EATON VANCE SPECIAL INVESTMENT TRUST
N-30D, 1997-09-10
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<PAGE>
 
    [LOGO OF EATON   Investing                [PHOTO OF FINANCIAL NEWSPAPER
 VANCE APPEARS HERE] for the                   & CALCULATOR APPEARS HERE]
                     21st 
                     Century





Semiannual Report June 30, 1997



                                      EV      
                                  TRADITIONAL 
[PHOTO OF NYSE FLAG                 SPECIAL   
   APPEARS HERE]                 EQUITIES FUND 
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                  Eaton Vance
                     Global Management-Global Distribution



[PHOTO OF NYSE 
 APPEARS HERE]

                                                                     Traditional
<PAGE>
 
EV Traditional Special Equities Fund as of June 30, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT UPDATE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PHOTO OF EDWARD E. SMILEY, PORTFOLIO MANAGER OMITTED]

Investment Environment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The Economy 

 .  Economic conditions in the U.S. were very favorable in the first half of
   1997. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased at an annualized rate of 4.9%
   during the first quarter. In the second quarter, the economy slowed somewhat,
   with advance estimates showing an annualized GDP increase of 2.2%.

 .  Unemployment remained low throughout the period, hitting a 24-year low of
   4.8% in May and rising slightly to 5.0% in June.

 .  Inflation was low throughout the first half of the year, despite continued
   economic growth and a tight labor market. During the first half of 1997, the
   Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose at an annual rate of only 1.4%, the slowest
   rate of increase since 1986. 

   The Markets

 .  The sustained growth of the U.S. economy and low inflation have helped propel
   prices of large capitalization stocks to record levels. In the six months
   ended June 30, 1997, the S&P 500 Index had a total return of 20.6%.*

 .  An increase in volatility has accompanied higher stock valuations in the
   first half of 1997. Within a six-week period in March and April, the Dow
   Jones Industrial Average declined almost 10%, and then fully recovered to
   reach new record highs.*

 .  While the performance of large capitalization stocks has surged in the
   current economic environment, investors have not showed as much enthusiasm
   for the small and mid-capitalization sectors. The total returns of the S&P
   400 Mid Cap Index and the Russell 2000 Stock Index during the first half of
   the year were 13.0% and 10.2%, respectively.*

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mutual fund shares are not insured 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.




The Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Past Six Months
 
 .  During the six months ended June 30, 1997, EV Traditional Special Equities
   Fund had a total return of 5.4%./1/

 .  This return resulted from a decrease in net asset value to $7.97 per share on
   June 30, 1997 from $8.95 per share on December 31, 1996, and the reinvestment
   of $1.255 per share in capital gains distributions./2/

 .  By comparison, the average total return for mutual funds in the Lipper Growth
   Fund Category was 14.3% during this period.* 

   Management Discussion

 .  The Fund remains focused on the small- and mid-capitalization companies that
   we view as future industry leaders. The Fund's concentrations include the
   networking, specialty software, and communications equipment sectors,
   industries in which order rates remain especially strong in the current
   climate.

 .  In the media sector, the Fund had an investment in A.H. Belo Corp. A
   well-managed operator of broadcast and newspaper holdings, Belo includes The
   Dallas Morning News, The Providence Journal, and several West Coast
   television stations in its portfolio.

 .  The Fund also maintained a relatively strong exposure to the oil service
   sector and supply sectors through its investments in Camco, Inc., Ensco, Inc.
   and Noble Drilling. In a period of weak oil prices, these service and supply
   companies have fared better than exploration companies and have benefited
   from a consolidation following the industry woes of the late 1980s.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/1/ This return does not include the maximum 4.75% initial sales charge.
/2/ Returns are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset
    value with all distributions reinvested. SEC average annual returns reflect
    the maximum 4.75% sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee of future
    results. The value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that
    shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
/3/ Industry sectors and top 10 holdings are as of 6/30/97 only and may not be
    representative of the Portfolio's current or future investments. Top 10
    holdings account for 13.94% of the Portfolio's investments, determined by
    dividing the total market value of the holdings by the total net assets of
    the Portfolio.
*   It is not possible to invest directly in an index, average, or Lipper
    Category.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Information
as of June 30, 1997

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Average Annual Total Returns/2/
- -------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C> 
One Year                             16.3%
Five Years                           11.8
Ten Years                            11.2

<CAPTION> 
SEC Average Annual Total Returns/2/
- -------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C> 
One Year                             10.7%
Five Years                           10.7
Ten Years                            10.7



<CAPTION> 
Five Largest Industry Sectors/3/
- -------------------------------------------
As a percentage of total net assets
<S>                                  <C>   
Information Services                 19.3%
Health Services                       8.2%
Oil & Gas                             7.9%
Business Products & Services          5.4%
Drugs                                 5.2%

<CAPTION> 
Ten Largest Equity Holdings/3/
- -------------------------------------------
As a percentage of total net assets
<S>                                  <C>   
A.H. Belo Corp.                      1.6%
Vanstar Corp.                        1.5
Genzyme Corp.                        1.5
BISYS Group                          1.4
MGM Grand                            1.4
Mutual Risk Management               1.4
Sofomor Danek                        1.3
Bed Bath & Beyond                    1.3
Strayer Education                    1.3
Paychex, Inc.                        1.3
</TABLE> 

