<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Eaton Vance Management
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 482-8260
CUSTODIAN
Investors Bank & Trust Company
89 South Street
P.O. Box 1537
Boston, MA 02205-1537
TRANSFER AGENT
First Data Investor Services Group
P.O. Box 5123
Westborough, MA 01581-5123
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
125 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus which
contains more complete information on the Fund, including its distribution plan,
sales charges and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before you
invest or send money.
EV MARATHON
GOLD & NATURAL RESOURCES FUND
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110
M-NRSRC-10/96
[Eaton Vance Logo omitted]
EV MARATHON
GOLD & NATURAL
RESOURCES FUND
ANNUAL
SHAREHOLDER REPORT
AUGUST 31, 1996
[Photo of gold bars omitted]
<PAGE>
TO SHAREHOLDERS
I am pleased to report that EV Marathon Gold & Natural Resources Fund achieved
outstanding investment results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, with a
total return of 39.7%. This return - which does not reflect the 5% maximum
contingent deferred sales charge - was the result of an increase in net asset
value to $21.58 per share on August 31, 1996 from $16.42 per share on August 31,
1995, and the reinvestment of $0.950 per share in capital gains distributions.
The Fund outperformed by a significant margin the mutual funds in the Lipper
Natural Resources category, which had an average total return of 22.7% during
the same period.* In addition, the Fund was ranked number one in the Lipper
Natural Resources category for the 3 years ended August 31, 1996.+
After slowing somewhat at the end of 1995, the U.S. economy has shown remarkable
strength this year. Gross domestic product - the official indicator of economic
growth calculated by the U.S. Commerce Department - declined from a 4.2% annual
rate in the third quarter of 1995 to 0.9% in the fourth quarter. Aided by a
decline in short-term interest rates at the beginning of this year, GDP rose to
2.0% in the first quarter and then shot up to 4.8% in the second quarter. The
economy showed additional signs of good health in August, when the Federal
Reserve reported that the 12-month "core rate" of inflation - as measured by the
consumer price index, and excluding volatile food and energy prices - had
decreased to 2.6% from 2.7% in July. The unemployment rate, also reported in
August, hit a 7-year low of 5.1%.
Although worldwide demand for gold has been rising over the past few years, the
price of gold has remained relatively flat. Between September 1990 and September
1996, the price of gold hovered around $380 per ounce, although it has ranged
between $329 and $405. Similarly, with the exception of a spike during the
Persian Gulf war in the fall of 1990, the price of oil has not moved
dramatically from its range of $17 per barrel to $23 per barrel.
What is remarkable is that despite relatively stable commodity prices, the EV
Marathon Gold & Natural Resources Fund has performed exceedingly well, finishing
in the top quintile for the 1, 3, 5, and 10-year periods, as compared to the
funds in the Lipper Natural Resources category. While past performance cannot
predict future results, this Fund should merit consideration in a diversified
portfolio.
Sincerely,
/s/ James B. Hawkes
------------------------------
[Photo of James B. Hawkes] James B. Hawkes
President
October 8, 1996
* For the 12 months ended August 31, 1996, there were 38 funds ranked in this
category.
+ For the 3-year period ended August 31, 1996, there were 25 funds ranked in
this category. It is not possible to invest in a Lipper category of mutual
funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund shares are not guaranteed by the FDIC and are not deposits or other
obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Shares are subject
to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT REPORT
An interview with Barclay Tittmann and William D. Burt, Portfolio Managers of
EV Marathon Gold & Natural Resources Fund.
Q. THIS HAS BEEN A MIXED YEAR FOR GOLD AND NATURAL RESOURCES STOCKS, BUT AN
EXTRAORDINARY YEAR FOR THE FUND. WHAT FACTORS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE
FUND'S STRONG PERFORMANCE?
BT: The main factor has been our weighting in exploration and early stage
development companies, some of which have performed extremely well. Other
than energy, most commodities were down for the year, and, in some cases,
sharply down. As a result, the larger capitalization natural resources
stocks, which are commodity-driven, have had a tough time. On the other
hand, there have been some spectacular successes in exploration which have
driven the performance of that sector and of our Fund.
WB: When a company makes an important discovery, the good news is discounted in
the stock price almost immediately, long before there are any tangible
benefits. There have been a number of these events in the last year or so,
and they have given the entire exploration sector a lift, as investors
position themselves for the next big discovery.
Q. WHAT FACTORS LED TO THE INCREASE IN THE OIL AND GAS AND GOLD WEIGHTINGS
OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
BT: We have increased the gold sector somewhat, but most of the weighting
increase has been the result of capital appreciation. We tend to keep a
third in gold stocks and a third in energy stocks, but we generally do not
make decisions based on sector. Rather, we evaluate each stock based on the
individual merits of the company.
DESPITE RELATIVELY STABLE OIL
AND GOLD PRICES ...
