equity market performance of developed markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The MSCI World Net Index currently consists of 23 developed market country indices. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(4)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(5)</sup> Commenced operations on April 28, 2006.

<sup>(6)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Indexes refer to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (99.5%)** | **Common Stocks (99.5%)** | **Common Stocks (99.5%)** |
| **Australia (4.0%)** | **Australia (4.0%)** | **Australia (4.0%)** |
| Goodman Group REIT | 18821 | $221 |
| National Storage REIT | 202552 | 319 |
| Region RE Ltd. REIT | 244095 | 449 |
| Scentre Group REIT | 89389 | 174 |
| Vicinity Centres REIT | 248580 | 336 |
|  |  | 1499 |
| **Austria (0.3%)** | **Austria (0.3%)** | **Austria (0.3%)** |
| CA Immobilien Anlagen AG | 3394 | 103 |
| **Belgium (1.2%)** | **Belgium (1.2%)** | **Belgium (1.2%)** |
| Aedifica SA REIT | 2820 | 230 |
| Warehouses De Pauw CVA REIT | 7550 | 216 |
|  |  | 446 |
| **Canada (2.5%)** | **Canada (2.5%)** | **Canada (2.5%)** |
| Chartwell Retirement Residences | 32702 | 204 |
| InterRent REIT | 35896 | 339 |
| RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust REIT | 24888 | 389 |
|  |  | 932 |
| **France (0.7%)** | **France (0.7%)** | **France (0.7%)** |
| Carmila SA REIT | 3521 | 50 |
| Mercialys SA REIT | 20515 | 215 |
|  |  | 265 |
| **Germany (1.1%)** | **Germany (1.1%)** | **Germany (1.1%)** |
| LEG Immobilien SE | 2343 | 153 |
| Vonovia SE | 10958 | 258 |
|  |  | 411 |
| **Hong Kong (6.4%)** | **Hong Kong (6.4%)** | **Hong Kong (6.4%)** |
| CK Asset Holdings Ltd. | 63000 | 386 |
| Link REIT | 84760 | 620 |
| Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | 60893 | 832 |
| Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd. | 93420 | 544 |
|  |  | 2382 |
| **Japan (11.6%)** | **Japan (11.6%)** | **Japan (11.6%)** |
| Frontier Real Estate Investment Corp. REIT (a) | 43 | 167 |
| GLP J-REIT | 244 | 281 |
| Invincible Investment Corp. REIT | 693 | 269 |
| Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corp. | 496 | 292 |
| Japan Metropolitan Fund Investment Corp. REIT | 398 | 317 |
| Japan Real Estate Investment Corp. REIT | 67 | 294 |
| Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. | 50100 | 649 |
| Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. | 38100 | 696 |
| Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park, Inc. REIT | 83 | 303 |
| Nippon Building Fund, Inc. REIT (a) | 108 | 483 |
| Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc. REIT | 222 | 275 |
| Orix, Inc. J-REIT | 208 | 295 |
|  |  | 4321 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Netherlands (0.8%)** | **Netherlands (0.8%)** | **Netherlands (0.8%)** |
| Eurocommercial Properties NV CVA REIT | 6785 | $165 |
| NSI NV REIT | 5917 | 147 |
|  |  | 312 |
| **Singapore (3.0%)** | **Singapore (3.0%)** | **Singapore (3.0%)** |
| CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust REIT | 245400 | 374 |
| City Developments Ltd. | 27300 | 168 |
| Frasers Centrepoint Trust REIT | 173500 | 272 |
| Mapletree Commercial Trust REIT | 239800 | 300 |
|  |  | 1114 |
| **Spain (1.1%)** | **Spain (1.1%)** | **Spain (1.1%)** |
| Inmobiliaria Colonial Socimi SA REIT | 27888 | 180 |
| Merlin Properties Socimi SA REIT | 23385 | 219 |
|  |  | 399 |
| **Sweden (1.0%)** | **Sweden (1.0%)** | **Sweden (1.0%)** |
| Castellum AB (a) | 9537 | 115 |
| Catena AB | 2377 | 89 |
| Fabege AB | 19584 | 167 |
|  |  | 371 |
| **Switzerland (0.5%)** | **Switzerland (0.5%)** | **Switzerland (0.5%)** |
| PSP Swiss Property AG (Registered) | 1672 | 196 |
| **United Kingdom (3.7%)** | **United Kingdom (3.7%)** | **United Kingdom (3.7%)** |
| Big Yellow Group PLC REIT | 11004 | 152 |
| Derwent London PLC REIT | 6053 | 173 |
| Helical PLC REIT | 14716 | 59 |
| Impact Healthcare PLC REIT | 125327 | 160 |
| LondonMetric Property PLC REIT | 42023 | 87 |
| Segro PLC REIT | 44237 | 408 |
| UNITE Group PLC REIT | 19212 | 211 |
| Workspace Group PLC REIT | 21162 | 114 |
|  |  | 1364 |
| **United States (61.6%)** | **United States (61.6%)** | **United States (61.6%)** |
| Agree Realty Corp. REIT | 18729 | 1328 |
| American Homes 4 Rent, Class A REIT | 35332 | 1065 |
| Americold Realty Trust, Inc. REIT | 19601 | 555 |
| Boyd Gaming Corp. | 3260 | 178 |
| Brixmor Property Group, Inc. REIT | 33213 | 753 |
| Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT | 8827 | 885 |
| Equinix, Inc. REIT | 2506 | 1642 |
| Equity Residential REIT | 13788 | 814 |
| Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT | 16567 | 415 |
| Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT | 19135 | 307 |
| Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT | 10436 | 520 |
| Kite Realty Group Trust REIT | 30631 | 645 |
| Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT | 8283 | 1300 |
| NETSTREIT Corp. REIT (a) | 18977 | 348 |
| ProLogis, Inc. REIT | 24912 | 2807 |
| Public Storage REIT | 9614 | 2694 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>6

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** |
| RPT Realty REIT | 30256 | $304 |
| Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT | 9598 | 1128 |
| SITE Centers Corp. REIT | 21814 | 298 |
| Sun Communities, Inc. REIT | 6870 | 982 |
| UDR, Inc. REIT | 16895 | 654 |
| Ventas, Inc. REIT | 11767 | 530 |
| VICI Properties, Inc. REIT | 39867 | 1292 |
| Welltower, Inc. REIT | 22581 | 1480 |
|  |  | 22924 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $39,113)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $39,113)** | 37039 |
| **Short-Term Investments (1.7%)** | **Short-Term Investments (1.7%)** | **Short-Term Investments (1.7%)** |
| **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (1.3%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (1.3%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (1.3%)** |
| **Investment Company (1.1%)** | **Investment Company (1.1%)** | **Investment Company (1.1%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Treasury Securities Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) | 402891 | 403 |
|  | **Face Amount<br>(000)** |  |
| **Repurchase Agreements (0.2%)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.2%)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.2%)** |
| HSBC Securities USA, Inc. (4.27%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $37; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 4.38% due 5/15/41; <br>valued at $38) | $37 | 37 |
| Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (4.25%, dated <br>12/30/22, due 1/3/23; proceeds $38; <br>fully collateralized by a U.S. Government <br>obligation; 1.50% due 2/15/25; <br>valued at $38) | 38 | 38 |
|  |  | 75 |
| **Total Securities held as Collateral on Loaned <br>Securities (Cost $478)** | **Total Securities held as Collateral on Loaned <br>Securities (Cost $478)** | 478 |
|  | **Shares** |  |
| **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** | **Investment Company (0.4%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — <br>Treasury Portfolio — Institutional <br>Class (See Note H) **(Cost $155)** | 155355 | 155 |
| **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $633)** | **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $633)** | 633 |
| **Total Investments (101.2%) (Cost $39,746) <br>Including $1,110 of Securities Loaned** (b)(c) | **Total Investments (101.2%) (Cost $39,746) <br>Including $1,110 of Securities Loaned** (b)(c) | 37672 |
| **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–1.2%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–1.2%)** | (433) |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $37239 |

---

Country assignments and aggregations are based generally on third party vendor classifications and information, and may be different from the assignments and aggregations under the policies set forth in the Fund's prospectus and/or statement of additional information relating to geographic classifications.

(a) All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2022.

(b) The approximate fair value and percentage of net assets, $13,183,000 and 35.4%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A-1 within the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(c) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $40,486,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $1,163,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $3,979,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $2,816,000.

CVA Certificaten Van Aandelen.

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>7

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

**Portfolio Composition\***

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Retail | 18.9% |
| Diversified | 15.8 |
| Residential | 15.5 |
| Other\*\* | 13.3 |
| Industrial | 13.1 |
| Self Storage | 8.5 |
| Health Care | 8.1 |
| Data Centers | 6.8 |
| Total Investments | 100.0% |

---

\* Percentages indicated are based upon total investments (excluding Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities) as of December 31, 2022.

\*\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value<sup>(1)</sup> (Cost $39,188) | $37114 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $558) | 558 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $39,746) | 37672 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $53) | 53 |
| Dividends Receivable | 112 |
| Receivable for Investments Sold | 31 |
| Tax Reclaim Receivable | 20 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 7 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 1 |
| Receivable from Securities Lending Income |  |
| Other Assets | 11 |
| Total Assets | 37907 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Collateral on Securities Loaned, at Value | 478 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 53 |
| Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax | 30 |
| Payable for Investments Purchased | 23 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 21 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 13 |
| Payable for Advisory Fees | 13 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 11 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 8 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 3 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 1 |
| Other Liabilities | 14 |
| Total Liabilities | 668 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $37239 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $43488 |
| Total Accumulated Loss | (6249 |
| **Net Assets** | $37239 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 5,347,225 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $6.96 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** |
| Securities on Loan, at Value: | $1110 |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $64 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $1284 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 8 |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | 4 |
| Total Investment Income | 1296 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 358 |
| Professional Fees | 147 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 112 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 76 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 36 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 26 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 23 |
| Pricing Fees | 7 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 5 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 5 |
| Other Expenses | 10 |
| Total Expenses | 805 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (245) |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (1) |
| Net Expenses | 559 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 737 |
| **Realized Loss:** | **Realized Loss:** |
| Investments Sold (Net of $1 of Capital Gain Country Tax) | (3515) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (3) |
| Net Realized Loss | (3518) |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments (Net of Decrease in Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax of $7) | (11370) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (3) |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (11373) |
| **Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (14891) |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(14154) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets** | **Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets** | **Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $737 | $1066 |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (3518) | 12068 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (11373) | (1166) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (14154) | 11968 |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class II | (3736) | (1323) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 3822 | 4667 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 3736 | 1323 |
| Redeemed | (10706) | (11612) |
| Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | (3148) | (5622) |
| Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (21038) | 5023 |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 58277 | 53254 |
| End of Period | $37239 | $58277 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 486 | 488 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 503 | 135 |
| Shares Redeemed | (1264) | (1222) |
| Net Decrease in Class II Shares Outstanding | (275) | (599) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**Global Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $10.36 | $8.56 | $10.80 | $9.87 | $11.09 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.14 | 0.18 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.25 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (2.81) | 1.85 | (1.86) | 1.58 | (1.13) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (2.67) | 2.03 | (1.70) | 1.76 | (0.88) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.39) | (0.23) | (0.37) | (0.29) | (0.34) |
| Net Realized Gain | (0.34) |  | (0.17) | (0.54) |  |
| Total Distributions | (0.73) | (0.23) | (0.54) | (0.83) | (0.34) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $6.96 | $10.36 | $8.56 | $10.80 | $9.87 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (26.20)% | 23.83% | (14.85)% | 18.06% | (8.20)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $37239 | $58277 | $53254 | $70426 | $66751 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.80% | 1.81% | 1.81% | 1.64% | 1.66% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.25%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.33%<sup>(3)(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.65%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.89%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.89%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.67%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.37%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 88% | 123% | 53% | 24% | 36% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Effective July 1, 2018, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 1.25% for Class II shares. Prior to July 1, 2018, the maximum ratio was 1.40% for Class II shares.

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>12

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying financial statements relate to the Global Real Estate Portfolio. The Fund seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation. The Fund currently offers Class II shares only, although Class I shares may be offered in the future.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP 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:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices

are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited ("MSIM Limited") and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company ("MSIM Company") (together, the "Sub-Advisers"), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (4) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers determine that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (5) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (6) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of REITs. The market's perception of prospective declines in private real estate values and other financial assets may result in increased volatility of market prices that can negatively impact the valuation of certain issuers held by the Fund.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Data Centers | $2527 | $— | $— | $2527 |
| Diversified |  | 5871 |  | 5871 |
| Health Care | 2629 | 390 |  | 3019 |
| Industrial | 3362 | 1518 |  | 4880 |
| Industrial/Office Mixed |  | 202 |  | 202 |
| Lodging/Resorts | 485 | 561 |  | 1046 |
| Office |  | 1720 |  | 1720 |
| Residential | 5154 | 622 |  | 5776 |
| Retail | 5193 | 1828 |  | 7021 |
| Self Storage | 2694 | 471 |  | 3165 |
| Specialty | 1812 |  |  | 1812 |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **23856** | **13183** | **—** | **37039** |
| **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** |
| Investment Company | 558 |  |  | 558 |
| Repurchase Agreements |  | 75 |  | 75 |
| **Total Short-Term <br>Investments** | **558** | **75** | **—** | **633** |
| **Total Assets** | $**24414** | $**13258** | $**—** | $**37672** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Common<br>Stock<br>(000)** |
| **Beginning Balance** | $20 |
| Purchases |  |
| Sales | (— |
| Amortization of discount |  |
| Transfers in |  |
| Transfers out |  |
| Corporate actions |  |
| Distribution | (20 |
| Change in unrealized <br>appreciation (depreciation) |  |
| Realized gains (losses) |  |
| **Ending Balance** | $— |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation <br>(depreciation) from investments still <br>held as of December 31, 2022 | $— |

---

† Includes a security valued at zero.

**3. Repurchase Agreements:** The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which the Fund lends 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 which are held as 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 that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest as earned. If such a decrease occurs, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, will be added to the account to maintain full collateralization. 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 of the collateral proceeds may be subject to cost and delays. The Fund, along with other affiliated investment companies, may utilize a joint trading account for the purpose of entering into repurchase agreements.

**4. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**5. Securities Lending:** The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Gross Asset <br>Amounts<br>Presented <br>in the <br>Statement of<br>Assets and <br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Net Amount<br>(not less <br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| $1110<br> (a) | $— | $(1110)(b)(c) | $0 |

---

(a) Represents market value of loaned securities at year end.

(b) The Fund received cash collateral of approximately $478,000, which was subsequently invested in Repurchase Agreements and Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. In addition, the Fund received non-cash collateral of approximately $689,000 in the form of U.S. Government obligations, which the Fund cannot sell or repledge, and accordingly are not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments.

(c) The actual collateral received is greater than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

FASB ASC 860, "Transfers & Servicing: Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures", is intended to provide increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in securities lending transactions and other similar transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings.

The following table displays a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligations by class of collateral pledged and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** |
| | **Overnight and<br>Continuous<br>(000)** | **<30 days<br>(000)** | **Between<br>30 & <br>90 days<br>(000)** | **>90 days<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** |
| Common Stocks | $478 | $— | $— | $— | $478 |
| **Total Borrowings** | $**478** | $**—** | $**—** | $**—** | $**478** |
| **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | **Gross amount of <br>recognized liabilities <br>for securities lending <br>transactions** | $**478** |

---

**6. Indemnifications:** The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

**7. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

The Fund owns shares of REITs which report information on the source of their distributions annually in the following calendar year. A portion of distributions received from REITs during the year is estimated to be a return of capital and is recorded as a reduction of their cost.

Settlement and registration of foreign securities transactions may be subject to significant risks not normally associated with investments in the United States. In certain markets, ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the issuer's share register. It is possible that a Fund holding these securities could lose its share registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. In addition, shares being delivered for sales and cash being paid for purchases may be delivered before the exchange is complete. This may subject the Fund to further risk of loss in the event of a failure to complete the transaction by the counterparty.

**8. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory/Sub-Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory

Agreement, paid quarterly, at an annual rate of 0.80% of the daily net assets of the Fund.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that the total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 1.25% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $245,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

The Adviser has entered into Sub-Advisory Agreements with the Sub-Advisers, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Advisers provide the Fund with advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Company's Officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Advisers on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $39,493,000 and $45,117,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $1,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value<br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases <br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds<br>from Sales <br>(000)** | **Dividend <br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $298 | $13064 | $12804 | $8 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation <br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31, <br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $558 |

---

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $3531 | $205 | $1323 | $— |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

Permanent differences, due to an adjustment to prior period equalization debits, resulted in the following reclassifications among the components of net assets at December 31, 2022:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Total<br>Accumulated<br>Loss<br>(000)** | **Paid-in- <br>Capital<br>(000)** |
| $2 | $(2) |

---

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $659 | $— |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term and long-term capital losses of approximately $3,859,000 and $230,000, respectively, that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the shareholders.

**J. Credit Facility:** The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed,

unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 96.7%.

**L. Market Risk:** Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):** On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Global Real Estate Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Global Real Estate Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316598_fa003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders 0.12% of the dividends qualified for the dividends received deduction.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $205,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

The Fund designated approximately $363,000 of its distributions paid as qualified business income.

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund's earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $398,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship; Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

---

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds<br>in Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

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The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Sub-Advisers**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited<br>25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf<br>London, E14 4QA, England

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company<br>23 Church Street<br>16-01 Capital Square, Singapore 049481

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFGREANN<br>5431915 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j2316599_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Global Strategist Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Consolidated Portfolio of Investments | 11 |
| Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 38 |
| Consolidated Statement of Operations | 39 |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 40 |
| Consolidated Financial Highlights | 41 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 43 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 56 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 57 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 58 |
| Director and Officer Information | 59 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Expense Example (unaudited)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Global Strategist Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending <br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Global Strategist Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $1004.90 | $1020.72 | $4.40 | $4.43 | 0.87% |
| Global Strategist Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 1003.60 | 1020.22 | 4.90 | 4.94 | 0.97 |

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\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

The Fund seeks total return.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –16.94%, net of fees, and –17.07%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares outperformed the Fund's benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (the "Index" or "MSCI ACWI"), which returned –18.36%, and also outperformed the Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index (the "Customized Index"), which returned –17.33%. The Fund and benchmark index performance is in U.S. dollar ("USD") terms, unless otherwise noted.

**Factors Affecting Performance\*<sup>(i)</sup>**

• Global markets suffered steep losses in 2022 as investor sentiment was dominated by the highest inflation in decades, rising policy interest rates and growing fears of central bank-induced recessions around the world. For the first time in any calendar year on record, both the S&P 500 Index and 10-year U.S. Treasuries lost more than –10% each, leading to disappointing returns for traditional 60/40 portfolios (that is, investing 60% of a portfolio in stocks and 40% in bonds). In addition to the volatile macroeconomic environment, markets also faced significant geopolitical turmoil as Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in the first quarter of 2022, which caused energy and food prices to surge. Although this price spike pushed inflation to even higher levels over the summer, it also meant that commodities were among the few asset classes that advanced for the year (S&P GSCI Index +26.0%).

• Global equities fell –18.4% (the Index in USD) as the Federal Reserve's (Fed) rate hiking campaign forced U.S. equity valuations lower, particularly for unprofitable tech stocks that had surged to record levels in 2021. Investor concerns started to shift away from inflation and toward recession in the fourth quarter of 2022 after consecutive inflation reports indicated that inflation had peaked, increasing worries that central banks might overtighten policy rates and tip the global economy into recession in 2023. Energy was the only sector in positive territory in 2022 (MSCI ACWI Energy Index +27.5% in local currency terms), while all other sectors booked losses, with the growth-heavy communication services sector recording the largest drawdown (MSCI ACWI Communication Services –36.2% in local currency terms). Within equity factors, Value continued its rally, outperforming Growth

by +23.3% (MSCI ACWI Value Index –5.8%, MSCI ACWI Growth Index –29.0%, both in USD).<sup>(ii)</sup>

• Bond prices fell –17.3% (J.P. Morgan Global Government Bond Index in USD). At the end of 2021, investors had incorrectly assumed inflation would turn out to be transitory, pricing in only three rate hikes of 25 basis points (bps) each for 2022. As price pressures persisted, however, and the Ukraine war fueled inflation further, the Fed commenced its steepest hiking cycle in history, completing 425 bps worth of hikes in under 12 months. The 10-year Treasury yield increased to 3.87% from 1.51%, with the 2/10 yield curve (the difference between 2- and 10-year Treasury yields) inverting in July and staying inverted for the remainder of the year, triggering a commonly cited recession signal. The European Central Bank (ECB) also started its tightening cycle, ending the

\* Certain of the Fund's investment themes may, in whole or part, be implemented through the use of derivatives, including the purchase and sale of futures, options, swaps, structured investments (including commodity-linked notes) and other related instruments and techniques. The Fund may also invest in foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which are also derivatives, in connection with its investments in foreign securities. The Fund may use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. As a result, the use of derivatives had a material effect on the Fund's performance during the period.

<sup>(i)</sup> Source: Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) Global Multi-Asset Team analysis; market data sourced from Bloomberg. The MSCI All Country World Net Index (ACWI) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI Energy Index measures the equity market performance of energy stocks in developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI Communication Services Index measures the equity market performance of communication services stocks in developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI Value Index measures the equity market performance of stocks exhibiting value style characteristics in developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI Growth Index measures the equity market performance of stocks exhibiting growth style characteristics in developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index measure stock market performance across 22 of 23 developed markets countries (excluding the U.S.) and 24 emerging markets countries. The Standard & Poor's 500<sup>®</sup> Index (S&P 500<sup>®</sup>) measures the performance of the large cap segment of the U.S. equities market, covering approximately 80% of the U.S. equities market. The Index includes 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is an index of the value of the United States dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies, often referred to as a basket of U.S. trade partners' currencies. The J.P. Morgan Global Government Bond Index is a market value weighted fixed income index comprised of government bonds in developed countries. The S&P GSCI Commodity Index is a composite index of commodity sector returns, representing an unleveraged, long only investment in commodity futures that is broadly diversified across the spectrum of commodities. The S&P GSCI Industrials Index measures the performance of the industrial metals market. The Russell 1000 Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 1000 Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of the 100 largest and most active non-financial domestic and international issues listed on the NASDAQ. The indexes do not include any expenses, fees or sales charges, which would lower performance. The indexes are unmanaged and should not be considered an investment. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. One basis point = 0.01%.

<sup>(ii)</sup> Due to rounding, the figures may not appear to calculate precisely.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

eurozone's era of negative interest rates, to regain control of double-digit inflation. By the end of the year, the ECB's main policy rate had increased by 250 bps, with the ECB also announcing its quantitative tightening program would start in March 2023.

• Commodities and the U.S. dollar were the two notable exceptions to the broad market decline in 2022 (S&P GSCI Index +26.0%, DXY Index +8.2%). The U.S dollar advanced versus all G10 currencies in the first three quarters of 2022 due to the Fed's aggressive rate hikes but reversed course in the fourth quarter as investors began to anticipate the end of the Fed's hiking cycle and started to price in narrowing yield differentials relative to other currencies. The Mexican peso (+5.2%) and Brazilian real (+5.4%) were the only currencies from the broader group of G20 currencies that gained versus the dollar, while the Argentine peso (–42.3%) saw the largest decline of the group due to uncontrolled inflation surging above 90%. Commodities closely tracked oil prices, which surged to $128 per barrel following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and remained elevated for the first half of the year. During the second half, however, commodity prices declined –7.3%, driven by an easing of the supply chain issues caused by the war, the release of some of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and weaker industrial metals prices. The prospect of a 2023 recession weighed on the demand outlook for industrial metals and more than offset supply constraints that had pushed prices higher earlier in the year, resulting in a decline of –7.6% for the year (S&P GSCI Industrial Metals Index).

• The Fund's asset allocation mix of an average overweight in equities and fixed income had a negative impact on performance.

• Active positions within equities contributed to performance. Contributors included overweight positions in U.S. Value vs. Anti-Value; in European Union (EMU), global ex-U.S. and exploration & production stocks all vs. U.S. equities; in Chinese vs. global equities and a directional overweight in EMU equities. Detractors included overweight positions in U.S. bank stocks vs. U.S. equities, in tobacco stocks vs. staples ex-tobacco stocks, in developed market auto parts manufacturer stocks vs. developed market equities, in EMU transport infrastructure stocks vs. developed market equities, and directional overweights in U.S. equities (via S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100).

• Active positions within fixed income contributed to performance. Contributors included an overweight in

Brazil 2- and 3-year bonds vs. U.S. 5-year Treasuries, and directional overweights in Chinese 10-year bonds and U.S. 10-year TIPS (Treasury inflation-protected securities). Detractors included directional overweight positions in Brazil 3- and 5-year bonds and Australian 10-year bonds.

• Active positions within commodities had a positive impact on performance as an underweight in bitcoin contributed. An overweight in aluminum and an underweight in copper detracted.

• Active currency positions detracted from performance. Detractors during the period included overweight in the Chilean peso, in Thai baht vs. Taiwan dollar, in defensive currencies vs. the U.S. dollar, and in the Russian ruble vs. the Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone. Overweight positions in developed market currencies vs. the U.S. dollar, in the Chinese yuan vs. a global trade-weighted currency basket, and a directional underweight in the U.S. dollar contributed to performance.

**Management Strategies<sup>(iii)</sup>**

**2023 Global Multi-Asset Team Outlook**

After one of the toughest years for both stocks and bonds in decades, there is a pervasive sense of cautiousness and apprehensiveness on the part of investors and asset owners: Is the nightmare over? Or will 2023 bring more of the same?

In this piece, we lay out key macroeconomic and investment themes we expect will materialize over the coming year. Some of the themes are continuation of existing trends, others are new trends we expect to be established in coming quarters, and yet others are reversals of prior trends. However, we do see all these 2023 themes and trends occurring in the context of a broad multi-year regime shift driven by the end of "free" money and end of low-flation; structural trends we have been writing about for nearly three years.

**The Most Anticipated Recession Ever**

The consensus expects an imminent (2023), short and shallow U.S. recession. By contrast, we expect a soft landing in 2023, followed by a deep recession in 2024.

A year ago, we expected the trifecta of a doubling in mortgage rates, skyrocketing gasoline prices and a fiscal cliff to drive the U.S. into recession. But the fiscal cliff did not materialize: the

<sup>(iii)</sup> Source: Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) Global Multi-Asset Team analysis; market data sourced from Bloomberg; consensus estimates sourced from Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

effect of the 2020-2021 stimulus continued because nearly half of the $6 trillion COVID stimulus was saved. In 2022 households drew down nearly $1.2 trillion of excess savings, which helped offset the hit from $5.00 per gallon gasoline and 7% mortgage rates. Ultimately, the U.S. economy bent but did not break.

However, with the Fed raising rates by the most in 30 years, most economists and market participants expect a recession in 2023. In this respect, it is likely to be the most anticipated recession ever. This is interesting from a contrarian point of view. We are intrigued by the possibility that, after skirting recession in 2022, the U.S. economy avoids it again in 2023 as gasoline prices have now collapsed 35% from last June, supply-shortage-driven inflation is reversing, mortgage rates appear to have peaked, and the COVID fiscal stimulus is still coursing through the economy in the form of excess savings. In addition, the shift from goods to services demand, which is still not complete, is favorable for the U.S. economy as more services than goods are domestically produced. And our proprietary recession indicator, which anticipates recessions by an average of eight months, has still not yet triggered, though it is getting close. Of course, it's not all sunshine and roses, as job growth has more than halved from 600,000 new jobs per month a year ago to 250,000 today, wages are decelerating, and the Fed is likely to bring rates to 5% while inflation drops to around 3% by year-end. But until the COVID stimulus/excess savings is spent, probably by the end of 2023, the economy is likely to keep growing, with 2024 being a bigger recession risk, especially if inflation falls but not all the way to 2%, which could cause the Fed to resume rate hikes.

The 2024 recession is likely to be deep because for inflation to fall to 2%, it would require either zero growth for nearly three years or a 2% decline in economic activity in one year. A normal recession is thus much more probable, most likely in 2024, when the excess savings run out and the Fed is still tight.

**The Reversal of the Great Inflation of 2021-2022 — Or Inflation Peaks, Drops, But Not Quite to 2%**

2022 saw core inflation skyrocket to a peak of 6.7% on the consumer price index (CPI) and 5.4% on personal consumption expenditures (PCE) in the U.S. That was a more than 400 bp acceleration from the lows of 2021. This inflation tsunami occurred in most developed and emerging markets. For example, the eurozone saw headline inflation hit nearly 11% in December (core 5.2%) from less than 2% in 2021.

Our framework has been that inflation has shifted structurally higher from the 2010s and that 2% could turn out to be a floor, rather than the ceiling that it was in the prior couple of decades. However, a combination of cyclical supply and demand factors did drive the acceleration in inflation to much higher levels than the structural trend would imply. Our work, partially based on research from the Federal Reserve of San Francisco, indicates that about half of the acceleration in core inflation was supply-driven and the other half demand-driven, and that most of the supply-driven acceleration will recede, as it has started to, over the coming year. If indeed supply-driven inflation goes back from contributing 2.6% to its historical norm of 1.0%, we expect overall core inflation will fall to 3.5%. Demand-driven inflation is also slowing from 2.5% due to sub-par growth in 2022 but will likely require a deeper economic drawdown to drop back to its 0.8% historical contribution to overall inflation. Historically, it has taken a nearly 4% output gap widening for inflation to drop 150 bps. So without a recession, overall core inflation could drop to 3% or modestly below, but getting to the Fed's 2% target will likely require a recession.

However, we believe inflation will be dropping so dramatically in 2023 from the 2022 peak, mostly from easing supply-driven inflation, that the Fed is unlikely to decide to push the economy into a recession until it is clear that inflation is likely to stabilize at too high of a level. In addition, if the Fed gets to 5% policy rates, core inflation of 3% will result in positive 200 bps real rates. That level of real rates is usually sufficiently tight to trigger a significant slowdown when fiscal policy is not pushing in the other direction (as it is still doing through the spending of the reservoir of saved fiscal transfers). We therefore expect a pause starting in March until at least September while the Fed assesses how low inflation will be dropping and whether growth slows enough to reduce inflationary pressures in the labor market. Eventually, if we are correct that demand-driven inflation can only be cured by more slack in the economy and the labor market, the Fed will need to either raise rates even further or at least hold them at 5% for longer than is expected by the market.

There is, of course, the possibility that inflation drops a lot more than expected — a scenario we, and others, have labeled "Immaculate Disinflation," where core inflation drops back to 2% without the unemployment rate rising much and without a recession. The likeliest causes for this would be that most of the inflation we have observed in the past two years was driven by supply issues, not only in goods but also in the labor market, and/or that prices slide back down very steep supply curves as the overheated demand environment of

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

2020-2021 cools back to normalcy. This Immaculate Disinflation scenario would enable an economic soft-landing with rate cuts in late 2023-early 2024 and a renewed economic expansion for a few years. This is clearly the most contrarian scenario for markets as it would argue for a continuing rally in stocks (and bonds) and a rebound in commodities.

**Bear Market Interrupted But Not Complete**

In addition to forecasting an imminent, short and shallow recession, the market consensus generally expects that stocks will have a difficult first half of 2023, with recession and weaker earnings as drivers, but will rebound in the second half on recession exit, bottoming earnings and Fed cuts. However, we believe that this framework is based on the past two decades where inflation was absent and economic/earnings cycles drove stock market performance. The current market cycle is driven more by inflation, reminiscent of the 1965-1985 era. During those inflation-driven cycles, the stock market tended to bottom with peaks in inflation, policy rates and bond yields, not with economic activity troughs, which tended to occur a few months or quarters later. And a peak in inflation, policy rate expectations and bond yields is what we saw in the fourth quarter: core CPI peaked at 6.7%, terminal fed funds expectations peaked at 5.15%, nominal yields peaked at 4.34% and TIPS at 1.79% (intraday). With inflation on its way to 3%, fed funds likely to peak around 5%, nominal yields at 3.7% and TIPS at 1.3%, inflation fears and Fed fears have likely peaked, at least for the foreseeable future. As a result, the stock market low in October could prove a lot more durable than the consensus expects, at least until the Fed is forced to reconsider, if inflation turns out too sticky or the economy slips into recession — both of which we don't expect until the later part of the year. Net-net, our growth, inflation and Fed scenarios argue for a stronger first half 2023 for stocks but a tougher second half and 2024 with inflation unfinished business.

As a result of these views, we have been overweight equities (in the eurozone) and bonds (mostly U.S. and emerging markets) since October. However, we recognize that equities, in the U.S. in particular, have likely not fully adjusted to the higher inflation regime and the end of "free" money. We have discussed at length our views that the 2009-2022 bull market ended in the type of speculative mania that usually takes years to unwind. Despite an 18% decline in 2022 (S&P 500 Index), U.S. stocks never got close to being cheap at the lows and are currently back to expensive levels which are inconsistent with inflation still forecasted to be above target in a year, with positive real interest rates both at the short and

the long end, and the likelihood of a Fed-engineered recession in 2024. For this reason, we have tilted our equity overweight to the eurozone where equities did get cheap in October (10.5x forward earnings per share), the eurozone economy is likely exiting an energy-shock-driven recession, and underlying inflation is less likely to require severe monetary tightening and a recession.

In addition, we fully expect to reduce this equity overweight and move back to an underweight position if our macroeconomic scenario for 2023 plays out. It is worth remembering that, after the late 1990s bubble, it took three years for S&P multiples to compress from 25x to 14x and another six years (and the Global Financial Crisis) to get to outright cheap levels of 10x — and that was with inflation below 1%, trillions of dollars in quantitative easing (QE,) zero interest rate policy (ZIRP), and hundreds of billions of dollars in fiscal stimulus. This cycle, U.S. multiples compressed from 23x to 15.5x and are already back to 17x with inflation at twice the target and rates on their way to 5%. In 140 years, a secular bull market in U.S. stocks has never started with such high earnings multiples — the start of the next secular bull market is likely years away.

**Leaders of the Next Cycle Emerging**

We have long been of the view that winners of one decade are rarely winners of the next. This is an easily observable phenomenon over the past 60-70 years for which financial data is widely available. This has applied to stocks and stock market indices, to industries and themes, as well as to investment styles and countries. The long stock bull market of the past 12 years saw some very powerful leadership trends which we believe are in the process of changing or reversing, or soon will. In the section below, we highlight five new areas of leadership which will become more visible in 2023 and will likely persist over the coming years.

• **Value Bull Market Continues (Has Anyone Noticed?)**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2009-2021 bull market saw one of the most powerful advances in Growth stocks of the past half century. Growth stocks (using the Russell 1000 Growth Index) outperformed Value stocks (the Russell 1000 Value Index) by 145% from their trough in 2006, with the last four years (2017-2020) seeing 90% outperformance. That is even bigger than the 1990s 76% Growth (relative) bull market (with 1998-2000 seeing +65%). Interestingly, since the summer of 2020, Value stocks have

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

outperformed Growth significantly, but few market participants appear to be viewing this as what it is: the end of the Growth bull market of the 2010s and the beginning of the Value bull market of the 2020s. This is partially understandable since it has been so long since Value stocks have had a sustained period of outperformance — more than 15 years — and anything that goes for a decade has a way of convincing everyone that it is the new reality. In practice, this is exactly what gives rise to the tremendous opportunity we see in Value stocks: the trend has already begun (two years ago), but the valuation gap between Value and Anti-Value is still tremendous and few are actually positioned for sustained outperformance. For the past decade, selling the Value rips and buying the Growth dips was the recipe for success — the opposite is now operational: sell the Growth rips and buy the Value dips. Importantly, Value stocks are cheap and attractive not just in the U.S., but in Europe, Japan and emerging markets as well.

• **The Rise of the Rest**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. stocks have trounced non-U.S. stocks for so long that many U.S. allocators are starting to wonder: why bother with the trouble of non-U.S. investing? The best and largest economy is right here at home, with the best companies, the most innovation, the deepest capital markets, the best shareholder protections. All true or at least partially true, but also misleading on two counts: first, that is more of a description of the past decade than the next decade and, second, it does not address the most important driver of future returns, the price being paid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Since 2009, the U.S. benefited from an absence of serious crises (having earlier suffered from a housing and banking bust), low inflation, easy money, an appreciating currency, a tech boom, a corporate tax cut — no wonder U.S. stocks outperformed non-U.S. stocks by approximately 280% (as represented by the S&P 500 Index and MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index, respectively)! However, it became increasingly clear to us that the many advantages U.S. stocks benefited from in the 2010s are reversing in the 2020s: the U.S. economy is the most overheated of major economies with inflation most entrenched and the U.S. is also facing the highest policy rates in the developed world, both of which increase the

likelihood of an eventual recession; the U.S. dollar bull market is likely over; and overpriced tech stocks are no longer an advantage. In addition, U.S. stocks have gone from trading at par with global stocks in 2009 to trading at the biggest premium ever. Expensive valuations and a clear weakening in previously superior fundamentals likely mark the beginning of the end of the U.S.'s outperformance. Unlike the Value bull market, which has been in train for two years, international stocks' outperformance is a nascent trend, having just started in October 2022, but one we expect to last many years. Within "international" stocks, we expect almost all of the following to outperform U.S. equities:

• **Japan's Back:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a 30-year derating, Japanese equities are priced at an attractive 20% discount to U.S. equities and the yen is now so cheap that manufacturing unit labor costs are lower in Japan than in China. Even though Japan is not experiencing an inflation surge like the U.S. or even the eurozone, there are indications that Japan is likely exiting its 20-year deflation nightmare with land prices finally beginning to rise and "true" core inflation approaching 2%. Monetary policy is likely to begin normalizing over the coming quarters but is unlikely to get tight, as inflation is not excessive, simply returning to target. In addition, due to 30 years of underperformance, Japan has fallen into total indifference from major asset allocators (remembering that the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference!) All in all, Japan is a cheap equity market with a competitive economy coming out of deflation — a very attractive combination.