                                       2


<PAGE>
 
EV Traditional Special Equities Fund as of June 30, 1997

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities                              

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
As of June 30, 1997

Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C> 
Investment in Special Investment Portfolio, at value (Note 1A)
    (identified cost, $63,457,357)                                  $76,413,650
Receivable for Fund shares sold                                           1,363
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total assets                                                        $76,415,013
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for Fund shares redeemed                                    $    80,058
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees (Note 4)                            420
Accrued expenses                                                         35,430
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                                   $   115,908
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net Assets for 9,570,366 shares of
    beneficial interest outstanding                                 $76,299,105
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sources of Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paid-in capital                                                     $54,382,188
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on
    investments (computed on the basis of    
    identified cost)                                                  9,152,534
Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment  
    income                                                             (191,910)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments (computed
    on the basis of identified cost)                                 12,956,293
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                               $76,299,105
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net Asset Value and Redemption
Price Per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($76,299,105 / 9,570,366 shares of
     beneficial interest outstanding)                               $      7.97
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Computation of Offering Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Offering price per share (100 / 95.25 of $7.97)                     $      8.37
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On  sales of $100,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.
<CAPTION> 

Statement of Operations


For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 1997

Investment Income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C> 
Dividend income allocated from
    Portfolio--                                                     $    48,741
Interest income allocated from Portfolio                                198,348
Expenses allocated from Portfolio                                      (267,250)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment loss                                               $   (20,161)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation of Trustees not members of the
    Administrator's organization (Note 4)                           $       818
Service fees (Note 5)                                                    83,231
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees                              37,401
Printing and postage                                                     22,124
Registration fees                                                         8,504
Legal and accounting services                                             6,221
Custodian fee (Note 1C)                                                   3,623
Miscellaneous                                                             9,827
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                      $   171,749
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net investment loss                                                 $  (191,910)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) from Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain --
    Investment transactions (identified cost basis)                 $ 9,157,195
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain on investment transactions                        $ 9,157,195
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Change in unrealized appreciation --
    Investment transactions                                         $(5,192,868)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments                $(5,192,868)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net realized and unrealized gain on investments                     $ 3,964,327
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                $ 3,772,417
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
EV Traditional Special Equities Fund as of June 30, 1997

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                          Six Months Ended
Increase (Decrease)                       June 30, 1997       Year Ended
in Net Assets                             (Unaudited)         December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C> 

From operations --
    Net investment loss                       $   (191,910)        $    (75,291)
    Net realized gain on investments             9,157,195           17,592,414
    Net change in unrealized appreciation       (5,192,868)          (2,037,314)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets
    from operations                           $  3,772,417         $ 15,479,809
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders (Note 2) --
    From net realized gain 
        on investments                        $(10,354,414)        $ (7,078,441)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareholders           $(10,354,414)        $ (7,078,441)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transactions in shares of beneficial
    interest (Note 3)  --
    Proceeds from sale of shares              $ 11,398,148         $  6,564,823
    Net asset value of shares issued to 
        shareholders in payment of         
        distributions declared                   8,996,745            5,959,421
    Cost of shares redeemed                    (14,512,380)         (14,383,427)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets 
    from Fund share transactions              $  5,882,513         $ (1,859,183)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets 
    from Fund share transactions              $   (699,484)        $  6,542,185
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of period                        $ 76,998,589         $ 70,456,404
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                              $ 76,299,105         $ 76,998,589
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Accumulated net 
investment loss included 
in net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                              $   (191,910)        $         --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
EV Traditional Special Equities Fund as of June 30, 1997

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Financial Highlights

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               Six Months Ended                 Year Ended December 31,
                                                                June 30, 1997    --------------------------------------------------
                                                                 (Unaudited)       1996       1995      1994       1993       1992
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>               <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C> 
Net asset value -- Beginning of period                               $ 8.950     $ 7.980   $  6.880   $  8.430   $ 8.990   $  9.520
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income (loss) from operations
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                         $(0.020)    $(0.009)  $ (0.009)  $ (0.013)  $(0.018)  $  0.006
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments                 0.295       1.874      1.599     (0.807)    0.108      0.239
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income (loss) from operations                                  $ 0.275     $ 1.865   $  1.590   $ (0.820)  $ 0.090   $  0.245
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Less distributions
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gain on investments                                $(1.255)    $(0.895)  $ (0.490)  $ (0.727)  $(0.650)  $ (0.775)
From tax return of capital                                                --          --         --     (0.003)       --         --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions                                                  $(1.255)    $(0.895)  $ (0.490)  $ (0.730)  $(0.650)  $ (0.775)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net asset value -- End of period                                     $ 7.970     $ 8.950   $  7.980   $  6.880   $ 8.430   $  8.990
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Return/(1)/                                                       5.39%      23.76%     23.31%     (9.60)%    1.14%      2.71%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ratios/Supplemental Data
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)                              $76,299     $76,999   $ 70,456   $ 63,852   $78,132   $ 76,544
Ratio of net expenses to average daily net assets/(2)/                  1.25%+      1.04%      1.08%      1.02%     1.01%      0.96%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average daily net assets      (0.55)%+    (0.10)%    (0.12)%    (0.17)%   (0.30)%     0.07%

