EV Marathon
Greater India
Fund
Annual
Shareholder Report
December 31, 1996
To Shareholders
EV Marathon Greater India Fund had a total return of -9.8% during
the year ended December 31, 1996. That performance resulted from a
decline in net asset value per share from $6.55 on December 31, 1995
to $5.91 on December 31, 1996. It does not include the effect of the
Fund's maximum contingent deferred sales charge incurred by certain
redeeming shareholders. In comparison, the Bombay Stock Exchange
Index* -- an unmanaged index of 200 common stocks traded in the
Indian markets -- had a return of -8.4% for the same period. The
Fund's results mirrored a declining Indian market, pulled lower by a
weak economy and fragmented political leadership.
In response to a slow economy, the Indian government unveils a new
wave of reforms...
As 1996 drew to a close, the Indian government unveiled a series of
economic proposals aimed at boosting the nation's economy. Among the
proposals were measures that would make it easier for foreign
companies to invest in joint ventures, bringing in badly needed
capital to fund infrastructure-building. Another measure would speed
up the timetable to fully covert the nation's currency, the rupee.
That measure would further encourage foreign investment because it
would enable companies to convert profits more easily into their own
currency. The government also indicated it was reviewing the minimum
corporate income tax, implemented in June, 1996.
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.
And further measures to improve investor sentiment...
Supplementing the proposals aimed at the business community, the
United Front government presented measures that should encourage
individual investors. First, the government suggested capital gains
tax exemptions on long-term investments - those held longer than
three years - in state-run companies. In addition, the government
will provide further tax incentives for private sector stock market
investments. Finally, the government will consider allowing share
repurchases by companies. The ability to authorize share
repurchases is intended to improve the financial flexibility of
corporate managers and provide another way to improve shareholder
values.
The tax incentives received a warm initial reception from India's
investors, as the Bombay Stock Exchange rose 5.4% on January 1,
1997, one of the largest one-day gains in that market's history.
While these reforms are welcome news to investors, there are,
naturally, many economic hurdles yet to clear. But we are encouraged
by signs that the Indian government is responding to investor
concerns, and we believe that India's vast potential will reward
patient, long-term investors.
Sincerely,
/S/JAMES B. HAWKES
James B. Hawkes
President
February 21, 1997
[PHOTO OF JAMES B. HAWKES OMITTED]
* It is not possible to invest directly in the Index.
Management Discussion: B.N. Manjunath
An interview with B.N. Manjunath, Chief Representative, Lloyd George
Management, Bombay, investment adviser to the South Asia Portfolio.
Q: Mr. Manjunath, 1996 was a very difficult year for the Indian
market. What caused the market decline?
A. The Indian market was beset by a variety of difficulties that
created a hostile climate for investors. First, economic growth
slowed somewhat from the pace set last year. While the economy
generated GDP growth of 6.3% in 1995, it was hard-pressed to match
that level in 1996. Industrial growth has slowed significantly,
while import growth, a measure of the country's appetite for
industrial input, has slowed to 5% versus a growth rate over 30%
last year.
Second, interest rates have remained alarmingly high. The government
waged an all-out war on inflation last year, which pushed inflation
significantly lower. The government's major weapon in that fight,
higher interest rates, may have contributed to the current economic
slowdown, while creating negative sentiment among investors.
Third, the market has reflected a muddled political climate. The
national elections in May, 1996 produced the ouster of the long-
dominant Congress Party government in favor of a loosely tied
coalition of 13 parties. The lack of a clear mandate created
uncertainties for investors.
Finally, the market has been weighed under by several large equity
offerings. In the long run, these market offerings are strongly
positive, as they represent an important part of the government's
privatization campaign. However, in the short-term, they can exert
supply pressures on the market as cash is diverted from other areas
into the new offerings.
Together, these factors created a difficult backdrop for the Indian
market in 1996.