• **EMU Survives the Seven Plagues:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the 2010s, the eurozone suffered multiple episodes of sovereign debt panic, with five countries ultimately requiring bailouts or support from the European Union, and just when the peripheral crises began to ebb, Brexit caused another panic in the eurozone. The 2020s were supposed to turn the page on crises when Russia unexpectedly invaded Ukraine, causing an energy shock as big as the twin oil shocks of the 1970s. Each of these seven crises took European equities to new lows relative to the U.S.: by October 2022, eurozone equities had underperformed U.S. equities by a staggering 72%

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

in common currency with the help of the euro going back below parity for the first time since the early days of the common currency. At the recent low, eurozone equities were trading at a 36% discount to U.S. equities, nearly twice their normal discount. Even after outperforming by more than 20% in the past three months, EMU equities still trade at a 28% discount to the U.S., and it is looking increasingly likely that the worst of the energy crisis has passed (after huge energy demand destruction and a big shift in sources of supply) and that the economy is exiting a mild and short recession. The ECB is normalizing policy rates, but given much lower wage growth, it will likely not need to raise rates into restrictive territory (though that is a risk). Most investors are still shell-shocked from the most recent crisis and remain pessimistic. Again, this is a cheap market (at least relative to the U.S.), exiting a recession and a crisis, with still deeply oversold conditions and a very competitive exchange rate — we have been overweight eurozone equities unhedged (funded by a U.S. underweight) and continue to expect outperformance in 2023 (and likely beyond).

• **EM ex-China Emerges from the Gloom:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to Japan and Europe, though for different reasons, emerging markets (EM) have underperformed significantly in the past decade. A big part of it was the unwind of the EM/China/BRICs/commodities boom of the 2000s. Another was the shift to large-cap tech, which are only really present in China, Korea and Taiwan, stranding the rest of EM. The rest was poor economic policy (Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, and others). With now nearly 12 years' distance from the peak of the EM boom in 2010, EM ex-China equities have nearly roundtripped to their post-Asian crisis (relative) lows. The valuations are not quite as low as in 1998 to 2001, but EM ex-China equities recently hit a 44% discount to the U.S. (though are now at a 28% discount). Just like the euro and the yen, EM ex-China currencies are the most competitive they have been in 30 years. In 2023, we expect EM ex-China GDP growth to outperform U.S. and developed markets GDP, usually a strong catalyst for earnings and market outperformance, particularly from such a low valuation and currency starting point.

• **U.S. Dollar Bear Market has Begun:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to U.S. equities and for some of the same reasons, the U.S. dollar has performed spectacularly in the past decade. The combination of the housing and banking bust of 2008-2009 and multiple rounds of QE/ZIRP had taken the U.S. dollar to its weakest level in real effective terms since Bretton Woods. From this record-low starting point, the U.S. dollar exploded into a spectacular 11-year bull market supported in the last two years by an overheating economy and an increasingly hawkish Fed. We expect that the U.S. dollar bull market has ended and that a U.S. dollar bear market has begun. The catalyst for the turn was the triple peak in inflation, Fed expectations and bond yields in the fourth quarter. The trend towards a weaker U.S. dollar will continue as non-U.S. growth improves over 2023 and non-U.S. central banks tighten monetary policy. A recession in late 2023 or 2024 would seal the deal for the U.S. dollar bear market, but that is still a long ways off — multiple dollar bear market rallies are likely over the coming year, but the past decade's trend has reversed.

**Bonds: The Long Nightmare for Bond Holders is Over**

For more than a decade, as central banks fought one deflationary crisis after another (housing, banking, peripheral, COVID), real yields collapsed further and further into negative territory, culminating in an average –2% real yield across the U.S., Germany, Japan and the U.K. in early 2022. Never had governments paid so little to bondholders. As one pundit described it: return-free risk. The inflation shock of 2021-2022 and the tardy monetary policy response caused a huge backup in policy rates and market yields, resulting in the worst drawdown for government bonds in history. One small silver lining is that one market now offers real yields high enough for some potential return and some deflation protection: the U.S., with real yields near a range between 1.35% (10-year) and 2.25% (2-year). But with negative carry and roll between –20 bps and –110 bps, extending duration at the current time is costly. Over the medium term, we expect that the end of the low inflation regime will prevent the return of nominal yields to the low levels seen over the past decade. However, secular downward pressures on real interest rates, such as slowing trend growth in most major economies and large aggregate debt burdens, will ultimately lead to lower medium- and long-term real yields. In other

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

words, medium-term inflation swaps that price in a return to the low-flation environment are poised to be repriced wider. In light of the continuing cyclical disinflation we expect this year, this repricing will likely play out with some delay. Most other markets' real yields are still too low, close to zero, not offering any real return potential nor much deflation protection. A potential opportunity for steepeners is building in the U.S. as peaking inflation finally causes terminal Fed expectations to decline.

![](j2316599_ba002.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

**Performance Compared to the MSCI All Country World Index<sup>(1)</sup> and the Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index<sup>(2)</sup>**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(6)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(4)</sup> | –16.94% | 1.91% | 4.10% | 3.75% |
| MSCI All Country World Index | –18.36 | 5.23 | 7.98 | 6.27 |
| Customized MSIM Global <br>Allocation Index | –17.33 | 2.71 | 4.45 | N/A |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(5)</sup> | –17.07 | 1.80 | 3.97 | 4.13 |
| MSCI All Country World Index | –18.36 | 5.23 | 7.98 | 7.47 |
| Customized MSIM Global <br>Allocation Index | –17.33 | 2.71 | 4.45 | 4.43 |

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***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The MSCI All Country World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The term "free float" represents the portion of shares outstanding that are deemed to be available for purchase in the public equity markets by investors. The performance of the Index is listed in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. Net total return indices reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indices) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. Returns, including periods prior to January 1, 2001, are calculated using the return data of the MSCI All Country World Index (gross dividends) through December 31, 2000 and the return data of the MSCI All Country World Index (net dividends) after December 31, 2000. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(2)</sup> The Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index is a performance linked benchmark comprised of 60% MSCI All Country World Index and 40% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index for periods after May 31, 2017. Prior to May 31, 2017, the Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index consisted of 60% MSCI All Country World Index (benchmark that measures the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets), 30% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index (benchmark that provides a broad based measure of the global investment grade fixed-rate debt markets), 5% S&P GSCI Light Energy Index (benchmark for investment performance in the energy commodity market) and 5% ICE BofA U.S. Dollar 1-Month LIBID Average Index (benchmark that tracks the performance of a basket of synthetic assets paying LIBID to a stated maturity). The Customized MSIM Global Allocation Index was added as the Fund benchmark on October 2, 2013 and is provided for comparative purposes only. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(3)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(4)</sup> Commenced operations on January 2, 1997.

<sup>(5)</sup> Commenced offering on March 15, 2011.

<sup>(6)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Indexes refer to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Fixed Income Securities (55.0%)** | **Fixed Income Securities (55.0%)** | **Fixed Income Securities (55.0%)** |
| **Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (4.0%)** | **Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (4.0%)** | **Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (4.0%)** |
| **United States (4.0%)** | **United States (4.0%)** | **United States (4.0%)** |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,<br>Conventional Pool:<br>4.50%, 1/1/49 | $12 | $12 |
| Gold Pools:<br>3.50%, 2/1/45 - 6/1/45 | 174 | 162 |
| 4.50%, 1/1/49 | 8 | 8 |
| Federal National Mortgage Association,<br>Conventional Pools:<br>3.50%, 1/1/51 | 457 | 422 |
| 4.00%, 11/1/41 - 1/1/46 | 182 | 175 |
| 4.50%, 3/1/41 - 11/1/44 | 74 | 72 |
| 5.00%, 1/1/41 - 3/1/41 | 28 | 28 |
| 6.00%, 1/1/38 | 5 | 6 |
| January TBA:<br>2.00%, 1/1/53 (a) | 650 | 531 |
| 2.50%, 1/1/53 (a) | 300 | 254 |
| 3.00%, 1/1/53 (a) | 520 | 457 |
| 4.00%, 1/1/53 (a) | 350 | 329 |
| 4.50%, 1/1/53 (a) | 100 | 96 |
| 5.00%, 1/1/53 (a) | 200 | 197 |
| 6.00%, 1/1/53 (a) | 420 | 427 |
| Government National Mortgage Association,<br>Various Pools:<br>4.00%, 7/15/44 | 12 | 11 |
| 5.00%, 2/20/49 | 3 | 3 |
| **Total Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (Cost $3,348)** | **Total Agency Fixed Rate Mortgages (Cost $3,348)** | 3190 |
| **Asset-Backed Securities (0.3%)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (0.3%)** | **Asset-Backed Securities (0.3%)** |
| **Ireland (0.1%)** | **Ireland (0.1%)** | **Ireland (0.1%)** |
| European Residential Loan Securitisation <br>2019-NPL1 DAC, Class A<br>1 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, <br>5.14%, 7/24/54 (b) | 97 | 103 |
| **United States (0.2%)** | **United States (0.2%)** | **United States (0.2%)** |
| Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust,<br>1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.76%, <br>5.15%, 12/25/32 (b) | $68 | 63 |
| SLM Student Loan Trust,<br>3 Month EURIBOR + 0.55%, <br>2.09%, 7/25/39 (b) | 74 | 76 |
|  |  | 139 |
| **Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost $241)** | **Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost $241)** | 242 |
| **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (0.6%)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (0.6%)** | **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (0.6%)** |
| **United Kingdom (0.1%)** | **United Kingdom (0.1%)** | **United Kingdom (0.1%)** |
| Taurus 2018-2 UK DAC,<br>3 Month GBP SONIA + 1.22%, <br>4.50%, 5/22/28 (b) | 59 | 70 |
| **United States (0.5%)** | **United States (0.5%)** | **United States (0.5%)** |
| Commercial Mortgage Trust,<br>3.96%, 3/10/47 | $144 | 140 |
| 4.24%, 2/10/47 (b) | 77 | 75 |
| 4.75%, 7/15/47 (b)(c) | 100 | 91 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust,<br>4.98%, 9/15/46 (b)(c) | $140 | $ | 126 |
|  |  |  | 432 |
| **Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $531)** | **Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $531)** |  | 502 |
| **Corporate Bonds (12.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (12.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (12.3%)** | **Corporate Bonds (12.3%)** |
| **Australia (0.5%)** | **Australia (0.5%)** | **Australia (0.5%)** | **Australia (0.5%)** |
| Macquarie Group Ltd.,<br>4.15%, 3/27/24 (c) | 50 |  | 50 |
| NBN Co. Ltd.,<br>2.63%, 5/5/31 (c) | 200 |  | 159 |
| Transurban Finance Co. Pty Ltd.,<br>2.00%, 8/28/25 | 100 |  | 103 |
| Westpac Banking Corp.,<br>2.67%, 11/15/35 | $125 |  | 93 |
|  |  |  | 405 |
| **Canada (0.7%)** | **Canada (0.7%)** | **Canada (0.7%)** | **Canada (0.7%)** |
| Enbridge, Inc.,<br>2.50%, 1/15/25 | 125 |  | 118 |
| Province of Ontario Canada,<br>2.30%, 6/15/26 | 190 |  | 176 |
| Province of Quebec Canada,<br>0.00%, 10/29/30 | 210 |  | 174 |
| Rogers Communications, Inc.,<br>3.80%, 3/15/32 (c) | $100 |  | 87 |
|  |  |  | 555 |
| **Colombia (0.2%)** | **Colombia (0.2%)** | **Colombia (0.2%)** | **Colombia (0.2%)** |
| Ecopetrol SA,<br>5.88%, 9/18/23 | 140 |  | 139 |
| **France (0.7%)** | **France (0.7%)** | **France (0.7%)** | **France (0.7%)** |
| AXA SA,<br>3.25%, 5/28/49 | 100 |  | 95 |
| BNP Paribas SA,<br>1.13%, 6/11/26 | 125 |  | 122 |
| BPCE SA,<br>5.15%, 7/21/24 (c) | $200 |  | 196 |
| Orange SA,<br>5.00%, 1/10/26 (d) | 100 |  | 108 |
|  |  |  | 521 |
| **Germany (0.9%)** | **Germany (0.9%)** | **Germany (0.9%)** | **Germany (0.9%)** |
| Bayer US Finance II LLC,<br>3.88%, 12/15/23 (c) | $200 |  | 197 |
| Deutsche Bank AG,<br>Series E<br>0.96%, 11/8/23 | 150 |  | 144 |
| Deutsche Telekom International <br>Finance BV,<br>4.38%, 6/21/28 (c) | 150 |  | 144 |
| Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau,<br>1.13%, 9/15/32 | 190 |  | 171 |
| Volkswagen International Finance NV,<br>Series 10Y<br>1.88%, 3/30/27 | 100 |  | 97 |
|  |  |  | 753 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (cont'd)** | **Corporate Bonds (cont'd)** | **Corporate Bonds (cont'd)** |
| **India (0.2%)** | **India (0.2%)** | **India (0.2%)** |
| ONGC Videsh Vankorneft Pte Ltd.,<br>3.75%, 7/27/26 | $200 | $187 |
| **Ireland (0.3%)** | **Ireland (0.3%)** | **Ireland (0.3%)** |
| AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap <br>Global Aviation Trust,<br>2.45%, 10/29/26 | 175 | 154 |
| Avolon Holdings Funding Ltd.,<br>2.88%, 2/15/25 (c) | 50 | 46 |
|  |  | 200 |
| **Italy (0.1%)** | **Italy (0.1%)** | **Italy (0.1%)** |
| Assicurazioni Generali SpA,<br>5.50%, 10/27/47 | 100 | 108 |
| **Japan (0.2%)** | **Japan (0.2%)** | **Japan (0.2%)** |
| NTT Finance Corp.,<br>1.59%, 4/3/28 (c) | $200 | 168 |
| **Korea, Republic of (0.7%)** | **Korea, Republic of (0.7%)** | **Korea, Republic of (0.7%)** |
| Korea Electric Power Corp.,<br>2.50%, 6/24/24 (c) | 200 | 192 |
| Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.,<br>3.75%, 7/25/23 (c) | 200 | 199 |
| Korea Southern Power Co. Ltd.,<br>0.75%, 1/27/26 (c) | 200 | 176 |
|  |  | 567 |
| **Luxembourg (0.1%)** | **Luxembourg (0.1%)** | **Luxembourg (0.1%)** |
| Blackstone Property Partners <br>Europe Holdings Sarl,<br>1.25%, 4/26/27 | 100 | 84 |
| **Mexico (0.1%)** | **Mexico (0.1%)** | **Mexico (0.1%)** |
| Fomento Economico Mexicano <br>SAB de CV,<br>0.50%, 5/28/28 | 100 | 88 |
| **Netherlands (0.1%)** | **Netherlands (0.1%)** | **Netherlands (0.1%)** |
| ASR Nederland NV,<br>5.00%, 9/30/24 (d) | 100 | 106 |
| **Qatar (0.2%)** | **Qatar (0.2%)** | **Qatar (0.2%)** |
| Ooredoo International Finance Ltd.,<br>2.63%, 4/8/31 (c) | $200 | 172 |
| **Spain (0.5%)** | **Spain (0.5%)** | **Spain (0.5%)** |
| Banco Santander SA,<br>3.13%, 1/19/27 | 100 | 103 |
| 5.18%, 11/19/25 | $200 | 197 |
| CaixaBank SA,<br>0.75%, 4/18/23 | 100 | 106 |
|  |  | 406 |
| **Sweden (0.1%)** | **Sweden (0.1%)** | **Sweden (0.1%)** |
| Akelius Residential Property Financing BV,<br>1.13%, 1/11/29 | 100 | 83 |
| **Switzerland (0.3%)** | **Switzerland (0.3%)** | **Switzerland (0.3%)** |
| Syngenta Finance NV,<br>4.44%, 4/24/23 (c) | $200 | 199 |
| **United Arab Emirates (0.5%)** | **United Arab Emirates (0.5%)** | **United Arab Emirates (0.5%)** |
| ADCB Finance Cayman Ltd.,<br>4.00%, 3/29/23 (c) | 200 | 200 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd.,<br>2.63%, 3/31/36 (c) | $225 | $ | 182 |
|  |  |  | 382 |
| **United Kingdom (1.2%)** | **United Kingdom (1.2%)** | **United Kingdom (1.2%)** | **United Kingdom (1.2%)** |
| BAT Capital Corp.,<br>3.56%, 8/15/27 | 125 |  | 114 |
| HSBC Holdings PLC,<br>2.26%, 11/13/26 | 100 |  | 109 |
| 7.39%, 11/3/28 | $225 |  | 237 |
| Lloyds Banking Group PLC,<br>1.75%, 9/7/28 | 100 |  | 103 |
| 2.25%, 10/16/24 | 100 |  | 115 |
| Nationwide Building Society,<br>3.77%, 3/8/24 (c) | $200 |  | 199 |
| NGG Finance PLC,<br>5.63%, 6/18/73 | 100 |  | 115 |
|  |  |  | 992 |
| **United States (4.7%)** | **United States (4.7%)** | **United States (4.7%)** | **United States (4.7%)** |
| Amazon.com, Inc.,<br>2.70%, 6/3/60 | $50 |  | 30 |
| American Express Co.,<br>2.55%, 3/4/27 | 50 |  | 46 |
| Aon Corp.,<br>2.80%, 5/15/30 | 50 |  | 43 |
| AT&T, Inc.,<br>1.80%, 9/5/26 | 100 |  | 100 |
| 2.90%, 12/4/26 | 100 |  | 112 |
| Bank of America Corp.,<br>2.69%, 4/22/32 | $50 |  | 40 |
| 3.71%, 4/24/28 | 100 |  | 93 |
| 3.85%, 3/8/37 | 25 |  | 21 |
| 5.02%, 7/22/33 | 25 |  | 24 |
| CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.,<br>2.67%, 12/1/26 | 25 |  | 22 |
| Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC,<br>6.05%, 3/15/25 | 25 |  | 25 |
| 6.17%, 7/15/27 | 50 |  | 49 |
| Charter Communications Operating <br>LLC/Charter Communications <br>Operating Capital,<br>2.80%, 4/1/31 | 100 |  | 78 |
| 3.50%, 3/1/42 | 25 |  | 16 |
| 5.13%, 7/1/49 | 25 |  | 19 |
| Cigna Corp.,<br>3.88%, 10/15/47 | 50 |  | 39 |
| Citigroup, Inc.,<br>2.52%, 11/3/32 | 75 |  | 59 |
| 3.06%, 1/25/33 | 50 |  | 40 |
| 5.50%, 9/13/25 | 75 |  | 76 |
| Comcast Corp.,<br>1.95%, 1/15/31 | 125 |  | 101 |
| CVS Health Corp.,<br>5.05%, 3/25/48 | 75 |  | 68 |
| Deere & Co.,<br>3.10%, 4/15/30 | 100 |  | 90 |
| Energy Transfer LP,<br>2.90%, 5/15/25 | 150 |  | 141 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>12

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Corporate Bonds (cont'd)** | **Corporate Bonds (cont'd)** | **Corporate Bonds (cont'd)** |
| Enterprise Products Operating LLC,<br>3.95%, 1/31/60 | $50 | $36 |
| Georgia-Pacific LLC,<br>2.30%, 4/30/30 (c) | 175 | 146 |
| Global Payments, Inc.,<br>4.95%, 8/15/27 | 100 | 97 |
| Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.,<br>2.62%, 4/22/32 | 150 | 120 |
| HCA, Inc.,<br>5.25%, 6/15/49 | 50 | 43 |
| JBS USA LUX SA/JBS USA Food Co./JBS <br>USA Finance, Inc.,<br>2.50%, 1/15/27 (c) | 225 | 197 |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co.,<br>1.95%, 2/4/32 | 250 | 192 |
| 4.13%, 12/15/26 | 75 | 73 |
| Level 3 Financing, Inc.,<br>3.40%, 3/1/27 (c) | 100 | 85 |
| Lowe's Cos., Inc.,<br>1.30%, 4/15/28 | 75 | 62 |
| 1.70%, 10/15/30 | 100 | 78 |
| Magallanes, Inc.,<br>5.05%, 3/15/42 (c) | 25 | 19 |
| McDonald's Corp.,<br>MTN | McDonald's Corp.,<br>MTN | McDonald's Corp.,<br>MTN |
| 3.38%, 5/26/25 | 100 | 97 |
| Medtronic Global Holdings SCA,<br>1.00%, 7/2/31 | 100 | 86 |
| Metropolitan Life Global Funding I,<br>2.95%, 4/9/30 (c) | $150 | 130 |
| NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.,<br>2.75%, 11/1/29 | 175 | 152 |
| NVIDIA Corp.,<br>2.85%, 4/1/30 | 125 | 109 |
| PepsiCo, Inc.,<br>2.63%, 4/28/26 | 100 | 105 |
| Prologis Euro Finance LLC,<br>1.88%, 1/5/29 | 100 | 94 |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.,<br>0.88%, 10/1/31 | 100 | 85 |
| Upjohn Finance BV,<br>1.91%, 6/23/32 | 100 | 82 |
| Verizon Communications, Inc.,<br>1.13%, 11/3/28 | 100 | 97 |
| 3.40%, 3/22/41 | $50 | 38 |
| Vontier Corp.,<br>2.40%, 4/1/28 | 50 | 40 |
| Walt Disney Co.,<br>2.65%, 1/13/31 | 50 | 43 |
| Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.,<br>4.28%, 3/15/32 (c) | 75 | 62 |
|  |  | 3700 |
| **Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $11,226)** | **Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $11,226)** | 9815 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Mortgages — Other (1.3%)** | **Mortgages — Other (1.3%)** | **Mortgages — Other (1.3%)** |
| **Germany (0.1%)** | **Germany (0.1%)** | **Germany (0.1%)** |
| Berg Finance,<br>2.55%, 4/22/33 (b) | 29 | $29 |
| **United Kingdom (0.1%)** | **United Kingdom (0.1%)** | **United Kingdom (0.1%)** |
| Landmark Mortgage Securities <br>No. 3 PLC,<br>3 Month GBP LIBOR + 2.10%, <br>5.49%, 4/17/44 (b) | 62 | 70 |
| **United States (1.1%)** | **United States (1.1%)** | **United States (1.1%)** |
| Bayview MSR Opportunity Master <br>Fund Trust,<br>3.00%, 1/25/52 (b)(c) | $95 | 79 |
| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,<br>3.00%, 9/25/45 - 5/25/47 | 96 | 83 |
| 3.50%, 5/25/45 - 7/25/46 | 37 | 32 |
| 4.00%, 5/25/45 | 2 | 2 |
| Hundred Acre Wood Trust,<br>2.50%, 10/25/51 (b)(c) | 93 | 74 |
| JP Morgan Mortgage Trust,<br>3.00%, 4/25/52 - 9/25/52(b)(c) | 357 | 299 |
| 3.25%, 7/25/52 (b)(c) | 92 | 79 |
| PRMI Securitization Trust,<br>2.50%, 4/25/51 (b)(c) | 87 | 70 |
| Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust,<br>3.00%, 11/25/57 - 10/25/58 | 187 | 166 |
| 4.00%, 10/25/58 | 13 | 13 |
|  |  | 897 |
| **Total Mortgages — Other (Cost $1,150)** | **Total Mortgages — Other (Cost $1,150)** | 996 |
| **Sovereign (30.1%)** | **Sovereign (30.1%)** | **Sovereign (30.1%)** |
| **Australia (0.9%)** | **Australia (0.9%)** | **Australia (0.9%)** |
| Australia Government Bond,<br>0.25%, 11/21/25 | 450 | 279 |
| 1.25%, 5/21/32 | 740 | 396 |
| 2.75%, 11/21/29 | 70 | 44 |
| 3.25%, 4/21/25 | 10 | 7 |
|  |  | 726 |
| **Austria (0.1%)** | **Austria (0.1%)** | **Austria (0.1%)** |
| Republic of Austria Government Bond,<br>0.00%, 2/20/30 (c) | 70 | 61 |
| **Belgium (0.3%)** | **Belgium (0.3%)** | **Belgium (0.3%)** |
| Kingdom of Belgium Government Bond,<br>0.90%, 6/22/29 (c) | 30 | 29 |
| 1.70%, 6/22/50 (c) | 90 | 68 |
| 1.90%, 6/22/38 (c) | 150 | 133 |
|  |  | 230 |
| **Brazil (3.1%)** | **Brazil (3.1%)** | **Brazil (3.1%)** |
| Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional,<br>10.00%, 1/1/27 | 14310 | 2492 |
| **Canada (1.2%)** | **Canada (1.2%)** | **Canada (1.2%)** |
| Canadian Government Bond,<br>1.25%, 6/1/30 | 1440 | 922 |
| 2.00%, 12/1/51 | 20 | 11 |
|  |  | 933 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>13

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** |
| **China (9.7%)** | **China (9.7%)** | **China (9.7%)** | **China (9.7%)** |
| Agricultural Development Bank of China,<br>2.25%, 4/22/25 | CNY | 770 | $110 |
| 3.79%, 10/26/30 |  | 740 | 112 |
| China Development Bank,<br>3.07%, 3/10/30 |  | 1410 | 203 |
| 3.34%, 7/14/25 |  | 740 | 109 |
| China Government Bond,<br>2.37%, 1/20/27 |  | 3200 | 456 |
| 2.76%, 5/15/32 |  | 37330 | 5325 |
| 3.13%, 11/21/29 |  | 4990 | 733 |
| 3.27%, 11/19/30 |  | 1540 | 229 |
| 3.52%, 4/25/46 |  | 410 | 61 |
| 3.53%, 10/18/51 |  | 200 | 30 |
| 3.81%, 9/14/50 |  | 300 | 47 |
| 3.86%, 7/22/49 |  | 1430 | 228 |
| Export-Import Bank of China,<br>2.93%, 3/2/25 |  | 740 | 107 |
|  |  |  | 7750 |
| **Colombia (0.0%) (e)** | **Colombia (0.0%) (e)** | **Colombia (0.0%) (e)** | **Colombia (0.0%) (e)** |
| Colombian TES,<br>Series B<br>7.75%, 9/18/30 | COP | 122600 | 19 |
| **Czech Republic (0.1%)** | **Czech Republic (0.1%)** | **Czech Republic (0.1%)** | **Czech Republic (0.1%)** |
| Czech Republic Government Bond,<br>1.20%, 3/13/31 | CZK | 1200 | 39 |
| **Denmark (0.1%)** | **Denmark (0.1%)** | **Denmark (0.1%)** | **Denmark (0.1%)** |
| Denmark Government Bond,<br>0.50%, 11/15/27 | DKK | 630 | 82 |
| **Finland (0.1%)** | **Finland (0.1%)** | **Finland (0.1%)** | **Finland (0.1%)** |
| Finland Government Bond,<br>1.13%, 4/15/34 (c) | EUR | 70 | 61 |
| **France (1.7%)** | **France (1.7%)** | **France (1.7%)** | **France (1.7%)** |
| Agence Francaise de <br>Developpement EPIC,<br>1.50%, 10/31/34 |  | 100 | 86 |
| Banque Federative du Credit <br>Mutuel SA,<br>1.25%, 12/5/25 | GBP | 100 | 108 |
| French Republic Government Bond OAT,<br>0.00%, 11/25/29 | EUR | 1050 | 927 |
| 2.00%, 5/25/48 (c) |  | 200 | 168 |
| SNCF Reseau,<br>1.88%, 3/30/34 |  | 100 | 91 |
|  |  |  | 1380 |
| **Germany (1.1%)** | **Germany (1.1%)** | **Germany (1.1%)** | **Germany (1.1%)** |
| Bundesrepublik Deutschland <br>Bundesanleihe,<br>0.00%, 5/15/36 - 8/15/50 |  | 210 | 148 |
| 0.25%, 2/15/29 |  | 320 | 300 |
| 4.25%, 7/4/39 |  | 120 | 157 |
| State of North Rhine-Westphalia Germany,<br>1.65%, 2/22/38 |  | 290 | 253 |
|  |  |  | 858 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Greece (2.6%)** | **Greece (2.6%)** | **Greece (2.6%)** |
| Hellenic Republic Government Bond,<br>0.75%, 6/18/31 (c) | $2623 | $2083 |
| **Hungary (0.0%) (e)** | **Hungary (0.0%) (e)** | **Hungary (0.0%) (e)** |
| Hungary Government Bond,<br>3.00%, 8/21/30 | 4450 | 8 |
| **Indonesia (0.2%)** | **Indonesia (0.2%)** | **Indonesia (0.2%)** |
| Indonesia Treasury Bond,<br>8.25%, 5/15/29 | 839000 | 58 |
| 8.38%, 3/15/34 | 981000 | 69 |
|  |  | 127 |
| **Ireland (0.1%)** | **Ireland (0.1%)** | **Ireland (0.1%)** |
| Ireland Government Bond,<br>0.20%, 10/18/30 | 80 | 70 |
| **Italy (1.2%)** | **Italy (1.2%)** | **Italy (1.2%)** |
| Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro,<br>0.00%, 8/1/26 | 150 | 141 |
| 0.45%, 2/15/29 | 50 | 43 |
| 1.85%, 7/1/25 (c) | 390 | 402 |
| 2.45%, 9/1/50 (c) | 240 | 171 |
| 2.50%, 12/1/32 | 40 | 36 |
| Republic of Italy Government <br>International Bond,<br>0.88%, 5/6/24 | $200 | 187 |
|  |  | 980 |
| **Japan (4.3%)** | **Japan (4.3%)** | **Japan (4.3%)** |
| Japan Government Five Year Bond,<br>0.10%, 6/20/24 | 105000 | 801 |
| Japan Government Ten Year Bond,<br>0.10%, 6/20/26 - 6/20/31 | 123000 | 920 |
| Japan Government Thirty Year Bond,<br>0.30%, 6/20/46 | 37000 | 219 |
| 0.40%, 9/20/49 | 26000 | 149 |
| 0.60%, 6/20/50 | 29000 | 175 |
| 1.70%, 6/20/33 | 75000 | 635 |
| Japan Government Twenty Year Bond,<br>0.40%, 6/20/41 | 83000 | 544 |
|  |  | 3443 |
| **Korea, Republic of (0.7%)** | **Korea, Republic of (0.7%)** | **Korea, Republic of (0.7%)** |
| Export-Import Bank of Korea,<br>0.63%, 2/9/26 | $200 | 177 |
| Korea Development Bank,<br>0.80%, 7/19/26 | 200 | 174 |
| Korea International Bond,<br>2.00%, 6/19/24 | 200 | 192 |
|  |  | 543 |
| **Malaysia (0.4%)** | **Malaysia (0.4%)** | **Malaysia (0.4%)** |
| Malaysia Government Bond,<br>3.89%, 8/15/29 | 440 | 99 |
| Petronas Capital Ltd.,<br>3.50%, 3/18/25 (c) | $200 | 194 |
|  |  | 293 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>14

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** | **Sovereign (cont'd)** |
| **Mexico (0.4%)** | **Mexico (0.4%)** | **Mexico (0.4%)** |
| Mexican Bonos,<br>Series M<br>7.50%, 6/3/27 | 1700 | $82 |
| 8.50%, 5/31/29 | 800 | 40 |
| Mexico Government International Bond,<br>4.50%, 4/22/29 | $200 | 191 |
|  |  | 313 |
| **Netherlands (0.2%)** | **Netherlands (0.2%)** | **Netherlands (0.2%)** |
| Netherlands Government Bond,<br>0.00%, 7/15/30 (c) | 190 | 166 |
| 2.75%, 1/15/47 (c) | 20 | 21 |
|  |  | 187 |
| **Norway (0.0%) (e)** | **Norway (0.0%) (e)** | **Norway (0.0%) (e)** |
| Norway Government Bond,<br>2.13%, 5/18/32 (c) | 190 | 18 |
| **Poland (0.1%)** | **Poland (0.1%)** | **Poland (0.1%)** |
| Republic of Poland Government Bond,<br>0.25%, 10/25/26 | 300 | 54 |
| **Spain (0.6%)** | **Spain (0.6%)** | **Spain (0.6%)** |
| Spain Government Bond,<br>0.00%, 1/31/28 | 110 | 101 |
| 0.70%, 4/30/32 (c) | 79 | 66 |
| 1.25%, 10/31/30 (c) | 289 | 265 |
| 2.70%, 10/31/48 (c) | 40 | 35 |
| 3.45%, 7/30/66 (c) | 21 | 20 |
|  |  | 487 |
| **Sweden (0.1%)** | **Sweden (0.1%)** | **Sweden (0.1%)** |
| Sweden Government Bond,<br>0.75%, 5/12/28 | 740 | 65 |
| **United Kingdom (0.8%)** | **United Kingdom (0.8%)** | **United Kingdom (0.8%)** |
| United Kingdom Gilt,<br>0.38%, 10/22/30 | 220 | 208 |
| 0.63%, 10/22/50 | 180 | 97 |
| 1.25%, 10/22/41 | 60 | 46 |
| 1.63%, 10/22/28 | 85 | 92 |
| 3.50%, 1/22/45 | 180 | 201 |
|  |  | 644 |
| **Total Sovereign (Cost $28,194)** | **Total Sovereign (Cost $28,194)** | 23946 |
| **Supranational (1.5%)** | **Supranational (1.5%)** | **Supranational (1.5%)** |
| Asian Development Bank,<br>2.13%, 5/19/31 | 60 | 30 |
| European Investment Bank,<br>0.20%, 7/15/24 | 220 | 226 |
| Series EARN<br>0.00%, 1/14/31 | 200 | 168 |
| International Bank for Reconstruction & <br>Development,<br>2.20%, 2/27/24 | $610 | 407 |
| SOFR + 0.43%, <br>4.58%, 8/19/27 (b) | 330 | 332 |
| **Total Supranational (Cost $1,311)** | **Total Supranational (Cost $1,311)** | 1163 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **U.S. Treasury Securities (4.9%)** | **U.S. Treasury Securities (4.9%)** | **U.S. Treasury Securities (4.9%)** |
| **United States (4.9%)** | **United States (4.9%)** | **United States (4.9%)** |
| U.S. Treasury Bonds,<br>1.75%, 8/15/41 | $530 | $363 |
| 1.13%, 5/15/40 | 890 | 558 |
| 1.25%, 5/15/50 | 220 | 119 |
| 2.50%, 2/15/45 | 640 | 482 |
| 2.75%, 8/15/47 | 410 | 320 |
| U.S. Treasury Inflation-Indexed Bonds,<br>0.63%, 7/15/32 | 1116 | 1023 |
| U.S. Treasury Notes,<br>0.50%, 6/30/27 | 620 | 530 |
| 1.38%, 11/15/31 | 440 | 358 |
| 2.13%, 5/15/25 | 140 | 133 |
| **Total U.S. Treasury Securities (Cost $4,451)** | **Total U.S. Treasury Securities (Cost $4,451)** | 3886 |
| **Total Fixed Income Securities (Cost $50,452)** | **Total Fixed Income Securities (Cost $50,452)** | 43740 |
|  | **Shares** |  |
| **Common Stocks (29.7%)** | **Common Stocks (29.7%)** | **Common Stocks (29.7%)** |
| **Australia (1.1%)** | **Australia (1.1%)** | **Australia (1.1%)** |
| Ampol Ltd. | 180 | 3 |
| ANZ Group Holdings Ltd. | 2237 | 36 |
| APA Group | 873 | 6 |
| Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. | 453 | 9 |
| ASX Ltd. | 146 | 7 |
| Aurizon Holdings Ltd. | 1398 | 4 |
| BHP Group Ltd. | 3781 | 117 |
| BlueScope Steel Ltd. | 351 | 4 |
| Brambles Ltd. | 1048 | 9 |
| Cochlear Ltd. | 50 | 7 |
| Coles Group Ltd. | 1004 | 11 |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia | 1283 | 89 |
| Computershare Ltd. | 406 | 7 |
| CSL Ltd. | 366 | 71 |
| Dexus REIT | 816 | 4 |
| Endeavour Group Ltd. (Australia) | 1015 | 4 |
| Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. | 1267 | 18 |
| Goodman Group REIT | 1294 | 15 |
| GPT Group REIT | 1427 | 4 |
| IDP Education Ltd. | 155 | 3 |
| Independence Group NL | 500 | 5 |
| Insurance Australia Group Ltd. | 1848 | 6 |
| James Hardie Industries PLC CDI | 338 | 6 |
| Lendlease Corp Ltd. REIT | 517 | 3 |
| Lottery Corp. Ltd. (f) | 1654 | 5 |
| Macquarie Group Ltd. | 278 | 31 |
| Medibank Pvt Ltd. | 2050 | 4 |
| Mineral Resources Ltd. | 126 | 7 |
| Mirvac Group REIT | 2967 | 4 |
| National Australia Bank Ltd. | 2462 | 50 |
| Newcrest Mining Ltd. | 665 | 9 |
| Northern Star Resources Ltd. | 836 | 6 |
| OneMarket Ltd. (f) | 137 |  |
| Orica Ltd. | 336 | 3 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>15