Portfolio Turnover/(3)/                                                   --          --         --         37%       73%        48%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
+     Annualized.
/(1)/ Total return is calculated assuming a purchase at the net asset value on
      the first day and a sale at the net asset value on the last day of each
      period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed to be
      reinvested at the net asset value on the payable date. Total return is not
      computed on an annualized basis.
/(2)/ Includes the Fund's share of the Portfolio's allocated expenses for the
      periods subsequent to August 1, 1994.
/(3)/ Portfolio Turnover represents the rate of portfolio activity for the
      period while the Fund was making investments directly in securities. The
      portfolio turnover rate for the period since the Fund transferred
      substantially all of its investable assets to the Portfolio is shown in
      the Portfolio's financial statements which are included elsewhere in this
      report.

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
EV Traditional Special Equities Fund as of June 30, 1997

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


1   Significant Accounting Policies
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    EV Traditional Special Equities Fund (the Fund), a Massachusetts business
    trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
    as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund is a
    series in the Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust. The Fund invests all of
    its investable assets in interests in the Portfolio, a New York Trust,
    having the same investment objective as the Fund. The value of the Fund's
    investment in the Portfolio reflects the Fund's proportionate interest in
    the net assets of the Portfolio (93.4% at June 30, 1997). The performance of
    the Fund is directly affected by the performance of the Portfolio. The
    financial statement of the Portfolio, including the portfolio of
    investments, are included elsewhere in this report and should be read in
    conjunction with the Fund's financial statement. 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 -- Valuation of securities by the portfolio is
    discussed in Note 1A of the Portfolio's Notes to Financial Statements which
    are included elsewhere in this report.

    B Income -- The Fund's net investment income consists of the Fund's pro rata
    share of the net investment income of the Portfolio, less all actual and
    accrued expenses of the Fund. Prior to the Fund's investment in the
    Portfolio, the Fund held its investments directly.

    C Expense Reduction -- Investors Bank & Trust Company (IBT) serves as
    custodian of the Fund. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, IBT receives a
    fee reduced by credits which are determined based on the average daily cash
    balances the Fund maintains with IBT. All significant credit balances used
    to reduce the Fund's custodian fees are reported as a reduction of expenses
    on the Statement of Operations.

    D Federal Taxes -- The Fund's policy is to comply with the provisions of the
    Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
    distribute to shareholders each year all of its taxable income, including
    any net realized gain on investments, options and financial futures
    transactions. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is
    necessary.

    E Other -- Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis.

    F Use of Estimates -- The preparation of 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 income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could
    differ from those estimates.


2   Distributions to Shareholders
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Fund's present policy is to make a distribution at least annually of the
    net investment income allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio (less the
    Fund's direct and allocated expenses) and to distribute at least annually
    any net realized capital gains so allocated. 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.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
EV Traditional Special Equities fund as of June 30, 1997

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

 
3 Fund Shares
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Fund under its indenture of trust is authorized to issue unlimited
  shares of $.50 par value. Transactions in Fund shares were as follow:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                   Six Months Ended
                                   June 30, 1997       Year Ended
                                   (Unaudited)         December 31, 1996
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                              <C>                 <C>   
  Sales                                   1,501,229               744,488

  Issued to shareholders electing
    to receive payments of         
    distributions in Fund shares          1,312,676               688,946

  Redemptions                            (1,849,226)           (1,655,046)
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Net increase (decrease)                   964,679              (221,612)
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 


4 Transactions with Affiliates
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Eaton Vance Management (EVM) serves as the administrator of the Fund, but
  receives no compensation. The Portfolio has engaged Boston Management and
  Research (BMR), a subsidiary of EVM, to render investment advisory services.
  See Note 3 of the Portfolio's Notes to Financial Statements which are
  included elsewhere in this report. Except as to Trustees of the Fund and the
  Portfolio who are not members of EVM's or BMR's organizations, officers and
  Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Fund out of the
  investment adviser fee. Certain of the officers and Trustees of the Fund and
  Portfolio are officers and directors/trustees of the above organizations.
  
  
5 Service Plan
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Trustees of the Fund adopted a Service Plan designed to meet the service
  fee requirements of the revised sales charge rule of The National
  Association of Securities Dealers Inc. The Service Plan replaced the Fund's
  distribution plan which became effective on June 12, 1989. The Service Plan
  provides that the Fund may make service fee payments to the Principal
  Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., a subsidiary of Eaton Vance
  Management, Authorized Firms or other persons in amounts not exceeding 0.25%
  of the Fund's average daily net assets for any fiscal year. The Trustees
  have implemented the Service Plan by authorizing the Fund to make quarterly
  service fee payments to the Principal Underwriter and Authorized Firms in
  amounts not expected to exceed 0.25% of that portion of the Fund's average
  daily net assets for any fiscal year which is attributable to shares of the
  Fund sold on or after June 12, 1989 by such persons and remaining
  outstanding for at least twelve months. Such payments are made for personal
  services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. During the six
  months ended June 30, 1997 the Fund made payments of $83,231 under the Plan
  to the Principal Underwriter and Authorized Firms.
  