OIL GOLD
VOLUME DATE VOLUME DATE
11.5723 07/01/86 348.85 07/01/86
16.65478 01/01/87 408.2495 01/01/87
21.35455 07/01/87 450.8091 07/01/87
17.16 01/01/88 476.58 01/01/88
15.4975 07/01/88 437.6325 07/01/88
17.98333 01/01/89 404 01/01/89
19.64316 07/01/89 374.9775 07/01/89
22.64091 01/01/90 410.1091 01/01/90
18.6381 07/01/90 362.5309 07/01/90
24.95909 01/01/91 383.6386 01/01/91
21.41955 07/01/91 367.5048 07/01/91
18.82045 01/01/92 354.4477 01/01/92
21.75909 07/01/92 353.0477 07/01/92
19.075 01/01/93 329.02 01/01/93
17.86619 07/01/93 392.481 07/01/93
15 01/01/94 387.0833 01/01/94
19.5325 07/01/94 385.2675 07/01/94
18.05008 01/01/95 378.5505 01/01/95
17.58 07/01/95 383.35 07/01/95
17.73 01/01/96 405.55 01/01/96
20.43 07/01/96 385.3 07/01/96
23.18 09/16/98 382.8 09/16/98
All prices, except the final price on September 16, 1996, are as of the first
day of each monthy. Oil prices reflect spot crude price per barrel.
EV MARATHON GOLD & NATURAL RESOURCES
FUND HAS SHOWN SOLID RETURNS
Gold & Natural Resources Fund
10/21/87 10,000
12/31/87 10,230
6/30/88 12,307
12/31/88 12,070
6/30/89 12,716
12/31/89 14,923
6/30/90 14,075
12/31/90 13,271
6/30/91 14,105
12/31/91 14,130
6/30/91 15,042
12/31/92 14,778
6/30/93 17,310
12/31/93 18,556
6/30/94 18,019
12/31/94 18,166
6/30/95 20,946
12/31/95 22,120
6/30/96 26,216
8/31/96 30,797
Based on a hypothetical investment of $10,000 from the inception date of the
fund with all dividends and capital gains reinvested and excluding sales
charges. All data points, except fund inception date, reflect month-end values.
- ---------------------------------
[Photo of Barclay Tittmann]
- ---------------------------------
BARCLAY TITTMANN
----------------
Q. OF THE TOP 10 HOLDINGS A YEAR AGO, ONLY 3 REMAIN. DOES THIS SUGGEST A HIGH
TURNOVER RATIO FOR THE PORTFOLIO?
BT: Yes and no. Turnover can vary significantly year to year. However, the Fund
is actively managed, although we do have a number of long-term holdings.
WB: When we make investments in small to medium-sized exploration companies,
the time frame is usually 6 to 24 months, which is how long it takes to
prove up reserves of a mine or an oil field. Once these are known, the
stock price usually reflects all of the good news and, at that point, it
pays to look for fresh opportunities.
Q. IS THERE A REASON FOR THE DECREASE IN THE WEIGHTING OF FERTILIZER STOCKS
OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS?
BT: The fertilizer industry is a very good long-term theme. Grain stocks
worldwide are at historical lows, while demand for food from the developing
world - particularly China - is increasing at a much faster rate. We bought
quite a few of these stocks, and have reduced the group to include the ones
that we want to hold for the long term. We have not changed our minds on
the industry, but rather have weeded out some of the less attractive
companies.
Q. BARCLAY, CAMBIOR, INC. AND GETCHELL GOLD HAVE BOTH DONE VERY WELL. WHAT CAN
YOU TELL US ABOUT THESE COMPANIES?
BT: Actually, these are two very different stories. Getchell Gold is an old
mine, next to which a discovery was made that vastly increased the
reserves. Over the next few years, we anticipate that the new mine will
continue to increase the overall reserves of the company. The stock has
quintupled in the last 2 years.
- ---------------------------------
[Photo of William D. Burt]
- ---------------------------------
WILLIAM D. BURT
---------------
Cambior, Inc. has established gold mines in Canada and Guyana, South
America, but they also have a huge copper deposit in Peru, which is one of
the largest in the world. This copper reserve is not reflected at all in
the stock price because the market currently does not favor copper.
Ultimately, however, we expect that this valuable asset will be recognized.
Q. BILL, WHAT OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION COMPANIES ARE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO
YOU RIGHT NOW?
WB: Two companies come to mind. The first, Swift Energy Company, is a small
Houston oil and gas company. Investors had ignored Swift because of its
heavy involvement in drilling programs and the stock's illiquidity. The
drilling funds are gone, however, the company has expanded its very
high-return operations in South Texas. In addition, reserves, production,
and cash flow are soaring. We got involved in a secondary offering, which
increased the stock's liquidity and exposure to investors. The stock has
grown from around $7 per share to the low $20s, and we expect further
appreciation going forward.
Another interesting company is FX Exploration, a small, relatively unknown
company. FX acquired a concession in Poland, where exploration has been
very light in the last few decades, and their oil well should start
drilling in October. This stock has tripled in 8 months, and still has
further potential for appreciation.
Q. HOW MUCH OF THE PORTFOLIO IS IN FOREIGN STOCKS?
BT: Most of the Fund's holdings are in North America, with the exception of
3-4% in Australia and West Africa. But of the North American portion,
roughly half of the holdings are Canadian-based because of the large number
of mining and energy companies there.