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Australia (cont'd)** | **Australia (cont'd)** | **Australia (cont'd)** | **Australia (cont'd)** |
| Origin Energy Ltd. | 1303 | $| 7 |
| Pilbara Minerals Ltd. (f) | 1914 |  | 5 |
| Qantas Airways Ltd. (f) | 687 |  | 3 |
| QBE Insurance Group Ltd. | 1110 |  | 10 |
| Ramsay Health Care Ltd. | 135 |  | 6 |
| REA Group Ltd. | 40 |  | 3 |
| Reece Ltd. | 167 |  | 2 |
| Rio Tinto Ltd. | 279 |  | 22 |
| Santos Ltd. | 2396 |  | 12 |
| Scentre Group REIT | 3876 |  | 8 |
| SEEK Ltd. | 251 |  | 4 |
| Sonic Healthcare Ltd. | 334 |  | 7 |
| South32 Ltd. | 3408 |  | 9 |
| Stockland REIT | 1789 |  | 4 |
| Suncorp Group Ltd. | 940 |  | 8 |
| Telstra Corp., Ltd. | 2999 |  | 8 |
| Transurban Group (Units) | 2334 |  | 20 |
| Treasury Wine Estates Ltd. | 520 |  | 5 |
| Vicinity Centres REIT | 2870 |  | 4 |
| Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co. Ltd. | 161 |  | 3 |
| Wesfarmers Ltd. | 853 |  | 27 |
| Westpac Banking Corp. | 2637 |  | 42 |
| WiseTech Global Ltd. | 108 |  | 4 |
| Woodside Energy Group Ltd. | 1421 |  | 34 |
| Woolworths Group Ltd. | 910 |  | 21 |
| Xero Ltd. (f) | 101 |  | 5 |
|  |  |  | 850 |
| **Austria (0.1%)** | **Austria (0.1%)** | **Austria (0.1%)** | **Austria (0.1%)** |
| Erste Group Bank AG | 1451 |  | 46 |
| OMV AG | 133 |  | 7 |
| Verbund AG | 63 |  | 5 |
| voestalpine AG | 106 |  | 3 |
|  |  |  | 61 |
| **Belgium (0.2%)** | **Belgium (0.2%)** | **Belgium (0.2%)** | **Belgium (0.2%)** |
| Ageas SA | 142 |  | 6 |
| Anheuser-Busch InBev SA | 763 |  | 46 |
| Argenx SE (f) | 49 |  | 19 |
| D'ieteren Group | 22 |  | 4 |
| Elia Group SA | 29 |  | 4 |
| Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA | 87 |  | 7 |
| KBC Group NV | 1060 |  | 68 |
| Sofina SA | 14 |  | 3 |
| Solvay SA | 65 |  | 7 |
| UCB SA | 112 |  | 9 |
| Umicore SA | 184 |  | 7 |
| Warehouses De Pauw CVA REIT | 143 |  | 4 |
|  |  |  | 184 |
| **Canada (1.9%)** | **Canada (1.9%)** | **Canada (1.9%)** | **Canada (1.9%)** |
| Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. | 376 |  | 20 |
| Air Canada (f) | 147 |  | 2 |
| Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. | 571 |  | 4 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. | 797 | $35 |
| AltaGas Ltd. | 239 | 4 |
| ARC Resources Ltd. | 559 | 8 |
| Bank of Montreal | 566 | 51 |
| Bank of Nova Scotia | 1005 | 49 |
| Barrick Gold Corp. (LSE) | 57 | 1 |
| Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE) | 1495 | 26 |
| BCE, Inc. | 61 | 3 |
| Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., Class A (f) | 292 | 8 |
| Brookfield Corp. | 1318 | 41 |
| Brookfield Renewable Corp., Class A | 110 | 3 |
| BRP, Inc. | 31 | 2 |
| CAE, Inc. (f) | 271 | 5 |
| Cameco Corp. | 366 | 8 |
| Canadian Apartment Properties REIT | 72 | 2 |
| Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce | 761 | 31 |
| Canadian National Railway Co. | 504 | 60 |
| Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. | 954 | 53 |
| Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. | 790 | 59 |
| Canadian Tire Corp., Ltd., Class A | 47 | 5 |
| Canadian Utilities Ltd., Class A | 108 | 3 |
| CCL Industries, Inc., Class B | 127 | 5 |
| Cenovus Energy, Inc. | 1176 | 23 |
| CGI, Inc. (f) | 180 | 16 |
| Constellation Software, Inc. | 17 | 27 |
| Descartes Systems Group, Inc. (f) | 72 | 5 |
| Dollarama, Inc. | 236 | 14 |
| Element Fleet Management Corp. | 332 | 5 |
| Emera, Inc. | 226 | 9 |
| Empire Co., Ltd., Class A | 138 | 4 |
| Enbridge, Inc. | 1710 | 67 |
| Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. | 20 | 12 |
| First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 524 | 11 |
| FirstService Corp. | 34 | 4 |
| Fortis, Inc. | 408 | 16 |
| Franco-Nevada Corp. | 162 | 22 |
| George Weston Ltd. | 61 | 8 |
| GFL Environmental, Inc. | 156 | 5 |
| Gildan Activewear, Inc. | 157 | 4 |
| Great-West Lifeco, Inc. | 237 | 5 |
| Hydro One Ltd. | 280 | 7 |
| IA Financial Corp., Inc. | 90 | 5 |
| IGM Financial, Inc. | 71 | 2 |
| Imperial Oil Ltd. | 191 | 9 |
| Intact Financial Corp. | 149 | 21 |
| Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., Class A (f) | 568 | 4 |
| Keyera Corp. | 187 | 4 |
| Kinross Gold Corp. | 1059 | 4 |
| Loblaw Cos., Ltd. | 139 | 12 |
| Lundin Mining Corp. | 549 | 3 |
| Magna International, Inc. | 240 | 13 |
| Manulife Financial Corp. | 1626 | 29 |
| Metro, Inc. | 204 | 11 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>16

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Canada (cont'd)** | **Canada (cont'd)** | **Canada (cont'd)** | **Canada (cont'd)** |
| National Bank of Canada | 284 | $| 19 |
| Northland Power, Inc. | 203 |  | 6 |
| Nutrien Ltd. | 459 |  | 34 |
| Nuvei Corp. (f) | 57 |  | 1 |
| Onex Corp. | 62 |  | 3 |
| Open Text Corp. | 228 |  | 7 |
| Pan American Silver Corp. | 168 |  | 3 |
| Parkland Corp. | 135 |  | 3 |
| Pembina Pipeline Corp. | 470 |  | 16 |
| Power Corp. of Canada | 469 |  | 11 |
| Quebecor, Inc., Class B | 135 |  | 3 |
| Restaurant Brands International, Inc. | 249 |  | 16 |
| RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust REIT | 128 |  | 2 |
| Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc. | 96 |  | 6 |
| Rogers Communications, Inc., Class B | 299 |  | 14 |
| Royal Bank of Canada | 1277 |  | 120 |
| Saputo, Inc. | 214 |  | 5 |
| Shaw Communications, Inc., Class B | 406 |  | 12 |
| Shopify, Inc., Class A (f) | 996 |  | 35 |
| Sun Life Financial, Inc. | 496 |  | 23 |
| Suncor Energy, Inc. | 1155 |  | 37 |
| TC Energy Corp. | 969 |  | 39 |
| Teck Resources Ltd., Class B | 404 |  | 15 |
| TELUS Corp. | 397 |  | 8 |
| TFI International, Inc. | 69 |  | 7 |
| Thomson Reuters Corp. | 144 |  | 16 |
| TMX Group Ltd. | 47 |  | 5 |
| Toromont Industries Ltd. | 70 |  | 5 |
| Toronto-Dominion Bank | 1631 |  | 106 |
| Tourmaline Oil Corp. | 275 |  | 14 |
| West Fraser Timber Co., Ltd. | 51 |  | 4 |
| Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. | 370 |  | 14 |
| WSP Global, Inc. | 107 |  | 12 |
|  |  |  | 1490 |
| **China (0.0%) (e)** | **China (0.0%) (e)** | **China (0.0%) (e)** | **China (0.0%) (e)** |
| China Common Rich Renewable Energy <br>Investments Ltd. (f) | 18000 |  |  |
| Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd. (g) | 1112 |  | 2 |
| Wharf Holdings Ltd. (g) | 1400 |  | 4 |
|  |  |  | 6 |
| **Denmark (0.5%)** | **Denmark (0.5%)** | **Denmark (0.5%)** | **Denmark (0.5%)** |
| AP Moller — Maersk AS Series A | 3 |  | 7 |
| AP Moller — Maersk AS Series B | 4 |  | 9 |
| Carlsberg AS Series B | 83 |  | 11 |
| Chr Hansen Holding AS | 91 |  | 7 |
| Coloplast AS Series B | 102 |  | 12 |
| Danske Bank AS | 580 |  | 11 |
| Demant AS (f) | 79 |  | 2 |
| DSV AS | 159 |  | 25 |
| Genmab AS (f) | 56 |  | 24 |
| Novo Nordisk AS Series B | 1388 |  | 188 |
| Novozymes AS Series B | 177 |  | 9 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Orsted AS | 163 | $| 15 |
| Pandora AS | 77 |  | 5 |
| ROCKWOOL AS, Class B | 8 |  | 2 |
| Tryg AS | 305 |  | 7 |
| Vestas Wind Systems AS | 878 |  | 26 |
|  |  |  | 360 |
| **Finland (0.2%)** | **Finland (0.2%)** | **Finland (0.2%)** | **Finland (0.2%)** |
| Elisa Oyj | 124 |  | 7 |
| Fortum Oyj | 379 |  | 6 |
| Kesko Oyj, Class B | 240 |  | 5 |
| Kone Oyj, Class B | 298 |  | 15 |
| Neste Oyj | 364 |  | 17 |
| Nokia Oyj | 4743 |  | 22 |
| Orion Oyj, Class B | 92 |  | 5 |
| Sampo Oyj, Class A | 420 |  | 22 |
| Stora Enso Oyj, Class R | 482 |  | 7 |
| UPM-Kymmene Oyj | 464 |  | 17 |
| Wartsila Oyj Abp | 418 |  | 4 |
|  |  |  | 127 |
| **France (2.1%)** | **France (2.1%)** | **France (2.1%)** | **France (2.1%)** |
| Accor SA (f) | 140 |  | 4 |
| Aeroports de Paris (f) | 25 |  | 3 |
| Air Liquide SA | 423 |  | 60 |
| Airbus SE | 479 |  | 57 |
| Alstom SA | 262 |  | 6 |
| Amundi SA | 50 |  | 3 |
| ArcelorMittal SA | 425 |  | 11 |
| Arkema SA | 49 |  | 4 |
| AXA SA | 1512 |  | 42 |
| BioMerieux | 34 |  | 4 |
| BNP Paribas SA | 4621 |  | 263 |
| Bollore SA | 717 |  | 4 |
| Bouygues SA | 188 |  | 6 |
| Bureau Veritas SA | 241 |  | 6 |
| Capgemini SE | 133 |  | 22 |
| Carrefour SA | 480 |  | 8 |
| Cie de Saint-Gobain | 400 |  | 20 |
| Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA | 552 |  | 15 |
| Covivio REIT | 39 |  | 2 |
| Credit Agricole SA | 5016 |  | 53 |
| Danone SA | 523 |  | 28 |
| Dassault Aviation SA | 20 |  | 3 |
| Dassault Systemes SE | 545 |  | 20 |
| Edenred | 203 |  | 11 |
| Eiffage SA | 68 |  | 7 |
| Electricite de France SA | 434 |  | 6 |
| Engie SA | 1562 |  | 22 |
| EssilorLuxottica SA | 237 |  | 43 |
| Eurazeo SE | 36 |  | 2 |
| Eurofins Scientific SE | 109 |  | 8 |
| Euronext NV | 70 |  | 5 |
| Gecina SA REIT | 38 |  | 4 |
| Getlink SE | 360 |  | 6 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>17

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **France (cont'd)** | **France (cont'd)** | **France (cont'd)** | **France (cont'd)** |
| Hermes International | 26 | $| 40 |
| Ipsen SA | 30 |  | 3 |
| Kering SA | 63 |  | 32 |
| Klepierre SA REIT (f) | 178 |  | 4 |
| L'Oreal SA | 196 |  | 70 |
| La Francaise des Jeux SAEM | 85 |  | 3 |
| Legrand SA | 217 |  | 17 |
| LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | 226 |  | 164 |
| Orange SA | 1634 |  | 16 |
| Pernod Ricard SA | 167 |  | 33 |
| Publicis Groupe SA | 187 |  | 12 |
| Remy Cointreau SA | 19 |  | 3 |
| Renault SA (f) | 160 |  | 5 |
| Safran SA | 276 |  | 35 |
| Sanofi | 929 |  | 90 |
| Sartorius Stedim Biotech | 23 |  | 8 |
| Schneider Electric SE | 443 |  | 62 |
| SEB SA | 20 |  | 2 |
| Societe Generale SA | 3306 |  | 83 |
| Sodexo SA | 72 |  | 7 |
| STMicroelectronics NV | 556 |  | 20 |
| Teleperformance | 48 |  | 12 |
| Thales SA | 87 |  | 11 |
| TotalEnergies SE | 1985 |  | 125 |
| Ubisoft Entertainment SA (f) | 77 |  | 2 |
| Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield REIT (f) | 99 |  | 5 |
| Valeo SA | 173 |  | 3 |
| Veolia Environnement SA | 553 |  | 14 |
| Vinci SA | 435 |  | 43 |
| Vivendi SE | 584 |  | 6 |
| Wendel SE | 22 |  | 2 |
| Worldline SA (f) | 196 |  | 8 |
|  |  |  | 1698 |
| **Germany (1.3%)** | **Germany (1.3%)** | **Germany (1.3%)** | **Germany (1.3%)** |
| Adidas AG | 149 |  | 20 |
| Allianz SE (Registered) | 345 |  | 74 |
| Aroundtown SA | 912 |  | 2 |
| BASF SE | 788 |  | 39 |
| Bayer AG (Registered) | 835 |  | 43 |
| Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | 283 |  | 25 |
| Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Preference) | 51 |  | 4 |
| Bechtle AG | 70 |  | 3 |
| Beiersdorf AG | 86 |  | 10 |
| Brenntag SE | 131 |  | 8 |
| Carl Zeiss Meditec AG | 34 |  | 4 |
| Commerzbank AG (f) | 4426 |  | 41 |
| Continental AG | 94 |  | 6 |
| Covestro AG | 166 |  | 6 |
| Daimler Truck Holding AG (f) | 386 |  | 12 |
| Delivery Hero SE (f) | 145 |  | 7 |
| Deutsche Bank AG (Registered) | 1683 |  | 19 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Deutsche Boerse AG | 161 | $| 28 |
| Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Registered) (f) | 509 |  | 4 |
| Deutsche Post AG (Registered) | 846 |  | 32 |
| Deutsche Telekom AG (Registered) | 2749 |  | 55 |
| Dr Ing hc F Porsche AG (Preference) (f) | 99 |  | 10 |
| E.ON SE | 1925 |  | 19 |
| Evonik Industries AG | 180 |  | 3 |
| Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co., KGaA | 178 |  | 6 |
| Fresenius SE & Co., KGaA | 361 |  | 10 |
| GEA Group AG | 129 |  | 5 |
| Hannover Rueck SE (Registered) | 51 |  | 10 |
| HeidelbergCement AG | 124 |  | 7 |
| HelloFresh SE (f) | 143 |  | 3 |
| Henkel AG & Co., KGaA | 88 |  | 6 |
| Henkel AG & Co., KGaA (Preference) | 151 |  | 10 |
| Infineon Technologies AG | 1103 |  | 34 |
| Knorr-Bremse AG | 62 |  | 3 |
| LEG Immobilien SE | 65 |  | 4 |
| Mercedes-Benz Group AG (Registered) | 688 |  | 45 |
| Merck KGaA | 111 |  | 21 |
| MTU Aero Engines AG | 46 |  | 10 |
| Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft <br>AG in Muenchen (Registered) | 118 |  | 38 |
| Nemetschek SE | 49 |  | 3 |
| Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Preference) | 132 |  | 7 |
| Puma SE | 91 |  | 6 |
| QIAGEN NV (f) | 196 |  | 10 |
| Rational AG | 4 |  | 2 |
| Rheinmetall AG | 39 |  | 8 |
| RWE AG | 551 |  | 24 |
| SAP SE | 891 |  | 92 |
| Sartorius AG (Preference) | 21 |  | 8 |
| Scout24 SE | 69 |  | 4 |
| Siemens AG (Registered) | 653 |  | 90 |
| Siemens Energy AG (f) | 371 |  | 7 |
| Siemens Healthineers AG | 247 |  | 12 |
| Symrise AG | 114 |  | 12 |
| Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG | 885 |  | 2 |
| United Internet AG (Registered) | 82 |  | 2 |
| Volkswagen AG | 25 |  | 4 |
| Volkswagen AG (Preference) | 159 |  | 20 |
| Vonovia SE | 622 |  | 15 |
| Zalando SE (f) | 194 |  | 7 |
|  |  |  | 1021 |
| **Hong Kong (0.3%)** | **Hong Kong (0.3%)** | **Hong Kong (0.3%)** | **Hong Kong (0.3%)** |
| AIA Group Ltd. | 6298 |  | 70 |
| BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. | 2108 |  | 7 |
| Budweiser Brewing Co., APAC Ltd. | 971 |  | 3 |
| CK Asset Holdings Ltd. | 1129 |  | 7 |
| CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. | 1539 |  | 9 |
| CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. | 353 |  | 2 |
| CLP Holdings Ltd. | 910 |  | 7 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>18

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Hong Kong (cont'd)** | **Hong Kong (cont'd)** | **Hong Kong (cont'd)** | **Hong Kong (cont'd)** |
| ESR Group Ltd. | 1158 | $| 2 |
| Futu Holdings Ltd. ADR (f) | 35 |  | 1 |
| Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. | 1303 |  | 9 |
| Hang Lung Properties Ltd. | 1138 |  | 2 |
| Hang Seng Bank Ltd. | 443 |  | 7 |
| Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd. | 838 |  | 3 |
| HK Electric Investments & HK Electric <br>Investments Ltd. | 1466 |  | 1 |
| HKT Trust & HKT Ltd. | 2186 |  | 3 |
| Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd. | 6486 |  | 6 |
| Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. | 694 |  | 30 |
| Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd. | 626 |  | 3 |
| Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. | 91 |  | 5 |
| Link REIT | 1251 |  | 9 |
| MTR Corp., Ltd. | 888 |  | 5 |
| New World Development Co. Ltd. | 852 |  | 2 |
| Power Assets Holdings Ltd. | 787 |  | 4 |
| Sands China Ltd. (f) | 1441 |  | 5 |
| Sino Land Co., Ltd. | 2016 |  | 2 |
| SITC International Holdings Co. Ltd. | 903 |  | 2 |
| Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. | 827 |  | 11 |
| Swire Pacific Ltd., Class A | 284 |  | 2 |
| Swire Properties Ltd. | 662 |  | 2 |
| Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd. | 811 |  | 9 |
| WH Group Ltd. | 4408 |  | 3 |
| Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd. | 962 |  | 6 |
| Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd. | 1042 |  | 2 |
|  |  |  | 241 |
| **Ireland (0.1%)** | **Ireland (0.1%)** | **Ireland (0.1%)** | **Ireland (0.1%)** |
| AIB Group PLC | 925 |  | 4 |
| Bank of Ireland Group PLC | 930 |  | 9 |
| CRH PLC | 676 |  | 27 |
| Flutter Entertainment PLC (f) | 151 |  | 21 |
| Kerry Group PLC, Class A | 143 |  | 13 |
| Kingspan Group PLC | 139 |  | 7 |
| Smurfit Kappa Group PLC | 223 |  | 8 |
|  |  |  | 89 |
| **Israel (0.1%)** | **Israel (0.1%)** | **Israel (0.1%)** | **Israel (0.1%)** |
| Azrieli Group Ltd. | 36 |  | 2 |
| Bank Hapoalim BM | 1091 |  | 10 |
| Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM | 1326 |  | 11 |
| Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication <br>Corp. Ltd. | 1782 |  | 3 |
| Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (f) | 86 |  | 11 |
| CyberArk Software Ltd. (f) | 35 |  | 4 |
| Elbit Systems Ltd. | 23 |  | 4 |
| ICL Group Ltd. | 608 |  | 4 |
| Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Class A | 1063 |  | 6 |
| Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. | 133 |  | 4 |
| Nice Ltd. | 55 |  | 11 |
| Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR (f) | 953 |  | 9 |
| Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (f) | 94 |  | 4 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Wix.com Ltd. (f) | 49 | $| 4 |
| ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. | 72 |  | 1 |
|  |  |  | 88 |
| **Italy (0.7%)** | **Italy (0.7%)** | **Italy (0.7%)** | **Italy (0.7%)** |
| Amplifon SpA | 106 |  | 3 |
| Assicurazioni Generali SpA | 935 |  | 17 |
| CNH Industrial NV | 857 |  | 14 |
| Davide Campari-Milano NV | 450 |  | 4 |
| DiaSorin SpA | 22 |  | 3 |
| Enel SpA | 6877 |  | 37 |
| Eni SpA | 2081 |  | 29 |
| EXOR NV | 185 |  | 14 |
| Ferrari NV | 108 |  | 23 |
| FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA | 2518 |  | 42 |
| Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA | 286 |  | 3 |
| Intesa Sanpaolo SpA | 69019 |  | 153 |
| Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA | 2537 |  | 24 |
| Moncler SpA | 174 |  | 9 |
| Nexi SpA (f) | 504 |  | 4 |
| Poste Italiane SpA | 434 |  | 4 |
| Prysmian SpA | 217 |  | 8 |
| Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA | 89 |  | 4 |
| Snam SpA | 1717 |  | 8 |
| Stellantis NV | 1879 |  | 27 |
| Telecom Italia SpA (Milano) (f) | 8416 |  | 2 |
| Tenaris SA | 395 |  | 7 |
| Terna — Rete Elettrica Nazionale | 1197 |  | 9 |
| UniCredit SpA | 8509 |  | 121 |
|  |  |  | 569 |
| **Japan (0.8%)** | **Japan (0.8%)** | **Japan (0.8%)** | **Japan (0.8%)** |
| Chiba Bank Ltd. | 2748 |  | 20 |
| Concordia Financial Group Ltd. | 5646 |  | 24 |
| Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd. | 2139 |  | 18 |
| Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. | 12511 |  | 176 |
| Resona Holdings, Inc. | 11207 |  | 62 |
| Shizuoka Financial Group, Inc. | 2314 |  | 19 |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. | 6771 |  | 272 |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. | 1751 |  | 61 |
|  |  |  | 652 |
| **Netherlands (0.9%)** | **Netherlands (0.9%)** | **Netherlands (0.9%)** | **Netherlands (0.9%)** |
| ABN Amro Bank NV CVA | 1757 |  | 24 |
| Adyen NV (f) | 19 |  | 26 |
| Aegon NV | 1517 |  | 8 |
| AerCap Holdings NV (f) | 115 |  | 7 |
| Akzo Nobel NV | 156 |  | 10 |
| ASM International NV | 40 |  | 10 |
| ASML Holding NV | 346 |  | 189 |
| Basic-Fit NV (f) | 788 |  | 21 |
| BNP Paribas Emissions — und <br>Handelsgesellschaft mbH | 16158 |  | 197 |
| Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC | 176 |  | 10 |
| Heineken Holding NV | 86 |  | 7 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>19

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Netherlands (cont'd)** | **Netherlands (cont'd)** | **Netherlands (cont'd)** | **Netherlands (cont'd)** |
| Heineken NV | 220 | $| 21 |
| IMCD NV | 49 |  | 7 |
| JDE Peet's NV | 86 |  | 3 |
| Just Eat Takeaway.com NV (f) | 158 |  | 3 |
| Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV | 884 |  | 25 |
| Koninklijke DSM NV | 148 |  | 18 |
| Koninklijke KPN NV | 2804 |  | 9 |
| Koninklijke Philips NV | 783 |  | 12 |
| NN Group NV | 237 |  | 10 |
| OCI NV | 91 |  | 3 |
| Prosus NV (f) | 711 |  | 49 |
| Randstad NV | 102 |  | 6 |
| Universal Music Group NV | 618 |  | 15 |
| Wolters Kluwer NV | 224 |  | 23 |
|  |  |  | 713 |
| **New Zealand (0.0%) (e)** | **New Zealand (0.0%) (e)** | **New Zealand (0.0%) (e)** | **New Zealand (0.0%) (e)** |
| Auckland International Airport Ltd. (f) | 1099 |  | 5 |
| Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd. | 507 |  | 7 |
| Mercury NZ Ltd. | 615 |  | 2 |
| Meridian Energy Ltd. | 1102 |  | 4 |
| Spark New Zealand Ltd. | 1648 |  | 6 |
|  |  |  | 24 |
| **Norway (0.1%)** | **Norway (0.1%)** | **Norway (0.1%)** | **Norway (0.1%)** |
| Adevinta ASA (f) | 264 |  | 2 |
| Aker BP ASA | 276 |  | 9 |
| DNB Bank ASA | 817 |  | 16 |
| Equinor ASA | 835 |  | 30 |
| Gjensidige Forsikring ASA | 176 |  | 3 |
| Kongsberg Gruppen ASA | 78 |  | 3 |
| Mowi ASA | 363 |  | 6 |
| Norsk Hydro ASA | 1165 |  | 9 |
| Orkla ASA | 660 |  | 5 |
| Salmar ASA | 57 |  | 2 |
| Telenor ASA | 624 |  | 6 |
| Yara International ASA | 146 |  | 6 |
|  |  |  | 97 |
| **Portugal (0.0%) (e)** | **Portugal (0.0%) (e)** | **Portugal (0.0%) (e)** | **Portugal (0.0%) (e)** |
| EDP — Energias de Portugal SA | 2040 |  | 10 |
| EDP Renovaveis SA | 216 |  | 5 |
| Galp Energia SGPS SA | 363 |  | 5 |
| Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA | 205 |  | 4 |
|  |  |  | 24 |
| **Singapore (0.2%)** | **Singapore (0.2%)** | **Singapore (0.2%)** | **Singapore (0.2%)** |
| CapitaLand Ascendas REIT | 2508 |  | 5 |
| CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust REIT | 3980 |  | 6 |
| Capitaland Investment Ltd. | 1969 |  | 6 |
| City Developments Ltd. | 303 |  | 2 |
| DBS Group Holdings Ltd. | 1380 |  | 35 |
| Genting Singapore Ltd. | 4543 |  | 3 |
| Grab Holdings Ltd., Class A (f) | 1024 |  | 3 |
| Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. | 100 |  | 2 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Keppel Corp., Ltd. | 1096 | $| 6 |
| Mapletree Commercial Trust REIT | 1946 |  | 2 |
| Mapletree Logistics Trust REIT | 2525 |  | 3 |
| Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd. | 2531 |  | 23 |
| Sea Ltd. ADR (f) | 267 |  | 14 |
| Singapore Airlines Ltd. | 1008 |  | 4 |
| Singapore Exchange Ltd. | 736 |  | 5 |
| Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. | 1187 |  | 3 |
| Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. | 6116 |  | 12 |
| United Overseas Bank Ltd. | 888 |  | 20 |
| UOL Group Ltd. | 347 |  | 2 |
| Venture Corp. Ltd. | 207 |  | 3 |
| Wilmar International Ltd. | 1460 |  | 5 |
|  |  |  | 164 |
| **South Africa (0.0%) (e)** | **South Africa (0.0%) (e)** | **South Africa (0.0%) (e)** | **South Africa (0.0%) (e)** |
| Nedbank Group Ltd. | 249 |  | 3 |
| Old Mutual Ltd. | 7755 |  | 5 |
| Thungela Resources Ltd. | 132 |  | 2 |
|  |  |  | 10 |
| **Spain (0.7%)** | **Spain (0.7%)** | **Spain (0.7%)** | **Spain (0.7%)** |
| Acciona SA | 15 |  | 3 |
| ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA | 129 |  | 4 |
| Aena SME SA (f) | 46 |  | 6 |
| Amadeus IT Group SA (f) | 271 |  | 14 |
| Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA | 25959 |  | 156 |
| Banco Santander SA | 67926 |  | 203 |
| CaixaBank SA | 17800 |  | 70 |
| Cellnex Telecom SA | 326 |  | 11 |
| Corp. ACCIONA Energias Renovables SA | 40 |  | 1 |
| Enagas SA | 149 |  | 2 |
| Endesa SA | 190 |  | 4 |
| Ferrovial SA | 294 |  | 8 |
| Grifols SA (f) | 180 |  | 2 |
| Iberdrola SA | 3602 |  | 42 |
| Industria de Diseno Textil SA | 646 |  | 17 |
| Naturgy Energy Group SA | 88 |  | 2 |
| Red Electrica Corp., SA | 242 |  | 4 |
| Repsol SA | 807 |  | 13 |
| Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA (f) | 142 |  | 3 |
| Telefonica SA | 3080 |  | 11 |
|  |  |  | 576 |
| **Sweden (0.5%)** | **Sweden (0.5%)** | **Sweden (0.5%)** | **Sweden (0.5%)** |
| Alfa Laval AB | 249 |  | 7 |
| Assa Abloy AB, Class B | 868 |  | 19 |
| Atlas Copco AB, Class A | 2310 |  | 27 |
| Atlas Copco AB, Class B | 1345 |  | 14 |
| Boliden AB | 234 |  | 9 |
| Electrolux AB, Class B | 192 |  | 3 |
| Embracer Group AB (f) | 552 |  | 2 |
| Epiroc AB, Class A | 569 |  | 10 |
| Epiroc AB, Class B | 336 |  | 5 |
| EQT AB | 262 |  | 6 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>20

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Sweden (cont'd)** | **Sweden (cont'd)** | **Sweden (cont'd)** | **Sweden (cont'd)** |
| Essity AB, Class B | 522 | $| 14 |
| Evolution AB | 157 |  | 15 |
| Fastighets AB Balder, Class B (f) | 549 |  | 3 |
| Getinge AB, Class B | 200 |  | 4 |
| Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B | 637 |  | 7 |
| Hexagon AB, Class B | 1684 |  | 18 |
| Holmen AB, Class B | 80 |  | 3 |
| Husqvarna AB, Class B | 366 |  | 3 |
| Industrivarden AB, Class A | 112 |  | 3 |
| Industrivarden AB, Class C | 133 |  | 3 |
| Indutrade AB | 238 |  | 5 |
| Investment AB Latour, Class B | 129 |  | 2 |
| Investor AB, Class A | 428 |  | 8 |
| Investor AB, Class B | 1564 |  | 28 |
| Kinnevik AB, Class B (f) | 210 |  | 3 |
| L E Lundbergforetagen AB, Class B | 65 |  | 3 |
| Lifco AB, Class B | 203 |  | 3 |
| Nibe Industrier AB, Class B | 1321 |  | 12 |
| Nordea Bank Abp | 2833 |  | 30 |
| Sagax AB, Class B | 165 |  | 4 |
| Sandvik AB | 919 |  | 17 |
| Securitas AB, Class B | 421 |  | 3 |
| Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A | 1378 |  | 16 |
| Skanska AB, Class B | 293 |  | 5 |
| SKF AB, Class B | 330 |  | 5 |
| Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B | 517 |  | 7 |
| Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A | 1248 |  | 13 |
| Swedbank AB, Class A | 773 |  | 13 |
| Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (f) | 144 |  | 3 |
| Tele2 AB, Class B | 492 |  | 4 |
| Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B | 2506 |  | 15 |
| Telia Co., AB | 2277 |  | 6 |
| Volvo AB, Class A | 173 |  | 3 |
| Volvo AB, Class B | 1301 |  | 23 |
| Volvo Car AB, Class B (f) | 519 |  | 2 |
|  |  |  | 408 |
| **Switzerland (1.6%)** | **Switzerland (1.6%)** | **Switzerland (1.6%)** | **Switzerland (1.6%)** |
| ABB Ltd. (Registered) | 1355 |  | 41 |
| Adecco Group AG (Registered) | 137 |  | 4 |
| Alcon, Inc. | 437 |  | 30 |
| Bachem Holding AG | 29 |  | 3 |
| Baloise Holding AG (Registered) | 39 |  | 6 |
| Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (Registered) | 26 |  | 2 |
| Barry Callebaut AG (Registered) | 3 |  | 6 |
| BKW AG | 18 |  | 2 |
| Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG | 1 |  | 10 |
| Cie Financiere Richemont SA (Registered) | 449 |  | 58 |
| Clariant AG (Registered) (f) | 186 |  | 3 |
| Credit Suisse Group AG (Registered) | 3112 |  | 9 |
| EMS-Chemie Holding AG (Registered) | 6 |  | 4 |
| Geberit AG (Registered) | 31 |  | 15 |
| Givaudan SA (Registered) | 8 |  | 24 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Holcim AG (Registered) (f) | 479 | $| 25 |
| Julius Baer Group Ltd. | 182 |  | 11 |
| Kuehne & Nagel International AG (Registered) | 46 |  | 11 |
| Logitech International SA (Registered) | 148 |  | 9 |
| Lonza Group AG (Registered) | 64 |  | 31 |
| Nestle SA (Registered) | 2356 |  | 272 |
| Novartis AG (Registered) | 1864 |  | 169 |
| Partners Group Holding AG | 20 |  | 18 |
| Roche Holding AG | 23 |  | 9 |
| Roche Holding AG (Genusschein) | 608 |  | 191 |
| Schindler Holding AG | 35 |  | 7 |
| Schindler Holding AG (Registered) | 20 |  | 4 |
| SGS SA (Registered) | 5 |  | 12 |
| SIG Group AG (f) | 269 |  | 6 |
| Sika AG (Registered) | 127 |  | 31 |
| Sonova Holding AG (Registered) | 46 |  | 11 |
| Straumann Holding AG (Registered) | 96 |  | 11 |
| Swatch Group AG | 25 |  | 7 |
| Swatch Group AG (Registered) | 45 |  | 2 |
| Swiss Life Holding AG (Registered) | 26 |  | 13 |
| Swiss Prime Site AG (Registered) | 66 |  | 6 |
| Swiss Re AG | 259 |  | 24 |
| Swisscom AG (Registered) | 22 |  | 12 |
| Temenos AG (Registered) | 55 |  | 3 |
| UBS Group AG (Registered) | 2884 |  | 54 |
| VAT Group AG | 23 |  | 6 |
| Zurich Insurance Group AG | 129 |  | 62 |
|  |  |  | 1234 |
| **United Kingdom (2.4%)** | **United Kingdom (2.4%)** | **United Kingdom (2.4%)** | **United Kingdom (2.4%)** |
| 3i Group PLC | 870 |  | 14 |
| Aberdeen PLC | 1925 |  | 4 |
| Admiral Group PLC | 162 |  | 4 |
| Anglo American PLC | 1132 |  | 44 |
| Antofagasta PLC | 348 |  | 7 |
| Ashtead Group PLC | 395 |  | 23 |
| Associated British Foods PLC | 323 |  | 6 |
| AstraZeneca PLC | 1377 |  | 186 |
| Auto Trader Group PLC | 855 |  | 5 |
| AVEVA Group PLC | 108 |  | 4 |
| Aviva PLC | 2508 |  | 13 |
| BAE Systems PLC | 2795 |  | 29 |
| Barclays PLC | 14283 |  | 27 |
| Barratt Developments PLC | 916 |  | 4 |
| Berkeley Group Holdings PLC | 98 |  | 5 |
| BP PLC | 16620 |  | 96 |
| British American Tobacco PLC | 1916 |  | 76 |
| British Land Co., PLC REIT | 794 |  | 4 |
| BT Group PLC | 6243 |  | 8 |
| Bunzl PLC | 304 |  | 10 |
| Burberry Group PLC | 352 |  | 9 |
| Coca-Cola HBC AG (f) | 181 |  | 4 |
| Compass Group PLC | 1573 |  | 36 |
| Croda International PLC | 125 |  | 10 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>21

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United Kingdom (cont'd)** | **United Kingdom (cont'd)** | **United Kingdom (cont'd)** |
| DCC PLC | 89 | $4 |
| Diageo PLC | 2022 | 89 |
| Entain PLC | 531 | 9 |
| Evraz PLC (f) | 464 |  |
| Experian PLC | 823 | 28 |
| G4S PLC (f) | 2164 | 6 |
| Glencore PLC | 8571 | 57 |
| GSK PLC | 3630 | 63 |
| Haleon PLC (f) | 4527 | 18 |
| Halma PLC | 343 | 8 |
| Hargreaves Lansdown PLC | 324 | 3 |
| Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC | 147 | 3 |
| HSBC Holdings PLC | 17640 | 109 |
| Imperial Brands PLC | 807 | 20 |
| Informa PLC | 1302 | 10 |
| InterContinental Hotels Group PLC | 166 | 10 |
| Intertek Group PLC | 147 | 7 |
| J Sainsbury PLC | 1561 | 4 |
| JD Sports Fashion PLC | 2339 | 4 |
| Johnson Matthey PLC | 162 | 4 |
| Kingfisher PLC | 1754 | 5 |
| Land Securities Group PLC REIT | 640 | 5 |
| Legal & General Group PLC | 5362 | 16 |
| Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 60446 | 33 |
| London Stock Exchange Group PLC | 293 | 25 |
| M&G PLC | 2259 | 5 |
| Melrose Industries PLC | 3658 | 6 |
| Mondi PLC | 439 | 7 |
| National Grid PLC | 3282 | 39 |
| NatWest Group PLC | 4721 | 15 |
| Next PLC | 117 | 8 |
| Ocado Group PLC (f) | 532 | 4 |
| Paragon Offshore PLC (f)(h) | 67 |  |
| Pearson PLC | 597 | 7 |
| Persimmon PLC | 288 | 4 |
| Phoenix Group Holdings PLC | 675 | 5 |
| Prudential PLC | 2449 | 33 |
| Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | 637 | 44 |
| RELX PLC | 1715 | 47 |
| Rentokil Initial PLC | 2258 | 14 |
| Rio Tinto PLC | 998 | 70 |
| Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (f) | 7579 | 9 |
| Sage Group PLC | 937 | 8 |
| Schroders PLC | 665 | 4 |
| Segro PLC REIT | 1090 | 10 |
| Severn Trent PLC | 225 | 7 |
| Shell PLC | 6402 | 181 |
| Smith & Nephew PLC | 786 | 11 |
| Smiths Group PLC | 325 | 6 |
| Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC | 66 | 8 |
| SSE PLC | 959 | 20 |
| St. James's Place PLC | 490 | 7 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Standard Chartered PLC | 2233 | $| 17 |
| Taylor Wimpey PLC | 3183 |  | 4 |
| Tesco PLC | 6695 |  | 18 |
| Unilever PLC CVA | 2265 |  | 114 |
| United Utilities Group PLC | 613 |  | 7 |
| Vodafone Group PLC | 23667 |  | 24 |
| Whitbread PLC | 182 |  | 6 |
| WPP PLC | 983 |  | 10 |
|  |  |  | 1947 |
| **United States (13.9%)** | **United States (13.9%)** | **United States (13.9%)** | **United States (13.9%)** |
| 3M Co. | 172 |  | 21 |
| Abbott Laboratories | 541 |  | 59 |
| AbbVie, Inc. | 547 |  | 88 |
| Accenture PLC, Class A | 193 |  | 51 |
| Activision Blizzard, Inc. | 242 |  | 19 |
| Adobe, Inc. (f) | 141 |  | 47 |
| Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | 19 |  | 3 |
| Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (f) | 497 |  | 32 |
| AES Corp. | 204 |  | 6 |
| Affirm Holdings, Inc. (f) | 61 |  | 1 |
| Aflac, Inc. | 182 |  | 13 |
| Agilent Technologies, Inc. | 91 |  | 14 |
| Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | 69 |  | 21 |
| Airbnb, Inc., Class A (f) | 114 |  | 10 |
| Akamai Technologies, Inc. (f) | 49 |  | 4 |
| Albemarle Corp. | 36 |  | 8 |
| Alcoa Corp. | 54 |  | 2 |
| Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT | 48 |  | 7 |
| Align Technology, Inc. (f) | 23 |  | 5 |
| Allegion PLC | 27 |  | 3 |
| Alliant Energy Corp. | 77 |  | 4 |
| Allstate Corp. | 81 |  | 11 |
| Ally Financial, Inc. | 95 |  | 2 |
| Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (f) | 37 |  | 9 |
| Alphabet, Inc., Class A (f) | 1853 |  | 163 |
| Alphabet, Inc., Class C (f) | 1717 |  | 152 |
| Altria Group, Inc. | 558 |  | 26 |
| Amazon.com, Inc. (f) | 2825 |  | 237 |
| Amcor PLC | 460 |  | 5 |
| Ameren Corp. | 80 |  | 7 |
| American Electric Power Co., Inc. | 159 |  | 15 |
| American Express Co. | 196 |  | 29 |
| American Financial Group, Inc. | 22 |  | 3 |
| American Homes 4 Rent, Class A REIT | 97 |  | 3 |
| American International Group, Inc. | 230 |  | 15 |
| American Tower Corp. REIT | 144 |  | 31 |
| American Water Works Co., Inc. | 56 |  | 9 |
| Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 33 |  | 10 |
| AmerisourceBergen Corp. | 48 |  | 8 |
| AMETEK, Inc. | 71 |  | 10 |
| Amgen, Inc. | 166 |  | 44 |
| Amphenol Corp., Class A | 183 |  | 14 |
| Analog Devices, Inc. | 159 |  | 26 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>22