  
6 Investment Transactions
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increases and decreases in the Fund's investment in the Portfolio aggregated
  $11,645,684 and $17,294,345, respectively.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)


Common Stocks -- 91.8%                                                          

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Security                                             Shares            Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C> 
Advertising -- 1.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catalina Marketing Corp.                             14,000        $   673,750
Specialized market research.
Outdoor Systems, Inc.                                14,940            571,455
Dominant operator of outdoor advertising.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $ 1,245,205
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Banks - Regional -- 0.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colonial Bancgroup, Inc.                             21,000        $   509,250
Emerging banking company in the 
Southeastern U.S.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $   509,250
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Banks and Money Services -- 1.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank United, Corp., Class A                          12,000        $   456,000
Operates 70 branch bank system in Texas.
First USA Paymentech, Inc./*/                        28,000            810,250
Payment processor of merchant credit
card transactions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $ 1,266,250
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Broadcasting and Cable -- 2.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emmis Broadcasting Corp., Class A/*/                 15,000        $   654,375
Diversified media company.
Jacor Communications, Inc./*/                        16,500            631,125
Rapidly growing operator of radio
stations and syndicated programming. 
Lin Television Corp./*/                              20,000            882,500
Commercial television broadcast company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $ 2,168,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Building Materials -- 0.9%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Industries, Inc.                               28,000        $   743,750
Regional producer of building products in
the Southwest.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $   743,750
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Business Products and Services -- 5.4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CN Maximus, Inc./*/                                     950        $    16,981
Management consulting group.
Ecolab, Inc.                                          9,000        $   429,750
Producer of industrial cleaning products.
G and K Services, Inc.                               23,000            856,750
Rents and launders uniforms and other textile 
products.
Gartner Group, Inc. Class A/*/                        8,500            305,469
Leading consultant on high tech 
equipment purchases.
Personnel Group of America, Inc./*/                  15,000            432,188
Temporary employment company.
Precision Response Corp./*/                          28,000            462,000
Inbound calling marketing company.
Teletech Holdings, Inc./*/                           26,000            682,500
Inbound calling marketing company.
Vanstar Corp./*/                                     85,000          1,200,624
Value added reseller providing corporations 
with computing solutions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $ 4,386,262
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Communication Services -- 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sterling Commerce, Inc./*/                           25,000        $   821,875
Provides electronic data interchange services.
Transition Systems, Inc./*/                          45,000            818,438
Healthcare information systems.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $ 1,640,313
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Communications Equipment -- 4.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ascend Communications, Inc./*/                       15,000        $   590,625
Manufacturer of high speed telecommunications 
products.
Brooktrout Technology, Inc./*/                       33,000            391,875
Provides telecom equipment specialty products.
Comverse Technology, Inc./*/                          8,000            416,000
Specialized communications products.
Davox Corp.                                           7,500            268,125
Designs and manufactures specialized 
telecom products.
ECI Telecommunications                               20,000            595,000
A company that produces advanced 
telecommunications equipment.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Security                                          Shares            Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>               <C> 
Communications Equipment -- (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glenayre Technologies, Inc.                       27,010            $   442,289
Leading supplier of wireless 
communications equipment.
Mosaix, Inc.*                                     30,000                408,750
Manufacturer of specialized 
telecommunications products.
Natural Microsystems Corp.                         8,000                288,000
Manufacturer of specialized 
telecommunications products.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 3,400,664
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumer Services -- 1.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strayer Education, Inc.                           27,910            $ 1,060,580
Specialized supplemental education services.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 1,060,580
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drugs -- 5.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Curative Health Services, Inc.*                   25,000            $   718,750
Operator of specialty burn unit clinics.
Elan Corp., PLC ADR*                              17,000                769,250
Specialty pharmaceutical.                                                      
Genzyme Corp.*                                    40,000                405,000
Leading researcher in gene therapy.                                            
Genzyme Corp. Class A                             43,000              1,193,249
Diversified biotechnology                                                      
pharmaceuticals.                                                               
Parexel International Corp.                       23,000                730,250
Contract research services for large                                           
drug companies.                                                                
Roberts Pharmaceutical Corp.*                     40,000                447,500
Diversified health care products.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 4,263,999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Electrical Equipment -- 1.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicago Minature Lamp, Inc.                        7,000            $   174,125
Niche marketer of lighting products.                   
Level One Communications, Inc.*                    8,000                307,500
Designs and sells integrated circuits.                 
Linear Technology Corp.                           14,000                724,500
Manufacturer of high performance linear
integrated circuits.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 1,206,125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Electronics - Semiconductors -- 0.8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.*                      45,000            $   652,500
Innovative semiconductor manufacturer.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $   652,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entertainment -- 3.4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MGM Grand, Inc.*                                  31,000            $ 1,146,999
Operator of MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
Mirage Resorts, Inc.                              32,000                808,000 
Nevada based gaming resort operator.                                          
Regal Cinemas                                     17,000                561,000
Rapidly growing theater chain.                                                
Speedway Motorsports*                             13,500                293,625
Large operator of NASCAR tracks.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 2,809,624
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Financial - Miscellaneous -- 0.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital One Financial Corp.                       12,000            $   453,000
Leading credit card services specialists.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $   453,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health Services -- 8.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Retirement Corp.*                        40,000            $   710,000
Assisted living services.
Express Scripts, Inc., Class A*                   15,000                626,250 
Rapidly growing pharmacy                                                      
specialist.                                                                   
Genesis Health Ventures, Inc.*                    30,000              1,012,500
Nursing home chain.                                                           
Health Management Associates, Inc. Class A*       31,000                883,500
Hospital chain.                                                               
MiniMed, Inc.*                                    29,000                772,125
Developer and manufacturer of                                                 
medical devices focusing on                                                   
diabetics.                                                                    
National Surgery Centers, Inc.*                   12,000                424,500
Operator of independent surgery units.                                        
Omnicare, Inc.                                    27,000                847,125
Provides pharmacy services to                                                 
retirement centers.                                                           
Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.*                    22,000              1,007,875
Operates pediatric care units.                                                
PhyCor, Inc.*                                     13,000                447,688
Physicians practice management.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 6,731,563
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Security                                   Shares             Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>               <C> 
Household Products -- 0.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sola International*                        17,000            $   569,500