TOP TEN HOLDINGS*
Greenstone Reserves Ltd. Gold mining
Dayton Mining Corp. Gold
Mercantile Int'l. Petroleum, Inc. Oil, natural gas
Getchell Gold Corp. Gold
Cambior, Inc. Gold
Swift Energy Co., Inc. Oil, natural gas
Anadarko Petroleum, Inc. Oil, natural gas
Ranger Oil Ltd. Oil, natural gas
Aluminum Co. of America Metals
Tiomin Resources, Inc. Metals
INVESTMENT ALLOCATION*
Gold Oil & Gas Metals Minerals Iron & Steel Other
36.6% 33.5% 15.1% 10.2% 3.6% 1.0%
*The holdings and investment allocation shown above are by market value as of
August 31, 1996, and may not represent the current or future holdings or
investment allocation of the Portfolio. The top ten holdings represented 30.36%
of the Portfolio on August 31, 1996.
Q. DO YOU PLAN TO INCREASE THE NON-NORTH AMERICA PORTION?
BT: Probably not. In Africa and Australia, it is difficult to find companies
that offer outstanding investment potential.
WB: I agree. It is very hard to invest overseas and be ahead of the crowd.
Australian investors are just as aggressive as we are, and buying stocks
early in their growth cycle is virtually impossible from a long distance.
In Canada, on the other hand, it is much easier to get timely information.
Many of their investors are American, and some Canadian institutions, such
as pension funds, are not as aggressive as U.S. institutional buyers.
Q. ARE THERE ANY SUCCESS STORIES IN THE METALS INDUSTRY THAT STAND OUT?
BT: I can think of two interesting examples. The first is in the titanium
industry, where the cycle has turned positive because of demand from two
very different industries, aircraft and golf club manufacturers. We have
had very good luck buying and selling on two occasions Oregon
Metallurgical, one of the three main titanium stocks.
The second example is a small Canadian company called Colossal Resources,
which happens to have the rights to one of the largest cobalt reserves in
the world. The reserve is actually a slag heap of Zambia's largest copper
mine, which has been in operation for 60 years. The slag heap is very rich
in cobalt, and Colossal is extracting the cobalt from the slag using two
electric furnaces. Because the price of cobalt has risen, this technique is
economically feasible. Moreover, they are filling an environmental need by
cleaning up the slag heap.
Q. WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE EV MARATHON GOLD & NATURAL RESOURCES FUND FROM OTHER
FUNDS IN ITS UNIVERSE?
BT: Our mix of gold stocks and natural resources stocks is probably the most
distinguishing feature. As a rule, natural resources funds are heavily
energy-oriented, while most gold funds are 80-90% invested in gold stocks.
The EV Marathon Gold & Natural Resources Fund is more evenly balanced than
the typical fund in this universe.
WB: In addition, funds which do have equal diversity between gold and energy
nonetheless tend to be managed by one person who has an expertise in one,
but not both, of the sectors. Very few managers have an expertise in both
areas, and very few funds, if any, have two managers - each with an
expertise in his or her respective field. Our different backgrounds allow
us to aggressively pursue opportunities in our specialties. This is unique,
and offers shareholders a distinct advantage.
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN EV MARATHON GOLD &
NATURAL RESOURCES FUND, THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX AND THE COST OF LIVING
INDEX
From October 31, 1987, through August 31, 1996
AVERAGE 1 5 Life of Value of
ANNUAL RETURNS Year Years Fund* Investment at 8/31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Including CDSC 34.7% 16.9% 13.5% $30,797
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without CDSC 39.7% 17.1% 13.5% $30,797
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EV MARATHON GOLD & NATURAL RESOURCES FUND
VS. S&P 500 AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Date Fund S&P Index CP Index
10/31/87 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
11/30/87 $10,230 $ 9,147 $10,009
12/31/87 $10,990 $ 9,901 $10,009
1/31/88 $10,187 $10,301 $10,035
2/28/88 $10,899 $10,732 $10,061
3/31/88 $11,592 $10,464 $10,104
4/30/88 $11,723 $10,563 $10,156
5/31/88 $11,723 $10,596 $10,191
6/30/88 $12,307 $11,157 $10,234
7/31/88 $12,155 $11,097 $10,278
8/31/88 $11,680 $10,669 $10,321
9/30/88 $11,539 $11,193 $10,390
10/31/88 $11,863 $11,483 $10,425
11/30/88 $11,945 $11,266 $10,434
12/31/88 $12,070 $11,534 $10,451
1/31/89 $12,926 $12,354 $10,503
2/28/89 $13,062 $11,997 $10,546
3/31/89 $13,082 $12,350 $10,607
4/30/89 $13,249 $12,969 $10,676
5/31/89 $12,768 $13,424 $10,737