[PHOTO OF B.N. MAJUNATH OMITTED]
Q: Do you see any cause for optimism?
A. Yes. Without minimizing the difficulties investors have endured
in the past year, I definitely see cause for optimism. First, there
are pockets of strength in the economy. Despite slow overall
industrial output, the manufacturing sector has generated growth of
10%. In addition, the agricultural sector, on the strength of a very
successful monsoon season, should produce a record 193 million tons
of foodgrains and provide a boost to the economy in the second half
of the fiscal year. Also, after suffering through very high interest
rates, the broad money supply is likely to expand somewhat for the
fiscal year. That is a very welcome sign. And finally, the current
government, however fragmented by coalition politics, has made it
abundantly clear that it is firmly committed to the path of economic
reforms initiated by its predecessor.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: vertical bar chart MARATHON & TRADITIONAL INDIA]
Plot Points:
GDP Growth
1992 5.2
1993 3.9
1994 6.2
1995 6.3
1996 6.6
Foreign Inv.
1992 350
1993 600
1994 1300
1995 1990
1996 2600
Export market
1992 164
1993 225
1994 330
1995 485
1996 734
Q: Given the difficult market conditions, have you altered your
investment approach?
A. Broadly speaking, we have continued to focus on good
fundamentals and to search for good relative value. The Portfolio's
country allocations at December 31, 1996 were: 85.9% of equity
investments in India, 8.0% in Pakistan, 3.7% in Sri Lanka, and 2.4%
in Bangladesh. Naturally, these allocations are subject to change.
In tighter focus, we have shifted our sector emphasis somewhat in
response to the weak economic environment. We were helped in that
effort by having built up our cash position increasingly as the
market environment deteriorated. That afforded us the opportunity to
pick up attractive companies at sharply discounted price levels.
Generally, we have reduced the Portfolio's exposure to cyclical and
commodity-related companies, while increasing our commitments to
defensive areas. That meant divesting or reducing our investments in
shipping, metals, cement and petrochemical producers, while adding
to our investments in areas such as pharmaceuticals, which are
characteristically less influenced by the economy, and
telecommunications, which have benefited from the secular trend to
upgrade the country's infrastructure.
Q: What companies have you favored?
A. Naturally, in a slow economy, earnings growth has been erratic.
But there have been selected companies that have maintained strong
earnings momentum. Examples of these companies included: Hoechst
Marion Roussel, one of India's largest pharmaceutical companies;
Hindustan Lever, a diversified consumer products company; and Larsen
& Toubro, India's largest engineering and construction company.
These companies were among the Portfolio's largest holdings at Dec-
ember 31, and, despite the disappointing economy, achieved
relatively strong profit growth.
Q: Could we take a closer look at some of those companies?
A. Certainly. Hoechst Marion Roussel is the Indian branch of the
Germany-based power-house, Hoechst AG, and is interesting for
several reasons. First, it is among the country's leading producers
of pharmaceuticals, boasting several market-leading drugs. Second,
as part of a major restructuring, Hoechst has spun off its agro-
chemicals business in order to focus solely on pharmaceuticals.
Finally, after completion of its merger with Roussel India, the
company will have a 3.5% market share. In the first half of the
fiscal year ending March 31, Hoechst saw 23.5% sales growth and a
30% surge in profits.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: pie chart THE PORTFOLIO'S COMMON SOCK INVESTMENTS]
The Portfolio's common stock investments
India 85.9%
Pakistan 8.0%
Sri Lanka 3.7%
Bangladesh 2.4%
Footnote reads:
Based on market value as of December 31, 1996, excluding cash or
fixed income securities. Because the Portfolio is actively managed,
country allocations are subject to change.
Hindustan Lever produces personal products such as soaps,
detergents, and chemicals, as well as garments and footwear. With
the rise in the standard of living that has accompanied economic
reforms, Indian consumer demand for personal care products has risen
sharply, posting double-digit growth in recent years. As a leading
provider of these products, Hindustan Lever saw earnings rise 23% in
1996.