Specialty eye care products.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             $   569,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information Services -- 19.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acxiom Corp.                               23,000            $   471,500
Database information services.
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.         30,000                840,000
Class A
Nationwide provider of information 
processing services.
Aspect Development, Inc.*                   5,988                156,062
Information processing services
specialist.
Aspen Technologies, Inc.                   27,000              1,015,875
Specialty software for upgrading 
manufacturing plants.
BISYS Group, Inc.*                         28,000              1,168,999
Services financial institutions
with computer, administrative and
marketing support data processing
services.
Cambridge Technology Partners,     
Inc.*                                      31,000                992,000
Software consulting company.
CCC Information Services Group*            37,000                721,500
Automotive repair information
specialist.
Claremont Technology Group, Inc.*          17,000                403,750
Management consulting services.
Cognos, Inc.*                              30,000                933,750
Computer tool developer and supporter.
FIserv, Inc.*                              22,300                995,138
Provider of data processing services 
to banks and savings institutions,
benefiting from outsourcing trend.
Harbinger, Corp.                           27,000                756,000
Electronic Data Interchange products 
and services.
IDX Systems Corp.*                         21,000                724,500
Healthcare information systems.
Medic Computer Systems, Inc.               24,000                534,000
Physicians information company.
National Data Corp.                        10,000                433,125
Information technology services
provider.
Nova Corp. Georgia*                        36,000                933,750
Nation's largest bankcard processor
Paychex, Inc.                              27,000              1,026,000
Payroll and corporate information
services.
Pegasystems, Inc.*                         26,000                815,750
Marketing information specialist.
PRI Automation, Inc.                       14,000            $   531,125
Material handling equipment for high 
cost semiconductor wafers.
Scopus Technology, Inc.                    35,018                783,528
A leading provider of software.
SunGard Data Systems, Inc.*                20,000                930,000
Data storage and emergency back up
products.
Veritas Software Co.                       12,000                603,000
Provides communications companies
with software measuring systems.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             $15,769,352
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Insurance -- 3.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRA Managed Care, Inc.*                    15,000            $   782,813
Workers compensation company.
HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.               30,000                800,625
Emerging specialty insurance
provider.
Mutual Risk Management Ltd.                24,003              1,101,151
Specialty insurer focusing on 
workmen's compensation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             $ 2,684,589
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Investment Services -- 3.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centura Banks, Inc.                        17,500            $   802,813
Growing Southeastern bankers.
PMI Group, Inc.                            15,000                935,625
Specialty financial products.
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.                    50,000                762,500
A thrift holding company.
The Money Store, Inc.                      18,000                516,375
Diversified finance specialist.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             $ 3,017,313
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leisure Equipment -- 0.4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cannondale Corp.*                          17,000            $   301,750
Designer and manufacturer of 
high end bikes.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             $   301,750
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lodging and Gaming -- 1.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promus Hotel Corp.*                        23,000            $   891,250
Owner and operator of Embassy Suite 
and Hampton Inn hotels.
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Security                                             Shares         Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>  
Lodging and Gaming (continued)                             
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Station Casinos, Inc.*                               50,000         $   418,750
Operates casinos in Nevada and Kansas City.                
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 1,310,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           
Machinery -- 0.9%                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camco International, Inc.                            14,000         $   766,500
Oilfield services.                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $   766,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           
Medical Products -- 4.4%                                   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acuson Corp.*                                        25,000         $   575,000
Medical testing equipment.                                 
Arterial Vascular Engineering, Inc.*                 25,000             804,688
Growing provider of stents in Europe.                      
Heartstream, Inc.*                                   39,000             341,250
Portable defibrillator products.                           
Invacare Corp.                                       19,000             444,125
Provider of diverse medical products.                      
Physio-Control International Corp.*                  22,000             330,000
Portable defibrillator products.                           
Sofamor Danek Group, Inc.*                           24,000           1,098,000
Leading developer/manufacturer of                          
spinal implant devices. Company                            
markets products internationally.                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 3,593,063
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           
Oil and  Gas - Equipment and Services -- 0.6%              
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ensco International, Inc.*                           10,000         $   527,500
Largest operator of premium jackup oil rigs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $   527,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oil and  Gas - Exploration and Production -- 7.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abacan Resources Corp.                               50,000         $   159,375
International oil exploration.                                                
American Exploration Co.                             37,000             541,125
Merging with Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas.                                       
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.                             11,000             660,000
A leading independent company in                                              
oil and gas exploration,                                                      
development and production.                                                   
Cairn Energy USA, Inc.                               43,000             564,375
Energy company that is exploring sale                                         
of company.                                                                   
Louisiana Land & Exploration Corp.                   14,000             799,750
Undervalued medium sized diversified                                          
energy exploration.                                                           
Noble Affiliates, Inc.                               17,000             657,688
An independent energy company that                                            
specializes in oil and gas exploration                                        
and production.                                                               
Noble Drilling, Inc.                                 33,000             744,563
Oil and gas well drilling.                                                    
Nuevo Energy Co.                                     14,000             574,000
Diversified energy exploration with                                           
aggressive drilling program.                                                  
Swift Energy Co.                                     24,000             573,000
Emerging energy exploration company                                           
focusing on Texas properties.                                                 
Triton Energy Ltd.                                   15,000             687,188
International oil and gas exploration
and development.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 5,961,064
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Publishing -- 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.H. Belo Corp.                                      31,927         $ 1,328,969
Publishes Dallas Morning News and                          
Providence Journal; also operates                          
T.V. and radio properties.                                 
Franklin Covey Co.*                                  13,000             329,063
Time management seminars and products.                     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 1,658,032
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           
Retail - Food and Drug -- 2.3%                             
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Papa John's International, Inc.                      25,000         $   918,750
Rapidly growing restaurant chain.                          
Starbucks Corp.                                      25,000             973,438
High quality specialty retailer.                           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    $ 1,892,188
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           
Retail - Specialty and Apparel -- 4.2%                     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ann Taylor Stores Corp.*                             16,000         $   312,000
Leading vendor of women's apparel.                         
Bed Bath and Beyond, Inc.*                           35,000           1,063,125
Specialty retailer.                                        
Claires Stores, Inc.                                 40,000             700,000
Fashion items for teenagers.                               
Gadzooks, Inc.*                                      12,000             234,000
Specialty retailer of teenage apparel.
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