6/30/89 $12,716 $13,438 $10,763
7/31/89 $13,304 $14,625 $10,789
8/31/89 $14,155 $14,852 $10,807
9/30/89 $14,188 $14,875 $10,841
10/31/89 $13,830 $14,500 $10,893
11/30/88 $14,515 $14,740 $10,919
12/31/89 $14,923 $15,178 $10,937
1/31/90 $14,541 $14,133 $11,049
2/28/90 $14,656 $14,254 $11,101
3/31/90 $14,574 $14,718 $11,162
4/30/90 $13,657 $14,323 $11,180
5/31/90 $14,574 $15,640 $11,206
6/30/90 $14,075 $15,640 $11,266
7/31/90 $15,194 $15,559 $11,310
8/31/90 $14,681 $14,091 $11,414
9/30/90 $14,190 $13,501 $11,509
10/31/90 $12,775 $13,411 $11,578
11/30/90 $12,670 $14,214 $11,605
12/31/90 $13,271 $14,705 $11,605
1/31/91 $12,944 $15,315 $11,674
2/28/91 $13,911 $16,346 $11,691
3/31/91 $13,851 $16,833 $11,709
4/30/91 $13,669 $16,839 $11,726
5/31/91 $13,093 $17,488 $11,761
6/30/91 $14,105 $16,796 $11,795
7/31/91 $14,457 $17,550 $11,813
8/31/91 $13,971 $17,894 $11,847
9/30/91 $13,571 $17,694 $11,899
10/31/91 $14,302 $17,903 $11,917
11/30/91 $13,498 $17,117 $11,951
12/31/91 $14,130 $19,166 $11,960
1/31/92 $14,753 $18,784 $11,977
2/28/92 $14,753 $18,964 $12,021
3/31/92 $14,229 $18,684 $12,082
4/30/92 $14,454 $19,205 $12,099
5/31/92 $14,866 $19,223 $12,116
6/30/92 $15,042 $19,040 $12,160
7/31/92 $15,367 $19,789 $12,186
8/31/92 $14,979 $19,314 $12,220
9/30/92 $14,853 $19,639 $12,255
10/31/92 $14,715 $19,681 $12,298
11/30/92 $14,364 $20,276 $12,316
12/31/92 $14,778 $20,624 $12,307
1/31/93 $14,878 $20,769 $12,368
2/28/93 $15,668 $20,987 $12,411
3/31/93 $16,031 $21,522 $12,454
4/30/93 $16,332 $20,975 $12,489
5/31/93 $16,796 $21,451 $12,507
6/30/93 $17,310 $21,624 $12,524
7/31/93 $17,648 $21,508 $12,524
8/31/93 $17,573 $22,249 $12,559
9/30/93 $16,595 $22,180 $12,585
10/31/93 $17,347 $22,611 $12,637
11/30/93 $17,285 $22,319 $12,645
12/31/93 $18,556 $22,693 $12,645
1/31/94 $19,590 $23,431 $12,680
2/28/94 $18,609 $22,727 $12,723
3/31/94 $17,683 $21,840 $12,767
4/30/94 $17,576 $22,092 $12,784
5/31/94 $18,180 $22,366 $12,793
6/30/94 $18,019 $21,933 $12,836
7/31/94 $18,663 $22,624 $12,871
8/31/94 $19,375 $23,475 $12,923
9/30/94 $19,992 $23,005 $12,958
10/31/94 $19,173 $23,486 $12,966
11/30/94 $17,710 $22,558 $12,984
12/31/94 $18,166 $23,001 $12,984
1/31/95 $17,226 $23,560 $13,036
2/28/95 $18,193 $24,410 $13,088
3/31/95 $19,455 $25,234 $13,131
4/30/95 $19,402 $25,939 $13,174
5/31/95 $20,194 $26,881 $13,200
6/30/95 $20,946 $27,635 $13,226
7/31/95 $22,006 $28,513 $13,226
8/31/95 $22,047 $28,504 $13,261
9/30/95 $21,523 $29,824 $13,287
10/31/95 $20,167 $29,676 $13,330
11/30/95 $21,442 $30,894 $13,322
12/31/95 $22,120 $31,614 $13,313
1/31/96 $23,319 $32,645 $13,391
2/28/96 $24,475 $32,872 $13,435
3/31/96 $25,074 $33,309 $13,504
4/30/96 $27,443 $33,756 $13,556
5/31/96 $29,441 $34,528 $13,582
6/30/96 $26,216 $34,800 $13,591
7/31/96 $25,830 $33,208 $13,617
8/31/96 $30,797 $33,833 $13,643
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment returns and
principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than their original cost. Source: Towers Data Systems,
Bethesda, MD.
*Investment operations commenced on 10/21/87.
+Index information is available only at month-end; therefore, the line
comparison begins at the next month-end following the commencement of the
Fund's investment operations.
THE FUND'S PERFORMANCE
In accordance with guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the performance chart above compares the Fund's total return with that of a
broad-based securities market index. The lines on the chart represent the total
returns of $10,000 hypothetical investments in the Fund, the S&P 500 Stock Index
and the Consumer Price Index.
THE TOTAL RETURN FIGURES
The colored solid line on the chart represents the Fund's performance at net
asset value. The Fund's total return figure reflects fund expenses and portfolio
transaction costs, and assumes reinvestment of income dividends and capital gain
distributions. It also reflects the Fund's maximum applicable contingent
deferred sales charge (CDSC) deducted at redemption as follows: 5% - 1st and 2nd
years; 4% - 3rd year; 3% - 4th year; 2% - 5th year; and 1% - 6th year.
The black solid line represents the performance of the S&P 500 Stock Index, a
broad-based, widely recognized unmanaged index of 500 common stocks. In contrast
to the Fund, whose investment focus is targeted toward selected natural
resources sectors, the stocks in the Index represent a diversified portfolio
spanning all sectors of the economy. The Index's total return does not reflect
any commissions or expenses that would have been incurred if an investor
individually purchased or sold the securities represented in the Index.