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** |
| Annaly Capital Management, Inc. REIT | 144 | $3 |
| ANSYS, Inc. (f) | 27 | 7 |
| AO Smith Corp. | 40 | 2 |
| Aon PLC, Class A | 65 | 20 |
| APA Corp. | 101 | 5 |
| Apollo Global Management, Inc. | 123 | 8 |
| Apple, Inc. | 4963 | 645 |
| Applied Materials, Inc. | 266 | 26 |
| Aptiv PLC (f) | 83 | 8 |
| Aramark | 72 | 3 |
| Arch Capital Group Ltd. (f) | 111 | 7 |
| Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 172 | 16 |
| Ares Management Corp., Class A | 47 | 3 |
| Arista Networks, Inc. (f) | 75 | 9 |
| Arrow Electronics, Inc. (f) | 20 | 2 |
| Arthur J Gallagher & Co. | 64 | 12 |
| Aspen Technology, Inc. (f) | 9 | 2 |
| Assurant, Inc. | 17 | 2 |
| AT&T, Inc. | 2187 | 40 |
| Atmos Energy Corp. | 43 | 5 |
| Autodesk, Inc. (f) | 67 | 13 |
| Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | 129 | 31 |
| AutoZone, Inc. (f) | 6 | 15 |
| AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT | 44 | 7 |
| Avantor, Inc. (f) | 208 | 4 |
| Avery Dennison Corp. | 25 | 5 |
| Baker Hughes Co. | 307 | 9 |
| Ball Corp. | 96 | 5 |
| Bank of America Corp. | 2212 | 73 |
| Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | 236 | 11 |
| Bath & Body Works, Inc. | 71 | 3 |
| Baxter International, Inc. | 156 | 8 |
| Becton Dickinson & Co. | 87 | 22 |
| Bentley Systems, Inc., Class B | 60 | 2 |
| Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B (f) | 399 | 123 |
| Best Buy Co., Inc. | 63 | 5 |
| Bill.Com Holdings, Inc. (f) | 29 | 3 |
| Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A (f) | 7 | 3 |
| Bio-Techne Corp. | 48 | 4 |
| Biogen, Inc. (f) | 44 | 12 |
| BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (f) | 58 | 6 |
| Black Knight, Inc. (f) | 48 | 3 |
| BlackRock, Inc. | 47 | 33 |
| Blackstone Group, Inc. | 216 | 16 |
| Block, Inc., Class A (f) | 161 | 10 |
| Boeing Co. (f) | 172 | 33 |
| Booking Holdings, Inc. (f) | 12 | 24 |
| Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | 41 | 4 |
| BorgWarner, Inc. | 73 | 3 |
| Boston Properties, Inc. REIT | 46 | 3 |
| Boston Scientific Corp. (f) | 441 | 20 |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 664 | 48 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Broadcom, Inc. | 126 | $70 |
| Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | 36 | 5 |
| Brown & Brown, Inc. | 73 | 4 |
| Brown-Forman Corp., Class B | 96 | 6 |
| Bunge Ltd. | 47 | 5 |
| Burlington Stores, Inc. (f) | 20 | 4 |
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (f) | 84 | 13 |
| Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (f) | 67 | 3 |
| Camden Property Trust REIT | 31 | 3 |
| Campbell Soup Co. | 66 | 4 |
| Capital One Financial Corp. | 118 | 11 |
| Cardinal Health, Inc. | 83 | 6 |
| Carlisle Cos., Inc. | 16 | 4 |
| Carlyle Group, Inc. | 61 | 2 |
| CarMax, Inc. (f) | 50 | 3 |
| Carnival Corp. (f) | 308 | 2 |
| Carrier Global Corp. | 260 | 11 |
| Catalent, Inc. (f) | 53 | 2 |
| Caterpillar, Inc. | 161 | 39 |
| Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | 33 | 4 |
| CBRE Group, Inc., Class A (f) | 99 | 8 |
| CDW Corp. | 42 | 7 |
| Celanese Corp. | 34 | 3 |
| Centene Corp. (f) | 177 | 15 |
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 194 | 6 |
| Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc. (f) | 43 | 3 |
| CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | 61 | 5 |
| CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | 39 | 4 |
| Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (f) | 16 | 3 |
| Charles Schwab Corp. | 441 | 37 |
| Charter Communications, Inc., Class A (f) | 35 | 12 |
| Cheniere Energy, Inc. | 70 | 10 |
| Chesapeake Energy Corp. | 32 | 3 |
| Chevron Corp. | 569 | 102 |
| Chewy, Inc., Class A (f) | 29 | 1 |
| Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (f) | 8 | 11 |
| Chubb Ltd. | 127 | 28 |
| Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | 75 | 6 |
| Cigna Corp. | 94 | 31 |
| Cincinnati Financial Corp. | 46 | 5 |
| Cintas Corp. | 28 | 13 |
| Cisco Systems, Inc. | 1283 | 61 |
| Citigroup, Inc. | 597 | 27 |
| Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | 153 | 6 |
| Clarivate PLC (f) | 93 | 1 |
| Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (f) | 160 | 3 |
| Clorox Co. | 39 | 5 |
| Cloudflare, Inc., Class A (f) | 78 | 4 |
| CME Group, Inc. | 112 | 19 |
| CMS Energy Corp. | 89 | 6 |
| Coca-Cola Co. | 1267 | 81 |
| Cognex Corp. | 54 | 3 |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A | 159 | 9 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>23

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** |
| Coinbase Global, Inc., Class A (f) | 38 | $1 |  |
| Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 246 | 19 |  |
| Comcast Corp., Class A | 1347 | 47 |  |
| Conagra Brands, Inc. | 148 | 6 |  |
| ConocoPhillips | 2910 | 343 |  |
| Consolidated Edison, Inc. | 110 | 10 |  |
| Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A | 49 | 11 |  |
| Constellation Energy Corp. | 101 | 9 |  |
| Contra Abiomed, Inc. (f) | 14 |  | @ |
| Cooper Cos., Inc. | 15 | 5 |  |
| Copart, Inc. (f) | 133 | 8 |  |
| Corning, Inc. | 249 | 8 |  |
| Corteva, Inc. | 219 | 13 |  |
| CoStar Group, Inc. (f) | 123 | 10 |  |
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | 137 | 63 |  |
| Coterra Energy, Inc. | 1795 | 44 |  |
| Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A (f) | 62 | 7 |  |
| Crown Castle International Corp. REIT | 133 | 18 |  |
| Crown Holdings, Inc. | 37 | 3 |  |
| CSX Corp. | 673 | 21 |  |
| Cummins, Inc. | 43 | 10 |  |
| CVS Health Corp. | 406 | 38 |  |
| Danaher Corp. | 216 | 57 |  |
| Darden Restaurants, Inc. | 38 | 5 |  |
| Darling Ingredients, Inc. (f) | 49 | 3 |  |
| Datadog, Inc., Class A (f) | 76 | 6 |  |
| DaVita, Inc. (f) | 17 | 1 |  |
| Deere & Co. | 89 | 38 |  |
| Dell Technologies, Inc., Class C | 82 | 3 |  |
| Delta Air Lines, Inc. (f) | 49 | 2 |  |
| Dentsply Sirona, Inc. | 66 | 2 |  |
| Devon Energy Corp. | 1436 | 88 |  |
| Dexcom, Inc. (f) | 120 | 14 |  |
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | 392 | 54 |  |
| Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT | 88 | 9 |  |
| Discover Financial Services | 84 | 8 |  |
| DISH Network Corp., Class A | 77 | 1 |  |
| DocuSign, Inc. (f) | 62 | 3 |  |
| Dollar General Corp. | 70 | 17 |  |
| Dollar Tree, Inc. (f) | 69 | 10 |  |
| Dominion Energy, Inc. | 256 | 16 |  |
| Domino's Pizza, Inc. | 11 | 4 |  |
| DoorDash, Inc., Class A (f) | 72 | 4 |  |
| Dover Corp. | 44 | 6 |  |
| Dow, Inc. | 221 | 11 |  |
| DR Horton, Inc. | 102 | 9 |  |
| Dropbox, Inc., Class A (f) | 85 | 2 |  |
| DTE Energy Co. | 60 | 7 |  |
| Duke Energy Corp. | 238 | 25 |  |
| DuPont de Nemours, Inc. | 154 | 11 |  |
| Dynatrace, Inc. (f) | 61 | 2 |  |
| Eastman Chemical Co. | 38 | 3 |  |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Eaton Corp., PLC | 123 | $19 |
| eBay, Inc. | 171 | 7 |
| Ecolab, Inc. | 79 | 11 |
| Edison International | 118 | 8 |
| Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (f) | 191 | 14 |
| Elanco Animal Health, Inc. (f) | 130 | 2 |
| Electronic Arts, Inc. | 86 | 11 |
| Elevance Health, Inc. | 74 | 38 |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 248 | 91 |
| Emerson Electric Co. | 182 | 17 |
| Enphase Energy, Inc. (f) | 42 | 11 |
| Entegris, Inc. | 46 | 3 |
| Entergy Corp. | 63 | 7 |
| EOG Resources, Inc. | 180 | 23 |
| EPAM Systems, Inc. (f) | 18 | 6 |
| EQT Corp. | 104 | 4 |
| Equifax, Inc. | 38 | 7 |
| Equinix, Inc. REIT | 28 | 18 |
| Equitable Holdings, Inc. | 116 | 3 |
| Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. REIT | 54 | 3 |
| Equity Residential REIT | 111 | 7 |
| Erie Indemnity Co., Class A | 8 | 2 |
| Essential Utilities, Inc. | 77 | 4 |
| Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT | 20 | 4 |
| Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A | 72 | 18 |
| Etsy, Inc. (f) | 39 | 5 |
| Everest Re Group Ltd. | 12 | 4 |
| Evergy, Inc. | 71 | 4 |
| Eversource Energy | 107 | 9 |
| Exact Sciences Corp. (f) | 53 | 3 |
| Exelon Corp. | 305 | 13 |
| Expedia Group, Inc. (f) | 47 | 4 |
| Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. | 51 | 5 |
| Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT | 41 | 6 |
| Exxon Mobil Corp. | 1272 | 140 |
| F5 Networks, Inc. (f) | 18 | 3 |
| Factset Research Systems, Inc. | 12 | 5 |
| Fair Isaac Corp. (f) | 8 | 5 |
| Fastenal Co. | 178 | 8 |
| FedEx Corp. | 77 | 13 |
| Ferguson PLC | 65 | 8 |
| Fidelity National Financial, Inc. | 81 | 3 |
| Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | 187 | 13 |
| Fifth Third Bancorp | 212 | 7 |
| First Citizens BancShares, Inc., Class A | 4 | 3 |
| First Horizon Corp. | 165 | 4 |
| First Republic Bank | 57 | 7 |
| First Solar, Inc. (f) | 29 | 4 |
| FirstEnergy Corp. | 167 | 7 |
| Fiserv, Inc. (f) | 186 | 19 |
| FleetCor Technologies, Inc. (f) | 22 | 4 |
| FMC Corp. | 39 | 5 |
| Ford Motor Co. | 1250 | 15 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>24

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** |
| Fortinet, Inc. (f) | 206 | $10 |
| Fortive Corp. | 105 | 7 |
| Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. | 40 | 2 |
| Fox Corp., Class A | 94 | 3 |
| Fox Corp., Class B | 45 | 1 |
| Franklin Resources, Inc. | 92 | 2 |
| Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | 437 | 17 |
| Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. REIT | 79 | 4 |
| Garmin Ltd. | 48 | 4 |
| Gartner, Inc. | 25 | 8 |
| Gen Digital, Inc. | 187 | 4 |
| Generac Holdings, Inc. | 20 | 2 |
| General Dynamics Corp. | 71 | 18 |
| General Electric Co. | 331 | 28 |
| General Mills, Inc. | 192 | 16 |
| General Motors Co. | 432 | 15 |
| Genuine Parts Co. | 44 | 8 |
| Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 396 | 34 |
| Global Payments, Inc. | 85 | 8 |
| Globe Life, Inc. | 29 | 3 |
| GoDaddy, Inc., Class A (f) | 48 | 4 |
| Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 105 | 36 |
| Halliburton Co. | 274 | 11 |
| Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. | 98 | 7 |
| Hasbro, Inc. | 41 | 3 |
| HCA Healthcare, Inc. | 71 | 17 |
| Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. REIT | 118 | 2 |
| Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT | 167 | 4 |
| HEICO Corp. | 13 | 2 |
| HEICO Corp., Class A | 22 | 3 |
| Henry Schein, Inc. (f) | 42 | 3 |
| Hershey Co. | 46 | 11 |
| Hess Corp. | 85 | 12 |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | 399 | 6 |
| HF Sinclair Corp. | 50 | 3 |
| Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. | 86 | 11 |
| Hologic, Inc. (f) | 77 | 6 |
| Home Depot, Inc. | 318 | 100 |
| Honeywell International, Inc. | 206 | 44 |
| Horizon Therapeutics PLC (f) | 68 | 8 |
| Hormel Foods Corp. | 93 | 4 |
| Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT | 220 | 4 |
| Howmet Aerospace, Inc. | 114 | 4 |
| HP, Inc. | 321 | 9 |
| Hubbell, Inc. | 17 | 4 |
| HubSpot, Inc. (f) | 14 | 4 |
| Humana, Inc. | 39 | 20 |
| Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | 442 | 6 |
| Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | 12 | 3 |
| IDEX Corp. | 23 | 5 |
| IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (f) | 26 | 11 |
| Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | 95 | 21 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Illumina, Inc. (f) | 49 | $10 |
| Incyte Corp. (f) | 58 | 5 |
| Ingersoll Rand, Inc. | 123 | 6 |
| Insulet Corp. (f) | 21 | 6 |
| Intel Corp. | 1280 | 34 |
| Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | 172 | 18 |
| International Business Machines Corp. | 276 | 39 |
| International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. | 78 | 8 |
| International Paper Co. | 107 | 4 |
| Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. | 120 | 4 |
| Intuit, Inc. | 82 | 32 |
| Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (f) | 110 | 29 |
| Invesco Ltd. | 106 | 2 |
| Invitation Homes, Inc. REIT | 189 | 6 |
| IQVIA Holdings, Inc. (f) | 57 | 12 |
| Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT | 90 | 4 |
| Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. | 22 | 4 |
| Jacobs Solutions, Inc. | 39 | 5 |
| Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (f) | 19 | 3 |
| JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | 26 | 5 |
| JM Smucker Co. | 33 | 5 |
| Johnson & Johnson | 810 | 143 |
| Johnson Controls International PLC | 212 | 14 |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 897 | 120 |
| Juniper Networks, Inc. | 100 | 3 |
| Kellogg Co. | 80 | 6 |
| Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | 241 | 9 |
| KeyCorp | 288 | 5 |
| Keysight Technologies, Inc. (f) | 55 | 9 |
| Kimberly-Clark Corp. | 105 | 14 |
| Kimco Realty Corp. REIT | 192 | 4 |
| Kinder Morgan, Inc. | 629 | 11 |
| KKR & Co., Inc. | 173 | 8 |
| KLA Corp. | 43 | 16 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc. | 48 | 3 |
| Kraft Heinz Co. | 230 | 9 |
| Kroger Co. | 209 | 9 |
| L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | 59 | 12 |
| Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings | 28 | 7 |
| Lam Research Corp. | 42 | 18 |
| Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | 44 | 4 |
| Las Vegas Sands Corp. (f) | 106 | 5 |
| Lear Corp. | 18 | 2 |
| Leidos Holdings, Inc. | 40 | 4 |
| Lennar Corp., Class A | 79 | 7 |
| Lennox International, Inc. | 10 | 2 |
| Liberty Broadband Corp., Class C (f) | 39 | 3 |
| Liberty Global PLC, Class A (f) | 51 | 1 |
| Liberty Global PLC Series C (f) | 88 | 2 |
| Liberty Media Corp-Liberty SiriusXM, Class A (f) | 23 | 1 |
| Liberty Media Corp-Liberty SiriusXM, Class C (f) | 51 | 2 |
| Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One, Class C (f) | 60 | 4 |
| Lincoln National Corp. | 49 | 2 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>25

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** |
| Linde PLC | 153 | $50 |
| Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (f) | 53 | 4 |
| LKQ Corp. | 80 | 4 |
| Lockheed Martin Corp. | 73 | 36 |
| Loews Corp. | 62 | 4 |
| Lowe's Cos., Inc. | 194 | 39 |
| LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. | 25 | 5 |
| Lucid Group, Inc. (f) | 126 | 1 |
| Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (f) | 37 | 12 |
| Lumen Technologies, Inc. | 291 | 2 |
| LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A | 80 | 7 |
| M&T Bank Corp. | 54 | 8 |
| Marathon Oil Corp. | 1686 | 46 |
| Marathon Petroleum Corp. | 152 | 18 |
| Markel Corp. (f) | 4 | 5 |
| MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. | 12 | 3 |
| Marriott International, Inc., Class A | 86 | 13 |
| Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. | 152 | 25 |
| Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | 19 | 6 |
| Marvell Technology, Inc. | 270 | 10 |
| Masco Corp. | 70 | 3 |
| Masimo Corp. (f) | 15 | 2 |
| Mastercard, Inc., Class A | 266 | 92 |
| Match Group, Inc. (f) | 87 | 4 |
| McCormick & Co., Inc. | 77 | 6 |
| McDonald's Corp. | 226 | 60 |
| McKesson Corp. | 44 | 17 |
| Medical Properties Trust, Inc. REIT | 185 | 2 |
| Medtronic PLC | 413 | 32 |
| MercadoLibre, Inc. (f) | 14 | 12 |
| Merck & Co., Inc. | 778 | 86 |
| Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A (f) | 697 | 84 |
| MetLife, Inc. | 207 | 15 |
| Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (f) | 7 | 10 |
| MGM Resorts International | 97 | 3 |
| Microchip Technology, Inc. | 170 | 12 |
| Micron Technology, Inc. | 349 | 17 |
| Microsoft Corp. | 2182 | 523 |
| Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT | 36 | 6 |
| Moderna, Inc. (f) | 97 | 17 |
| Mohawk Industries, Inc. (f) | 16 | 2 |
| Molina Healthcare, Inc. (f) | 18 | 6 |
| Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B | 60 | 3 |
| Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | 422 | 28 |
| MongoDB, Inc. (f) | 20 | 4 |
| Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | 14 | 5 |
| Monster Beverage Corp. (f) | 122 | 12 |
| Moody's Corp. | 51 | 14 |
| Mosaic Co. | 105 | 5 |
| Motorola Solutions, Inc. | 51 | 13 |
| MSCI, Inc. | 25 | 12 |
| Nasdaq, Inc. | 107 | 7 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| NetApp, Inc. | 67 | $4 |
| Netflix, Inc. (f) | 138 | 41 |
| Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (f) | 29 | 3 |
| Newell Brands, Inc. | 123 | 2 |
| Newmont Corp. | 234 | 11 |
| News Corp., Class A | 119 | 2 |
| NextEra Energy, Inc. | 605 | 51 |
| NIKE, Inc., Class B | 393 | 46 |
| NiSource, Inc. | 125 | 3 |
| Nordson Corp. | 16 | 4 |
| Norfolk Southern Corp. | 73 | 18 |
| Northern Trust Corp. | 61 | 5 |
| Northrop Grumman Corp. | 45 | 25 |
| Novocure Ltd. (f) | 29 | 2 |
| NRG Energy, Inc. | 73 | 2 |
| Nucor Corp. | 79 | 10 |
| NVIDIA Corp. | 780 | 114 |
| NVR, Inc. (f) | 1 | 5 |
| NXP Semiconductors NV | 81 | 13 |
| O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (f) | 19 | 16 |
| Occidental Petroleum Corp. | 288 | 18 |
| Okta, Inc. (f) | 46 | 3 |
| Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. | 30 | 9 |
| Omnicom Group, Inc. | 63 | 5 |
| ON Semiconductor Corp. (f) | 134 | 8 |
| ONEOK, Inc. | 139 | 9 |
| Oracle Corp. | 492 | 40 |
| Otis Worldwide Corp. | 130 | 10 |
| Ovintiv, Inc. | 80 | 4 |
| Owens Corning | 30 | 3 |
| PACCAR, Inc. | 107 | 11 |
| Packaging Corp. of America | 29 | 4 |
| Palantir Technologies, Inc., Class A (f) | 517 | 3 |
| Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (f) | 93 | 13 |
| Paramount Global, Class B | 189 | 3 |
| Parker Hannifin Corp. | 39 | 11 |
| Paychex, Inc. | 101 | 12 |
| Paycom Software, Inc. (f) | 16 | 5 |
| Paylocity Holding Corp. (f) | 13 | 3 |
| PayPal Holdings, Inc. (f) | 340 | 24 |
| PDC Energy, Inc. | 177 | 11 |
| Pentair PLC | 51 | 2 |
| PepsiCo, Inc. | 426 | 77 |
| PerkinElmer, Inc. | 39 | 5 |
| Pfizer, Inc. | 1740 | 89 |
| PG&E Corp. (f) | 456 | 7 |
| Philip Morris International, Inc. | 477 | 48 |
| Phillips 66 | 147 | 15 |
| Pinterest, Inc., Class A (f) | 179 | 4 |
| Pioneer Natural Resources Co. | 541 | 124 |
| Plug Power, Inc. (f) | 161 | 2 |
| PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 125 | 20 |
| Pool Corp. | 12 | 4 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>26

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** |
| PPG Industries, Inc. | 73 | $9 |
| PPL Corp. | 226 | 7 |
| Principal Financial Group, Inc. | 76 | 6 |
| Procter & Gamble Co. | 737 | 112 |
| Progressive Corp. | 179 | 23 |
| ProLogis, Inc. REIT | 283 | 32 |
| Prudential Financial, Inc. | 114 | 11 |
| PTC, Inc. (f) | 35 | 4 |
| Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | 154 | 9 |
| Public Storage REIT | 48 | 13 |
| Pulte Group, Inc. | 72 | 3 |
| Qorvo, Inc. (f) | 32 | 3 |
| QUALCOMM, Inc. | 348 | 38 |
| Quanta Services, Inc. | 44 | 6 |
| Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 36 | 6 |
| Raymond James Financial, Inc. | 60 | 6 |
| Raytheon Technologies Corp. | 452 | 46 |
| Realty Income Corp. REIT | 191 | 12 |
| Regency Centers Corp. REIT | 48 | 3 |
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (f) | 33 | 24 |
| Regions Financial Corp. | 287 | 6 |
| Repligen Corp. (f) | 16 | 3 |
| Republic Services, Inc. | 68 | 9 |
| ResMed, Inc. | 45 | 9 |
| Rivian Automotive, Inc., Class A (f) | 101 | 2 |
| Robert Half International, Inc. | 34 | 3 |
| ROBLOX Corp., Class A (f) | 108 | 3 |
| Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 35 | 9 |
| Roku, Inc. (f) | 39 | 2 |
| Rollins, Inc. | 68 | 2 |
| Roper Technologies, Inc. | 33 | 14 |
| Ross Stores, Inc. | 108 | 13 |
| Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (f) | 72 | 4 |
| Royalty Pharma PLC, Class A | 108 | 4 |
| RPM International, Inc. | 40 | 4 |
| S&P Global, Inc. | 106 | 36 |
| Salesforce, Inc. (f) | 309 | 41 |
| SBA Communications Corp. REIT | 33 | 9 |
| Schlumberger NV | 424 | 23 |
| Seagate Technology Holdings PLC | 62 | 3 |
| Seagen, Inc. (f) | 42 | 5 |
| Sealed Air Corp. | 45 | 2 |
| SEI Investments Co. | 36 | 2 |
| Sempra Energy | 98 | 15 |
| Sensata Technologies Holding PLC | 48 | 2 |
| ServiceNow, Inc. (f) | 62 | 24 |
| Sherwin-Williams Co. | 76 | 18 |
| Signature Bank | 19 | 2 |
| Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT | 101 | 12 |
| Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. | 242 | 1 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | 50 | 5 |
| Snap, Inc., Class A (f) | 341 | 3 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Snap-On, Inc. | 16 | $4 |
| Snowflake, Inc., Class A (f) | 68 | 10 |
| SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (f) | 17 | 5 |
| Southern Co. | 332 | 24 |
| Southwest Airlines Co. | 46 | 2 |
| Splunk, Inc. (f) | 49 | 4 |
| SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. | 70 | 4 |
| Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | 46 | 3 |
| Starbucks Corp. | 357 | 35 |
| State Street Corp. | 113 | 9 |
| Steel Dynamics, Inc. | 55 | 5 |
| Steris PLC | 31 | 6 |
| Stryker Corp. | 105 | 26 |
| Sun Communities, Inc. REIT | 38 | 5 |
| SVB Financial Group (f) | 18 | 4 |
| Synchrony Financial | 148 | 5 |
| Synopsys, Inc. (f) | 47 | 15 |
| Sysco Corp. | 156 | 12 |
| T Rowe Price Group, Inc. | 70 | 8 |
| T-Mobile US, Inc. (f) | 195 | 27 |
| Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (f) | 51 | 5 |
| Targa Resources Corp. | 66 | 5 |
| Target Corp. | 144 | 21 |
| TE Connectivity Ltd. | 99 | 11 |
| Teledyne Technologies, Inc. (f) | 14 | 6 |
| Teleflex, Inc. | 15 | 4 |
| Teradyne, Inc. | 48 | 4 |
| Tesla, Inc. (f) | 871 | 107 |
| Texas Instruments, Inc. | 284 | 47 |
| Texas Pacific Land Corp. | 2 | 5 |
| Textron, Inc. | 65 | 5 |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 122 | 67 |
| TJX Cos., Inc. | 359 | 29 |
| Toast, Inc., Class A (f) | 76 | 1 |
| Tractor Supply Co. | 35 | 8 |
| Trade Desk, Inc., Class A (f) | 131 | 6 |
| Tradeweb Markets, Inc., Class A | 33 | 2 |
| Trane Technologies PLC | 72 | 12 |
| TransDigm Group, Inc. | 16 | 10 |
| TransUnion | 60 | 3 |
| Travelers Cos., Inc. | 72 | 13 |
| Trimble, Inc. (f) | 77 | 4 |
| Truist Financial Corp. | 407 | 18 |
| Twilio, Inc., Class A (f) | 53 | 3 |
| Tyler Technologies, Inc. (f) | 13 | 4 |
| Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A | 89 | 6 |
| Uber Technologies, Inc. (f) | 461 | 11 |
| UDR, Inc. REIT | 101 | 4 |
| UGI Corp. | 65 | 2 |
| U-Haul Holding Co. | 26 | 1 |
| Ulta Beauty, Inc. | 16 | 8 |
| Union Pacific Corp. | 194 | 40 |
| United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | 231 | 40 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>27

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** | **United States (cont'd)** |
| United Rentals, Inc. (f) | 22 | $8 |
| UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 290 | 154 |
| Unity Software, Inc. (f) | 77 | 2 |
| Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B | 20 | 3 |
| US Bancorp | 435 | 19 |
| Vail Resorts, Inc. | 13 | 3 |
| Valero Energy Corp. | 120 | 15 |
| Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A (f) | 44 | 7 |
| Ventas, Inc. REIT | 123 | 6 |
| VeriSign, Inc. | 30 | 6 |
| Verisk Analytics, Inc. | 49 | 9 |
| Verizon Communications, Inc. | 1297 | 51 |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (f) | 79 | 23 |
| VF Corp. | 106 | 3 |
| Viatris, Inc. | 377 | 4 |
| VICI Properties, Inc. REIT | 298 | 10 |
| Visa, Inc., Class A | 504 | 105 |
| Vistra Corp. | 115 | 3 |
| VMware, Inc., Class A | 65 | 8 |
| Vulcan Materials Co. | 41 | 7 |
| Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | 225 | 8 |
| Walmart, Inc. | 460 | 65 |
| Walt Disney Co. (f) | 559 | 49 |
| Warner Bros Discovery, Inc. (f) | 728 | 7 |
| Waste Connections, Inc. | 80 | 11 |
| Waste Management, Inc. | 128 | 20 |
| Waters Corp. (f) | 18 | 6 |
| Webster Financial Corp. | 54 | 3 |
| WEC Energy Group, Inc. | 97 | 9 |
| Wells Fargo & Co. | 1188 | 49 |
| Welltower, Inc. REIT | 144 | 9 |
| West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | 23 | 5 |
| Western Digital Corp. (f) | 96 | 3 |
| Western Union Co. | 119 | 2 |
| Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. | 53 | 5 |
| Westlake Chemical Corp. | 12 | 1 |
| WestRock Co. | 79 | 3 |
| Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT | 228 | 7 |
| Whirlpool Corp. | 17 | 2 |
| Williams Cos., Inc. | 376 | 12 |
| Willis Towers Watson PLC | 34 | 8 |
| Wolfspeed, Inc. (f) | 38 | 3 |
| Workday, Inc., Class A (f) | 61 | 10 |
| WP Carey, Inc. REIT | 60 | 5 |
| WR Berkley Corp. | 65 | 5 |
| WW Grainger, Inc. | 14 | 8 |
| Wynn Resorts Ltd. (f) | 33 | 3 |
| Xcel Energy, Inc. | 168 | 12 |
| Xylem, Inc. | 56 | 6 |
| Yum! Brands, Inc. | 88 | 11 |
| Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A (f) | 16 | 4 |
| Zillow Group, Inc., Class C (f) | 50 | 2 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 65 | $8 |
| Zoetis, Inc. | 146 | 21 |
| Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A (f) | 70 | 5 |
| ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc., Class A (f) | 79 | 2 |
| Zscaler, Inc. (f) | 26 | 3 |
|  |  | 11054 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $21,971)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $21,971)** | 23687 |
| **Short-Term Investments (16.1%)** | **Short-Term Investments (16.1%)** | **Short-Term Investments (16.1%)** |
| **Investment Company (15.3%)** | **Investment Company (15.3%)** | **Investment Company (15.3%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Government Portfolio — <br>Institutional Class (See Note H) <br>**(Cost $12,170)** | 12169521 | 12170 |
|  | **Face Amount<br>(000)** |  |
| **U.S. Treasury Security (0.8%)** | **U.S. Treasury Security (0.8%)** | **U.S. Treasury Security (0.8%)** |
| U.S. Treasury Bill<br>3.84%, 3/16/23 (i) **(Cost $671)** | $676 | 670 |
| **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $12,841)** | **Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $12,841)** | 12840 |
| **Total Investments (100.8%) (Cost $85,264)** (j)(k)(l) | **Total Investments (100.8%) (Cost $85,264)** (j)(k)(l) | 80267 |
| **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–0.8%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–0.8%)** | (647) |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $79620 |

---

Country assignments and aggregations are based generally on third party vendor classifications and information, and may be different from the assignments and aggregations under the policies set forth in the Fund's prospectus and/or statement of additional information relating to geographic classifications.

(a) Security is subject to delayed delivery.

(b) Floating or variable rate securities: The rates disclosed are as of December 31, 2022. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the reference rate and spread are indicated in the description in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments. Certain variable rate securities may not be based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

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

(d) Perpetual — One or more securities do not have a predetermined maturity date. Rates for these securities are fixed for a period of time, after which they revert to a floating rate. Interest rates in effect are as of December 31, 2022.

(e) Amount is less than 0.05%.

(f) Non-income producing security.

(g) Security trades on the Hong Kong exchange.

(h) At December 31, 2022, the Fund held a fair valued security valued at $0, representing 0.0% of net assets. This security has been fair valued as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company's (as defined herein) Directors.

(i) Rate shown is the yield to maturity at December 31, 2022.

(j) Securities are available for collateral in connection with securities purchased on a forward commitment basis, open foreign currency forward exchange contracts, futures contracts and swap agreements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>28

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

(k) The approximate fair value and percentage of net assets, $11,038 and 13.9%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A-1 within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(l) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $88,668,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $1,990,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $8,785,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $6,795,000.

@ Value is less than $500.

ADR American Depositary Receipt.

CDI CHESS Depositary Interest.

CVA Certificaten Van Aandelen.

EURIBOR Euro Interbank Offered Rate.

LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate.

LSE London Stock Exchange.

MTN Medium Term Note.

NYSE New York Stock Exchange.

OAT Obligations Assimilables du Trésor (French Treasury Obligation).

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust.

SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate.

SONIA Sterling Overnight Index Average

TBA To Be Announced.

USD — United States Dollar.