Security                                              Shares      Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 
Retail - Specialty and Apparel (continued)                       
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C> 
K&G Mens Center, Inc.                                  9,000       $   195,750
Innovative retailer of men's                                     
clothing                                                         
Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc.                    5,000           161,250
Specialty retailer of teenage apparel.                           
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp., Class A*                      3,700           101,288
A designer of men's and women's clothing.                        
The Mens Wearhouse, Inc.*                             21,000           661,500
Specialty apparel chain.                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $ 3,428,913
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 
Transportation -- 1.2%                                           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comair Holdings, Inc.                                 36,000       $   996,750
Regional airline holding company.                                
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $   996,750
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 
Total Common Stocks                                              
    (identified cost $61,601,380)                                  $75,013,599
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             
<CAPTION>                                    
                                             
Commercial Paper -- 7.4%                     
                                             
                                                      Principal
                                                      Amount
Security                                              (000 Omitted)     Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C> 
Cut Group, 6.25%, 7/1/97                              $2,524       $ 2,523,562
Ford Motor Credit Co., 5.56%, 7/9/97                   3,500         3,492,432
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             
Total Commercial Paper                       
    (amortized cost $6,015,994)                                    $ 6,015,994
- ----------------------------------------=---------------------------------------
                                             
Total Investments -- 99.2%                   
    (identified cost $67,617,374)                                  $81,029,593
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             
Other Assets, Less Liabilities -- 0.8%                             $   659,157
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             
Net Assets -- 100%                                                 $81,688,750
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

ADR -- American Depositary Receipt
*   Non-income producing security.