The dotted line represents the Consumer Price Index, an inflation measure based
on a basket of goods including food, clothing and energy. Its performance is
included to compare how the Fund has performed historically relative to
inflation.
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------
EV MARATHON GOLD & NATURAL
RESOURCES FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS - 97.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF COMPANY SHARES VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLD & PRECIOUS METALS - 39.1%
Argosy Mining Corp. Special Warrants* 100,000 $ 219,322
Bresea Resources Ltd.*+ 25,000 264,932
Cambior Inc. 41,000 625,250
Canarc Resources Corp.* 150,000 219,322
Control Science Corp. Special Warrants*+ 200,000 380,159
Corriente Resources, Inc.*+ 150,000 482,355
Corriente Resources, Inc. Warrants*+ 25,000 7,311
Crystallex International Special Warrants*+ 150,000 327,887
Dayton Mining Corp.* 100,000 725,000
Eldorado Gold Corp. Ltd.*+ 21,000 131,991
Getchell Gold Corp.* 15,000 656,250
Golden Shamrock Mines Ltd.* 200,000 164,560
Gran Colombia Resources Special Warrants*+ 100,000 201,045
Greenstone Resources Ltd.* 50,000 764,840
Hecla Mining Co.* 25,000 171,875
Meridan Gold, Inc.*+ 120,000 307,276
Pioneer Group, Inc. 10,000 261,250
Quincunx Gold Exploration Special Warrants*+ 300,000 327,547
Rio Narcea Gold Mines Ltd.*+ 60,000 191,844
Romarco Minerals, Inc.*+ 50,000 215,667
South Pacific Resources Corp.*+ 15,000 78,383
Southwestern Gold Corp.*+ 24,000 434,124
Tombstone Explorations Co. Ltd. Special
Warrants*+ 150,000 224,805
Triton Mining Corp.*+ 30,000 131,593
TVX Gold, Inc.* 45,000 365,625
-----------
$ 7,880,213
-----------
INDUSTRIAL METALS - 11.2%
Aluminum Co. of America 8,000 $ 497,000
AMT International Mining*+ 328,600 360,211
AMT International Mining Warrants*+ 328,600 117,672
Colossal Resources Corp.* 60,000 352,500
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold 16,300 458,437
Inco Limited 5,600 180,600
Oregon Metallurgical* 10,000 297,500
-----------
$ 2,263,920
-----------
INDUSTRIAL MINERALS - 10.2%
Agrium Inc. 18,000 $ 252,000
Cameco Corp. 13,000 305,500
Minerals Technologies, Inc. 10,500 400,313
Mississippi Chemical Corp. 10,000 225,000
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan 5,000 380,000
Tiomin Resources, Inc.*+ 200,000 489,660
-----------
$ 2,052,473
-----------
IRON & STEEL - 3.6%
Nucor Corp. 5,000 $ 233,750
Republic Engineered Steel, Inc.* 60,000 247,500
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. 9,000 236,250
-----------
$ 717,500
-----------
OIL & GAS - 33.5%
Abacan Resources Corp.* 35,000 $ 188,125
Alexander Energy Corp.* 60,000 416,250
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. 10,700 564,425
Arakis Energy Corp.* 150,000 454,680
Beau Canada Exploration Ltd. Class A*+ 170,000 248,489
Coflexip 20,000 397,500
Dawson Production Services* 26,000 318,500
FX Energy, Inc.* 50,000 415,625
Frontier Natural Gas Corp.* 110,000 268,125
Frontier Natural Gas Corp. Warrants* 75,000 51,563
Mercantile International Petroleum*+ 300,000 675,000
Noble Drilling, Inc.* 12,000 171,000
Patina Oil & Gas Corp.* 33,500 238,688
Plains Resources, Inc.* 17,000 231,625
Ranger Oil Ltd. 75,000 515,625
Seven Seas Petroleum, Inc.*+ 20,000 390,000
Swift Energy Co.* 25,000 621,875
Tesoro Petroleum Corp.* 30,000 382,500
TransTexas Gas Corp.* 17,000 187,000
-----------
$ 6,736,595
-----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Identified cost, $14,758,926) $19,650,701
-----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERTIBLE BONDS - 1.4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FACE AMOUNT
(000'S OMITTED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashanti Capital, 5.5%, 3/15/03
(Identified cost, $300,000) $300 $ 273,375
-----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(Identified cost, $15,058,926) $19,924,076
OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES - 1.0% 204,706
-----------
NET ASSETS - 100% $20,128,782
===========
*Non-income producing security.
+Foreign Security.