In addition to being India's dominant engineering and construction
company, Larsen & Toubro manufactures collateral products such as
cement and earth-moving equipment. With its wide reach across the
infrastructure sectors, Toubro is working on turnkey projects
involved in the electric utility and petrochemical industries. The
company is one of the major beneficiaries of India's massive
infrastructure-building campaign and anticipates earnings growth of
25% in 1997.
Q: Pakistan remains the Portfolio's second largest holding. What is
your outlook for that market?
A. Pakistan has suffered from political instability and nagging
inflation worries. The Karachi Stock Exchange Index (KSE) fell 10.4%
in 1996 as investors focused on the continuing fractious political
climate. Meanwhile, inflation remained high, while the Pakistani
rupee was devalued 19% and foreign reserves shrank to $800 million.
Finally, the failure of Pakistan's cotton crop was a major
disappointment for a market in which roughly one-quarter of listed
companies are textile producers. Because of these difficulties, we
limited our exposure to well recognized, large-cap companies with a
relatively reliable earnings outlook. Pakistan Telecom, with its
monopoly on all fixed-line telecom services, remains the Portfolio's
largest holding in Pakistan.
From a valuation standpoint, the Pakistan market is the cheapest
market in the region, selling at only 8-to-9 times earnings. If the
country were to find a more stable political formula, it's possible
that a recovery might take hold. For the time being, however, we
remain cautious.
Q: You mentioned the Indian government's privatization plans. Of
what significance is that to the Indian economy?
A. It has enormous consequences for the economy, in the long-term
as well as the near-term. In the short-term, the proceeds of these
sales may be used to pare the national deficit.
Recent News from India:
(bullet) TVS Suzuki - One of India's largest automotive parts
manufacturers and a holding of the Portfolio, TVS Suzuki has formed
a venture with Unipart of the U.K. under which auto components will
be marketed throughout Europe. TVS already includes General Motors,
Nissan and Mercedes-Benz among its customers.
(bullet) NASCOM - India enjoys an increasingly important profile in
the $300 billion global software business. According to the National
Association of Software and Service Companies (NASCOM), India's low
cost structure and ample expertise have helped it post 30% annual
export growth in software.
(bullet) Indian Hotels, Ltd. - One of India's leading hotel
companies and a large investment of the Portfolio, Indian Hotels
announced strong profit growth for 1996. Luxury hotels have reported
occupancy rates of 80% and benefited from a shortage of quality
rooms to serve the strong demand from foreign institutional
investors.
In the longer-term, it's likely that privatization will result in
more effective enterprises, a better quality of goods and services,
and an enhanced stream of tax revenues for the government. The
Indian government announced plans to sell 7% of Videsh Sanchar
Nigam, a large telecom company, and 5% of Indian Oil Company, a
large energy provider, sometime early in 1997. While the pricing has
not yet been determined, it's expected that the combined proceeds of
the sales will be in the $400 million range. The proceeds will be
directed to reduce the nation's fiscal deficit. Last year, the
deficit was around 5.9% of GDP. The government's aim, ambitious
in light of the economic slowdown, is to reduce that to 5% for
1996. Privatization is sure to play a large role in those efforts.
Q: What do you see in the year ahead for the Greater India markets?
A. Clearly, the large market declines of the past two years have
tested the patience of Indian investors. And just as apparent, the
turnaround in the economy is likely to take a while. But, given the
recent cuts in interest rates, we are likely to see an improvement
in consumer demand in the coming year. And the year-end announcement
by the government of tax and investment incentives should help
improve investor sentiment.