                       See notes to financial statements

                                      12

<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities                                 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
As of June 30, 1997

Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C> 
Investments, at value (Note 1A)
    (identified cost, $67,617,374)                                  $81,029,593
Cash                                                                      1,219
Receivable for investments sold                                         801,973
Interest and dividends receivable                                         7,009
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1E)                                  6,604
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                                        $81,846,398
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for investments purchased                                   $   141,972
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees (Note 3)                          1,700
Accrued expenses                                                         13,976
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                                   $   157,648
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets applicable to investors' interest in Portfolio           $81,688,750
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sources of Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net proceeds from capital contributions and withdrawals             $68,276,531
Net unrealized appreciation of investments
    (computed on the basis of identified cost)                       13,412,219
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                               $81,688,750
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION> 

Statement of Operations

For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 1997

Investment Income (Note 1B & 1D)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C> 
Dividend income                                                     $    52,062
Interest income                                                         211,694
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income                                                        $   263,756
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment adviser fee (Note 3)                                     $   237,360
Compensation of Trustees not members of the
    Investment Adviser's organization (Note 3)                            2,632
Custodian fee (Note 1C)                                                  33,133
Legal and accounting services                                             9,020
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1E)                           1,549
Miscellaneous                                                             1,679
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                      $   285,373
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net investment loss                                                 $   (21,617)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain --
    Investment transactions (identified cost basis)                 $ 9,737,492
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain on investments                                    $ 9,737,492
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized appreciation --
    Investments (identified cost basis)                             $(5,492,823)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation                               $(5,492,823)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments                     $ 4,244,669
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                $ 4,223,052
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                          Six Months Ended    
Increase (Decrease)                       June 30, 1997        Year Ended
in Net Assets                             (Unaudited)          December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>               <C>    
From operations --                                           
    Net investment income (loss)             $    (21,617)         $    135,724
    Net realized gain on investments            9,737,492            18,226,741
    Net change in unrealized appreciation                     
        of investments                         (5,492,823)           (1,762,538)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets                                   
    from operations                          $  4,223,052          $ 16,599,927
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital transactions --                                      
    Contributions                            $ 13,232,554          $ 10,738,468
    Withdrawals                               (18,714,130)          (18,331,396)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in net assets                                   
    from capital transactions                $ (5,481,576)         $ (7,592,928)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             
Net increase (decrease) in net assets        $ (1,258,524)         $  9,006,999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             
                                                             
Net Assets                                                   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of period                       $ 82,947,274          $ 73,940,275
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                             $ 81,688,750          $ 82,947,274
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial Statements

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Supplementary Data
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                           
                                                           Six Months Ended             Year Ended December 31,
                                                           June 30, 1997      ----------------------------------------------
                                                           (Unaudited)           1996             1995            1994*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>              <C> 
Ratios to average daily net assets
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Expenses                                                         0.76%+           0.76%            0.77%            0.74%+
Net investment income (loss)                                    (0.06)%+          0.18%            0.19%            0.20%+
Portfolio Turnover                                                110%              91%              81%              19%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Average commission rate (per share)/(1)/                     $ 0.0590         $ 0.0579         $     --         $     --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)                     $ 81,689         $ 82,947         $ 73,940         $ 64,442
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
</TABLE> 
+     Annualized.
*     For the period from the start of business, August 1, 1994, to December 31,
      1994.
/(1)/ 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
      Portfolio is required to disclose its average commission rate per share
      for security trades on which commissions were charged.

                       See notes to financial statements

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


1   Significant Accounting Policies
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Special Investment Portfolio (the Portfolio) is registered under the
    Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified open-end investment company
    which was organized as a trust under the laws of the State of New York on
    May 1, 1992. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue
    interests in the Portfolio. The following is a summary of significant
    accounting policies of the Portfolio. The policies are in conformity with
    generally accepted accounting principles.

    A Security Valuations -- Securities listed on foreign or U.S. securities
    exchanges or in the NASDAQ National Market System generally are valued at
    closing sales prices or, if there were no sales, at the mean between the
    closing bid and asked prices therefor on the exchange where such securities
    are principally traded or on such National Market System. Unlisted or listed
    securities for which closing sales prices are not available are valued at
    the mean between the latest available bid and asked prices on the principal
    market where the security was traded. An option is valued at the last sale
    price as quoted on the principal exchange or board of trade on which such
    option or contract is traded or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean
    between the last bid and asked prices. Futures positions on securities or
    currencies are generally valued at closing settlement prices. Short-term
    debt securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at
    amortized cost. If securities were acquired with a remaining maturity of
    more than 60 days, their amortized cost value will be based on their value
    on the sixty-first day prior to maturity. 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. Securities for which market quotations are
    unavailable, including any security the disposition of which is restricted
    under the Securities Act of 1933, and other assets will be appraised at
    their fair market value as determined in good faith by or at the direction
    of the Trustees of the Portfolio.

    B Income Taxes -- The Portfolio is treated as a partnership for federal tax
    purposes. No provision is made by the Portfolio for federal or state taxes
    on any taxable income of the Portfolio because each investor in the
    Portfolio is ultimately responsible for the payment of any taxes. Since some
    of the Portfolio's investors are regulated investment companies that invest
    all or substantially all of their assets in the Portfolio, the Portfolio
    normally must satisfy the applicable source of income and diversification
    requirements (under the Code) in order for its investors to satisfy them.
    The Portfolio will allocate at least annually among its investors each
    investor's distributive share of the Portfolio's net investment income, net
    realized capital gains, and any other items of income, gain, loss, deduction
    or credit.