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------
EV MARATHON GOLD & NATURAL RESOURCES FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (Note 1A) (identified cost,
$15,058,926) $19,924,076
Cash 465
Receivable for securities sold 948,149
Dividends and interest receivable 10,395
-----------
Total assets $20,883,085
LIABILITIES:
Demand note payable $497,000
Payable for investments purchased 185,625
Payable for Fund shares redeemed 55,918
Payable to affiliate --
Trustees' fees 63
Accrued expenses 15,697
--------
Total liabilities 754,303
-----------
NET ASSETS for 932,892 shares of beneficial interest
outstanding $20,128,782
===========
SOURCES OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in capital $12,228,865
Accumulated net realized gain on investment
transactions (computed on the basis of identified cost) 3,034,767
Unrealized appreciation of investments (computed on
the basis of identified cost) 4,865,150
-----------
Total $20,128,782
===========
NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING PRICE AND REDEMPTION PRICE (NOTE 6)
PER SHARE ($20,128,782 / 932,892 shares of
beneficial interest) $21.58
======
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Year Ended August 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Income --
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $2,158) $ 123,116
Interest 11,692
----------
Total income $ 134,808
Expenses --
Investment adviser fee (Note 4) $ 114,803
Compensation of Trustees not members of the
Investment Adviser's organization 840
Custodian fee (Note 1C) 13,703
Distribution fees (Note 5) 140,699
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees 14,933
Printing and postage 34,995
Legal and accounting services 21,088
Registration fees 14,773
Miscellaneous 25,109
----------
Total expenses 380,943
Deduct reduction of custodian fee (Note 1C) 2,673
----------
Net expenses 378,270
----------
Net investment loss $ (243,462)
----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain --
Investment transactions (computed on the basis
of identified cost) $3,285,224
Foreign currency (510)
----------
Net realized gain 3,284,714
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments 2,237,334
----------
Net realized and unrealized gain on
investments 5,522,048
----------
Net increase in net assets from operations $5,278,586
==========
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1995* 1994
------------ ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
From operations --
Net investment loss $ (243,462) $ (91,043) $ (89,807)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments 3,284,714 875,917 (61,225)
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments 2,237,334 634,567 1,765,546
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets from operations $ 5,278,586 $ 1,419,441 $ 1,614,514
----------- ----------- -----------
Distributions to shareholders --
In excess of net investment income $ -- $ -- $ (10,924)
From net realized gains on investments (821,177) -- --
In excess of realized gain on investments -- -- (508,281)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total $ (821,177) $ -- $ (519,205)
----------- ----------- -----------
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest (Note 3) --
Proceeds from sales of shares $ 7,441,573 $ 5,076,779 $10,163,533
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in
payment of distributions declared 639,300 -- 378,380
Cost of shares redeemed (7,668,233) (4,292,802) (4,374,063)
----------- ----------- -----------
Increase in net assets from Fund share transactions $ 412,640 $ 783,977 $ 6,167,870
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets $ 4,870,049 $ 2,203,418 $ 7,263,179
NET ASSETS:
At beginning of year 15,258,733 13,055,315 5,792,136
----------- ----------- -----------
At end of year $20,128,782 $15,258,733 $13,055,315
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
*For the eleven months ended August 31, 1995 (See Note 10)
See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------- ----------------------------------------------
1996 1995++ 1994 1993 1992 1991
---- ------ ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, beginning of year $16.420 $14.890 $13.240 $11.850 $11.140 $12.140
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) $(0.261) $(0.100)** $(0.050) $(0.090) $(0.083) $ 0.020
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments 6.371 1.630 ** 2.650 1.480 1.103 (0.570)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total income (loss) from operations $ 6.110 $ 1.530 $ 2.600 $ 1.390 $ 1.020 $(0.550)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $(0.020)
In excess of net investment income -- -- (0.020) -- (0.250) (0.110)
From net realized gain on investments (0.950) -- -- -- (0.060) (0.320)
In excess of net realized gain on
investments -- -- (0.930) -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total distributions $(0.950) $ -- $(0.950) $ -- $(0.310) $(0.450)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE, end of year $21.580 $16.420 $14.890 $13.240 $11.850 $11.140
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL RETURN 39.69% 10.28% 20.47% 11.73% 9.44% (4.36)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:*
Net assets, end of year (000's omitted) $20,129 $15,259 $13,055 $ 5,792 $ 3,775 $ 4,042
Ratio of net expenses to average daily
net assets(1) 2.49% 2.43%+ 2.64% 3.15% 3.26% 3.29%
Ratio of net expenses to average daily
net assets after custodian fee
reduction(1) 2.47% -- -- -- -- --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average daily net assets (1.60%) (0.74%) (0.96%) (0.92%) (0.67%) 0.17%
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 86% 49% 17% 57% 32% 27%
AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE PAID*** $0.0382 -- -- -- -- --
*For the three years ended September 30, 1993, the operating expenses of the Fund reflect a reduction of the investment
adviser fee, an allocation of expenses to the Investment Adviser, or both. Had such actions not been taken, net
investment loss per share and the ratios would have been as follows:
NET INVESTMENT LOSS PER SHARE $(0.210) $(0.240) $(0.110)
======= ======= =======
RATIOS (As a percentage of average daily net assets):
Expenses 3.90% 4.65% 4.42%
Net investment loss (1.67)% (2.06)% (0.96)%
<FN>
- ---------------
+Annualized.
++For the eleven months ended August 31, 1995 (Note 10).
**Per share data is based on average shares outstanding.
***Average commission rate paid is computed by dividing the total dollar amount of commissions paid during the fiscal year by
the total number of shares purchased and sold during the fiscal year for which commissions were charged. For fiscal years
beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a Fund is required to disclose its average commission rate per share for security
trades on which commissions are charged.
(1)The expense ratios for the year ended August 31, 1996 have been adjusted to reflect a change in reporting requirements.