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:**

The Fund had the following foreign currency forward exchange contracts open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Counterparty** | **<br>Contracts<br>to Deliver<br>(000)** | **In<br>Exchange<br>For<br>(000)** | **<br>Delivery<br>Date** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| Bank of America NA | 2334 | $337 | 3/16/23 | $(2 |
| Bank of America NA | 26 | $27 | 2/9/23 | (1 |
| Bank of America NA | 67 | $15 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| Bank of America NA | 215 | $21 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| Bank of America NA | $160 | 159 | 2/9/23 | 13 |
| Bank of America NA | $30 | 102 | 3/16/23 | (1 |
| Barclays Bank PLC | 322 | $219 | 3/16/23 | (1 |
| Barclays Bank PLC | 896 | $574 | 2/9/23 | (37 |
| Barclays Bank PLC | 268 | $287 | 3/16/23 | (1 |
| Barclays Bank PLC | 25012 | $190 | 3/16/23 | (3 |
| Barclays Bank PLC | $44 | 63 | 3/16/23 | (1 |
| Barclays Bank PLC | $158 | 148 | 3/16/23 | 1 |
| Barclays Bank PLC | $70 | 65 | 3/16/23 |  |
| Barclays Bank PLC | $361 | 48209 | 3/16/23 | 10 |
| BNP Paribas SA | 117 | $17 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| BNP Paribas SA | 2265 | $218 | 3/16/23 |  |
| BNP Paribas SA | $24 | 22 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| BNP Paribas SA | $49 | 335 | 2/9/23 | (— |
| BNP Paribas SA | $10 | 50392 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| BNP Paribas SA | $182 | 170 | 3/16/23 | 1 |
| BNP Paribas SA | $13 | 98 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| BNP Paribas SA | $94 | 7813 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| BNP Paribas SA | $158 | 21085 | 3/16/23 | 4 |
| BNP Paribas SA | $641 | 12784 | 3/16/23 | 6 |
| BNP Paribas SA | $38 | 388 | 3/16/23 | (1 |
| Citibank NA | $7 | 168 | 3/16/23 |  |
| Citibank NA | $27 | 93 | 3/16/23 | (1 |
| Citibank NA | $109 | 4040 | 2/9/23 | 8 |
| Goldman Sachs International | 2296 | $425 | 3/16/23 | (4 |
| Goldman Sachs International | 816 | $153 | 3/16/23 | 1 |
| Goldman Sachs International | 13447 | $2496 | 3/16/23 | (17 |
| Goldman Sachs International | 11 | $2 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| Goldman Sachs International | 28748 | $217 | 3/16/23 | (4 |
| Goldman Sachs International | 6 | $1 | 3/16/23 |  |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>29

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts (cont'd):**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Counterparty** | **<br>Contracts<br>to Deliver<br>(000)** | **<br>Contracts<br>to Deliver<br>(000)** | **In<br>Exchange<br>For<br>(000)** | **<br>Delivery<br>Date** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| Goldman Sachs International | $4 |  | 5 | 3/16/23 | $(— |
| Goldman Sachs International | $242 |  | 356 | 3/16/23 | 1 |
| Goldman Sachs International | $1089 |  | 5779 | 3/16/23 | (9 |
| Goldman Sachs International | $162 |  | 148 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| Goldman Sachs International | $15 |  | 13453 | 3/16/23 |  |
| Goldman Sachs International | $1 |  | 9 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| Goldman Sachs International | $337 |  | 478408 | 2/9/23 | 42 |
| Goldman Sachs International | $200 |  | 3994 | 3/16/23 | 2 |
| Goldman Sachs International | $42 |  | 67 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| Goldman Sachs International | $34 |  | 135 | 2/9/23 | 2 |
| Goldman Sachs International | $24 |  | 122 | 2/9/23 | 2 |
| Goldman Sachs International | $359 |  | 3638 | 3/16/23 | (9 |
| Goldman Sachs International | $253 |  | 7617 | 3/16/23 | (3 |
| HSBC Bank PLC | $339 |  | 341 | 2/9/23 | 27 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 21409 |  | $3095 | 3/16/23 | (15 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 144 |  | $19 | 2/9/23 | (2 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 155 |  | $163 | 2/9/23 | (4 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 530 |  | $27 | 2/9/23 | (— |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 1045 |  | $679 | 3/16/23 | 15 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $4 |  | 5 | 2/9/23 |  |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $7 |  | 9 | 2/9/23 | (— |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $275 |  | 371 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $117 |  | 107 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $433 |  | 3099 | 2/9/23 | 15 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $135 |  | 109 | 3/16/23 | (4 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $712 |  | 103831 | 2/9/23 | 83 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $358 |  | 47736 | 3/16/23 | 10 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $109 |  | 2173 | 3/16/23 | 1 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $14 |  | 141 | 2/9/23 | 1 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $2 |  | 25 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $68 |  | 745 | 2/9/23 | 4 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | $1 |  | 1 | 3/16/23 |  |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | 19 |  | $1 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| State Street Bank and Trust Co. | $— | @ | 2 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | 117 |  | $79 | 2/9/23 | (1 |
| UBS AG | 18 |  | $13 | 2/9/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | 36 |  | $26 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | 201 |  | $218 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | 33468 |  | $4852 | 3/16/23 | 11 |
| UBS AG | 55 |  | $58 | 2/9/23 | (1 |
| UBS AG | 274 |  | $293 | 3/16/23 | (2 |
| UBS AG | 384 |  | $435 | 2/9/23 | (29 |
| UBS AG | 5907 |  | $43 | 2/9/23 | (2 |
| UBS AG | 33392 |  | $256 | 3/16/23 | (1 |
| UBS AG | 280347 |  | $213 | 3/16/23 | (9 |
| UBS AG | 285 |  | $29 | 3/16/23 |  |
| UBS AG | 1076 |  | $700 | 3/16/23 | 15 |
| UBS AG | 1356 |  | $40 | 3/16/23 |  |
| UBS AG | $382 |  | 554 | 3/16/23 | (4 |
| UBS AG | $1 |  | 1 | 3/16/23 | (— |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>30

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts (cont'd):**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Counterparty** | **<br>Contracts<br>to Deliver<br>(000)** | **In<br>Exchange<br>For<br>(000)** | **<br>Delivery<br>Date** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| UBS AG | $175 | 161 | 3/16/23 | $(— |
| UBS AG | $2284 | 2132 | 3/16/23 | 9 |
| UBS AG | $174 | 163 | 2/9/23 | 1 |
| UBS AG | $303 | 257 | 2/9/23 | 8 |
| UBS AG | $48 | 39 | 2/9/23 | (1 |
| UBS AG | $159 | 128 | 3/16/23 | (4 |
| UBS AG | $3 | 21 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | $13 | 5668 | 2/9/23 | 2 |
| UBS AG | $1 | 419 | 3/16/23 |  |
| UBS AG | $99 | 1542921 | 3/16/23 |  |
| UBS AG | $157 | 20955 | 3/16/23 | 4 |
| UBS AG | $432 | 557301 | 3/16/23 | 10 |
| UBS AG | $5 | 99 | 2/9/23 |  |
| UBS AG | $213 | 4249 | 3/16/23 | 2 |
| UBS AG | $30 | 596 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | $878 | 1385 | 3/16/23 | 2 |
| UBS AG | $97 | 988 | 3/16/23 | (2 |
| UBS AG | $72 | 101 | 2/9/23 | 4 |
| UBS AG | $3 | 62 | 3/16/23 | (— |
| UBS AG | 327 | $19 | 3/16/23 | (— |
|  |  |  |  | $141 |

---

**Futures Contracts:**

The Fund had the following futures contracts open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number<br>of<br>Contracts** | **Expiration<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** | **Long:** |
| CAC 40 Index (France) | 1 | Jan-23 |  | @ | $69 | $(2 |
| Euro Stoxx 50 Index (Germany) | 46 | Mar-23 |  | @ | 1864 | (72 |
| FTSE MIB Index (Italy) | 1 | Mar-23 |  | @ | 127 | (3 |
| Hang Seng Index (Hong Kong) | 1 | Jan-23 |  | @ | 128 | (— |
| Hang Seng Index (Hong Kong) | 16 | Jan-23 | 1 |  | 693 | (7 |
| IBEX 35 Index (Spain) | 1 | Jan-23 |  | @ | 88 | (— |
| ICE Brent Crude Oil Index (United Kingdom) | 7 | Oct-23 | $7 |  | 571 | 4 |
| KFE 10 yr Treasury Bond Index (Korea, Republic of) | 4 | Mar-23 | 400000 |  | 348 | (11 |
| Long Gilt Index (United Kingdom) | 3 | Mar-23 | 300 |  | 362 | (20 |
| SFE 10 Yr. Australian Bond Index (Australia) | 15 | Mar-23 | 1500 |  | 1181 | (66 |
| SGX MSCI Singapore Index Index (Singapore) | 1 | Jan-23 |  | @ | 22 | (— |
| SPI 200 Index (Australia) | 1 | Mar-23 |  | @ | 119 | (2 |
| TSE TOPIX Index (Japan) | 5 | Mar-23 | 50 |  | 721 | (19 |
| U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Ultra Note (United States) | 12 | Mar-23 | $1200 |  | 1419 | (2 |
| U.S. Treasury 5 yr. Note (United States) | 2 | Mar-23 | 200 |  | 216 | (— |
| U.S. Treasury Long Bond (United States) | 1 | Mar-23 | 100 |  | 125 | (1 |
| **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** | **Short:** |
| CME Bitcoin Index (United States) | 1 | Jan-23 | (— | @) | (83) |  |
| FTSE 100 Index (United Kingdom) | 1 | Mar-23 | (— | @) | (90) | (— |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>31

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

**Futures Contracts (cont'd):**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number<br>of<br>Contracts** | **Expiration<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| German Euro-BTP Index (Germany) | 17 | Mar-23 | (1700) | (1982) | $163 |
| German Euro-Bund Index (Germany) | 2 | Mar-23 | (200) | (284) | 20 |
| German Short Euro-BTP Index (Germany) | 4 | Mar-23 | (400) | (450) | 7 |
| MSCI Emerging Market Index (United States) | 10 | Mar-23 | $(1) | (480) | 7 |
| Nikkei 255 Index Japan | 3 | Mar-23 | (2) | (294) | 21 |
| S&P 500 E Mini Index (United States) | 17 | Mar-23 | $(1) | (3282) | 110 |
| U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Note (United States) | 26 | Mar-23 | (2600) | (2920) | 7 |
| U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Ultra Note (United States) | 3 | Mar-23 | (300) | (355) | 1 |
| U.S. Treasury 2 yr. Note (United States) | 11 | Mar-23 | (2200) | (2256) | (2) |
| U.S. Treasury 5 yr. Note (United States) | 26 | Mar-23 | (2600) | (2806) | 32 |
|  |  |  |  |  | $165 |

---

**Interest Rate Swap Agreements:**

The Fund had the following interest rate swap agreements open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Swap Counterparty** | **Floating Rate<br>Index** | **Pay/<br>Receive<br>Floating Rate** | **Fixed Rate** | **Payment<br>Frequency<br>Paid/<br>Received** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Upfront<br>Payment<br>Paid<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | 1 Month TIIE | Pay | 9.77% | Quarterly/<br>Quarterly | 11/20/24 | 35645 | $(7) | $— | $(7) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | 1 Month TIIE | Pay | 9.79 | Quarterly/<br>Quarterly | 11/20/24 | 66726 | (12) |  | (12) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | 1 Month TIIE | Pay | 6.68 | Quarterly/<br>Quarterly | 6/29/26 | 6814 | (25) |  | (25) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | 1 Month TIIE | Pay | 6.68 | Quarterly/<br>Quarterly | 6/29/26 | 6814 | (25) |  | (25) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | 1 Month TIIE | Pay | 6.66 | Quarterly/<br>Quarterly | 7/1/26 | 6814 | (25) |  | (25) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | 1 Month TIIE | Pay | 7.36 | Quarterly/<br>Quarterly | 12/22/26 | 10395 | (28) |  | (28) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | 1 Month TIIE | Pay | 7.38 | Quarterly/<br>Quarterly | 12/22/26 | 10395 | (27) |  | (27) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | <br>BRL-CDI | Pay | 13.54 | Semi-Annual/<br>Quarterly | 1/2/25 | 4033 | 12 |  | 12 |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | <br>BRL-CDI | Pay | 13.56 | Semi-Annual/<br>Quarterly | 1/2/25 | 4033 | 13 |  | 13 |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | US CPI All Urban<br>Consumers Index | <br>Receive | 2.47 | Semi-Annual/<br>Quarterly | 10/6/32 | $140 | 1 |  | 1 |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | US CPI All Urban<br>Consumers Index | <br>Receive | 2.78 | Semi-Annual/<br>Quarterly | 10/26/32 | 305 | (6) |  | (6) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | US CPI All Urban<br>Consumers Index | <br>Receive | 2.78 | Semi-Annual/<br>Quarterly | 10/26/32 | 305 | (6) |  | (6) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | US CPI All Urban<br>Consumers Index | <br>Receive | 2.71 | Semi-Annual/<br>Quarterly | 10/31/32 | 326 | (4) |  | (4) |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC\* | US CPI All Urban<br>Consumers Index | <br>Receive | 2.72 | Semi-Annual/<br>Quarterly | 10/31/32 | 327 | (4) |  | (4) |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $(143) | $— | $(143) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>32

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

**Total Return Swap Agreements:**

The Fund had the following total return swap agreements open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Swap Counterparty** | **Index** | **Pay/<br>Receive<br>Total Return<br>of Referenced<br>Index** | **Floating Rate** | **Payment<br>Frequency** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Upfront<br>Payment<br>Paid<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** |
| BNP Paribas SA | MSCI USA Information <br>Technology Index | Pay | SOFR + 0.33% | Quarterly | 12/13/23 | $370 | $22 | $— | $22 |
| BNP Paribas SA | BNP Custom <br>U.S. Banks Index | Receive | SOFR + 0.40% | Quarterly | 12/22/23 | 505 | 14 |  | 14 |
| BNP Paribas SA | BNP European Growth <br>Custom Index†† | Pay | ESTR + 0.04% | Quarterly | 9/28/23 | 2055 | 12 |  | 12 |
| BNP Paribas SA | BNP European Value <br>Custom Index†† | Receive | ESTR + 0.42% | Quarterly | 9/28/23 | 2101 | (23) |  | (23) |
| BNP Paribas SA | MSCI Canada <br>Banks Index | Pay | CORRA + 0.27% | Quarterly | 9/8/23 | 398 | (4) |  | (4) |
| BNP Paribas SA | MSCI Canada <br>Banks Index | Pay | CORRA + 0.27% | Quarterly | 9/8/23 | 395 | 10 |  | 10 |
| BNP Paribas SA | MSCI Japan Net <br>Total Return Index | Receive | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 2/10/23 | $2849 | 149 |  | 149 |
| BNP Paribas SA | MSCI USA Index | Receive | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 7/14/23 | 5472 | 357 |  | 357 |
| BNP Paribas SA | MSCI USA <br>Industrials Index | Receive | SOFR + 0.33% | Quarterly | 12/13/23 | 370 | (6) |  | (6) |
| Goldman Sachs <br>International | MSCI Emerging Markets<br>Net Total Return Index | Receive | SOFR + 0.24% | Quarterly | 1/26/23 | 5213 | 691 |  | 691 |
| Goldman Sachs <br>International | MSCI USA Index | Receive | SOFR + 0.30% | Quarterly | 9/22/23 | 11357 | 30 |  | 30 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 1500 <br>Growth Custom Index†† | Pay | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 615 | 16 |  | 16 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 1500 <br>Growth Custom Index†† | Pay | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 1248 | 41 |  | 41 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 1500 <br>Growth Custom Index†† | Pay | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 1213 | 33 |  | 33 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 1500 <br>Value Custom Index†† | Receive | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 617 | (12) |  | (12) |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 1500 <br>Value Custom Index†† | Receive | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 1249 | (34) |  | (34) |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 1500 <br>Value Custom Index†† | Receive | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 1221 | (28) |  | (28) |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 500 <br>Growth Custom Index†† | Pay | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 1543 | 39 |  | 39 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | JPM SPX 500 <br>Value Custom Index†† | Receive | SOFR + 0.35% | Quarterly | 12/11/23 | 1541 | (21) |  | (21) |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $1286 | $— | $1286 |

---

†† See tables below for details of the equity basket holdings underlying the swaps.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>33

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

The following table represents the equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with BNP European Growth Custom Index as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **BNP European Growth Custom Index** | **BNP European Growth Custom Index** | **BNP European Growth Custom Index** | **BNP European Growth Custom Index** |
| ADP | 180 | $24 | 2.16% |
| Adyen NV | 17 | 24 | 2.11 |
| Air Liquide SA | 176 | 25 | 2.23 |
| Akzo Nobel NV | 369 | 25 | 2.21 |
| Argenx SE | 65 | 24 | 2.16 |
| Asml Holding NV | 42 | 23 | 2.01 |
| Beiersdorf AG | 226 | 26 | 2.32 |
| Carl Zeiss Meditec AG | 199 | 25 | 2.25 |
| Cellnex Telecom SA | 735 | 24 | 2.17 |
| Corp ACCIONA Energias Renovables SA | 661 | 26 | 2.29 |
| Dassault Systemes SE | 692 | 25 | 2.21 |
| Davide Campari-Milano NV | 2413 | 24 | 2.19 |
| Delivery Hero SE | 597 | 29 | 2.56 |
| Deutsche Boerse AG | 140 | 24 | 2.15 |
| Edp Renovaveis SA | 1122 | 25 | 2.21 |
| Elia Group SA | 174 | 25 | 2.21 |
| Eurazeo SE | 400 | 25 | 2.22 |
| Ferrari NV | 115 | 25 | 2.20 |
| Ferrovial SA | 938 | 25 | 2.19 |
| Finecobank SpA | 1556 | 26 | 2.31 |
| Groupe Bruxelles Lambert NV | 313 | 25 | 2.23 |
| Hannover Rueck SE | 128 | 25 | 2.28 |
| Hermes International | 16 | 24 | 2.17 |
| Kone Oyj — Class B | 494 | 26 | 2.28 |
| Koninklijke Dsm NV | 197 | 24 | 2.16 |
| L'Oreal | 68 | 24 | 2.16 |
| LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | 33 | 24 | 2.17 |
| MTU Aero Engines AG | 117 | 25 | 2.27 |
| Neste Oyj | 524 | 24 | 2.15 |
| Prosus NV | 370 | 26 | 2.28 |
| Rational AG | 40 | 24 | 2.13 |
| Remy Cointreau | 150 | 25 | 2.26 |
| Safran SA | 205 | 26 | 2.30 |
| Sampo Oyj - Class A | 486 | 25 | 2.27 |
| Sartorius AG | 68 | 27 | 2.39 |
| Sartorius Stedim Biotech | 76 | 25 | 2.19 |
| Scout24 SE | 467 | 23 | 2.09 |
| Sofina | 110 | 24 | 2.17 |
| Symrise AG | 228 | 25 | 2.22 |
| Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA | 3273 | 24 | 2.16 |
| Universal Music Group NV | 1059 | 26 | 2.28 |
| Vonovia SE | 1027 | 24 | 2.16 |
| Warehouses De Pauw SCA | 900 | 26 | 2.30 |
| Wolters Kluwer | 229 | 24 | 2.14 |
| Zalando SE | 768 | 27 | 2.43 |

---

The following table represents the equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with BNP European Value Custom Index as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **BNP European Value Custom Index** | **BNP European Value Custom Index** | **BNP European Value Custom Index** | **BNP European Value Custom Index** |
| Arcelormittal | 964 | $25 | 2.10% |
| Arkema | 292 | 26 | 2.18 |
| Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argenta | 4519 | 27 | 2.26 |
| Banco Santander SA | 8994 | 27 | 2.24 |
| Bayer AG (Registered) | 473 | 24 | 2.03 |
| Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | 298 | 27 | 2.20 |
| Bayerische Motoren Werke (Preferred) | 311 | 27 | 2.20 |
| Bechtle AG | 695 | 25 | 2.04 |
| Bouygues SA | 848 | 25 | 2.11 |
| Brenntag SE | 414 | 26 | 2.20 |
| Carrefour SA | 1511 | 25 | 2.10 |
| Commerzbank AG | 3165 | 30 | 2.48 |
| Compagnie De Saint Gobain | 537 | 26 | 2.18 |
| Continental AG | 438 | 26 | 2.18 |
| Daimler Truck Holding AG | 810 | 25 | 2.08 |
| Deutsche Bank Ag (Registered) | 2477 | 28 | 2.33 |
| Deutsche Lufthansa (Registered) | 3236 | 27 | 2.23 |
| Deutsche Post AG (Registered) | 653 | 25 | 2.04 |
| Deutsche Telekom AG (Registered) | 1299 | 26 | 2.15 |
| E.ON SE | 2719 | 27 | 2.25 |
| Eiffage | 260 | 26 | 2.12 |
| Enel SpA | 4789 | 26 | 2.14 |
| Engie | 1740 | 25 | 2.07 |
| Eni SpA | 1847 | 26 | 2.18 |
| Fresenius Medical Care AG | 822 | 27 | 2.23 |
| Fresenius Se & Co KGaA | 934 | 26 | 2.18 |
| Heidelbergcement AG | 481 | 27 | 2.28 |
| Heineken Holding NV | 340 | 26 | 2.18 |
| Jde Peet'S NV | 899 | 26 | 2.16 |
| Klepierre | 1116 | 26 | 2.13 |
| Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV | 875 | 25 | 2.09 |
| Koninklijke Philips NV | 1845 | 28 | 2.29 |
| Leg Immobilien SE | 395 | 26 | 2.13 |
| Michelin | 938 | 26 | 2.16 |
| Nexi SpA | 3222 | 25 | 2.11 |
| Nn Group NV | 608 | 25 | 2.06 |
| Nokia Oyj | 5325 | 25 | 2.05 |
| Orange | 2694 | 27 | 2.22 |
| Randstad NV | 446 | 27 | 2.26 |
| Seb SA | 312 | 26 | 2.17 |
| Societe Generale SA | 1108 | 28 | 2.31 |
| Stellantis NV | 1806 | 26 | 2.13 |
| Telefonica SA | 7220 | 26 | 2.17 |
| Unicredit SpA | 1985 | 28 | 2.34 |
| Veolia Environnement | 996 | 26 | 2.12 |
| Voestalpine AG | 971 | 26 | 2.14 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>34

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

The following table represents the equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with JPM SPX 1500 Growth Custom Index as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **JPM SPX 1500 Growth Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 1500 Growth Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 1500 Growth Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 1500 Growth Custom Index** |
| Agilysys, Inc. | 782 | $62 | 0.63% |
| Alliant Energy Corp. | 909 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Aptargroup, Inc. | 463 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Arlo Technologies, Inc. | 14734 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1521 | 62 | 0.63 |
| Bio-Techne Corp. | 613 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Boeing Co. | 280 | 53 | 0.55 |
| Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. | 5961 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Cnx Resources Corp. | 3028 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Coherus Biosciences, Inc. | 7422 | 59 | 0.60 |
| Commerce Bancshares, Inc. | 736 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Community Bank System, Inc. | 792 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Core Laboratories NV | 2580 | 52 | 0.54 |
| Cytokinetics, Inc. | 1332 | 61 | 0.63 |
| Deckers Outdoor Corp. | 132 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Dril-Quip, Inc. | 2234 | 61 | 0.62 |
| ELF Beauty, Inc. | 902 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Enerpac Tool Group Corp. | 2080 | 53 | 0.54 |
| First Republic Bank | 419 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Hci Group, Inc. | 1347 | 53 | 0.55 |
| Hess Corp. | 365 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | 570 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Manhattan Associates, Inc. | 422 | 51 | 0.53 |
| Marketaxess Holdings, Inc. | 182 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Mastercard, Inc. — Class A | 144 | 50 | 0.51 |
| MSA Safety, Inc. | 363 | 52 | 0.54 |
| Nike, Inc. — Class B | 458 | 54 | 0.55 |
| Nordson Corp. | 212 | 50 | 0.52 |
| Nov, Inc. | 2388 | 50 | 0.51 |
| O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. | 60 | 50 | 0.52 |
| Penumbra, Inc. | 226 | 50 | 0.52 |
| Progyny, Inc. | 1606 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | 824 | 50 | 0.52 |
| Quinstreet, Inc. | 3603 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | 918 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Ross Stores, Inc. | 428 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Royal Gold, Inc. | 445 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Sabre Corp. | 8484 | 52 | 0.54 |
| Servicenow, Inc. | 128 | 50 | 0.51 |
| St Joe Co. | 1397 | 54 | 0.55 |
| Targa Resources Corp. | 715 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Techtarget | 1162 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Toro Co. | 449 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Tractor Supply Company | 227 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Transdigm Group, Inc. | 81 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Under Armour, Inc. — Class A | 5349 | 54 | 0.56 |
| Unisys Corp. | 11787 | 60 | 0.62 |
| Vericel Corp. | 2147 | 57 | 0.58 |
| Vicor Corp. | 960 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Welltower, Inc. | 765 | 50 | 0.51 |

---

The following table represents the equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index** |
| ACI Worldwide, Inc. | 2400 | $55 | 0.56% |
| Agco Corp. | 369 | 51 | 0.52 |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance <br>Company | 1210 | 55 | 0.56 |
| American International Group | 798 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Avanos Medical, Inc. | 1909 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Avista Corp. | 1195 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Bank Of New York Mellon Corp. | 1138 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Boston Properties, Inc. | 758 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Charles River Laboratories | 235 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. | 103 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Concentrix Corp. | 423 | 56 | 0.57 |
| Cousins Properties, Inc. | 2014 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Dmc Global, Inc. | 2954 | 57 | 0.59 |
| Ebix, Inc. | 2629 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Envista Holdings Corp. | 1512 | 51 | 0.52 |
| ESAB Corp. | 1071 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Essent Group Ltd. | 1303 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Genesco, Inc. | 1106 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A | 9832 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Global Payments, Inc. | 507 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Highwoods Properties, Inc. | 1793 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Innoviva, Inc. | 3807 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Interdigital, Inc. | 1032 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Iteos Therapeutics, Inc. | 2566 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Kaman Corp. | 2429 | 54 | 0.55 |
| KB Home | 1594 | 51 | 0.52 |
| M/I Homes, Inc. | 1117 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Millerknoll, Inc. | 2589 | 54 | 0.55 |
| Mks Instruments, Inc. | 618 | 52 | 0.53 |
| NCR Corporation | 2168 | 51 | 0.52 |
| OFG Bancorp | 1835 | 51 | 0.52 |
| O-I Glass, Inc. | 3037 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Organogenesis Holdings, Inc. | 18716 | 50 | 0.51 |
| PG&E Corp. | 3153 | 51 | 0.52 |
| Patrick Industries, Inc. | 872 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Pbf Energy, Inc. — Class A | 1491 | 61 | 0.62 |
| Phibro Animal Health Corp. — Class A | 3957 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Propetro Holding Corp. | 4970 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Resideo Technologies, Inc. | 3198 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Syneos Health, Inc. | 1453 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Taylor Morrison Home Corp. | 1663 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Tenet Healthcare Corp. | 1105 | 54 | 0.55 |
| Thryv Holdings, Inc. | 2780 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Timken Co. | 713 | 50 | 0.51 |
| Titan International, Inc. | 3426 | 52 | 0.53 |
| Truist Financial Corp. | 1182 | 51 | 0.52 |
| US Silica Holdings, Inc. | 4224 | 53 | 0.54 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>35

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 1500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** |
| Viatris, Inc. | 4513 | $50 | 0.51% |
| Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | 4834 | 53 | 0.54 |
| Zimvie, Inc. | 5632 | 53 | 0.54 |

---

The following table represents the equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index** |
| Ameren Corporation | 16762 | $1490 | 1.04% |
| American Tower Corp. | 6882 | 1458 | 1.02 |
| American Water Works Co., Inc. | 9446 | 1440 | 1.00 |
| Aon PLC — Class A | 4770 | 1432 | 1.00 |
| Baker Hughes Co. | 52107 | 1539 | 1.07 |
| Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B | 4750 | 1467 | 1.02 |
| Bio-Techne Corp. | 17990 | 1491 | 1.04 |
| Boeing Co. | 8200 | 1562 | 1.09 |
| Brown & Brown, Inc. | 25303 | 1442 | 1.01 |
| Cadence Design System, Inc. | 9042 | 1453 | 1.01 |
| Ceridian Hcm Holding, Inc. | 23201 | 1488 | 1.04 |
| Cintas Corp. | 3207 | 1449 | 1.01 |
| Coca-Cola Co. | 22865 | 1454 | 1.01 |
| Crown Castle, Inc. | 10483 | 1422 | 0.99 |
| Ecolab, Inc. | 9807 | 1428 | 1.00 |
| Edwards Lifesciences Corp. | 20029 | 1494 | 1.04 |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 3904 | 1428 | 1.00 |
| Estee Lauder Companies — Class A | 6231 | 1546 | 1.08 |
| Gartner, Inc. | 4238 | 1425 | 0.99 |
| Hershey Co. | 6144 | 1423 | 0.99 |
| Hess Corp. | 10774 | 1528 | 1.07 |
| Illinois Tool Works | 6593 | 1453 | 1.01 |
| Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | 5427 | 1440 | 1.00 |
| Linde PLC | 4388 | 1431 | 1.00 |
| Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | 20419 | 1424 | 0.99 |
| Marketaxess Holdings, Inc. | 5286 | 1474 | 1.03 |
| Mastercard, Inc. — Class A | 4188 | 1456 | 1.02 |
| Mettler-Toledo International | 991 | 1433 | 1.00 |
| Monster Beverage Corp. | 14333 | 1455 | 1.02 |
| Nextera Energy, Inc. | 17058 | 1426 | 0.99 |
| Nike, Inc. — Class B | 13408 | 1569 | 1.09 |
| Old Dominion Freight Line | 5067 | 1438 | 1.00 |
| Paycom Software, Inc. | 4698 | 1458 | 1.02 |
| Progressive Corp. | 11136 | 1444 | 1.01 |
| Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | 24187 | 1482 | 1.03 |
| Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 5697 | 1467 | 1.02 |
| Schlumberger Ltd. | 29150 | 1558 | 1.09 |
| Servicenow, Inc. | 3731 | 1449 | 1.01 |
| Synopsys, Inc. | 4486 | 1432 | 1.00 |
| Targa Resources Corp. | 21150 | 1555 | 1.08 |
| Transdigm Group, Inc. | 2374 | 1495 | 1.04 |
| Tyler Technologies, Inc. | 4693 | 1513 | 1.06 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 500 Growth Custom Index (cont'd)** |
| UDR, Inc. | 36798 | $1425 | 0.99% |
| Vulcan Materials Co. | 8122 | 1422 | 0.99 |
| Waters Corp. | 4281 | 1467 | 1.02 |
| Wec Energy Group, Inc. | 15368 | 1441 | 1.01 |
| Welltower, Inc. | 22372 | 1467 | 1.02 |
| West Pharmaceutical Services | 6183 | 1455 | 1.02 |
| Xylem, Inc. | 13080 | 1446 | 1.01 |
| Yum! Brands, Inc. | 11304 | 1448 | 1.01 |

---

The following table represents the equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index** | **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index** |
| AES Corp. | 3383 | $97 | 1.03% |
| American International Group | 1526 | 97 | 1.02 |
| Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 1018 | 95 | 1.00 |
| Boston Properties, Inc. | 1454 | 98 | 1.04 |
| Capital One Financial Corp. | 1014 | 94 | 1.00 |
| Cbre Group, Inc. — Class A | 1238 | 95 | 1.01 |
| Celanese Corp. | 929 | 95 | 1.00 |
| Cigna Corp. | 285 | 94 | 1.00 |
| Citigroup, Inc. | 2117 | 96 | 1.01 |
| Citizens Financial Group | 2395 | 94 | 1.00 |
| Comcast Corp. — Class A | 2735 | 96 | 1.01 |
| Comerica, Inc. | 1448 | 97 | 1.02 |
| Conagra Brands, Inc. | 2474 | 96 | 1.01 |
| Davita, Inc. | 1265 | 94 | 1.00 |
| Dow, Inc. | 1870 | 94 | 1.00 |
| Dr Horton, Inc. | 1098 | 98 | 1.04 |
| Dxc Technology Co. | 3542 | 94 | 0.99 |
| Evergy, Inc. | 1596 | 100 | 1.06 |
| Fedex Corp. | 549 | 95 | 1.01 |
| Fifth Third Bancorp | 2866 | 94 | 0.99 |
| Fox Corp — Class A | 3093 | 94 | 0.99 |
| Generac Holdings, Inc. | 1043 | 105 | 1.11 |
| Global Payments, Inc. | 963 | 96 | 1.01 |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise | 5895 | 94 | 1.00 |
| Keycorp | 5473 | 95 | 1.01 |
| Kraft Heinz Co. | 2375 | 97 | 1.02 |
| Laboratory Corp of America Holdings | 405 | 95 | 1.01 |
| Lennar Corp. — Class A | 1064 | 96 | 1.02 |
| Lyondellbasell Industries — Class A | 1158 | 96 | 1.02 |
| Marathon Petroleum Corp. | 868 | 101 | 1.07 |
| Medtronic PLC | 1232 | 96 | 1.01 |
| Mohawk Industries, Inc. | 987 | 101 | 1.07 |
| Newell Brands, Inc. | 7377 | 96 | 1.02 |
| Organon & Co. | 3634 | 101 | 1.07 |
| PG&E Corp. | 6073 | 99 | 1.04 |
| Pentair PLC | 2108 | 95 | 1.00 |
| Pfizer, Inc. | 1880 | 96 | 1.02 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>36

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Security Description** | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Index Weight** |
| **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** | **JPM SPX 500 Value Custom Index (cont'd)** |
| Phillips 66 | 919 | $96 | 1.01% |
| Pultegroup, Inc. | 2122 | 97 | 1.02 |
| Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 635 | 99 | 1.05 |
| Robert Half International, Inc. | 1276 | 94 | 1.00 |
| Seagate Technology Holdings | 1803 | 95 | 1.00 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | 1030 | 94 | 0.99 |
| Tapestry, Inc. | 2571 | 98 | 1.04 |
| Truist Financial Corp. | 2260 | 97 | 1.03 |
| United Rentals, Inc. | 268 | 95 | 1.01 |
| Universal Health Services — Class B | 739 | 104 | 1.10 |
| Valero Energy Corp. | 789 | 100 | 1.06 |
| Viatris, Inc. | 8666 | 96 | 1.02 |
| Zions Bancorp NA | 2011 | 99 | 1.05 |

---

@ Value/Notional amount is less than $500.

\* Cleared swap agreement, the broker is Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

BTP Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali.

CAC Cotation Assistée en Continu.

CDI Certificado de Depósito Interbancári.

CME Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

CORRA Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average.

ESTR Euro short-Term Rate.

FTSE Financial Times Stock Exchange.

IBEX Índice Bursátil Español.

ICE Intercontinental Exchange

MIB Milano Indice di Borsa.

MSCI Morgan Stanley Capital International.

SGX Singapore Exchange Ltd.

SPI Schedule Performance Index.

TIIE Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate.

TOPIX Tokyo Price Index

AUD — Australian Dollar

BRL — Brazilian Real

CAD — Canadian Dollar

CHF — Swiss Franc

CLP — Chilean Peso

CNH — Chinese Yuan Renminbi Offshore

CNY — Chinese Yuan Renminbi

COP — Colombian Peso

CZK — Czech Koruna

DKK — Danish Krone

EUR — Euro

GBP — British Pound

HKD — Hong Kong Dollar

HUF — Hungarian Forint

IDR — Indonesian Rupiah

ILS — Israeli Shekel

INR — Indian Rupee

JPY — Japanese Yen

KRW — South Korean Won

MXN — Mexican Peso

MYR — Malaysian Ringgit

NOK — Norwegian Krone

NZD — New Zealand Dollar

PEN — Peruvian Nuevo Sol

PLN — Polish Zloty

RON — Romanian New Leu

SEK — Swedish Krona

SGD — Singapore Dollar

THB — Thai Baht

TRY — Turkish Lira

TWD — Taiwan Dollar

USD — United States Dollar

ZAR — South African Rand

**Portfolio Composition**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Fixed Income Securities | 54.5 | % |
| Common Stocks | 29.5 |  |
| Short-Term Investments | 16.0 |  |
| Total Investments | 100.0 | %\*\* |

---

\*\* Does not include open long/short futures contracts with a value of approximately $23,335,000 and net unrealized appreciation of approximately $165,000. Does not include open foreign currency forward exchange contracts with net unrealized appreciation of approximately $141,000. Also does not include open swap agreements with net unrealized appreciation of approximately $1,143,000.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>37

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $73,094) | $68097 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $12,170) | 12170 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $85,264) | 80267 |
| Cash | 441 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $385) | 381 |
| Unrealized Appreciation on Swap Agreements | 1414 |
| Receivable for Variation Margin on Futures Contracts | 1110 |
| Interest Receivable | 497 |
| Due from Broker | 315 |
| Unrealized Appreciation on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 317 |
| Due from Adviser | 149 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 47 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 41 |
| Tax Reclaim Receivable | 37 |
| Receivable for Investments Sold | 24 |
| Dividends Receivable | 24 |
| Receivable for Variation Margin on Swap Agreements | 9 |
| Other Assets | 14 |
| Total Assets | 85087 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Due to Broker | 2401 |
| Payable for Investments Purchased | 2382 |
| Unrealized Depreciation on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 176 |
| Unrealized Depreciation on Swap Agreements | 128 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 128 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 57 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 24 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 21 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 5 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 2 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 1 |
| Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax |  |
| Other Liabilities | 142 |
| Total Liabilities | 5467 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $79620 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $89564 |
| Total Accumulated Loss | (9944 |
| **Net Assets** | $79620 |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $66072 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 8,646,542 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $7.64 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $13548 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 1,788,520 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $7.58 |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>38

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Interest from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $1 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $1255 |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $54 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | 736 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 182 |
| Total Investment Income | 2173 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 659 |
| Professional Fees | 238 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 234 |
| Pricing Fees | 148 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 136 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 70 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 38 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 36 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 12 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 6 |
| Other Expenses | 12 |
| Total Expenses | 1589 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (659) |
| Expenses Reimbursed by Adviser (Note B) | (103) |
| Waiver of Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | (22) |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (16) |
| Net Expenses | 789 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 1384 |
| **Realized Gain (Loss):** | **Realized Gain (Loss):** |
| Investments Sold | (2143) |
| Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | (243) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | 640 |
| Futures Contracts | 2771 |
| Swap Agreements | (7344) |
| Net Realized Loss | (6319) |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments (Net of Decrease in Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax of $1) | (13367) |
| Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts | 168 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (3) |
| Futures Contracts | 288 |
| Swap Agreements | 435 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (12479) |
| **Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation**) | (18798) |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(17414) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>39

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $1384 | $937 |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (6319) | 16015 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (12479) | (8416) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (17414) | 8536 |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (12686) | (4709) |
| Class II | (2529) | (855) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (15215) | (5564) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 2407 | 5366 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 12686 | 4709 |
| Redeemed | (10441) | (12450) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 1579 | 1095 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 2529 | 855 |
| Redeemed | (2000) | (1825) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | 6760 | (2250) |
| Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (25869) | 722 |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 105489 | 104767 |
| End of Period | $79620 | $105489 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 240 | 470 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 1680 | 421 |
| Shares Redeemed | (1122) | (1099) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Class I Shares Outstanding | 798 | (208) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 178 | 97 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 338 | 77 |
| Shares Redeemed | (222) | (162) |
| Net Increase in Class II Shares Outstanding | 294 | 12 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>40

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Financial Highlights

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $11.30 | $10.99 | $10.91 | $9.85 | $11.17 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.14 | 0.10 | 0.09 | 0.16 | 0.16 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (2.07) | 0.81 | 0.95 | 1.56 | (0.86) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (1.93) | 0.91 | 1.04 | 1.72 | (0.70) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income |  | (0.21) | (0.16) | (0.20) | (0.13) |
| Net Realized Gain | (1.73) | (0.39) | (0.80) | (0.46) | (0.49) |
| Total Distributions | (1.73) | (0.60) | (0.96) | (0.66) | (0.62) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $7.64 | $11.30 | $10.99 | $10.91 | $9.85 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (16.94)% | 8.37% | 10.92% | 17.77% | (6.50)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $66072 | $88704 | $88563 | $89575 | $87675 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.77% | 1.52% | 1.59% | 1.49% | 1.44% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.88%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.90%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.88%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.88%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.89%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.59%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.89%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.89%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.55%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.48%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.02% | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 99% | 111% | 114% | 124% | 85% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>41

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Financial Highlights

**Global Strategist Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $11.23 | $10.93 | $10.85 | $9.79 | $11.11 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.13 | 0.09 | 0.08 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (2.05) | 0.80 | 0.94 | 1.56 | (0.86) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (1.92) | 0.89 | 1.02 | 1.71 | (0.71) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income |  | (0.20) | (0.14) | (0.19) | (0.12) |
| Net Realized Gain | (1.73) | (0.39) | (0.80) | (0.46) | (0.49) |
| Total Distributions | (1.73) | (0.59) | (0.94) | (0.65) | (0.61) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $7.58 | $11.23 | $10.93 | $10.85 | $9.79 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (17.07)% | 8.22% | 10.85% | 17.74% | (6.65)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $13548 | $16785 | $16204 | $16589 | $16906 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 2.02% | 1.77% | 1.84% | 1.74% | 1.69% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.98%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.00%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.98%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.98%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.99%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.49%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.79%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.79%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.45%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.38%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.02% | 0.00%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 99% | 111% | 114% | 124% | 85% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>42

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements relate to the Global Strategist Portfolio. The Fund seeks total return and offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. GAAP may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands, VIF Global Strategist Cayman Portfolio, Ltd. (the "Subsidiary"). The Subsidiary may invest, directly or indirectly through the use of derivatives, in securities, commodities, commodity-related instruments and other investments, primarily futures, swaps and notes. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The consolidated portfolio of investments and consolidated financial statements include the positions and accounts of the Fund and the Subsidiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions of the Fund and the Subsidiary have been eliminated in consolidation and all accounting policies of the Subsidiary are consistent with those of the Fund. As of December 31, 2022, the Subsidiary represented approximately $9,031,000 or approximately 11.34% of the total net assets of the Fund.

Investments in the Subsidiary are expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and recent Internal

Revenue Service ("IRS") revenue rulings, which require that a mutual fund receive no more than ten percent of its gross income from such investments in order to receive favorable tax treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC"). Tax treatment of the income received from the Subsidiary may potentially be affected by changes in legislation, regulations or other legally binding authority, which could affect the character, timing and amount of the Fund's taxable income and distributions. If such changes occur, the Fund may need to significantly change its investment strategy and recognize unrealized gains in order to remain qualified for taxation as a RIC, which could adversely affect the Fund.