    C Expense Reduction -- Investors Bank & Trust Company (IBT) serves as
    custodian of the Portfolio. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, IBT
    receives a fee reduced by credits which are determined based on the average
    daily cash balances the Portfolio maintains with IBT. All significant credit
    balances used to reduce the Portfolio's custodian fees are reported as a
    reduction of expenses on the Statement of Operations.

    D Other -- Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the
    investments are purchased and sold. Dividend income is recorded on
    ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
    determined on the identified cost basis.

    E Deferred Organization Expenses -- Costs incurred by the Portfolio in
    connection with its organization, including registration costs, are being
    amortized on the straight-line basis over five years.

    F 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 income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results
    could differ from those estimates.


2   Investment Transactions
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations,
    aggregated $76,640,196 and $74,324,273, respectively.


3   Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions
    with Affiliates
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The investment adviser fee is earned by Boston Management and Research
    (BMR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management (EVM), as
    compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the
    Portfolio. The fee is at the annual

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
Special Investment Portfolio as of June 30, 1997

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D


  rate of 5/8 of 1% of average daily net assets. For the six months ended June
  30, 1997, the fee was equivalent to 0.625% (annualized) of the Portfolio's
  average net assets for such period and amounted to $237,360. Except as to
  Trustees of the Portfolio who are not members of EVM's or BMR's
  organization, officers and Trustees receive remuneration for their services
  to the Portfolio out of such investment adviser fee. Certain of the officers
  and Trustees of the Portfolio are officers and directors/trustees of the
  above organizations. Trustees of the Portfolio that are not affiliated with
  the Investment Adviser 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 period ended June 30, 1997, no significant
  amounts have been deferred.
  
  
4 Line of Credit
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Portfolio participates with other portfolios and funds managed by BMR
  and EVM and its affiliates in a committed $120 million unsecured line of
  credit agreement with a group of banks. The Portfolio may temporarily borrow
  from the line of credit to satisfy redemption requests or settle investment
  transactions. Interest is charged to each portfolio or fund based on its
  borrowings at an amount above the bank's adjusted certificate of deposit
  rate, Eurodollar rate or federal funds rate. In addition, a fee computed at
  an annual rate of 0.15% on the daily unused portion of the line of credit is
  allocated among the participating Portfolios and funds at the end of each
  quarter. The Portfolio did not have any significant borrowings or allocated
  fees during the period.
  
  
5 Federal Income Tax Basis of Investments
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The cost and unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of the
  investments owned at June 30, 1997, as computed on a federal income tax
  basis, were as follows:

<TABLE> 
   <S>                                                    <C> 
   Aggregate cost                                         $67,617,374
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Gross unrealized appreciation                          $15,042,798
   Gross unrealized depreciation                            1,630,579
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
   Net unrealized appreciation                            $13,412,219
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
EV Traditional Special Equities Fund as of June 30, 1997

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT



EV Traditional Special Equities Fund

     Officers                     Trustees                               
                             
     James B. Hawkes              M. Dozier Gardner                      
     Vice President and Trustee   Vice Chairman, Eaton Vance             
                                  Management                             
     Edward E. Smiley, Jr                                                
     Vice President               Donald R. Dwight                       
                                  President, Dwight Partners, Inc.       
     James L. O'Connor            Chairman, Newspapers of New England, Inc.
     Treasurer                                                             
                                  Samuel L. Hayes, III                     
     Alan R. Dynner               Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment  
     Secretary                    Banking, Harvard University Graduate School of
                                  Business Administration                       
                                                                                
                                  Norton H. Reamer                              
                                  President and Director, United Asset          
                                  Management Corporation                        
                                                                                
                                  John L. Thorndike                             
                                  Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company          
                                  Incorporated                                  
                                                                                
                                  Jack L. Treynor                               
                                  Investment Adviser and Consultant             



Special Investment Portfolio


     Officers                     Trustees                                      
                                                                                
     James B. Hawkes              M. Dozier Gardner                             
     President and Trustee        Vice Chairman, Eaton Vance                    
                                  Management                                    
     Edward E. Smiley, Jr                                                       
     Vice President and           Donald R. Dwight                              
     Portfolio Manager            President, Dwight Partners, Inc.              
                                  Chairman, Newspapers of New England, Inc.     
     James L. O'Connor                                                          
     Treasurer                    Samuel L. Hayes, III                          
                                  Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment       
     Alan R. Dynner               Banking, Harvard University Graduate School of
     Secretary                    Business Administration                       
                                                                                
                                  Norton H. Reamer                              
                                  President and Director, United Asset          
                                  Management Corporation                        
                                                                                
                                  John L. Thorndike                             
                                  Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company          
                                  Incorporated                                  
                                                                                
                                  Jack L. Treynor                               
                                  Investment Adviser and Consultant             



                                      18






<PAGE>
 
                     This Page Intentionally Left Blank

<PAGE>
 
Investment Advisor of
Special Investment Portfolio
Boston Management and Research
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110


Administrator of
EV Classic Special Equities Fund
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
200 Clarendon Street, 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02116


Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent
First Data Investor Services Group
Attention:  Eaton Vance Funds
P.O. Box 5123
Westborough, MA 01581-5123






EV Traditional Special Equities Fund
24 Federal 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    T-SESRC-8/97




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