The new reporting guidelines require the Fund to increase its expense ratio by the effect of any expense offset
arrangements with its service providers. The expense ratios for each of the periods ended on or before August 31, 1995
have not been adjusted to reflect this change.
</FN>
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AUGUST 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
EV Marathon Gold & Natural Resources Fund (the Fund) is a diversified series
of Eaton Vance Growth Trust (the Trust). The Trust is an entity of the type
commonly known as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management
investment company. The following is a summary of significant accounting
policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial
statements. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
A. INVESTMENT VALUATIONS -- Investments, other than fixed income securities,
listed on securities exchanges or in the NASDAQ National Market System are
valued at closing sale prices. Unlisted securities or listed securities for
which closing sale prices are not available are valued at the mean between the
latest bid and asked prices. Options are valued at the last quoted sale price
on the exchange or board of trade on which they are primarily traded or, in
the absence of a sale, the mean between the last bid and asked price. Futures
positions on investments or currencies are generally valued at closing
settlement prices. Short-term obligations are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates value. Other fixed income and debt securities, including listed
securities and securities for which price quotations are available, will
normally be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service.
All other securities are appraised at fair value as determined in good faith
by or pursuant to procedures established by the Trustees.
B. FEDERAL TAXES -- The Fund's policy is to comply with the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code available to regulated investment companies and to
distribute to shareholders each year all of its taxable income, including any
net realized gain on investments. Accordingly, no provision for federal income
or excise tax is necessary.
C. EXPENSE REDUCTION -- The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its
custodian agent whereby interest earned on uninvested cash balances are used
to offset custody fees. All significant reductions are reported as a reduction
of expenses in the Statement of Operations. Prior to November 10, 1995,
Investors Bank & Trust (IBT) was an affiliate of Eaton Vance Management. IBT
serves as custodian to the Fund and the Portfolio.
D. OTHER -- Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date
basis. Dividend income, distributions to shareholders and shares issued to
shareholders electing to receive distributions in shares are recorded on the
ex-dividend date.
E. USE OF ESTIMATES -- The preparation of the financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
It is the present policy of the Fund to make (A) at least one distribution
annually (normally in December) of substantially all of the investment income
earned by the Fund, less its expenses and (B) at least one distribution
annually of substantially all of the capital gains realized by the Fund, if
any. Distributions are paid in the form of additional shares of the Fund or,
at the election of the shareholder, in cash. The Fund distinguishes between
distributions on a tax basis and a financial reporting basis. Generally
accepted accounting principles require that only distributions in excess of
tax basis earnings and profits be reported in the financial statements as a
return of capital. Differences in the recognition or classification of income
between the financial statements and tax earnings and profits which result in
overdistributions only for financial statement purposes are classified as
distributions in excess of net investment income or accumulated net realized
gains. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to
distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of
full and fractional shares of beneficial interest (without par value).
Transactions in Fund shares were as follows:
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1995* 1994
------ ---------- -------------
Sales 409,901 345,747 731,556
Issued to shareholders
electing to receive
payment of distribution
in Fund shares 42,310 -- 28,365
Redemptions (448,638) (293,310) (320,555)
------- ------- -------
Net increase 3,573 52,437 439,366
======= ====== =======
*For the eleven months ended August 31, 1995 (Note 10).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The investment adviser fee was paid to Eaton Vance Management (EVM) as
compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the
Fund. The fee is computed at the monthly rate of 0.0625% (0.75% per annum) of
the Fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million and at reduced rates as
daily net assets exceed that level. For the year ended August 31, 1996, the
effective annual rate, based on average daily net assets, was 0.75%.
Except as to Trustees of the Fund who are not members of EVM's organization,
officers and Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Fund out
of such investment adviser fee. Certain of the officers and Trustees of the Fund
are officers and directors/ trustees of the above organization (See Note 5).
Trustees of the Fund that are not affiliated with the Investment Advisor may
elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees in
accordance with the terms of the Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan. For the
year ended August 31, 1996, no significant amounts have been deferred.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) DISTRIBUTION PLAN
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Plan requires the Fund to pay
the Principal Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD) amounts equal
to 1/365 of 0.75% of the Fund's daily net assets, for providing ongoing
distribution services and facilities to the Fund. The Fund will automatically
discontinue payments to EVD during any period in which there are no
outstanding Uncovered Distribution Charges, which are equivalent to the sum of
(i) 5% of the aggregate amount received by the Fund for shares sold plus (ii)
distribution fees calculated by applying the rate of 1% over the prevailing
prime rate to the outstanding balance of Uncovered Distribution Charges of
EVD, reduced by the aggregate amount of contingent deferred sales charges (see
Note 6) and daily amounts theretofore paid to EVD. The amount payable to EVD
with respect to each day is accrued on such day as a liability of the Fund
and, accordingly, reduces the Fund's net assets. The Fund accrued $114,803 as
payable to EVD for the year ended August 31, 1996, representing 0.75% of daily
average net assets. At August 31, 1996, the amount of Uncovered Distribution
Charges of EVD calculated under the Plan was approximately $449,702.