Moreover, we believe that the future of India remains very
promising. The Bombay Stock Exchange Index continues to trade at
valuations well below other markets in the Asia region and at
roughly half the U.S. market. And given the two-year
underperformance of the market and the fact that the companies in
the Portfolio have an average earnings growth rate of 20%, we
continue to believe that the market will, over time, recognize these
growth characteristics. Naturally, there's no guarantee of future
performance. But with extremely attractive valuations in selected
Indian companies, we believe that the India market remains a
compelling investment alternative.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: horizontal bar chart EMG1X VS. Bombay Stock Exchange]
Plot points:
Date Fund at NAV Fund w/ CDS Bombay
5/31/94 $10,000 $5,668 $10,000
6/30/94 $10,080 $5,668 $10,566
7/31/94 $10,270 $5,668 $10,806
8/31/94 $11,349 $5,668 $11,624
9/30/94 $10,649 $5,668 $11,118
10/31/94 $10,599 $5,668 $11,021
11/30/94 $10,410 $5,668 $10,676
12/31/94 $9,830 $5,668 $10,163
1/31/95 $9,081 $5,668 $9,475
2/28/95 $8,551 $5,668 $9,030
3/31/95 $8,362 $5,668 $8,742
4/30/95 $7,782 $5,668 $8,307
5/31/95 $8,092 $5,668 $8,504
6/30/95 $8,112 $5,668 $8,335
7/31/95 $8,312 $5,668 $8,706
8/31/95 $7,922 $5,668 $8,259
9/30/95 $7,522 $5,668 $7,996
10/31/95 $7,103 $5,668 $7,775
11/30/95 $6,194 $5,668 $6,725
12/31/95 $6,543 $5,668 $6,960
1/31/96 $6,224 $5,668 $6,306
2/28/96 $6,853 $5,668 $7,743
3/31/96 $6,963 $5,668 $7,529
4/30/96 $7,622 $5,668 $8,536
5/31/96 $7,592 $5,668 $8,279
6/30/96 $7,622 $5,668 $8,481
7/31/96 $6,913 $5,668 $7,757
8/31/96 $6,793 $5,668 $7,613
9/30/96 $6,194 $5,668 $7,090
10/31/96 $5,954 $5,668 $6,770
11/30/96 $5,764 $5,668 $6,149
12/31/96 $5,904 $5,668 $6,378
Fund performance
In accordance with guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, we are including a performance chart that compares your
Fund's total return with that of a broad-based investment index. The
lines on the chart represent the total returns of $10,000
hypothetical investments in EV Marathon Greater India Fund, and the
unmanaged Bombay Stock Exchange Index.
Total return figures
The green line on the chart represents the Fund's performance at net
asset value. The Fund's total return figure reflects Fund expenses
and transaction costs. The second dollar figure for the Fund
reflects the Fund's maximum applicable deferred sales charge (CDSC),
deducted at redemption as follows: 5% -- 1st and 2nd years; 4% -- 3rd
year; 3% -- 4th year; 2% -- 5th year; 1% -- 6th year.
The black line represents the performance of the Bombay Stock
Exchange Index, a broad-based, widely recognized unmanaged index of
common stocks traded in India. The Index's total return does not
reflect any commissions or expenses that would be incurred if an
investor individually purchased or sold the securities represented
in the Index. An investor cannot invest directly in the Index.