**1. Security Valuation:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") or Morgan Stanley

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

Investment Management Limited ("MSIM Limited") (the "Sub-Adviser"), each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (4) futures are valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which they trade or, if a settlement price is unavailable, at the last sale price on the exchange; (5) OTC swaps may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by the Directors or quotes from a broker/dealer. Swaps cleared on a clearinghouse or exchange may be valued using the closing price provided by the clearinghouse or exchange. Total return swaps may also be fair valued using direct accrual/return calculations if prices on the reference asset on the total return leg of the swap are available from a pricing service/vendor for such instrument. In the event that the reference asset on the total return leg of the swap is a benchmark index, then price of such reference asset may be obtained from a pricing service provider or from the benchmark index sponsor; (6) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (7) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (8) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** FASB ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** | **Fixed Income Securities** |
| Agency Fixed Rate <br>Mortgages | $— | $3190 | $— | $3190 |
| Asset-Backed Securities |  | 242 |  | 242 |
| Commercial Mortgage-<br>Backed Securities |  | 502 |  | 502 |
| Corporate Bonds |  | 9815 |  | 9815 |
| Mortgages - Other |  | 996 |  | 996 |
| Sovereign |  | 23946 |  | 23946 |
| Supranational |  | 1163 |  | 1163 |
| U.S. Treasury Securities |  | 3886 |  | 3886 |
| **Total Fixed Income <br>Securities** | **—** | **43740** | **—** | **43740** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Aerospace & Defense | 202 | 172 |  | 374 |
| Air Freight & Logistics | 62 | 57 |  | 119 |
| Airlines | 6 | 11 |  | 17 |
| Auto Components | 26 | 24 |  | 50 |
| Automobiles | 140 | 172 |  | 312 |
| Banks | 757 | 2784 |  | 3541 |
| Beverages | 209 | 226 |  | 435 |
| Biotechnology | 281 | 119 |  | 400 |
| Building Products | 56 | 77 |  | 133 |
| Capital Markets | 376 | 283 |  | 659 |
| Chemicals | 227 | 274 |  | 501 |
| Commercial Banks | 42 | 34 |  | 76 |
| Commercial Services & <br>Supplies | 74 | 32 |  | 106 |
| Communications <br>Equipment | 89 | 37 |  | 126 |
| Construction & <br>Engineering | 18 | 73 |  | 91 |
| Construction Materials | 13 | 65 |  | 78 |
| Consumer Finance | 55 |  |  | 55 |
| Containers & Packaging | 36 | 14 |  | 50 |
| Distributors | 16 | 4 |  | 20 |
| Diversified Consumer <br>Services |  | 10 |  | 10 |

---

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** |
| Diversified Financial <br>Services | $139 | $74 |  | $— |  | $213 |  |
| Diversified Financials | 3 | 7 |  |  |  | 10 |  |
| Diversified <br>Telecommunication <br>Services | 116 | 182 |  |  |  | 298 |  |
| Electric Utilities | 236 | 190 |  |  |  | 426 |  |
| Electrical Equipment | 65 | 164 |  |  |  | 229 |  |
| Electronic Equipment, <br>Instruments & <br>Components | 68 | 29 |  |  |  | 97 |  |
| Energy Equipment & <br>Services | 43 | 7 |  |  | † | 50 | † |
| Entertainment | 159 | 23 |  |  |  | 182 |  |
| Equity Real Estate <br>Investment Trusts <br>(REITs) | 277 | 140 |  |  |  | 417 |  |
| Food & Staples Retailing | 227 | 107 |  |  |  | 334 |  |
| Food Products | 134 | 359 |  |  |  | 493 |  |
| Gas Utilities | 11 | 24 |  |  |  | 35 |  |
| Health Care <br>Equipment & Supplies | 293 | 173 | † |  |  | 466 | † |
| Health Care Providers & <br>Services | 370 | 32 |  |  |  | 402 |  |
| Health Care Technology | 7 |  |  |  |  | 7 |  |
| Hotels, Restaurants & <br>Leisure | 230 | 163 |  |  |  | 393 |  |
| Household Durables | 34 | 22 |  |  |  | 56 |  |
| Household Products | 156 | 74 |  |  |  | 230 |  |
| Independent Power <br>Producers & Energy <br>Traders | 18 | 34 |  |  |  | 52 |  |
| Industrial Conglomerates | 93 | 133 |  |  |  | 226 |  |
| Information Technology <br>Services | 542 | 95 |  |  |  | 637 |  |
| Insurance | 362 | 520 |  |  |  | 882 |  |
| Interactive Media & <br>Services | 414 | 18 |  |  |  | 432 |  |
| Internet & Direct <br>Marketing Retail | 266 | 66 |  |  |  | 332 |  |
| Leisure Products | 5 |  |  |  |  | 5 |  |
| Life Sciences Tools & <br>Services | 200 | 68 |  |  |  | 268 |  |
| Machinery | 188 | 214 |  |  |  | 402 |  |
| Marine | 1 | 29 |  |  |  | 30 |  |
| Media | 106 | 38 |  |  |  | 144 |  |
| Metals & Mining | 170 | 413 | † |  |  | 583 | † |
| Multi-Line Retail | 67 | 35 |  |  |  | 102 |  |
| Multi-Utilities | 95 | 94 |  |  |  | 189 |  |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable <br>Fuels | 1405 | 566 |  |  |  | 1971 |  |
| Paper & Forest Products | 4 | 41 |  |  |  | 45 |  |
| Personal Products | 18 | 212 |  |  |  | 230 |  |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (cont'd)** |
| Pharmaceuticals | $502 | $984 | $— |  | $1486 |
| Professional Services | 62 | 145 |  |  | 207 |
| Real Estate <br>Management & <br>Development | 12 | 61 |  |  | 73 |
| Road & Rail | 237 | 9 |  |  | 246 |
| Semiconductors & <br>Semiconductor <br>Equipment | 524 | 257 |  |  | 781 |
| Software | 943 | 150 |  |  | 1093 |
| Specialty Retail | 246 | 35 |  |  | 281 |
| Tech Hardware, <br>Storage & Peripherals | 673 | 9 |  |  | 682 |
| Textiles, Apparel & <br>Luxury Goods | 65 | 352 |  |  | 417 |
| Tobacco | 74 | 96 |  |  | 170 |
| Trading Companies & <br>Distributors | 44 | 50 |  |  | 94 |
| Transportation <br>Infrastructure |  | 40 |  |  | 40 |
| Water Utilities | 13 | 14 |  |  | 27 |
| Wireless <br>Telecommunication <br>Services | 41 | 28 |  |  | 69 |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **12643** | **11044** | **—** | **†** | **23687** |
| **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** |
| Investment Company | 12170 |  |  |  | 12170 |
| U.S. Treasury Securities |  | 670 |  |  | 670 |
| **Total Short-Term <br>Investments** | **12170** | **670** | **—** |  | **12840** |
| **Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts** |  | 317 |  |  | 317 |
| **Futures Contracts** | 372 |  |  |  | 372 |
| **Interest Rate Swap <br>Agreements** |  | 26 |  |  | 26 |
| **Total Return Swap <br>Agreements** |  | 1414 |  |  | 1414 |
| **Total Assets** | **25185** | **57211** | **—** | **†** | **82396** |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| **Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts** |  | (176 |  |  | (176 |
| **Futures Contracts** | (207) |  |  |  | (207 |
| **Interest Rate Swap <br>Agreements** |  | (169 |  |  | (169 |
| **Total Return Swap <br>Agreements** |  | (128 |  |  | (128 |
| **Total Liabilities** | **(207)** | **(473** | **—** |  | **(680** |
| **Total** | $**24978** | $**56738** | $**—** | **†** | $**81716** |

---

† Includes one or more securities valued at zero.

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Common<br>Stocks<br>(000)** | **Common<br>Stocks<br>(000)** |
| **Beginning Balance** | $— |  |
| Purchases |  |  |
| Sales |  |  |
| Amortization of discount |  |  |
| Transfers in |  | †† |
| Transfers out |  |  |
| Corporate actions |  |  |
| Change in unrealized <br>appreciation (depreciation) |  |  |
| Realized gains (losses) |  |  |
| **Ending Balance** | $— | †† |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation <br>(depreciation) from investments still <br>held as of December 31, 2022 | $— |  |

---

†† Includes a security valued at zero.

**3. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate 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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**4. Derivatives:** The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often

has risks similar to its underlying asset and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. All of the Fund's holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked-to-market each day with the change in value reflected in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser seek to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund used during the period and their associated risks:

**Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also entered into contracts with banks, brokers/dealers to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract ("currency contract") is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Currency contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency hedges involve the sale of one currency against

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. To the extent hedged by the use of currency contracts, the precise matching of the currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Furthermore, such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. There is additional risk to the extent that currency contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. The use of currency contracts involves the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. A currency 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 (losses) when the currency contract is closed equal to the difference between the value of the currency contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

**Futures:** A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. During the period the futures contract is open, payments are received from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value of the contract (the variation margin). A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return and the potential loss

from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time.

**Swaps:** The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. A swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for OTC swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. During the period swap agreements are open, payments are received from or made to the counterparty or clearing-house based on changes in the value of the contract or variation margin, respectively. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of certain standardized swap transactions. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing is occurring on a phased-in basis based on the type of market participant and U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") approval of contracts for central clearing and exchange trading.

The Fund may enter into total return swaps in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of the assets underlying the contract, which may include, but not be limited to, a specified security, basket of securities or securities

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swaps may be used to obtain long or short exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. Total return swaps may effectively add leverage to the Fund's portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. Total return swaps are subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations to the Fund thereunder, and conversely, that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty.

The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps which is an agreement between two parties to exchange their respective commitments to pay or receive interest. Interest rate swaps are generally entered into on a net basis. Interest rate swaps do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets, or principal. Accordingly, the risk of market loss with respect to interest rate swaps is typically limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make.

When the Fund has an unrealized loss on a swap agreement, the Fund has instructed the custodian to pledge cash or liquid securities as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the swap valuations fluctuate. If applicable, cash collateral is included with "Due from (to) Broker" in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Upfront payments paid or received by the Fund will be reflected as an asset or liability, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

FASB ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund's financial position and results of operations.

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund's derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Asset Derivatives<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of Assets<br>and Liabilities<br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency <br>Forward<br>Exchange<br>Contracts | Unrealized Appreciation <br>on Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts | Currency Risk | $317 |
| Futures Contract | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contract | Commodity <br>Risk | 4 |
| Futures Contract | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contract | Currency Risk |  |
| Futures Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Equity Risk | 138 |
| Futures Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Interest<br>Rate Risk | 230 |
| Swap Agreements | Variation Margin on<br>Swap Agreements | Interest<br>Rate Risk | 26 |
| Swap Agreements | Unrealized Appreciation <br>on Swap Agreements | Equity Risk | 1414 |
| Total |  |  | $2129 |
|  | **Liability Derivatives<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of Assets<br>and Liabilities<br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency <br>Forward<br>Exchange <br>Contracts | Unrealized Depreciation<br>on Foreign Currency <br>Forward Exchange <br>Contracts | Currency Risk | $(176 |
| Futures Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Equity Risk | (105 |
| Futures Contracts | Variation Margin on<br>Futures Contracts | Interest<br>Rate Risk | (102 |
| Swap Agreements | Variation Margin on<br>Swap Agreements | Interest<br>Rate Risk | (169 |
| Swap Agreements | Unrealized Depreciation <br>on Swap Agreements | Equity Risk | (128 |
| Total |  |  | $(680 |

---

@ Value is less than $500.

(a) This amount represents the cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments. The Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities only reflects the current day's net variation margin.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

The following tables set forth by primary risk exposure the Fund's realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by type of derivative contract for the year ended December 31, 2022 in accordance with ASC 815:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative <br>Type** | **Value <br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk<br> Foreign Currency Forward | Exchange Contracts | $(243 |
| Commodity Risk | Futures Contracts | (58 |
| Currency Risk | Futures Contracts | 184 |
| Equity Risk | Futures Contracts | 952 |
| Interest Rate Risk | Futures Contracts | 1693 |
| Equity Risk | Swap Agreements | (6663 |
| Interest Rate Risk | Swap Agreements | (681 |
| Total |  | $(4816 |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative <br>Type** | **Value <br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk<br> Foreign Currency Forward | Exchange Contracts | $168 |
| Commodity Risk | Futures Contracts | 7 |
| Currency Risk | Futures Contracts |  |
| Equity Risk | Futures Contracts | 139 |
| Interest Rate Risk | Futures Contracts | 142 |
| Equity Risk | Swap Agreements | 736 |
| Interest Rate Risk | Swap Agreements | (301 |
| Total |  | $891 |

---

@ Value is less than $500.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund's derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Derivatives(b)** | **Assets(c)<br>(000)** | **Liabilities(c)<br>(000)** |
| Foreign Currency Forward <br>Exchange Contracts | $317 | $(176) |
| Swap Agreements | 1414 | (128) |
| Total | $1731 | $(304) |

---

(b) Excludes exchange-traded derivatives.

(c) Absent an event of default or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements ("ISDA Master Agreements") or similar master agreements (collectively, "Master Agreements") with its contract counterparties for certain OTC derivatives in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain OTC

derivative financial instruments' payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default, termination and/or potential deterioration in the credit quality of the counterparty. Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as swap, forward, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party and may be a feature in certain Master Agreements. In the event the Fund exercises its right to terminate a Master Agreement after a counterparty experiences a termination event as defined in the Master Agreement, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund's net liability may be delayed or denied.

The following tables present derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Asset<br>Derivatives<br>Presented <br>in the<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of<br>Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received(d)<br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| Bank of <br>America NA | $13 | $(4) | $— | $9 |
| Barclays Bank <br>PLC | 11 | (11) |  | 0 |
| BNP Paribas SA | 575 | (34) | (541) | 0 |
| Citibank NA | 8 | (1) |  | 7 |
| Goldman Sachs <br>International | 771 | (46) | (725) | 0 |
| HSBC Bank PLC | 27 |  |  | 27 |
| JPMorgan Chase <br>Bank NA | 258 | (120) |  | 138 |
| UBS AG | 68 | (56) |  | 12 |
| Total | $1731 | $(272) | $(1266) | $193 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Liability<br>Derivatives<br>Presented <br>in the<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of<br>Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Gross Liability<br>Derivatives<br>Presented <br>in the<br>Consolidated<br>Statement of<br>Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Pledged(d)<br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** | **Net<br>Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| Bank of <br>America NA | $4 |  | $(4) | $— | $0 |  |
| Barclays Bank <br>PLC | 43 |  | (11) |  | 32 |  |
| BNP Paribas SA | 34 |  | (34) |  | 0 |  |
| Citibank NA | 1 |  | (1) |  | 0 |  |
| Goldman Sachs <br>International | 46 |  | (46) |  | 0 |  |
| JPMorgan Chase <br>Bank NA | 120 |  | (120) |  | 0 |  |
| State Street <br>Bank and <br>Trust Co. |  | @ |  |  |  | @ |
| UBS AG | 56 |  | (56) |  | 0 |  |
| Total | $304 |  | $(272) | $— | $32 |  |

---

@ Value is less than $500.

(d) In some instances, the actual collateral received or pledged may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the approximate average monthly amount outstanding for each derivative type is as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** | **Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:** |
| Average monthly principal amount | $36816000 |
| **Futures Contracts:** | **Futures Contracts:** |
| Average monthly notional value | $31276000 |
| **Swap Agreements:** | **Swap Agreements:** |
| Average monthly notional amount | $25000000 |

---

**5. When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities:** The Fund purchases and sells when-issued and delayed delivery securities. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis are purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield, and no income accrues to the Fund on such securities prior to delivery date. Payment and delivery for when-issued and delayed delivery securities can take place a month or more after the date of the transaction. When the Fund enters into a purchase transaction on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, securities are available for collateral in an amount at least equal in value to the Fund's commitments to purchase such securities. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may involve a risk that the market price at the time of delivery may be lower than the agreed upon purchase price, in which case there could be an unrealized

loss at the time of delivery. Purchasing investments on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be considered a form of leverage which may increase the impact that gains (losses) may have on the Fund.

**6. Indemnifications:** The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**7. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

Settlement and registration of foreign securities transactions may be subject to significant risks not normally associated with investments in the United States. In certain markets, ownership of shares is defined according to entries in the issuer's share register. It is possible that a Fund holding these securities could lose its share registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. In addition, shares being delivered for sales and cash being paid for purchases may be delivered before the exchange is complete. This may subject the Fund to further risk of loss in the event of a failure to complete the transaction by the counterparty.

**8. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

**B. Advisory/Sub-Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **First $500<br>million** | **Next $500<br>million** | **Over $1<br>billion** |
| 0.75% | 0.70% | 0.65% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.90% for Class I shares and 1.00% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $659,000 of advisory fees were waived and approximately $103,000 of other expenses were reimbursed by the Adviser pursuant to this arrangement.

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Sub-Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's Officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Subsidiary pursuant to the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement (the "Agreement"). Under the Agreement, the Subsidiary will pay the Adviser at the end of each fiscal quarter, calculated by applying a quarterly rate, based on the annual rate of 0.05%, to the average daily net assets of the Subsidiary.

The Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fees by the amount of advisory fees it receives from the Subsidiary.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State

Street"), State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares. The Distributor has agreed to waive 0.15% of the 0.25% distribution fee that it may receive. This fee waiver will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waiver when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, this waiver amounted to approximately $22,000.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $26,149,000 and $36,534,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities were approximately $47,100,000 and $44,144,000, respectively.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — Government Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $16,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value<br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases <br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales<br>(000)** | **Dividend <br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $13700 | $66388 | $67918 | $182 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized <br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in <br>Unrealized <br>Appreciation <br>(Depreciation) <br>(000)** | **Value <br>December 31, <br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $12170 |

---

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a RIC and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the consolidated financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for consolidated financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the consolidated financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions <br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions <br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $5286 | $9929 | $4054 | $1510 |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $1337 | $— |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term capital losses of approximately $4,874,000 that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the shareholders.

**J. Credit Facility:** The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 80.6%.

**L. Market Risk:** Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could

adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**M. LIBOR Discontinuance or Unavailability Risk:** LIBOR is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. The Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), which is the regulatory authority that oversees financial services firms, financial markets in the U.K. and the administrator of LIBOR, announced that, after the end of 2021, one-week and two-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR and all non-U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings have either ended or are no longer representative of the underlying market they seek to measure. The FCA also announced that the most commonly used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings, may continue to be provided on a representative basis until mid-2023. However, in connection with supervisory guidance from regulators, some regulated entities may no longer enter into most new LIBOR-based contracts. As a result of the foregoing, LIBOR may no longer be available or no longer deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on or impacting certain derivatives and other instruments or investments comprising some or all of the Fund's portfolio. In light of this eventuality, public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to establish new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of LIBOR. There is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of any such alternative reference rate will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that it will have the same volume or liquidity as did LIBOR prior to its discontinuance or unavailability, which may affect the value or liquidity or return on certain of the Fund's investments and result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known. The transition process might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. While some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments may have alternative rate-setting provisions and there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of issuers to add alternative rate-setting provisions in certain existing instruments. Although state and federal statutes have been enacted to address difficult LIBOR transition issues, the application and effect of these statutes are uncertain. In addition, a liquid market for newly-issued instruments that use a reference rate other than LIBOR is still developing. There may also be challenges for the Fund to enter into hedging transactions against such newly-issued instruments until a market for such hedging transactions develops. All of the aforementioned may adversely affect the Fund's investments (including their volatility, value and liquidity) and, as a result, the performance or NAV.

**N. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):** On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Global Strategist Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Global Strategist Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j2316599_ga003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders 25.87% of the dividends qualified for the dividends received deduction.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $9,929,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

The Fund designated approximately $6,000 of its distributions paid as qualified business income.

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund's earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $1,836,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship; Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE <br>Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

---

The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Sub-Adviser**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited<br>25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf<br>London, E14 4QA, England

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.** 

UIFIMANN<br>5435942 EXP 02.29.24

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![](j23165910_aa001.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Growth Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Consolidated Portfolio of Investments | 5 |
| Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 8 |
| Consolidated Statement of Operations | 9 |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 10 |
| Consolidated Financial Highlights | 11 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 13 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 25 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 26 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 27 |
| Director and Officer Information | 28 |

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------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Expense Example (unaudited)

**Growth Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the Growth Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value <br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending <br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| Growth Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $920.70 | $1022.33 | $2.76 | $2.91 | 0.57% |
| Growth Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 919.40 | 1021.07 | 3.97 | 4.18 | 0.82 |

---

\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**Growth Portfolio**

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of large capitalization companies.

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –60.07%, net of fees, and –60.16%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Growth Index (the "Index"), which returned –29.14%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Stubbornly high inflation, rapidly rising interest rates and moderating economic growth were significant headwinds to U.S. equity performance in 2022. The Russia-Ukraine war and China's widespread COVID-19 lockdowns worsened supply chain bottlenecks and drove food and energy prices higher. The U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks around the world responded with larger-than-normal interest rate increases to bring inflation down, compounding economic uncertainty and contributing to elevated volatility in stock and bond markets. While tightening financial conditions helped slow some segments of the economy and inflation appeared to be receding from peak levels, the jobs market remained resilient and inflation rates were still historically high at year-end, setting up expectations for additional interest rate hikes in 2023.

• Large-cap growth equities, as measured by the Index, declined over the year. Outside of the energy sector's significant outperformance and a small positive return from utilities, all other Index sectors had negative performance in the year. Communication services, consumer discretionary and information technology were the bottom performing sectors.

• Counterpoint Global seeks high quality companies, which we define primarily as those with sustainable competitive advantages. We manage concentrated portfolios that are highly differentiated from the benchmark, with securities weighted on our assessment of the quality of the company and our conviction. The value added or detracted in any period of time will result from stock selection, given our philosophy and process.

• The long-term investment horizon and conviction-weighted investment approach embraced by the team since 1998 can result in periods of performance deviation from the benchmark and peers. The Fund underperformed the Index in this reporting period due to unfavorable stock selection; sector allocations also detracted to a lesser extent.

• Fear and uncertainty due to concerns about inflation, rising interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing effects of the global pandemic continued to weigh on market sentiment, contributing to greater volatility and a continued aversion towards high growth equities. We believe this rotation away from high growth equities remains driven primarily by non-fundamental factors. Fundamentals across portfolio holdings have largely remained healthy and in line with our expectations. Despite market volatility, we continue to find many high quality companies with attractive end-game potential due to compelling fundamentals, strong balance sheets, and multiple competitive advantages. We believe today's market offers an attractive opportunity to buy unique companies with strong fundamentals that can be long-term winners over the next three to five years. While we have opportunistically added to some positions and initiated new ones, overall, we have made few changes as we remain confident in the long-term prospects for the businesses we own.

• Information technology was by far the greatest detractor in the portfolio this period, due to mixed stock selection. An IT services company that offers a global cloud platform that provides security, performance, and reliability services to the applications of its customers was the biggest detractor in the sector and across the portfolio. The company reported overall healthy results that beat analysts expectations, but some deceleration in its overall business growth, due to an elongated sales cycle, weighed on investor sentiment.

• The portfolio's stock selection in and sector allocations to most other sectors diminished relative performance as well; stock selection in consumer discretionary, communication services and health care, and an overweight to communication services were also among the greatest detractors. Nearly all sectors detracted over the period; however, this was modestly offset by the positive impact of an average overweight in health care and average underweight in consumer discretionary. Utilities — a sector the portfolio has no exposure to — had a negligible impact on relative performance.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**Growth Portfolio**

**Management Strategies**

• As a team, we believe having a market outlook can be an anchor. Our focus is on assessing company prospects over a five-year horizon, and owning a portfolio of unique companies whose market value we believe can increase significantly for underlying fundamental reasons.

![](j23165910_ba002.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

**Performance Compared to the Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Growth Index<sup>(1)</sup>**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(5)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(3)</sup> | –60.07% | 4.25% | 11.85% | 8.50% |
| Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Growth Index | –29.14 | 10.96 | 14.10 | 8.52 |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(4)</sup> | –60.16 | 3.99 | 11.57 | 9.73 |
| Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Growth Index | –29.14 | 10.96 | 14.10 | 10.54 |

---

***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Index is an index of approximately 1,000 of the largest U.S. companies based on a combination of market capitalization and current index membership. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(2)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(3)</sup> Commenced operations on January 2, 1997.

<sup>(4)</sup> Commenced offering on May 5, 2003.

<sup>(5)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Index refers to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

**Growth Portfolio**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (96.4%)** | **Common Stocks (96.4%)** | **Common Stocks (96.4%)** |
| **Automobiles (0.3%)** | **Automobiles (0.3%)** | **Automobiles (0.3%)** |
| Rivian Automotive, Inc., Class A (a) | 61252 | $1129 |
| **Biotechnology (1.3%)** | **Biotechnology (1.3%)** | **Biotechnology (1.3%)** |
| Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | 4376 | 1040 |
| Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | 38556 | 1345 |
| Moderna, Inc. (a) | 3644 | 655 |
| ProKidney Corp. (a) | 242043 | 1660 |
|  |  | 4700 |
| **Capital Markets (0.3%)** | **Capital Markets (0.3%)** | **Capital Markets (0.3%)** |
| Coinbase Global, Inc., Class A (a)(b) | 36769 | 1301 |
| **Chemicals (0.4%)** | **Chemicals (0.4%)** | **Chemicals (0.4%)** |
| Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (a) | 851540 | 1439 |
| **Commercial Services & Supplies (0.1%)** | **Commercial Services & Supplies (0.1%)** | **Commercial Services & Supplies (0.1%)** |
| Aurora Innovation, Inc. (a) | 371870 | 450 |
| **Consumer Finance (0.1%)** | **Consumer Finance (0.1%)** | **Consumer Finance (0.1%)** |
| Upstart Holdings, Inc. (a)(b) | 36140 | 478 |
| **Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (0.0%)** | **Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (0.0%)** | **Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (0.0%)** |
| Magic Leap Class A (a)(c)(d)<br>(acquisition cost — $1,526; <br>acquired 12/22/15) | 3138 |  |
| **Entertainment (5.1%)** | **Entertainment (5.1%)** | **Entertainment (5.1%)** |
| ROBLOX Corp., Class A (a) | 585093 | 16652 |
| Sea Ltd. ADR (Singapore) (a) | 44758 | 2329 |
|  |  | 18981 |
| **Health Care Equipment & Supplies (0.2%)** | **Health Care Equipment & Supplies (0.2%)** | **Health Care Equipment & Supplies (0.2%)** |
| Dexcom, Inc. (a) | 5283 | 598 |
| **Health Care Providers & Services (3.2%)** | **Health Care Providers & Services (3.2%)** | **Health Care Providers & Services (3.2%)** |
| Agilon health, Inc. (a) | 583059 | 9411 |
| Guardant Health, Inc. (a) | 90331 | 2457 |
|  |  | 11868 |
| **Health Care Technology (1.9%)** | **Health Care Technology (1.9%)** | **Health Care Technology (1.9%)** |
| Doximity, Inc., Class A (a) | 209843 | 7042 |
| **Information Technology Services (26.4%)** | **Information Technology Services (26.4%)** | **Information Technology Services (26.4%)** |
| Adyen NV (Netherlands) (a) | 11322 | 15718 |
| Affirm Holdings, Inc. (a) | 229858 | 2223 |
| Block, Inc., Class A (a) | 105246 | 6614 |
| Cloudflare, Inc., Class A (a) | 491307 | 22212 |
| Shopify, Inc., Class A (Canada) (a) | 628871 | 21828 |
| Snowflake, Inc., Class A (a) | 212208 | 30460 |
|  |  | 99055 |
| **Interactive Media & Services (2.8%)** | **Interactive Media & Services (2.8%)** | **Interactive Media & Services (2.8%)** |
| ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc., Class A (a) | 349359 | 10519 |
| **Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (14.0%)** | **Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (14.0%)** | **Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (14.0%)** |
| Chewy, Inc., Class A (a) | 291615 | 10813 |
| Coupang, Inc. (a) | 638046 | 9386 |
| DoorDash, Inc., Class A (a) | 335753 | 16391 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Global-e Online Ltd. (Israel) (a) | 80617 | $| 1664 |
| MercadoLibre, Inc. (a) | 12488 |  | 10568 |
| Wayfair, Inc., Class A (a) | 107519 |  | 3536 |
|  |  |  | 52358 |
| **Leisure Products (0.5%)** | **Leisure Products (0.5%)** | **Leisure Products (0.5%)** | **Leisure Products (0.5%)** |
| Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A (a) | 243346 |  | 1932 |
| **Life Sciences Tools & Services (4.2%)** | **Life Sciences Tools & Services (4.2%)** | **Life Sciences Tools & Services (4.2%)** | **Life Sciences Tools & Services (4.2%)** |
| 10X Genomics, Inc., Class A (a) | 177270 |  | 6460 |
| Illumina, Inc. (a) | 46769 |  | 9457 |
|  |  |  | 15917 |
| **Media (6.0%)** | **Media (6.0%)** | **Media (6.0%)** | **Media (6.0%)** |
| Trade Desk, Inc., Class A (a) | 504686 |  | 22625 |
| **Pharmaceuticals (7.1%)** | **Pharmaceuticals (7.1%)** | **Pharmaceuticals (7.1%)** | **Pharmaceuticals (7.1%)** |
| Royalty Pharma PLC, Class A (United Kingdom) | 673895 |  | 26632 |
| **Road & Rail (8.4%)** | **Road & Rail (8.4%)** | **Road & Rail (8.4%)** | **Road & Rail (8.4%)** |
| Grab Holdings Ltd., Class A (Singapore) (a) | 2149855 |  | 6922 |
| Uber Technologies, Inc. (a) | 984827 |  | 24355 |
|  |  |  | 31277 |
| **Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (2.0%)** | **Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (2.0%)** | **Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (2.0%)** | **Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (2.0%)** |
| ASML Holding NV (Netherlands) | 13376 |  | 7309 |
| **Software (11.8%)** | **Software (11.8%)** | **Software (11.8%)** | **Software (11.8%)** |
| Bill.Com Holdings, Inc. (a) | 183827 |  | 20030 |
| Datadog, Inc., Class A (a) | 241006 |  | 17714 |
| Gitlab, Inc., Class A (a) | 141513 |  | 6430 |
|  |  |  | 44174 |
| **Specialty Retail (0.3%)** | **Specialty Retail (0.3%)** | **Specialty Retail (0.3%)** | **Specialty Retail (0.3%)** |
| Carvana Co. (a) | 250476 |  | 1187 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $603,956)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $603,956)** |  | 360971 |
| **Preferred Stocks (1.8%)** | **Preferred Stocks (1.8%)** | **Preferred Stocks (1.8%)** | **Preferred Stocks (1.8%)** |
| **Software (1.8%)** | **Software (1.8%)** | **Software (1.8%)** | **Software (1.8%)** |
| Databricks, Inc., Series H (a)(c)(d) <br>(acquisition cost — $8,310; <br>acquired 8/31/21) | 113088 |  | 6221 |
| Lookout, Inc., Series F (a)(c)(d) <br>(acquisition cost — $1,618; <br>acquired 6/17/14) | 141612 |  | 666 |
| **Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $9,928)** | **Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $9,928)** |  | 6887 |
| **Investment Company (0.6%)** | **Investment Company (0.6%)** | **Investment Company (0.6%)** | **Investment Company (0.6%)** |
| Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (a) **(Cost $11,735)** | 270111 |  | 2239 |
| **Short-Term Investments (1.3%)** | **Short-Term Investments (1.3%)** | **Short-Term Investments (1.3%)** | **Short-Term Investments (1.3%)** |
| **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.2%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.2%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.2%)** | **Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities (0.2%)** |
| **Investment Company (0.2%)** | **Investment Company (0.2%)** | **Investment Company (0.2%)** | **Investment Company (0.2%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Treasury Securities <br>Portfolio — Institutional Class <br>(See Note H) | 767822 |  | 768 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>5

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Growth Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Face Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Repurchase Agreements (0.0%) (e)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.0%) (e)** | **Repurchase Agreements (0.0%) (e)** |
| HSBC Securities USA, Inc., (4.27%, <br>dated 12/30/22, due 1/3/23; <br>proceeds $71; fully collateralized <br>by a U.S. Government obligation; <br>4.38% due 5/15/41; valued at $73) | $71 | $71 |
| Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., (4.25%, <br>dated 12/30/22, due 1/3/23; <br>proceeds $71; fully collateralized <br>by a U.S. Government obligation; <br>1.50% due 2/15/25; valued at $73) | 71 | 71 |
|  |  | 142 |
| **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $910)** | **Total Securities held as Collateral on <br>Loaned Securities (Cost $910)** | 910 |
|  | **Shares** |  |
| **Investment Company (1.1%)** | **Investment Company (1.1%)** | **Investment Company (1.1%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Treasury Securities <br>Portfolio — Institutional Class <br>(See Note H) **(Cost $3,946)** | 3945816 | 3946 |
| **Total Short-Term Investments <br>(Cost $4,856)** | **Total Short-Term Investments <br>(Cost $4,856)** | 4856 |
| **Total Investments Excluding Purchased <br>Options (100.1%) (Cost $630,475)** |  | 374953 |
| **Total Purchased Options Outstanding (0.2%) <br>(Cost $997)** | **Total Purchased Options Outstanding (0.2%) <br>(Cost $997)** | 636 |
| **Total Investments (100.3%) (Cost $631,472) <br>Including $899 of Securities Loaned (f)(g)(h)** | **Total Investments (100.3%) (Cost $631,472) <br>Including $899 of Securities Loaned (f)(g)(h)** | 375589 |
| **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–0.3%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (–0.3%)** | (974) |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $374615 |

---

(a) Non-income producing security.

(b) All or a portion of this security was on loan at December 31, 2022.

(c) Security cannot be offered for public resale without first being registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and related rules ("restricted security"). Acquisition date represents the day on which an enforceable right to acquire such security is obtained and is presented along with related cost in the security description. The Fund has registration rights for certain restricted securities. Any costs related to such registration are borne by the issuer. The aggregate value of restricted securities (excluding 144A holdings) at December 31, 2022 amounts to approximately $6,887,000 and represents 1.8% of net assets.

(d) At December 31, 2022, the Fund held fair valued securities at approximately $6,887,000, representing 1.8% of net assets. These securities have been fair valued as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company's (as defined herein) Directors.

(e) Amount is less than 0.05%.

(f) The approximate fair value and percentage of net assets, $15,718,000 and 4.2%, respectively, represent the securities that have been fair valued under the fair valuation policy for international investments as described in Note A-1 within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(g) Securities are available for collateral in connection with purchased options.

(h) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $641,805,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $0 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $266,194,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $266,194,000.

ADR American Depositary Receipt.

**Call Options Purchased:**

The Fund had the following call options purchased open at December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Counterparty** | **Description** | **Strike<br>Price** | **Expiration<br>Date** | **Number of<br>Contracts** | **Notional<br>Amount<br>(000)** | **Value<br>(000)** | **Premiums<br>Paid<br>(000)** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation<br>(000)** |
| Goldman Sachs International | USD/CNH CNH | 7.87 | Oct-23 | 880149 | $880 | $2 | $4 | $(2) |
| JP Morgan Chase Bank NA | USD/CNH CNH | 7.53 | Jul-23 | 99573866 | 99574 | 287 | 494 | (207) |
| Standard Chartered Bank | USD/CNH CNH | 7.57 | Aug-23 | 111754020 | 111754 | 347 | 499 | (152) |
|  |  |  |  |  |  | $636 | $997 | $(361) |

---

CNH — Chinese Yuan Renminbi Offshore

USD — United States Dollar

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>6

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

**Growth Portfolio**

**Portfolio Composition\***

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Information Technology Services | 26.5% |
| Others\*\* | 19.3 |
| Internet & Direct Marketing Retail | 14.0 |
| Software | 13.6 |
| Road & Rail | 8.4 |
| Pharmaceuticals | 7.1 |
| Media | 6.0 |
| Entertainment | 5.1 |
| Total Investments | 100.0% |

---

\* Percentages indicated are based upon total investments (excluding Securities held as Collateral on Loaned Securities) as of December 31, 2022.

\*\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>7

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Growth Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value<sup>(1)</sup> (Cost $626,758) | $370875 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $4,714) | 4714 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $631,472) | 375589 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $1) | 1 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 1641 |
| Receivable from Securities Lending Income | 26 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 17 |
| Other Assets | 34 |
| Total Assets | 377308 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Due to Broker | 980 |
| Collateral on Securities Loaned, at Value | 910 |
| Payable for Advisory Fees | 265 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 171 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 158 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 72 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 34 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 27 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 10 |
| Payable for Directors' Fees and Expenses | 10 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 3 |
| Other Liabilities | 53 |
| Total Liabilities | 2693 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $374615 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $724619 |
| Total Accumulated Loss | (350004) |
| **Net Assets** | $374615 |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $220167 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 24,529,343 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $8.98 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $154448 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 22,625,578 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $6.83 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Including:** |
| Securities on Loan, at Value: | $899 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Growth Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers (Net of $25 of Foreign Taxes Withheld) | $644 |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | 193 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 127 |
| Total Investment Income | 964 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 2735 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 753 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 523 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 438 |
| Professional Fees | 170 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 75 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 28 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 13 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 13 |
| Pricing Fees | 4 |
| Other Expenses | 31 |
| Total Expenses | 4783 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (1143 |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (17 |
| Net Expenses | 3623 |
| **Net Investment Loss** | (2659 |
| **Realized Loss:** | **Realized Loss:** |
| Investments Sold | (94620 |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (4 |
| Net Realized Loss | (94624 |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments | (494828 |
| Foreign Currency Translation |  |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (494828 |
| **Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (589452 |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(592111 |

---

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>9

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Growth Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31,<br>2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Loss | $(2659) | $(6912) |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (94624) | 291430 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (494828) | (275645) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (592111) | 8873 |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (161329) | (182572) |
| Class II | (120205) | (102441) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (281534) | (285013) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 21161 | 36428 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 161329 | 182572 |
| Redeemed | (73166) | (134771) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 84262 | 119731 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 120205 | 102441 |
| Redeemed | (70611) | (150916) |
| Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | 243180 | 155485 |
| Total Decrease in Net Assets | (630465) | (120655) |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 1005080 | 1125735 |
| End of Period | $374615 | $1005080 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 1087 | 535 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 15277 | 3013 |
| Shares Redeemed | (3850) | (2028) |
| Net Increase in Class I Shares Outstanding | 12514 | 1520 |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 5157 | 2052 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 14951 | 1873 |
| Shares Redeemed | (4909) | (2469) |
| Net Increase in Class II Shares Outstanding | 15199 | 1456 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Financial Highlights

**Growth Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2019<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2018<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $53.72 | $70.24 | $35.80 | $28.62 | $32.38 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Loss<sup>(2)</sup> | (0.07) | (0.35) | (0.28) | (0.14) | (0.14) |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (30.00) | 2.53 | 40.32 | 9.23 | 3.34 |
| Total from Investment Operations | (30.07) | 2.18 | 40.04 | 9.09 | 3.20 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Realized Gain | (14.67) | (18.70) | (5.60) | (1.91) | (6.96) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $8.98 | $53.72 | $70.24 | $35.80 | $28.62 |
| **Total Return<sup>(3)</sup>** | (60.07)% | 0.10% | 117.31% | 31.81% | 7.54% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $220167 | $645473 | $737155 | $386720 | $126941 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 0.78% | 0.74% | 0.74% | 0.78% | N/A |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.57%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.57%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.56%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.61%<sup>(4)(5)</sup> | 0.79%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.39)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.52)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.55)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.41)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.39)%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup> | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 41% | 59% | 55% | 95% | 56% |

---

(1) Not consolidated.