In addition, the Plan authorizes the Fund to make payments of service fees
to the Principal Underwriter, Authorized Firms and other persons in amounts
not exceeding 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets for each fiscal
year. The Trustees have initially implemented the Plan by authorizing the Fund
to make quarterly payments of service fees to the Principal Underwriter and
Authorized Firms in amounts not expected to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets based on the value of Fund shares sold by such
persons and remaining outstanding for at least one year. Service fee payments
will be made for personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder
accounts. Service fees are separate and distinct from the sales commissions
and distribution fees payable by the Fund to EVD, and, as such, are not
subject to automatic discontinuance where there are no outstanding Uncovered
Distribution Charges of EVD.
During the year ended August 31, 1996, the Fund paid or accrued $25,896
under the Plan to the Principal Underwriter and Authorized Firms.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6) CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
A contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is imposed on any redemption of Fund
shares made within six years of purchase. Generally, the CDSC is based upon the
lower of net asset value at date of redemption or date of purchase. No charge is
levied on shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions. The CDSC is imposed at declining rates that begin at 5% in the
case of redemptions in the first and second year after purchase (6% and 5%,
respectively for shares acquired prior to August 1, 1994), declining one
percentage point each year. No CDSC is levied on shares which have been sold to
EVM or its affiliates or to their respective employees or clients. CDSC charges
are paid to EVD to reduce the amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges
calculated under the Fund's Distribution Plan. If no Uncovered Distribution
Charges exist, the CDSC will be credited to operations. EVD received
approximately $109,292 of CDSC paid by shareholders for the year ended August
31, 1996.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(7) LINE OF CREDIT
The Fund participates with other funds managed by EVM in a $120 million
unsecured line of credit agreement with a bank. The line of credit consists of
a $20 million committed facility and a $100 million discretionary facility.
Borrowings will be made by the Fund solely to facilitate the handling of
unusual and/or unanticipated short-term cash requirements. Interest is charged
to each fund based on its borrowings at an amount above either the bank's
adjusted certificate of deposit rate, a variable adjusted certificate of
deposit rate, or a federal funds effective rate. In addition, a fee computed
at an annual rate of 1/4 of 1% on the $20 million committed facility and on
the daily unused portion of the $100 million discretionary facility is
allocated among the participating funds at the end of each quarter. At August
31, 1996, the Fund had a balance outstanding pursuant to this line of credit
amounting to $497,000.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(8) PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENTS
Purchases and sales of investments, other than U.S. Government Securities and
short-term obligations, aggregated $13,521,893 and $14,322,196, respectively.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(9) FEDERAL INCOME TAX BASIS OF INVESTMENTS
The cost and unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of the investment
securities owned at August 31, 1996, as computed on a federal income tax
basis, are as follows:
Aggregate cost $15,058,926
===========
Gross unrealized appreciation $ 5,686,864
Gross unrealized depreciation (821,714)
----------
Net unrealized appreciation $ 4,865,150
===========
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(10) SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING (UNAUDITED)
The Fund changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to August 31, effective
August 31, 1995. EV Marathon Gold & Natural Resources Fund (the Fund) held a
special shareholder meeting on August 30, 1995. On July 5, 1995, the record
date of the meeting, the Fund had 932,343 shares outstanding, of which 540,439
shares were represented at the meeting. The votes at the meeting were as
follows:
Item: The approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to
which the Fund will be recognized to become a series fund of Eaton Vance
Growth Trust, a Massachusetts business trust.
NUMBER OF SHARES
(UNAUDITED)
----------------
Affirmative 506,089
Against 4,640
Abstain 29,710
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO THE TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF
EV MARATHON GOLD & NATURAL RESOURCES FUND:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio of investments, of EV Marathon Gold & Natural
Resources Fund (the Fund) (one of the series of Eaton Vance Growth Trust) as
of August 31, 1996, the related statements of operations for the year ended
August 31, 1996, the statements of changes in net assets for the year ended
August 31, 1996, and the eleven months ended August 31, 1995 and for the year
ended September 30, 1994 and the financial highlights for the year ended
August 31, 1996, and the eleven months ended August 31, 1995 and for each of
the years in the four-year period ended September 30, 1994. These financial
statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities
owned at August 31, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers;
where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other audit
procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EV Marathon Gold &
Natural Resources Fund at August 31, 1996, the results of its operations, the
changes in its net assets and its financial highlights for the respective
stated periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
OCTOBER 4, 1996
<PAGE>
-------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
EV MARATHON OFFICERS INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
GOLD & NATURAL JAMES B. HAWKES DONALD R. DWIGHT
RESOURCES FUND President, Trustee President, Dwight Partners,
24 Federal Street Inc. Chairman, Newspapers
Boston, MA 02110 M. DOZIER GARDNER of New England, Inc.
Vice President
SAMUEL L. HAYES, III
WILLIAM D. BURT Jacob H. Schiff
Vice President and Professor of Investment
Portfolio Co-Manager Banking, Harvard
University Graduate School
BARCLAY TITTMAN of Business Administration
Vice President and
Portfolio Co-Manager NORTON H. REAMER
President, United Asset
JAMES L. O'CONNOR Management Corporation
Treasurer
JOHN L. THORNDIKE
THOMAS OTIS Director,
Secretary Fiduciary Company Incorporated
JACK L. TREYNOR
Investment Adviser and
Consultant