EV Marathon Greater India Fund
Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Investment in South Asia Portfolio, at value (Note 1A)
(identified cost, $85,661,901) $ 74,621,491
Receivable for Fund shares sold 279,636
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1D) 32,936
-------------
Total assets $ 74,934,063
Liabilities:
Payable for Fund shares redeemed $ 230,980
Payable to affiliate --
Trustees' fees 417
Accrued expenses 41,581
-------------
Total liabilities 272,978
-------------
Net Assets for 12,623,894 shares of beneficial
interest outstanding $ 74,661,085
=============
Sources of Net Assets:
Paid-in capital $ 95,064,940
Accumulated net realized loss from Portfolio (9,318,589)
Accumulated net investment loss (44,856)
Unrealized depreciation of investments from Portfolio (11,040,410)
-------------
Total $ 74,661,085
=============
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price
(Note 7) Per Share ($74,661,085 (divided by) 12,623,894
shares of beneficial interest outstanding) $5.91
=====
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Note 1B):
Dividend income allocated from Portfolio
(net of foreign taxes, $205,000) $ 912,768
Interest income allocated from Portfolio 2,534
Expenses allocated from Portfolio (978,955)
-------------
Net investment loss from Portfolio $ (63,653)
Expenses --
Management fee (Note 2) $ 191,631
Compensation of Trustees not members of the
Administrator's organization 1,280
Distribution fee (Note 6) 638,247
Transfer agent fees 77,430
Printing and postage 53,162
Registration fees 40,300
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1D) 14,179
Legal and accounting services 11,129
Custodian fee 6,171
Miscellaneous 23,292
--------------
Total expenses 1,056,821
-------------
Net investment loss $ (1,120,474)
-------------
Realized and Unrealized Loss:
Net realized loss from Portfolio --
Investments (identified cost basis) $ (4,325,719)
Foreign currency (1,238,655)
--------------
Net realized loss $ (5,564,374)
Change in unrealized depreciation (1,647,270)
-------------
Net realized and unrealized loss $ (7,211,644)
-------------
Net decrease in net assets from operations $ (8,332,118)
=============
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------
1996 1995
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:
From operations --
Net investment loss $ (1,120,474) $ (517,194)
Net realized loss (5,564,374) (5,072,342)
Change in unrealized depreciation (1,647,270) (6,856,752)
-------------- --------------
Net decrease in net assets from operations $ (8,332,118) $ (12,446,288)
-------------- --------------
Transactions in shares of
beneficial interest (Note 3) --
Proceeds from sale of shares $ 83,092,249 $ 8,525,965
Cost of shares redeemed (21,140,440) (13,962,878)
-------------- --------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets
from Fund share transactions $ 61,951,809 $ (5,436,913)
-------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets $ 53,619,691 $ (17,883,201)
Net Assets:
At beginning of year 21,041,394 38,924,595
-------------- --------------
At end of year, including accumulated
net investment loss of $44,856 and
$0, respectively $ 74,661,085 $ 21,041,394
============== ==============
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31,1996
<S> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Cash:
Cash Flows From (For) Operating Activities --
Purchase of interests in South Asia Portfolio $ (82,940,990)
Withdrawal of interests in South Asia Portfolio 22,079,627
Operating expenses paid (1,012,559)
--------------
Net cash used for operating activities $ (61,873,922)
--------------
Cash Flows From (For) Financing Activities --
Proceeds from shares sold $ 82,940,990
Payments for shares redeemed (21,067,068)
--------------
Net cash provided from financing activities $ 61,873,922
--------------
Net increase in cash $ --
Cash at Beginning of Year --
--------------
Cash at End of Year $ --
==============
Reconciliation of Net Increase in Net Assets From
Operations to Net Cash From Operating Activities:
Net decrease in net assets from operations $ (8,332,118)
Decrease in deferred organization expense 14,179
Increase in payable to affiliate 374
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities 29,709
Net increase in investments (53,586,066)
--------------
Net cash used for operating activities $ (61,873,922)
==============
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Highlights
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994*
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value -- Beginning of year $ 6.550 $ 9.840 $ 10.000
--------- --------- ---------
Loss from operations:
Net investment loss $ (0.099)++ $ (0.176) $ (0.065)
Net realized and unrealized loss (0.541) (3.114) (0.095)
--------- --------- ---------
Total loss from operations $ (0.640) $ (3.290) $ (0.160)
--------- --------- ---------
Net asset value -- End of year $ 5.910 $ 6.550 $ 9.840
========= ========= =========
Total Return (2) (9.77%) (33.43%) (1.60%)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $ 74,661 $ 21,041 $ 38,925
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (1)(3) 2.88% 3.31% 2.54%+
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets after
custodian fee reduction (1) 2.65% 2.90% --
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (1.46%) (1.74%) (1.42%)+
* For the period from the start of business, May 2, 1994, to December 31, 1994.