(2) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(3) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Effective April 29, 2019, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 0.57% for Class I shares. Prior to April 29, 2019, the maximum ratio was 0.80% for Class I shares.

(6) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>11

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Consolidated Financial Highlights

**Growth Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2019<sup>(1)</sup>** | **2018<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $48.42 | $65.09 | $33.51 | $26.95 | $30.89 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Loss<sup>(2)</sup> | (0.09) | (0.46) | (0.38) | (0.21) | (0.21) |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (26.83) | 2.49 | 37.56 | 8.68 | 3.23 |
| Total from Investment Operations | (26.92) | 2.03 | 37.18 | 8.47 | 3.02 |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Realized Gain | (14.67) | (18.70) | (5.60) | (1.91) | (6.96) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $6.83 | $48.42 | $65.09 | $33.51 | $26.95 |
| **Total Return<sup>(3)</sup>** | (60.16)% | (0.15)% | 116.76% | 31.47% | 7.30% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $154448 | $359607 | $388580 | $213760 | $139300 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.03% | 0.99% | 0.99% | 1.03% | N/A |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.82%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.82%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.81%<sup>(4)</sup> | 0.86%<sup>(4)(5)</sup> | 1.04%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Loss | (0.64)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.77)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.80)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.66)%<sup>(4)</sup> | (0.64)%<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup> | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00%<sup>(6)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 41% | 59% | 55% | 95% | 56% |

---

(1) Not consolidated.

(2) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(3) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(4) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Loss reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(5) Effective April 29, 2019, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 0.82% for Class II shares. Prior to April 29, 2019, the maximum ratio was 1.05% for Class II shares.

(6) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.<br>12

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements relate to the Growth Portfolio. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in growth-oriented equity securities of large capitalization companies. The Fund offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights. Effective May 21, 2021, the Fund suspended offering of Class I and Class II shares to new investors. On March 15, 2022, the Fund recommenced offering Class I and Class II shares to new investors.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. GAAP may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands, VIF Growth Cayman Portfolio, Ltd. (the "Subsidiary"). The Subsidiary may invest in bitcoin indirectly through cash settled futures or indirectly through investments in Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC) ("GBTC"), a privately offered investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The consolidated portfolio of investments and consolidated financial statements include the positions and accounts of the Fund and the Subsidiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions of the Fund and the Subsidiary have been eliminated in consolidation and all accounting policies of the Subsidiary are consistent with those of the Fund. As of December 31, 2022, the

Subsidiary represented approximately $2,647,000 or approximately 0.71% of the total net assets of the Fund.

Investments in the Subsidiary are expected to provide the Fund with exposure to bitcoin within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and recent Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") revenue rulings, which require that a mutual fund receive no more than ten percent of its gross income from such investments in order to receive favorable tax treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC"). Tax treatment of the income received from the Subsidiary may potentially be affected by changes in legislation, regulations or other legally binding authority, which could affect the character, timing and amount of the Fund's taxable income and distributions. If such changes occur, the Fund may need to significantly change its investment strategy and recognize unrealized gains in order to remain qualified for taxation as a RIC, which could adversely affect the Fund.

In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions ("ASU 2022-03"), which clarifies the guidance in ASC Topic No. 820 on the fair value measurement of an equity security that is subject to a contractual sale restriction and introduces new disclosures related to such equity security. ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual sale restriction prohibiting the sale of an equity security is a characteristic of the reporting entity holding the equity security and is not included in the equity security's unit of account. Accordingly, an entity should not consider the contractual sale restriction when measuring the equity security's fair value (i.e., the entity should not apply a discount related to the contractual sale restriction, as stated in ASC 820-10-35-36B as amended by ASU 2022-03). In addition, ASU 2022-03 prohibits an entity from recognizing a contractual sale restriction as a separate unit of account. The new guidance is effective for public companies with annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods in the following year, with early adoption permitted. At this time, management is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2022-03.

**1. Security Valuation:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) listed options are valued at the last reported sales price on the exchange on which they are listed (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price). If an official closing price or last reported sales price is unavailable, the listed option should be fair valued at the mean between its latest bid and ask prices. Unlisted options are valued at the mean between their latest bid and ask prices from a broker/dealer or valued by a pricing service/vendor; (4) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (5) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio

securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (6) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; (7) Private Investment in Public Equity ("PIPE") investments may be valued based on the underlying stock price less a discount until the commitment is fulfilled and shares are registered; and (8) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** FASB ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Automobiles | $1129 | $— | $— |  | $1129 |  |
| Biotechnology | 4700 |  |  |  | 4700 |  |
| Capital Markets | 1301 |  |  |  | 1301 |  |
| Chemicals | 1439 |  |  |  | 1439 |  |
| Commercial Services & <br>Supplies | 450 |  |  |  | 450 |  |
| Consumer Finance | 478 |  |  |  | 478 |  |
| Electronic Equipment, <br>Instruments & <br>Components |  |  |  | † |  | † |
| Entertainment | 18981 |  |  |  | 18981 |  |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (Cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (Cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (Cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (Cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (Cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (Cont'd)** | **Common Stocks (Cont'd)** |
| Health Care <br>Equipment & <br>Supplies | $598 | $— | $— |  | $598 |  |
| Health Care Providers & <br>Services | 11868 |  |  |  | 11868 |  |
| Health Care Technology | 7042 |  |  |  | 7042 |  |
| Information Technology <br>Services | 83337 | 15718 |  |  | 99055 |  |
| Interactive Media & <br>Services | 10519 |  |  |  | 10519 |  |
| Internet & Direct <br>Marketing Retail | 52358 |  |  |  | 52358 |  |
| Leisure Products | 1932 |  |  |  | 1932 |  |
| Life Sciences Tools & <br>Services | 15917 |  |  |  | 15917 |  |
| Media | 22625 |  |  |  | 22625 |  |
| Pharmaceuticals | 26632 |  |  |  | 26632 |  |
| Road & Rail | 31277 |  |  |  | 31277 |  |
| Semiconductors & <br>Semiconductor <br>Equipment | 7309 |  |  |  | 7309 |  |
| Software | 44174 |  |  |  | 44174 |  |
| Specialty Retail | 1187 |  |  |  | 1187 |  |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **345253** | **15718** | **—** | **†** | **360971** | **†** |
| **Preferred Stocks** | **Preferred Stocks** | **Preferred Stocks** | **Preferred Stocks** | **Preferred Stocks** | **Preferred Stocks** | **Preferred Stocks** |
| Software |  |  | 6887 |  | 6887 |  |
| **Investment Company** | 2239 |  |  |  | 2239 |  |
| **Call Options Purchased** |  | 636 |  |  | 636 |  |
| **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** | **Short-Term Investments** |
| Investment Company | 4714 |  |  |  | 4714 |  |
| Repurchase Agreements |  | 142 |  |  | 142 |  |
| **Total Short-Term <br>Investments** | **4714** | **142** | **—** |  | **4856** |  |
| **Total Assets** | $**352206** | $**16496** | $**6887** | **†** | $**375589** | **†** |

---

† Includes a security valued at zero.

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

Following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Common<br>Stock<br>(000)** | **Preferred<br>Stocks<br>(000)** | **Preferred<br>Stocks<br>(000)** |
| **Beginning Balance** | $— | $9175 | † |
| Purchases |  |  |  |
| Sales |  |  |  |
| PIPE transactions |  |  |  |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Common<br>Stock<br>(000)** | **Common<br>Stock<br>(000)** | **Preferred<br>Stocks<br>(000)** |
| Amortization of discount | $— |  | $— |
| Transfers in |  | † |  |
| Transfers out |  |  | (1526) |
| Corporate actions |  |  |  |
| Change in unrealized <br>appreciation (depreciation) |  |  | (2288) |
| Realized gains (losses) |  |  |  |
| **Ending Balance** | $— | † | $6887 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation <br>(depreciation) from investments still <br>held as of December 31, 2022 | $— |  | $(2288) |

---

† Includes a security valued at zero.

The following table presents additional information about valuation techniques and inputs used for investments that are measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 as of December 31, 2022. Various valuation techniques were used in the valuation of certain investments and weighted based on the level of significance. The Fund calculated the weighted averages of the unobservable inputs relative to each investment's fair value as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fair Value at <br>December 31, 2022 <br>(000)** | **Valuation <br>Technique** | **Unobservable<br>Input** | **Amount or Range/<br>Weighted Average\*** | **Amount or Range/<br>Weighted Average\*** | **Impact to<br>Valuation from an<br>Increase in Input\*\*** |
| Preferred Stocks | $6887 | Discounted Cash Flow | Weighted Average<br>Cost of Capital | 12.5%–15.0%/14.0% |  | Decrease |
|  |  |  | Perpetual Growth<br>Rate | 3.0%–4.0%/3.5% |  | Increase |
|  |  | Market Comparable <br>Companies | Enterprise Value/<br>Revenue | 0.9x–14.0x/12.2x |  | Increase |
|  |  |  | Discount for Lack <br>of Marketability | 15.0%–16.0%/15.1% |  | Decrease |
|  |  | Comparable Transactions | Enterprise Value/<br>Revenue | 9.3 | x | Increase |

---

\* Amount is indicative of the weighted average.

\*\* Represents the expected directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase in the corresponding input. A decrease to the unobservable input would have the opposite effect. Significant changes in these inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.

**3. Repurchase Agreements:**The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under which the Fund lends 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 which are held as 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 that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest as earned. If such a decrease occurs, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, will be added to the account to maintain full

collateralization. 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 of the collateral proceeds may be subject to cost and delays. The Fund, along with other affiliated investment companies, may utilize a joint trading account for the purpose of entering into repurchase agreements.

**4. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate of exchange on the valuation date;

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

— 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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations

of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**5. Derivatives:** The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying asset and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. All of the Fund's holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked-to-market each day with the change in value reflected in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund used during the period and their associated risks:

**Options:** With respect to options, the Fund is subject to equity risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument or foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for premiums paid by the Fund. The Fund may purchase and/or sell put and call options. Purchasing call options tends to increase the Fund's exposure to the underlying (or similar) instrument. Purchasing put options tends to decrease the Fund's exposure to the underlying (or similar) instrument. When entering into purchased option contracts, the Fund bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the purchased option contracts; however the risk of loss is limited to the premium paid. Purchased options are reported as part of "Total Investments in Securities" in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expired are treated as realized losses. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another party the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument or foreign currency, or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency, at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC, the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.

**Private Investment in Public Equity:** The Fund may acquire equity securities of an issuer that are issued through a private investment in public equity transaction, including on a when-issued basis. PIPE transactions typically involve the purchase of securities directly from a

publicly traded company or its affiliates in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's securities. The Fund's PIPE investment represents an unfunded subscription agreement in a private investment in public equity.

As of December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any open PIPE contract.

FASB ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund's financial position and results of operations.

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund's derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Asset Derivatives <br>Consolidated <br>Statement of Assets <br>and Liabilities <br>Location** | **Primary Risk<br>Exposure** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Purchased Options | Investments, at Value<br>(Purchased Options) | Currency Risk | $636<br> (a) |

---

(a) Amounts are included in Investments in Securities in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following tables set forth by primary risk exposure the Fund's realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by type of derivative contract for the year ended December 31, 2022 in accordance with ASC 815:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative <br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Investments<br>(Purchased Options) | $(5092)(b) |

---

(b) Amounts are included in Realized Loss on Investments Sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** |
| **Primary Risk Exposure** | **Derivative <br>Type** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| Currency Risk | Investments<br>(Purchased Options) | $4051<br> (c) |

---

(c) Amounts are included in Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

At December 31, 2022, the Fund's derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Derivatives** | **Assets(d)<br>(000)** | **Liabilities(d)<br>(000)** |
| Purchased Options | $636<br> (a) | $— |

---

(a) Amounts are included in Investments in Securities in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(d) Absent an event of default or early termination, OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements ("ISDA Master Agreements") or similar master agreements (collectively, "Master Agreements") with its contract counterparties for certain OTC derivatives in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain OTC derivative financial instruments' payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default, termination and/or potential deterioration in the credit quality of the counterparty. Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as swap, forward, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party and may be a feature in certain Master Agreements. In the event the Fund exercises its right to terminate a Master Agreement after a counterparty experiences a termination event as defined in the Master Agreement, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund's net liability may be delayed or denied.

The following table presents derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Counterparty** | **Gross Asset <br>Derivatives<br>Presented <br>in the <br>Consolidated <br>Statement of<br>Assets and <br>Liabilities(a)<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received(e)<br>(000)** | **Net <br>Amount<br>(not less <br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| Goldman Sachs <br>International | $2 | $— | $(2) | $0 |
| JP Morgan Chase <br>Bank NA | 287 |  | (287) | 0 |
| Standard <br>Chartered Bank | 347 |  | (347) | 0 |
| Total | $636 | $— | $(636) | $0 |

---

(a) Amounts are included in Investments in Securities in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(e) In some instances, the actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the approximate average monthly amount outstanding for each derivative type is as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Purchased Options:** | **Purchased Options:** |
| Average monthly notional amount | 565807000 |
| **Derivative Contract — PIPE:** | **Derivative Contract — PIPE:** |
| Average monthly notional amount | $1210000 |

---

**6. Securities Lending:**The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Consolidated Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The following table presents financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** | **Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated <br>Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |
| **Gross Asset <br>Amounts<br>Presented <br>in the <br>Consolidated <br>Statement of <br>Assets and<br>Liabilities<br>(000)** | **Financial<br>Instrument<br>(000)** | **Collateral<br>Received<br>(000)** | **Net Amount<br>(not less<br>than $0)<br>(000)** |
| $899<br> (f) | $— | $(899)(g)(h) | $0 |

---

(f) Represents market value of loaned securities at year end.

(g) The Fund received cash collateral of approximately $910,000, which was subsequently invested in Repurchase Agreements and Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds as reported in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

(h) The actual collateral received is greater than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

FASB ASC 860, "Transfers & Servicing: Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures", is intended to provide increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in securities lending transactions and other similar transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings.

The following table displays a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligations by class of collateral pledged and the remaining

contractual maturity of those transactions as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** | **Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements** |
| | **Overnight and<br>Continuous<br>(000)** | **<30 days<br>(000)** | **Between<br>30 & <br>90 days<br>(000)** | **>90 days<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** | **Securities Lending <br>Transactions** |
| Common Stocks | $910 | $— | $— | $— | $910 |
| **Total Borrowings** | $**910** | $**—** | $**—** | $**—** | $**910** |
| **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | **Gross amount of<br>recognized liabilities<br>for securities lending<br>transactions** | $**910** |

---

**7. Restricted Securities:** The Fund invests in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities. The term "restricted securities" refers to securities that are unregistered or are held by control persons of the issuer and securities that are subject to contractual restrictions on their resale. As a result, restricted securities may be more difficult to value and the Fund may have difficulty disposing of such assets either in a timely manner or for a reasonable price. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered so that the Fund can sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and the acquirer of the securities. The Fund would, in either case, bear market risks during that period. Restricted securities are identified in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

**8. Indemnifications:** The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**9. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

Non-cash dividends received in the form of stock, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

**10. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **First $1<br>billion** | **Next $1<br>billion** | **Next $1<br>billion** | **Over $3<br>billion** |
| 0.50% | 0.45% | 0.40% | 0.35% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.29% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.57% for Class I shares and 0.82% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $1,143,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Subsidiary pursuant to the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement (the "Agreement"). Under the Agreement, the Subsidiary will pay the Adviser at the end of each fiscal quarter, calculated by applying a quarterly rate, based on the annual rate of 0.05%, to the average daily net assets of the Subsidiary.

The Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fees by the amount of advisory fees it receives from the Subsidiary.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:** The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $228,055,000 and $242,334,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds -Treasury Securities Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $17,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value <br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales <br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $33895 | $169439 | $198620 | $127 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized<br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $4714 |

---

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund incurred approximately $2,000 in brokerage commissions with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser/Administrator, Sub-Adviser and Distributor, for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the Fund.

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she

receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a RIC and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the consolidated financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for consolidated financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the consolidated financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $9134 | $272400 | $34650 | $250363 |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

Permanent differences, primarily due to a net operating loss, resulted in the following reclassifications among the components of net assets at December 31, 2022:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Total<br>Accumulated<br>Loss<br>(000)** | **Paid-in-<br>Capital<br>(000)** |
| $7803 | $(7803) |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had no distributable earnings on a tax basis.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term and long-term capital losses of approximately $38,794,000 and $44,965,000, respectively, that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the shareholders.

**J. Credit Facility:**The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 84.9%.

**L. Market Risk and Risks Relating to Certain Financial Instruments:**

**Bitcoin:** The Fund may have exposure to cryptocurrencies indirectly through investments in GBTC, a privately offered investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as "virtual currencies" and "digital currencies") are digital assets designed to act as a medium of exchange. Although cryptocurrency is an emerging asset class,

there are thousands of cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin. Cryptocurrency facilitates decentralized, peer-to-peer financial exchange and value storage that is used like money, without the oversight of a central authority or banks. The value of cryptocurrency is not backed by any government, corporation, or other identified body. Similar to fiat currencies (i.e., a currency that is backed by a central bank or a national, supra-national or quasi-national organization), cryptocurrencies are susceptible to theft, loss and destruction. For example, the bitcoin held by GBTC (and the Fund's indirect exposure to such bitcoin) is also susceptible to these risks. The value of the GBTC investments in cryptocurrency is subject to fluctuations in the value of the cryptocurrency, which have been and may in the future be highly volatile. The value of cryptocurrencies is determined by the supply and demand for cryptocurrency in the global market for the trading of cryptocurrency, which consists primarily of transactions on electronic exchanges. The price of bitcoin could drop precipitously (including to zero) for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, a crisis of confidence, flaw or operational issue in the bitcoin network or a change in user preference to competing cryptocurrencies. The GBTC exposure to cryptocurrency could result in substantial losses to the Fund.

**Market:** Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont'd)

and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPAC"):** The Fund may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of SPACs or similar special purpose entities. A SPAC is typically a publicly traded company that raises investment capital via an initial public offering ("IPO") for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein) via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. The Fund may acquire an interest in a SPAC in an IPO or a secondary market transaction.

Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash. To the extent the SPAC is invested in cash or similar securities, this may negatively affect the Fund's performance. Because SPACs and similar entities are in essence blank check companies without operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Fund invests will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. In addition, these securities, which are typically traded in the over-the-counter market, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.

Other risks of investing in SPACs include that a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target transaction; an attractive transaction may not be identified at all (or any requisite approvals may not be obtained) and the SPAC may dissolve and be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders, causing the Fund to incur the opportunity cost of missed investment opportunities the Fund otherwise could have benefited from; a transaction once identified or effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by the Fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; and an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings

of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC. In addition, a SPAC target company may have limited operating experience, a smaller size, limited product lines, markets, distribution channels and financial and managerial resources. Investing in the securities of smaller companies involves greater risk, and portfolio price volatility.

**Private Investment in Public Equity:** The Fund may acquire equity securities of an issuer that are issued through a PIPE transaction, including on a when-issued basis. The Fund will generally earmark an amount of cash or high quality securities equal (on a daily mark to market basis) to the amount of its commitment to purchase the when-issued securities. PIPE transactions typically involve the purchase of securities directly from a publicly traded company or its affiliates in a private placement transaction, including through a SPAC, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's securities. There is a risk that if the market price of the securities drops below a set threshold, the company may have to issue additional stock at a significantly reduced price, which may dilute the value of the Fund's investment. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):**On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>Growth Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Growth Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j23165910_fa003.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $272,400,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund's earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $167,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |

---

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship; Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE <br>Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in<br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

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\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

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The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor<br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFCGANN<br>5432205 EXP. 02.29.24

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![](j23165911_aa017.jpg)

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

U.S. Real Estate Portfolio

The Fund is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Table of Contents** (unaudited)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Expense Example | 2 |
| Investment Overview | 3 |
| Portfolio of Investments | 5 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 6 |
| Statement of Operations | 7 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 8 |
| Financial Highlights | 9 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 11 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 17 |
| Liquidity Risk Management Program | 18 |
| Federal Tax Notice | 19 |
| Director and Officer Information | 20 |

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Expense Example (unaudited)

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

As a shareholder of the U.S. Real Estate Portfolio (the "Fund"), you incur two types of costs: (1) insurance company charges; and (2) ongoing costs, which may include advisory fees, administration fees, distribution (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.

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period ended December 31, 2022 and held for the entire six-month period.

**Actual Expenses**

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this table, 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 table under the heading entitled "Actual Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

**Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes**

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and 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 costs 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 insurance company charges. Therefore, the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs, but will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds. In addition, if these insurance company charges were included, your costs would have been higher.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Beginning<br>Account Value<br>7/1/22** | **Actual Ending<br>Account Value<br>12/31/22** | **Hypothetical<br>Ending <br>Account Value** | **Actual<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Hypothetical<br>Expenses Paid<br>During Period\*** | **Net Expense<br>Ratio During<br>Period\*\*** |
| U.S. Real Estate Portfolio Class I | $1000.00 | $927.90 | $1021.07 | $3.98 | $4.18 | 0.82% |
| U.S. Real Estate Portfolio Class II | 1000.00 | 926.50 | 1019.81 | 5.20 | 5.45 | 1.07 |

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\* Expenses are calculated using each Fund Class' annualized net expense ratio (as disclosed), multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the most recent one-half year period).

\*\* Annualized.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited)

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

The Fund seeks to provide above average current income and long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of companies in the U.S. real estate industry, including real estate investment trusts ("REITs").

**Performance**

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund's Class I shares had a total return based on net asset value and reinvestment of distributions per share of –27.05%, net of fees, and –27.22%, net of fees, for Class II shares. The Fund's Class I and Class II shares underperformed the Fund's benchmark, the FTSE Nareit (National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) Equity REITs Index (the "Index"), which returned –24.37%, and underperformed the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, which returned –18.11%.

**Factors Affecting Performance**

• Amid a down market primarily dominated by inflation and related concerns — recession, rising interest rates — the real estate sector underperformed the broader equity markets. The Federal Reserve (Fed) announced its first interest rate hike of 25 basis points (bps)<sup>(i)</sup> in the first quarter of 2022 followed by more aggressive interest rate hikes in increments of 50 and 75 bps, surprising the market and investors. The Fed's aggressive monetary policy tightening was negative for risk assets, including real estate, and led to negative absolute performance for REITs.

• The Fund's security selection in shopping centers, storage and apartments, and the underweight to office were top relative contributors for the year. Key detractors included the underweights to the gaming net lease subsector and hotels subsector, and security selection in data centers and health care.

**Management Strategies**

• The team uses internal proprietary research to invest in public real estate companies that we believe offer the best value relative to their underlying assets and growth prospects. The team combines a bottom-up approach, assessing the intrinsic value, equity multiples and growth prospects of each security, with a top-down view that incorporates fundamental inflection points, macroeconomic considerations, and geopolitical risk. By incorporating both an equity market valuation and a more traditional real estate valuation with a top-down overlay, we believe the Fund will be better prepared to identify securities with the best expected total returns.

• Forecasted returns for the listed real estate asset class have deteriorated in the intermediate term given the more challenging macro backdrop. However, we believe relative strength in cash flows can be expected given the unique nature of the listed real estate asset class. Specifically, the contracted rental streams with inflation-linked escalations and the necessity-based nature of real estate — the listed real estate market evolves and grows with the broader needs of society and the economy and sits at the center of how people live, work, shop and communicate — coupled with limited new real estate supply additions due to rising construction costs, may suggest limited downside in cash flows and support more resiliency in fundamentals, despite near-term macro uncertainty. While our cash flow growth estimates have been reduced for 2023 in light of our expectation for lower gross domestic product growth and a potential recession, we still forecast attractive cash flow growth rates for REITs.

• Real estate values are ultimately a function of supply, demand and credit. With demand moderating due to slowing growth and credit markets tightening with increasing interest rates, real estate values within the public markets have suffered. In fact, despite the inflation protection typically associated with the listed real estate sector, REITs underperformed the broader equities market. At the same time, and as is often the case, values within the private markets are taking longer to adjust. The appraisal-based nature of private real estate typically lags public valuations by approximately 12 months, while the daily pricing and volatility of listed real estate typically results in overcorrections in the public markets, which we believe may create an interesting arbitrage opportunity as there may be some potential contraction in private real estate values and potential appreciation in public real estate. While credit markets remain tight, the trajectory of Fed interest rate hikes is expected to slow, which we believe allows for normalization in lending, spreads and real estate capitalization rates. Ultimately, we believe the growth profile and values of REITs should hold up better than broader equities and private real estate in 2023.

<sup>(i)</sup> One basis point = 0.01%

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Investment Overview (unaudited) (cont'd)

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

![](j23165911_ba018.jpg)

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Fund's performance shown assumes that all recurring fees (including management fees) were deducted and all dividends and distributions were reinvested. The performance of Class II shares will vary from the performance of Class I shares based upon its different inception date and will be negatively impacted by additional fees assessed to that class.

**Performance Compared to the FTSE Nareit Equity REITs Index<sup>(1)</sup> and the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index<sup>(2)</sup>**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** | **Period Ended December 31, 2022** |
| | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total Returns<sup>(3)</sup>** |
| | | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** |
| |<br>**One<br>Year** | **Five<br>Years** | **Ten<br>Years** | **Since<br>Inception<sup>(6)</sup>** |
| Fund – Class I<sup>(4)</sup> | –27.05% | –1.43% | 3.32% | 7.49% |
| FTSE Nareit Equity REITs Index | –24.37 | 3.68 | 6.53 | 8.35 |
| S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index | –18.11 | 9.42 | 12.56 | 8.28 |
| Fund – Class II<sup>(5)</sup> | –27.22 | –1.68 | 3.06 | 7.56 |
| FTSE Nareit Equity REITs Index | –24.37 | 3.68 | 6.53 | 9.13 |
| S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index | –18.11 | 9.42 | 12.56 | 9.52 |

---

***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. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please contact the issuing insurance company or speak with your financial advisor. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance shown does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total returns would be lower. Fund's total returns are calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.***

<sup>(1)</sup> The FTSE Nareit (National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) Equity REITs Index is free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index of tax-qualified REITs listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and the NASDAQ National Market Systems. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Effective after the close of business on April 29, 2022, the Fund selected the FTSE Nareit Equity REITs Index as its broad-based index as a replacement for the Standard & Poor's 500<sup>®</sup> Index (S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index) because it believes the FTSE Nareit Equity REITs Index is more reflective of the Fund's principal investment strategies.

<sup>(2)</sup> The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index measures the performance of the large cap segment of the U.S. equities market, covering approximately 80% of the U.S. equities market. The Index includes 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

<sup>(3)</sup> Total returns for the Fund reflect fees waived and expenses reimbursed, if applicable, by the Adviser (as defined herein). Without such waivers and reimbursements, total returns would have been lower.

<sup>(4)</sup> Commenced operations on March 3, 1997.

<sup>(5)</sup> Commenced offering on November 5, 2002.

<sup>(6)</sup> For comparative purposes, average annual since inception returns listed for the Indexes refer to the inception date or initial offering of the respective share class of the Fund, not the inception of the Index.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Portfolio of Investments

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Common Stocks (97.9%)** | **Common Stocks (97.9%)** | **Common Stocks (97.9%)** |
| **Apartments (11.9%)** | **Apartments (11.9%)** | **Apartments (11.9%)** |
| Equity Residential REIT | 201751 | $11903 |
| Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT | 88392 | 13877 |
| UDR, Inc. REIT | 223748 | 8666 |
|  |  | 34446 |
| **Data Centers (11.1%)** | **Data Centers (11.1%)** | **Data Centers (11.1%)** |
| Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT | 115969 | 11628 |
| Equinix, Inc. REIT | 31517 | 20645 |
|  |  | 32273 |
| **Free Standing (7.0%)** | **Free Standing (7.0%)** | **Free Standing (7.0%)** |
| Agree Realty Corp. REIT | 105615 | 7492 |
| NETSTREIT Corp. REIT | 185387 | 3398 |
| Realty Income Corp. REIT | 148498 | 9419 |
|  |  | 20309 |
| **Health Care (9.8%)** | **Health Care (9.8%)** | **Health Care (9.8%)** |
| Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT | 215421 | 5401 |
| Ventas, Inc. REIT | 164741 | 7421 |
| Welltower, Inc. REIT | 240275 | 15750 |
|  |  | 28572 |
| **Industrial (13.9%)** | **Industrial (13.9%)** | **Industrial (13.9%)** |
| Americold Realty Trust, Inc. REIT | 204685 | 5795 |
| ProLogis, Inc. REIT | 306209 | 34519 |
|  |  | 40314 |
| **Lodging/Resorts (2.4%)** | **Lodging/Resorts (2.4%)** | **Lodging/Resorts (2.4%)** |
| Boyd Gaming Corp. | 38484 | 2098 |
| Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT | 306266 | 4916 |
|  |  | 7014 |
| **Manufactured Homes (3.5%)** | **Manufactured Homes (3.5%)** | **Manufactured Homes (3.5%)** |
| Sun Communities, Inc. REIT | 70764 | 10119 |
| **Office (0.7%)** | **Office (0.7%)** | **Office (0.7%)** |
| Kilroy Realty Corp. REIT | 50140 | 1939 |
| **Regional Malls (4.7%)** | **Regional Malls (4.7%)** | **Regional Malls (4.7%)** |
| Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT | 117374 | 13789 |
| **Self Storage (11.3%)** | **Self Storage (11.3%)** | **Self Storage (11.3%)** |
| Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT | 14744 | 2170 |
| Life Storage, Inc. REIT | 79224 | 7804 |
| Public Storage REIT | 81567 | 22854 |
|  |  | 32828 |
| **Shopping Centers (7.7%)** | **Shopping Centers (7.7%)** | **Shopping Centers (7.7%)** |
| Brixmor Property Group, Inc. REIT | 328170 | 7439 |
| Kite Realty Group Trust REIT | 375572 | 7906 |
| RPT Realty REIT | 300618 | 3018 |
| SITE Centers Corp. REIT | 298525 | 4078 |
|  |  | 22441 |
| **Single Family Homes (4.6%)** | **Single Family Homes (4.6%)** | **Single Family Homes (4.6%)** |
| American Homes 4 Rent, Class A REIT | 235550 | 7100 |
| Invitation Homes, Inc. REIT | 216242 | 6409 |
|  |  | 13509 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Shares** | **Value<br>(000)** |
| **Specialty (9.3%)** | **Specialty (9.3%)** | **Specialty (9.3%)** |
| Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT | 190986 | $9521 |
| Lamar Advertising Co., Class A REIT | 16277 | 1536 |
| VICI Properties, Inc. REIT | 491255 | 15917 |
|  |  | 26974 |
| **Total Common Stocks (Cost $293,053)** | **Total Common Stocks (Cost $293,053)** | 284527 |
| **Short-Term Investment (1.9%)** | **Short-Term Investment (1.9%)** | **Short-Term Investment (1.9%)** |
| **Investment Company (1.9%)** | **Investment Company (1.9%)** | **Investment Company (1.9%)** |
| Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity <br>Funds — Treasury Portfolio — Institutional <br>Class (See Note H) **(Cost $5,503)** | 5503296 | 5503 |
| **Total Investments (99.8%) (Cost $298,556)** (a) | **Total Investments (99.8%) (Cost $298,556)** (a) | 290030 |
| **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (0.2%)** | **Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (0.2%)** | 578 |
| **Net Assets (100.0%)** | **Net Assets (100.0%)** | $290608 |

---

(a) At December 31, 2022, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $300,243,000. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $18,599,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $28,813,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $10,214,000.

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust.

**Portfolio Composition**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Classification** | **Percentage of<br>Total Investments** |
| Other | 17.9% |
| Industrial | 13.9 |
| Apartments | 11.9 |
| Self Storage | 11.3 |
| Data Centers | 11.1 |
| Health Care | 9.9 |
| Specialty | 9.3 |
| Shopping Centers | 7.7 |
| Free Standing | 7.0 |
| Total Investments | 100.0% |

---

\* Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>5

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | **December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $293,053) | $284527 |
| Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $5,503) | 5503 |
| Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $298,556) | 290030 |
| Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $21) | 20 |
| Dividends Receivable | 1030 |
| Receivable for Fund Shares Sold | 141 |
| Receivable from Affiliate | 16 |
| Other Assets | 22 |
| Total Assets | 291259 |
| **Liabilities:** | **Liabilities:** |
| Payable for Advisory Fees | 332 |
| Payable for Servicing Fees | 113 |
| Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed | 71 |
| Payable for Professional Fees | 46 |
| Payable for Distribution Fees — Class II Shares | 34 |
| Payable for Administration Fees | 20 |
| Payable for Custodian Fees | 4 |
| Payable for Transfer Agency Fees | 3 |
| Other Liabilities | 28 |
| Total Liabilities | 651 |
| **NET ASSETS** | $290608 |
| **Net Assets Consist of:** | **Net Assets Consist of:** |
| Paid-in-Capital | $311182 |
| Total Accumulated Loss | (20574) |
| **Net Assets** | $290608 |
| **CLASS I:** | **CLASS I:** |
| **Net Assets** | $135581 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 10,447,153 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $12.98 |
| **CLASS II:** | **CLASS II:** |
| **Net Assets** | $155027 |
| **Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share** Applicable to 12,028,621 Outstanding <br>$0.001 Par Value Shares (Authorized 500,000,000 Shares) | $12.89 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>6

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Statement of Operations | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** |
| **Investment Income:** | **Investment Income:** |
| Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers | $7531 |
| Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note H) | 83 |
| Income from Securities Loaned — Net | 3 |
| Total Investment Income | 7617 |
| **Expenses:** | **Expenses:** |
| Advisory Fees (Note B) | 2339 |
| Servicing Fees (Note D) | 491 |
| Distribution Fees — Class II Shares (Note E) | 447 |
| Administration Fees (Note C) | 267 |
| Professional Fees | 142 |
| Shareholder Reporting Fees | 80 |
| Transfer Agency Fees (Note F) | 15 |
| Custodian Fees (Note G) | 14 |
| Directors' Fees and Expenses | 9 |
| Pricing Fees | 2 |
| Other Expenses | 19 |
| Total Expenses | 3825 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees (Note B) | (638) |
| Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note H) | (7) |
| Net Expenses | 3180 |
| **Net Investment Income** | 4437 |
| **Realized Loss:** | **Realized Loss:** |
| Investments Sold | (16988) |
| **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** | **Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):** |
| Investments | (95350) |
| Foreign Currency Translation | (1) |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (95351) |
| **Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)** | (112339) |
| **Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations** | $(107902) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>7

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2022<br>(000)** | **Year Ended<br>December 31, 2021<br>(000)** |
| **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** | **Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:** |
| **Operations:** | **Operations:** | **Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income | $4437 | $4687 |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | (16988) | 114749 |
| Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | (95351) | 8475 |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (107902) | 127911 |
| **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** | **Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:** |
| Class I | (35265) | (3597) |
| Class II | (40499) | (3799) |
| Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders | (75764) | (7396) |
| **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Capital Share Transactions:<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Subscribed | 16407 | 8959 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 35265 | 3597 |
| Redeemed | (24802) | (43565) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Subscribed | 16156 | 9915 |
| Distributions Reinvested | 40499 | 3799 |
| Redeemed | (25646) | (46670) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | 57879 | (63965) |
| Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (125787) | 56550 |
| **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** | **Net Assets:** |
| Beginning of Period | 416395 | 359845 |
| End of Period | $290608 | $416395 |
| **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** | **<sup>(1)</sup> Capital Share Transactions:** |
| Class I: | Class I: | Class I: |
| Shares Subscribed | 1005 | 451 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 2499 | 174 |
| Shares Redeemed | (1324) | (2241) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Class I Shares Outstanding | 2180 | (1616) |
| Class II: | Class II: | Class II: |
| Shares Subscribed | 1021 | 499 |
| Shares Issued on Distributions Reinvested | 2887 | 185 |
| Shares Redeemed | (1414) | (2337) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Class II Shares Outstanding | 2494 | (1653) |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>8

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $23.47 | $17.13 | $21.93 | $19.52 | $21.72 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.25 | 0.27 | 0.35 | 0.51 | 0.51 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (6.24) | 6.49 | (4.20) | 3.15 | (2.13) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (5.99) | 6.76 | (3.85) | 3.66 | (1.62) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.24) | (0.42) | (0.48) | (0.42) | (0.58) |
| Net Realized Gain | (4.26) |  | (0.47) | (0.83) |  |
| Total Distributions | (4.50) | (0.42) | (0.95) | (1.25) | (0.58) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $12.98 | $23.47 | $17.13 | $21.93 | $19.52 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (27.05)% | 39.80% | (16.85)% | 18.94% | (7.71)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $135581 | $194007 | $169291 | $200635 | $185191 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.01% | 0.98% | 0.99% | 0.97% | 1.03% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 0.82%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.82%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.82%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.82%<sup>(3)</sup> | 0.86%<sup>(3)(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.46%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.36%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.07%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.36%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.47%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 61% | 129% | 50% | 20% | 40% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Effective July 1, 2018, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 0.82% for Class I shares. Prior to July 1, 2018, the maximum ratio was 0.90% for Class I shares.