+ Annualized.
++ Computed using average shares outstanding.
(1) Includes the Fund's share of South Asia Portfolio's allocated expenses.
(2) 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.
(3) The annualized expense ratios for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 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 as well as
its share of the Portfolio's. The expense ratio for the period ended December 31, 1994 was not adjusted
to reflect this change.
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
Notes to Financial Statements
(1) Significant Accounting Policies
EV Marathon Greater India Fund (the Fund) is a mutual fund seeking
long-term capital appreciation through the purchase of an interest
in a separate investment company which invests primarily in equity
securities of companies in India and surrounding countries of the
Indian sub-continent. The Fund is a diversified series of Eaton
Vance Special Investment 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 Fund invests all of
its investable assets in interests in South Asia Portfolio (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 (71.8% at December 31, 1996). The performance of the Fund
is directly affected by the performance of the Portfolio. The
financial statements 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 statements. 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 1 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 determined in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles.
C. 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 net investment income, if any, and any net realized capital
gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is
necessary. At December 31, 1996, the Fund, for federal income tax
purposes, had a capital loss carryover of $8,885,760 which will
reduce the taxable income arising from future net realized gains on
investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue
Code, and thus will reduce the amount of the distributions to
shareholders which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Fund
of any liability for federal income or excise tax. Such capital loss
carryover will expire on December 31, 2002 ($7,604), December 31,
2003 ($4,416,592) and December 31, 2004 ($4,461,564). Additionally,
at December 31, 1996, net capital losses of $220,102 and net
currency losses of $44,856 attributable to security transactions
incurred after October 31, 1996, are treated as arising on the first
day of the Fund's next taxable year.
D. Deferred Organization Expenses -- Costs incurred by the Fund in
connection with its organization, including registration costs, are
being amortized on the straight-line basis over five years.
E. 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 revenue and expense
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
F. Other -- Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade
date basis.
(2) Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
The management fee is earned by Eaton Vance Management (EVM) as
compensation for management and administration of the business
affairs of the Fund. The fee is based on a percentage of average
daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 1996 the fee was
equivalent to 0.25% (annualized) of the Fund's average net assets
for such period and amounted to $191,631. 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 management fee. Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund and
the Portfolio are officers and directors of EVM. In addition,
investment adviser administrative fees are paid by the Portfolio to
EVM and its affiliates. See Note 2 of the Portfolio's Notes to
Financial Statements which are included elsewhere in this report.
(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
December 31,
------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
Sales 12,608,893 1,082,002
Redemptions (3,198,395) (1,824,601)
---------- ----------
Net increase
(decrease) 9,410,498 (742,599)
========== ==========
(4) Distributions to Shareholders
It is the present policy of the Fund to make (a) at least one
distribution annually (normally in December) of all or substantially
all of the investment income allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio,
if any, less the Fund's direct and allocated expenses and (b) at
least one distribution annually of all or substantially all of the
net realized capital gains allocated by the Portfolio to the Fund,
if any (reduced by any available capital loss carryforwards from
prior years). Shareholders may reinvest all distributions in shares
of the Fund at the per share net asset value as of the close of
business on the record date.
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 statement and tax earnings and profits which
result in temporary over distributions 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 are reclassified to paid-in capital.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, $1,075,618 was reclassified
from accumulated net investment loss to paid-in capital due to
permanent differences between book and tax accounting for operating
losses. Additionally, $1,228,851 was reclassified from accumulated
net realized loss from Portfolio to paid-in capital due to permanent
differences between book and tax accounting for capital losses. Net
investment loss, net realized loss and net assets were not affected
by these reclassifications.