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>9

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Financial Highlights

**U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** | **Class II** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|<br>**Selected Per Share Data and Ratios** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $23.32 | $17.03 | $21.80 | $19.40 | $21.59 |
| **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** | **Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:** |
| Net Investment Income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.20 | 0.22 | 0.30 | 0.45 | 0.46 |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | (6.18) | 6.44 | (4.17) | 3.14 | (2.13) |
| Total from Investment Operations | (5.98) | 6.66 | (3.87) | 3.59 | (1.67) |
| **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** | **Distributions from and/or in Excess of:** |
| Net Investment Income | (0.19) | (0.37) | (0.43) | (0.36) | (0.52) |
| Net Realized Gain | (4.26) |  | (0.47) | (0.83) |  |
| Total Distributions | (4.45) | (0.37) | (0.90) | (1.19) | (0.52) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $12.89 | $23.32 | $17.03 | $21.80 | $19.40 |
| **Total Return<sup>(2)</sup>** | (27.22)% | 39.44% | (17.10)% | 18.68% | (7.97)% |
| **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** | **Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:** |
| Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands) | $155027 | $222388 | $190554 | $228085 | $218290 |
| Ratio of Expenses Before Expense Limitation | 1.26% | 1.23% | 1.24% | 1.22% | 1.28% |
| Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation | 1.07%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.07%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.07%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.07%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.11%<sup>(3)(4)</sup> |
| Ratio of Net Investment Income | 1.21%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.11%<sup>(3)</sup> | 1.82%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.11%<sup>(3)</sup> | 2.22%<sup>(3)</sup> |
| Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> | 0.00%<sup>(5)</sup> |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 61% | 129% | 50% | 20% | 40% |

---

(1) Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2) Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period. Performance does not reflect fees and expenses imposed by your insurance company's separate account. If performance information included the effect of these additional charges, the total return would be lower.

(3) The Ratio of Expenses After Expense Limitation and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(4) Effective July 1, 2018, the Adviser has agreed to limit the ratio of expenses to average net assets to the maximum ratio of 1.07% for Class II shares. Prior to July 1, 2018, the maximum ratio was 1.15% for Class II shares.

(5) Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.<br>10

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Company is comprised of ten separate active, diversified and non-diversified funds (individually referred to as a "Fund," collectively as the "Funds"). The Company applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946.

The accompanying financial statements relate to the U.S. Real Estate Portfolio. The Fund seeks to provide above average current income and long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of companies in the U.S. real estate industry, including real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). The Fund offers two classes of shares — Class I and Class II. Both classes of shares have identical voting rights (except that shareholders of a Class have exclusive voting rights regarding any matter relating solely to that Class of shares), dividend, liquidation and other rights.

The Company is intended to be a funding vehicle for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of certain life insurance companies.

**A. Significant Accounting Policies:** The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP 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:** (1) An equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (2) all other equity portfolio securities for which over-the-counter ("OTC") market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest reported sales

price (or at the market official closing price if such market reports an official closing price), and if there was no trading in the security on a given day and if there is no official closing price from relevant markets for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant markets. An unlisted equity security that does not trade on the valuation date and for which bid and asked prices from the relevant markets are unavailable is valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers; (3) fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (4) when market quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting 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 of the New York Stock Exchange ("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 Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; and (5) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, which became effective September 8, 2022, the Directors have designated the Company's Adviser as its valuation designee.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

The valuation designee has responsibility for determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Company's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Company's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Company to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of REITs. The market's perception of prospective declines in private real estate values and other financial assets may result in increased volatility of market prices that can negatively impact the valuation of certain issuers held by the Fund.

**2. Fair Value Measurement:** Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

• Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. 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.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of December 31, 2022:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Level 1<br>Unadjusted<br>quoted<br>prices<br>(000)** | **Level 2<br>Other<br>significant<br>observable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Level 3<br>Significant<br>unobservable<br>inputs<br>(000)** | **Total<br>(000)** |
| **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** | **Assets:** |
| **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** | **Common Stocks** |
| Apartments | $34446 | $— | $— | $34446 |
| Data Centers | 32273 |  |  | 32273 |
| Free Standing | 20309 |  |  | 20309 |
| Health Care | 28572 |  |  | 28572 |
| Industrial | 40314 |  |  | 40314 |
| Lodging/Resorts | 7014 |  |  | 7014 |
| Manufactured Homes | 10119 |  |  | 10119 |
| Office | 1939 |  |  | 1939 |
| Regional Malls | 13789 |  |  | 13789 |
| Self Storage | 32828 |  |  | 32828 |
| Shopping Centers | 22441 |  |  | 22441 |
| Single Family Homes | 13509 |  |  | 13509 |
| Specialty | 26974 |  |  | 26974 |
| **Total Common Stocks** | **284527** | **—** | **—** | **284527** |
| **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** | **Short-Term Investment** |
| Investment Company | 5503 |  |  | 5503 |
| **Total Assets** | $**290030** | $**—** | $**—** | $**290030** |

---

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

**3. Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments:** The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

— investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate of exchange on the valuation date;

— investment transactions and investment income at the prevailing rates of exchange on the dates of such transactions.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

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 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) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (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. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, fluctuations of exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

Governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in advance of making an investment under certain circumstances in some countries, and the extent of foreign investments in U.S. companies may be subject to limitation in other countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the charters of individual companies to prevent, among other concerns, violations of foreign investment limitations. As a result, an additional class of shares (identified as "Foreign" in the Portfolio of Investments) may be created and offered for investment. The "local" and "foreign shares" market

values may differ. In the absence of trading of the foreign shares in such markets, the Fund values the foreign shares at the closing exchange price of the local shares.

**4. Securities Lending:**The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

At December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any outstanding securities on loan.

**5. Indemnifications:**The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

**6. Security Transactions, Income and Expenses:** Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the specific identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except for certain foreign dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis (except where collection is in doubt) net of applicable withholding taxes. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Most expenses of the Company can be directly attributed to a particular Fund. Expenses which cannot be directly attributed are apportioned among the Funds based upon relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon their relative net assets.

The Fund owns shares of REITs which report information on the source of their distributions annually in the following calendar year. A portion of distributions received from REITs during the year is estimated to be a return of capital and is recorded as a reduction of their cost.

**7. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:**Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

**B. Advisory Fees:** The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, paid quarterly, at the annual rate based on the daily net assets as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **First $500<br>million** | **Next $500<br>million** | **Over $1<br>billion** |
| 0.70% | 0.65% | 0.60% |

---

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the advisory fee rate (net of waiver/rebate) was equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.51% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee and/or reimburse the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding certain investment related expenses, taxes, interest and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation), will not exceed 0.82% for Class I shares and 1.07% for Class II shares. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will continue for at least one year from the date of the Fund's prospectus or until such time as the Directors act to discontinue all or a portion of such waivers and/or reimbursements when they deem such action is appropriate. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately $638,000 of advisory fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

**C. Administration Fees:** The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual

fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

**D. Servicing Fees:** The Company accrues daily and pays quarterly a servicing fee of up to 0.17% of the average daily value of shares of the Fund held in an insurance company's account. Certain insurance companies have entered into a servicing agreement with the Company to provide administrative and other contract-owner related services on behalf of the Fund.

**E. Distribution Fees:** Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc. ("MSDI" or the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser and an indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, serves as the Distributor of the Fund and provides the Fund's Class II shareholders with distribution services pursuant to a Distribution Plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor a distribution fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class II shares.

**F. Dividend Disbursing and Transfer/Co-Transfer Agent:**The Company's dividend disbursing and transfer agent is SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS, Inc."). Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, the Company pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee based on the number of classes, accounts and transactions relating to the Funds of the Company.

Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), an affiliate of Morgan Stanley, provides co-transfer agency and related services to the Fund pursuant to a Co-Transfer Agency Services Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2022, EVM earned $0 for providing such services.

**G. Custodian Fees:** State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Company in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Company as required by the 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.

**H. Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:** For the year ended December 31, 2022, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $204,229,000 and $221,340,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — Treasury Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the year ended December 31, 2022, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $7,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company** | **Value <br>December 31, <br>2021<br>(000)** | **Purchases<br>at Cost<br>(000)** | **Proceeds <br>from Sales <br>(000)** | **Dividend<br>Income<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $425 | $66600 | $61522 | $83 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Affiliated <br>Investment <br>Company (cont'd)** | **Realized<br>Gain (Loss)<br>(000)** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation<br>(Depreciation)<br>(000)** | **Value<br>December 31,<br>2022<br>(000)** |
| Liquidity Funds | $— | $— | $5503 |

---

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities ("cross-trade") from and to other Morgan Stanley funds as well as other funds and client accounts for which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser serves as investment adviser, pursuant to procedures approved by the Directors in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the "Rule"). Each cross-trade is executed at the current market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not engage in any cross-trade transactions.

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director 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 NAV of the Fund.

**I. Federal Income Taxes:** It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

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 based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2022 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** | **2021 Distributions<br>Paid From:** |
| **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** | **Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $32241 | $43523 | $7396 | $— |

---

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Undistributed<br>Ordinary<br>Income<br>(000)** | **Undistributed<br>Long-Term<br>Capital Gain<br>(000)** |
| $5900 | $— |

---

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term capital losses of approximately $16,245,000, that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the shareholders.

**J. Credit Facility:**The Company and other Morgan Stanley funds participated in a $300,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") with State Street. This Facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or funding of shareholder redemption requests. The interest rate for any funds drawn will be based on the federal funds rate or overnight bank funding rate plus a spread. The Facility also has a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum based on the unused portion of the Facility, which is allocated among participating funds based on relative net assets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any borrowings under the Facility.

**K. Other:** At December 31, 2022, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 77.1%.

**L. Market Risk:**Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, coronavirus ("COVID-19") and associated recovery responses could

adversely impact the operations of the Fund and its service providers and financial performance of the Fund and the Fund's investments. The extent of such impact depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and associated economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.

**M. Results of Special Meeting of Shareholders (unaudited):**On February 25, 2022, a special meeting of the Fund's shareholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all shareholders:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For** | **For** | **Against** | **Against** |
| Frances L. Cashman |  | 113,375,219 |  | 4,792,054 |
| Nancy C. Everett |  | 113,605,585 |  | 4,561,688 |
| Eddie A. Grier |  | 113,188,820 |  | 4,978,453 |
| Jakki L. Haussler |  | 113,619,810 |  | 4,547,463 |
| Patricia A. Maleski |  | 113,689,242 |  | 4,478,031 |

---

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

**To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of<br>Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. — <br>U.S. Real Estate Portfolio**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of U.S. Real Estate Portfolio (the "Fund") (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. (the "Company")), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

![](j23165911_fa019.jpg)

We have served as the auditor of one or more Morgan Stanley investment companies since 2000.<br>Boston, Massachusetts<br>February 22, 2023

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Liquidity Rule"), the Fund has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the "Program"), which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund (i.e., liquidity risk). The Fund's Board of Directors (the "Board") previously approved the designation of the Liquidity Risk Subcommittee (the "LRS") as Program administrator. The LRS is comprised of representatives from various divisions within Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

At a meeting held on March 1-2, 2022, the Board reviewed a written report prepared by the LRS that addressed the Program's operation and assessed its adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, as required under the Liquidity Rule. The report concluded that the Program operated effectively and was adequately and effectively implemented in all material aspects, and that the relevant controls and safeguards were appropriately designed to enable the LRS to administer the Program in compliance with the Liquidity Rule.

In accordance with the Program, the LRS assessed each Fund's liquidity risk no less frequently than annually taking into consideration certain factors, as applicable, such as (i) investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, (ii) short-term and long-term cash flow projections and (iii) holdings of cash and cash equivalents and borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions.

Each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories, which classification is assessed at least monthly by the LRS. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment into cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the market value of the investment. Liquidity classification determinations take into account various market, trading and investment-specific considerations, as well as market depth, and in some cases utilize third-party vendor data.

The Liquidity Rule limits a fund's investments in illiquid investments to 15% of its net assets and requires funds that do not primarily hold assets that are highly liquid investments to determine and maintain a minimum percentage of the fund's net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments (highly liquid investment minimum or "HLIM"). The LRS believes that the Program includes provisions reasonably designed to review, monitor and comply with the 15% limit on illiquid investments and for determining, periodically reviewing and complying with the HLIM requirement, as applicable.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund's prospectus for more information regarding the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Federal Tax Notice (unaudited)

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders 0.15% of the dividends qualified for the dividends received deduction.

The Fund designated and paid approximately $43,523,000 as a long-term capital gain distribution.

The Fund designated approximately $5,748,000 of its distributions paid as qualified business income.

For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the Fund's earnings for its taxable year ended December 31, 2022. When distributed, certain earnings may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund designated up to a maximum of approximately $111,000 as taxable at this lower rate.

In January, the Fund provides tax information to shareholders for the preceding calendar year.

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**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited)

Independent Directors:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in <br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Frank L. Bowman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1944 | Director | Since August 2006 | President, Strategic Decisions, LLC (consulting) (since February 2009); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); Chairperson of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (since October 2015); formerly, Chairperson of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the Compliance and Insurance Committee (2007-2015); served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute (policy organization) (February 2005-November 2008); retired as Admiral, U.S. Navy after serving over 38 years on active duty including 8 years as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Energy (1996-2004); served as Chief of Naval Personnel (July 1994-September 1996) and on the Joint Staff as Director of Political Military Affairs (June 1992-July 1994); knighted as Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; awarded the Officier de l'Orde National du Mèrite by the French Government; elected to the National Academy of Engineering (2009). | 85 | Director of Naval and Nuclear Technologies LLP; Director Emeritus of the Armed Services YMCA; Member of the National Security Advisory Council of the Center for U.S. Global Engagement and a former member of the CNA Military Advisory Board; Chairman of Fairhaven United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; Member of the Board of Advisors of the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; Director of other various nonprofit organizations; formerly, Director of BP, plc (November 2010-May 2019). |
| Frances L. Cashman <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1961 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Division, Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Delinian Ltd. (financial information) (May 2021-Present); Executive Vice President and various other roles, Legg Mason & Co. (asset management) (2010-2020); Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus (2005-2010).  | 86 | Trustee and Investment Committee Member, GeorgiaTech Foundation (since June 2019); Trustee and Chair of Marketing Committee, Member of Investment Committee, Loyola Blakefield (Since September 2017); Trustee, MMI Gateway Foundation (since September 2017); Director and Investment Committee Member, Catholic Community Foundation Board (2012-2018); Director and Investment Committee Member, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (2011-2017). |
| Kathleen A. Dennis <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1953 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Liquidity and Alternatives Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); President, Cedarwood Associates (mutual fund and investment management consulting) (since July 2006); formerly, Senior Managing Director of Victory Capital Management (1993-2006). | 85 | Board Member, University of Albany Foundation (2012-present); Board Member, Mutual Funds Directors Forum (2014-present); Director of various non-profit organizations. |
| Nancy C. Everett <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Equity Investment Committee (since January 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Commonwealth University Investment Company (since November 2015); Owner, OBIR, LLC (institutional investment management consulting) (since June 2014); formerly, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (February 2011-December 2013) and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Asset Management (a/k/a Promark Global Advisors, Inc.) (June 2005-May 2010). | 86 | Formerly, Member of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Foundation (2005-2016); Member of Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors (2013-2015); Member of Committee on Directors for Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. (2007-2010); Chairperson of Performance Equity Management, LLC (2006-2010); and Chairperson, GMAM Absolute Return Strategies Fund, LLC (2006-2010). |

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------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in <br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Eddie A. Grier <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1955 | Director | Director Since February 2022 | Dean, Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business (since July 2021); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since February 2022); Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business (2010-2021); President and various other roles, Walt Disney Company (entertainment and media) (1981-2010). | 86 | Director, Witt/Keiffer, Inc. (executive search) (since 2016); Director, NuStar GP, LLC (energy) (since August 2021); Director, Sonida Senior Living, Inc. (residential community operator) (2016-2021); Director, NVR, Inc. (homebuilding) (2013-2020); Director, Middleburg Trust Company (wealth management) (2014-2019); Director, Colonial Williamsburg Company (2012-2021); Regent, University of Massachusetts Global (since 2021); Director and Chair, ChildFund International (2012-2021); Trustee, Brandman University (2010-2021); Director, Richmond Forum (2012-2019). |
| Jakki L. Haussler <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036<br>Birth Year: 1957 | Director | Since January 2015 | Chairperson of the Audit Committee (January 2023), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2015); Chairman, Opus Capital Group (since 1996); formerly, Chief Executive Officer, Opus Capital Group (1996-2019); Director, Capvest Venture Fund, LP (May 2000-December 2011); Partner, Adena Ventures, LP (July 1999-December 2010); Director, The Victory Funds (February 2005-July 2008). | 86 | Director, Barnes Group Inc. (since July 2021); Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) (August 2022); Director of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Member, Audit Committee and Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee (2008-2021); Director of Service Corporation International and Member, Audit Committee and Investment Committee; Director of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and Member, Investment Committee; Member of Chase College of Law Center for Law and Entrepreneurship; Director of Best Transport (2005-2019); Director of Chase College of Law Board of Visitors; formerly, Member, University of Cincinnati Foundation Investment Committee; Member, Miami University Board of Visitors (2008-2011); Trustee of Victory Funds (2005-2008) and Chairman, Investment Committee (2007-2008) and Member, Service Provider Committee (2005-2008). |
| Dr. Manuel H. Johnson <br>c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. <br>220 I Street, NE Suite 200 <br>Washington, D.C. 20002 <br>Birth Year: 1949 | Director | Since July 1991 | Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc. (consulting firm); Chairperson of the Fixed Income, Liquidity and Alternatives Investment Committee (since January 2021), Chairperson of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since July 1991); 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. | 85 | Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction). |

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------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Independent Directors (cont'd):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth<br>Year of Independent Director | Position(s) <br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time<br>Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years and<br>Other Relevant Professional Experience | Number of<br>Funds in <br>Fund<br>Complex<br>Overseen<br>by<br>Independent<br>Director\*\* | Other Directorships Held by Independent<br>Director During Past 5 Years\*\*\* |
| Joseph J. Kearns <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1942 | Director | Since August 1994 | Senior Adviser, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Chairperson of the Audit Committee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (August 1994-December 2022), Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 1994); formerly, Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee (July 2003-September 2006); CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust (1982-1999). | 86 | Director, Rubicon Investments (since February 2019); Prior to August 2016, Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing); Prior to December 31, 2013, Director of The Ford Family Foundation. |
| Michael F. Klein <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1958 | Director | Since August 2006 | Chairperson of the Risk Committee (since January 2021); Managing Director, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since March 2000); Co-President, Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since January 2004) and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Aetos Alternatives Management, LP (since August 2013); Chairperson of the Fixed Income Sub-Committee of the Investment Committee (2006-2020) and Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management and President, various Morgan Stanley Funds (June 1998-March 2000); Principal, Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management (August 1997-December 1999). | 85 | Director of certain investment funds managed or sponsored by Aetos Alternatives Management, LP; Director of Sanitized AG and Sanitized Marketing AG (specialty chemicals). |
| Patricia A. Maleski <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1960 | Director | Since January 2017 | Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since January 2017); Managing Director, JPMorgan Asset Management (2004-2016); Oversight and Control Head of Fiduciary and Conflicts of Interest Program (2015-2016); Chief Control Officer — Global Asset Management (2013-2015); President, JPMorgan Funds (2010-2013); Chief Administrative Officer (2004-2013); various other positions including Treasurer and Board Liaison (since 2001). | 86 | Trustee (since January 2022) and Treasurer (since January 2023), Nutley Family Service Bureau, Inc. |
| W. Allen Reed <br>c/o Perkins Coie LLP <br>Counsel to the Independent Directors <br>1155 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Floor <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1947 | Chair of the Board and Director | Chair of the Board since August 2020 and Director since August 2006 | Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2020); Director or Trustee of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since August 2006); formerly, Vice Chair of the Boards of various Morgan Stanley Funds (January 2020-August 2020); President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Asset Management; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM Trust Bank and Corporate Vice President of General Motors Corporation (August 1994-December 2005).  | 85 | Formerly, Director of Legg Mason, Inc. (2006-2019); and Director of the Auburn University Foundation (2010-2015). |

---

\* This is the earliest date the Director began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each Director serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

\*\* The Fund Complex includes (as of December 31, 2022) all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and any funds that have an adviser that is an affiliated person of the Adviser (including, but not limited to, Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP).

\*\*\* This includes any directorships at public companies and registered investment companies held by the Director at any time during the past five years.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

Director and Officer Information (unaudited) (cont'd)

Executive Officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name, Address and Birth Year of <br>Executive Officer | Position(s)<br>Held with<br>Registrant | Length of<br>Time Served\* | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| John H. Gernon <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1963 | President and Principal Executive Officer | Since September 2013 | President and Principal Executive Officer of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds (since September 2013) and the Liquidity Funds and various money market funds (since May 2014) in the Fund Complex; Managing Director of the Adviser. |
| Deidre A. Downes <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1977 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since November 2021 | Executive Director of the Adviser (since January 2021) and Chief Compliance Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since November 2021). Formerly, Vice President and Corporate Counsel at PGIM and Prudential Financial (October 2016-December 2020). |
| Francis J. Smith <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1965 | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Treasurer since July 2003 and Principal Financial Officer since September 2002 | Managing Director of the Adviser and various entities affiliated with the Adviser; Treasurer (since July 2003) and Principal Financial Officer of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since September 2002). |
| Mary E. Mullin <br>1633 Broadway <br>New York, NY 10019 <br>Birth Year: 1967 | Secretary  | Since June 1999 | Managing Director of the Adviser; Secretary of various Morgan Stanley Funds (since June 1999). |
| Michael J. Key <br>522 Fifth Avenue <br>New York, NY 10036 <br>Birth Year: 1979 | Vice President  | Since June 2017 | Vice President of the Equity and Fixed Income Funds, Liquidity Funds, various money market funds and the Morgan Stanley AIP Funds in the Fund Complex (since June 2017); Managing Director of the Adviser; Head of Product Development for Equity and Fixed Income Funds (since August 2013). |

---

The Fund's statement of additional information includes further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers, and is available without charge by visiting www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports or upon request by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

\* This is the earliest date the officer began serving the Morgan Stanley Funds. Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

------

**Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.**

Annual Report – December 31, 2022

**Adviser and Administrator**

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Distributor**

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.<br>522 Fifth Avenue<br>New York, New York 10036

**Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent**

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.<br>2000 Crown Colony Drive<br>Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

**Co-Transfer Agent**

Eaton Vance Management<br>Two International Place<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02110

**Custodian**

State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>One Lincoln Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02111

**Legal Counsel**

Dechert LLP<br>1095 Avenue of the Americas<br>New York, New York 10036

**Counsel to the Independent Directors**

Perkins Coie LLP<br>1155 Avenue of the Americas,<br>22nd Floor <br>New York, New York 10036

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Ernst & Young LLP<br>200 Clarendon Street<br>Boston, Massachusetts 02116

**Reporting to Shareholders**

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and the Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual and 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 shareholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's email address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record**

You may obtain a copy of the Company's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and information regarding how the Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 869-6397 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/shareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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 Company's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its Directors. It is available, without charge, by calling 1 (800) 869-6397.

**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 1 (800) 869-6397, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

**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.**

UIFREIANN<br>5435913 EXP 02.29.24

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

(a) The registrant 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 registrant or a third party.

(b) No information need be disclosed pursuant to this paragraph.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Not applicable.

(e) Not applicable.

(f) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The registrant's Code of Ethics is attached hereto as
Exhibit 13 A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Not applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Not applicable.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant's Board of Directors has determined that Jakki L. Haussler, 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 Directors 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:

**2022**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Registrant** | **Covered Entities<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| **Audit Fees** | $594336 | N/A |
| **Non-Audit Fees** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Audit-Related Fees** | $—<sup>(2)</sup> | $—<sup>(2)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Tax Fees** | $—<sup>(3)</sup> | $—<sup>(4)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**All Other Fees** | $— | $5778872<sup>(5)</sup> |
| **Total Non-Audit Fees** | $— | $5778872 |
| **Total** | $594336 | $5778872 |

---

**2021**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Registrant** | **Covered Entities<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| **Audit Fees** | $560695 | N/A |
| **Non-Audit Fees** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Audit-Related Fees** | $—<sup>(2)</sup> | $—<sup>(2)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Tax Fees** | $—<sup>(3)</sup> | $—<sup>(4)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**All Other Fees** | $— | $26678468<sup>(5)</sup> |
| **Total Non-Audit Fees** | $— | $26678468 |
| **Total** | $560695 | $26678468 |

---

N/A- Not applicable, as not required by Item 4.

<sup>(1)</sup> 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.

<sup>(2)</sup> 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 data verification and agreed-upon procedures related to asset securitizations and agreed-upon procedures engagements.

<sup>(3)</sup> Tax Fees represent tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice services provided in connection with the preparation and review of the Registrant's tax returns.

<sup>(4)</sup> Tax Fees represent tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice services provided in connection with the review of Covered Entities' tax returns.

<sup>(5)</sup> The fees included under "All Other Fees" are for services provided by Ernst & Young LLP related to surprise examinations for certain investment accounts to satisfy SEC Custody Rules and consulting services related to merger integration for sister entity to the Adviser.

(e)(1) The audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures are as follows:

**AUDIT COMMITTEE**

**AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES**

**PRE-APPROVAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES**

**OF THE**

**MORGAN STANLEY FUNDS**

**AS ADOPTED AND AMENDED JULY 23, 2004 AND JUNE 12 AND 13, 2019<sup>3</sup>**

**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 ("<u>general pre-approval</u>"); or require the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee or its delegate ("<u>specific pre-approval</u>"). 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 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.

<sup>3</sup> This Audit Committee Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures (the "<u>Policy</u>"), adopted as of the date above, supersedes and replaces all prior versions that may have been adopted from time to time.

**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 A. All other Audit services not listed in Appendix A 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-CEN and/or N-CSR.

The Audit Committee has pre-approved the Audit-related services in Appendix A. All other Audit-related services not listed in Appendix A 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 A. All Tax services in Appendix A 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 A. Permissible All Other services not listed in Appendix A 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 Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and must include a detailed description of the services to be rendered. The Fund's Principal Financial and Accounting 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 or Chairperson of the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by the Fund's Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, who, after consultation with the Independent Auditors, will discuss whether the request or application is consistent with the SEC's rules on auditor independence.

The Audit Committee has designated the Fund's Principal Financial and Accounting 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 Principal Financial and Accounting Officer will report to the Audit Committee on a periodic basis on the results of its monitoring. Both the Fund's Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and management will immediately report to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee any breach of this Policy that comes to the attention of the Fund's Principal Financial and Accounting 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 the PCAOB's Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, 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:

<u>Morgan Stanley Funds</u>

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

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

Morgan Stanley Services Company, Inc.

Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.

Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP

Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners LP

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

Morgan Stanley Capital Management LLC

Morgan Stanley Asia Limited

Morgan Stanley Services Group

(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 Directors 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.

**APPENDIX A**

**Pre-Approved Audit Services**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** |
| | **The Fund(s)** | **Covered<br> Entities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Statutory audits or financial audits for the Funds<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> For a complete list of fees, please contact the legal department \*\*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Services associated with SEC registration statements (including new fund filings/seed audits), periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings (e.g., comfort letters for closed-end fund offerings, consents), and assistance in responding to SEC comment letters<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Consultations by the Fund's management as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and/or the actual or potential impact of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, FASB, or other regulatory or standard setting bodies (Note: Under SEC rules, some consultations may be "audit related" services rather than "audit" services)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |

---

**Pre-Approved Audit-Related Services**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** |
| | **The Fund(s)** | **Covered<br> Entities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>Attest procedures not required by statute or regulation <br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>| <br>\* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Due diligence services pertaining to potential fund mergers<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Consultations by the Fund's management as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and/or the actual or potential impact of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, FASB, or other regulatory or standard-setting bodies (Note: Under SEC rules, some consultations may be "audit" services rather than "audit-related" services)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> General assistance with implementation of the requirements of SEC rules or listing standards promulgated pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |

---

**Pre-Approved Tax Services**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** |
| | **The Fund(s)** | **Covered<br> Entities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> U.S. federal, state and local tax planning and advice<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> U.S. federal, state and local tax compliance | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> International tax planning and advice | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> International tax compliance<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Review/preparation of federal, state, local and international income, franchise, and other tax returns<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> $450,000 PwC | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> N/A<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Identification of Passive Foreign Investment Companies<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> $175,000 PwC | \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> PwC ITV Tool – assist in determining which Fund holdings have foreign capital gains tax exposure | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> $125,000 PwC<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign Tax Services - Preparation of local foreign tax returns and assistance with local tax compliance issues (including maintenance of transaction schedules, assistance in periodic tax remittances, tax registration, representing funds before foreign revenue authorities and assistance with assessment orders) | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500,000 PwC | &nbsp;&nbsp;\* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Assistance with tax audits and appeals before the IRS and similar state, local and foreign agencies | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Tax advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments (e.g., excise tax reviews, evaluation of Fund's tax compliance function)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>|

---

**Pre-Approved All Other Services**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Service <br> Range of Fees** |
| | **The Fund(s)** | **Covered<br> Entities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Risk management advisory services, e.g., assessment and testing of security infrastructure controls<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \*<br>|

---

\*Aggregate fees related to the pre-approved services will be limited to 10% of the 2022/2023 annual fees for audit and tax services (see fee schedule distributed by the Auditors).

\*\* Audit and tax services for new funds/portfolios will be subject to the maximum audit and tax fee for a fund/portfolio on fee schedule distributed by the Auditors.

**Prohibited Non-Audit Services**

● Bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the audit client

● Financial information systems design and implementation

● Appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports

● Actuarial services

● Internal audit outsourcing services

● Management functions

● Human resources

● Broker-dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services

● Legal services

● Expert services unrelated to the audit

(i) Not Applicable.

(j) Not Applicable.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

(a) The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act whose members are:

Joseph J. Kearns, Nancy C. Everett, Eddie A. Grier and Jakki L. Haussler.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

(a) Refer to Item 1.

(b) Not applicable.

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

Applicable only to reports filed by closed-end funds.

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 only to reports filed by closed-end funds.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominee to the Fund's Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures

(a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant 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 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. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed End Management Investment Companies.

Not Applicable

Item 13. Exhibits

[(a) The Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers.](tm231659d1_codeeth.htm)

[(b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as part of EX-99.CERT.](tm231659d1_ex99-cert.htm)

[(c) Section 906 Certification](tm231659d1_ex99-906cert.htm)

**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 Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ John H. Gernon |
| John H. Gernon |
| Principal Executive Officer |
| February 16, 2023 |

---

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/ John H. Gernon |
| John H. Gernon |
| Principal Executive Officer |
| February 16, 2023 |
| /s/ Francis J. Smith |
| Francis J. Smith |
| Principal Financial Officer |
| February 16, 2023 |

---

## Ex-99.Code

**Exhibit 99.CODEETH**

**EXHIBIT 13 a**

**<u>CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS<br> adopted SEPTEMBER 28, 2004, As AMended September 20, 2005, december 1, 2006, January 1, 2008 , SEPTEMBER 25, 2008 and april 23, 2009 And March 18, 2010</u>**

**I.** This Code of Ethics (the "Code") for the investment companies within the Morgan Stanley complex
identified in Exhibit A (collectively, "Funds" and each, a "Fund") applies to each Fund's Principal
Executive Officer, President, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer (or persons performing similar functions) ("Covered Officers"
each of whom are set forth in Exhibit B) for the purpose of promoting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest
between personal and professional relationships.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a company files
with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in other public communications made by the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in
the Code; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· accountability for adherence to the Code.

Each Covered Officer should adhere to a high standard of business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest. Any question about the application of the Code should be referred to the General Counsel or his/her designee (who is set forth in Exhibit C).

**II.** **Covered Officers Should Handle Ethically Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest** 

***Overview***. A "conflict of interest" occurs when a Covered Officer's private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of, or his service to, the Fund. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his position with the Fund.

Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the Fund and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Investment Advisers Act"). For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the Fund because of their status as "affiliated persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Fund. The Fund's and its investment adviser's compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside the parameters of this Code, unless or until the General Counsel determines that any violation of such programs and procedures is also a violation of this Code.

Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts may arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the Fund and its investment adviser of which the Covered Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the Fund or for the investment adviser, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the Fund and its investment adviser. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between the Fund and the investment adviser and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Fund. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Funds' Boards of Directors/Trustees ("Boards") that the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other codes.

Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of the Fund.

Each Covered Officer must not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· use his personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial
reporting by the Fund whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally (directly or indirectly);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· cause the Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered
Officer rather than the benefit of the Fund; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for, or actions proposed
to be taken by, the Fund to trade personally or cause others to trade personally in contemplation of the market effect of such transactions.

Each Covered Officer must, at the time of signing this Code, report to the General Counsel all affiliations or significant business relationships outside the Morgan Stanley complex and must update the report annually.

Conflict of interest situations should always be approved by the General Counsel and communicated to the relevant Fund or Fund's Board. Any activity or relationship that would present such a conflict for a Covered Officer would likely also present a conflict for the Covered Officer if an immediate member of the Covered Officer's family living in the same household engages in such an activity or has such a relationship. Examples of these include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· service or significant business relationships as a director on the board of any public or private company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· accepting directly or indirectly, anything of value, including gifts and gratuities in excess of $100 per year from any person or
entity with which the Fund has current or prospective business dealings, not including occasional meals or tickets for theatre or sporting
events or other similar entertainment; provided it is business-related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not
so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the Fund's
service providers, other than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person thereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the Fund
for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer's
employment, such as compensation or equity ownership.

**III.** **Disclosure and Compliance** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself/herself with the disclosure and compliance requirements
generally applicable to the Funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· each Covered Officer must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the
Fund to others, whether within or outside the Fund, including to the Fund's Directors/Trustees and auditors, or to governmental
regulators and self-regulatory organizations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his area of responsibility, consult with
other officers and employees of the Funds and their investment advisers with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable
disclosure in the reports and documents the Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds;
and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· it is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with the standards and restrictions
imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

**IV.** **Reporting and Accountability** 

Each Covered Officer must:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· upon adoption of the Code (thereafter as applicable, upon becoming a Covered Officer), affirm in writing
to the Boards that he has received, read and understands the Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· annually thereafter affirm to the Boards that he has complied with the requirements of the Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· not retaliate against any other Covered Officer, other officer or any employee of the Funds or their affiliated
persons for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· notify the General Counsel promptly if he/she knows or suspects of any violation of this Code. Failure
to do so is itself a violation of this Code.

The General Counsel is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. However, any waivers<sup>1</sup> sought by a Covered Officer must be considered by the Board of the relevant Fund or Funds.

The Funds will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the General Counsel will take all appropriate action to investigate any potential violations reported
to him;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if, after such investigation, the General Counsel believes that no violation has occurred, the General Counsel is not required to
take any further action;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· any matter that the General Counsel believes is a violation will be reported to the relevant Fund's Audit
Committee;

<sup>1</sup> Item 2 of Form N-CSR defines "waiver" as "the approval by the registrant of a material departure from a provision of the code of ethics."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if the directors/trustees/managing general partners who are not "interested persons" as defined by the Investment Company
Act (the "Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners") of the relevant Fund concur that a violation has occurred,
they will consider appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures;
notification to appropriate personnel of the investment adviser or its board; or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer or other
appropriate disciplinary actions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners of the relevant Fund will be responsible
for granting waivers of this Code, as appropriate; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules.

**V.** **Other Policies and Procedures** 

This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other policies or procedures of the Funds, the Funds' investment advisers, principal underwriters, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code unless any provision of this Code conflicts with any applicable federal or state law, in which case the requirements of such law will govern. The Funds' and their investment advisers' and principal underwriters' codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and Morgan Stanley's Code of Ethics are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code.

**VI.** **Amendments** 

Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibits A, B or C, must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the Board of each Fund, including a majority of Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners.

**VII.** **Confidentiality** 

All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners of the relevant Fund or Funds and their counsel, the relevant Fund or Funds and their counsel and the relevant investment adviser and its counsel.

**VIII.** **Internal Use** 

The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Fund, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion

I have read and understand the terms of the above Code. I recognize the responsibilities and obligations incurred by me as a result of my being subject to the Code. I hereby agree to abide by the above Code.

 <br> <br> Date:

**<u>EXHIBIT A</u>**

**MORGAN STANLEY FUNDS**

at

**December 31, 2022**

For a current list of the Morgan Stanley Funds, please contact the Legal Department.

**<u>EXHIBIT B</u>**

**<u>Equity and Fixed Income Funds</u>**

**<u>Money Market Funds</u>**

**<u>Covered Officers</u>**

John H. Gernon –President and Principal Executive Officer

Francis J. Smith – Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer

**<u>EXHIBIT C</u>**

**<u>General Counsel's Designee - Chief Legal Officer</u>**

**Mary E. Mullin**

## Ex-99.Cert

**Exhibit 99.CERT**

**EXHIBIT 13 B1**

**CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER**

**<u>CERTIFICATIONS</u>**

I, John H. Gernon, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.;

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 period
covered by this 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 officers 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):

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: February 16, 2023

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ John H. Gernon |
| John H. Gernon |
| Principal Executive Officer |

---

**EXHIBIT 13 B2**

**CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER**

**<u>CERTIFICATIONS</u>**

I, Francis J. Smith, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.;

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 period
covered by this 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 offices 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):

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: February 16, 2023

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Francis J. Smith |
| Francis J. Smith |
| Principal Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 99.906

**Exhibit 99.906CERT**

EXHIBIT 13 C1

**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 Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.

In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended December 31, 2022 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: February 16, 2023 | /s/ John H. Gernon |
|  | John H. Gernon |
|  | Principal Executive Officer |

---

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EXHIBIT 13 C2

**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 Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.

In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the above-named issuer for the period ended December 31, 2022 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: February 16, 2023 | /s/ Francis J. Smith |
|  | Francis J. Smith |
|  | Principal Financial Officer |

---

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Variable Insurance Fund, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.