(5) Investment Transactions
For the year ended December 31, 1996, increases and decreases in the
Fund's investment in the Portfolio aggregated $82,940,990 and
$22,079,627, respectively.
(6) 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 7), daily amounts
theretofore paid to EVD and amounts theretofore paid to EVD by Lloyd
George Investment Management (Bermuda) Limited, investment adviser
for the Portfolio (the Adviser), in consideration of EVD's
distribution effort. The amount payable to EVD by the Fund 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 $574,894 as payable to EVD for the year ended December 31,
1996, representing 0.75% of average daily net assets. The amounts
paid by the Adviser to EVD are equivalent to 0.15% of the Fund's
annual daily average net assets and are made from the Adviser's own
resources, not the Fund's net assets. At December 31, 1996, the
amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges of EVD calculated under the
Plan was approximately $4,470,000.
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. For the year ended December 31, 1996 service fees amounted to
$63,353. Service fee payments will be made for personal service
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.
Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund are officers or directors
of EVD.
(7) 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 the 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 case of redemptions in the first and second year after
purchase declining one percentage point each subsequent year. No
CDSC is levied on shares which have been sold to EVM or its
affiliates or 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. CDSC charges
received when no Uncovered Distribution Charges exist will be
credited to the Fund. EVD received approximately $408,000 of CDSC
paid by shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Independent Auditors' Report
To the Trustees and Shareholders of
Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities
of EV Marathon Greater India Fund (one of the series constituting
Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust) as of December 31, 1996, the
related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then
ended, and the statements of changes in net assets for the two years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the financial highlights for
the two years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the period from
the start of business, May 2, 1994, to December 31, 1994. These
financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility
of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based
upon 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.
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
the EV Marathon Greater India Fund series of the Eaton Vance Special
Investment Trust at December 31, 1996, the results of its
operations, its cash flows, 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
March 7, 1997
South Asia Portfolio
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stocks -- 97.55%
Shares Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Bangladesh -- 2.31%
Pharmaceuticals -- 0.38%
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 10,780 $394,997
Generic drug manufacturer
--------------
Textiles -- 1.93%
Apex Spinning & Knitting 48,000 $370,578
Cotton spinning mill
Apex Tannery Ltd 35,000 964,021
Leather tanning and processing
Monno Fabrics 113,000 669,668
Integrated textile mill
------------
$2,004,267
------------
Total Bangladesh (identified cost, $1,594,191) $2,399,264
------------
India -- 83.96%
Automotive -- 17.69%
Bajaj Auto Ltd. (2) 162,400 $4,057,167
World's second largest motorcycle, moped & scooter manufacturer
Mahindra & Mahindra 370,666 3,311,421
Mahindra & Mahindra GDR 221,668 2,604,599
Major manufacturer of utility vehicles & tractors
Tata Engineering & Locomotive GDR 510,262 5,421,534
Manufacturer of heavy, medium & light commercial vehicles
T.V.S. Suzuki (2) 228,550 2,013,409
India's second largest motorcycle, moped & scooter manufacturer
Motor Industries 6,150 978,507
Subsidiary of Robert Bosch (Germany). Major manufacturer of auto components
------------
$18,386,637
------------
Banking -- 8.23%
Karur Vysya Bank (2) 164,500 $877,027
Private sector retail bank
Oriental Bank of Commerce (2) 1,201,200 2,606,931
Public sector retail bank
State Bank of India (2) 642,800 4,203,096
State Bank of India GDR 50,000 868,500
Largest commercial bank in India with over 8,000 branches
------------
$8,555,554
------------
Chemicals -- 1.95%
Hoechst Schering Agrevo Ltd. 33,700 $555,944
Agrochemical & pesticide manufacturer
Indian Petrochemicals Corp. (2) 150,000 491,975
Major producer of polymers & chemical intermediates
Tata Chemicals 6,449 30,287
Diversified company manufacturing soda ash, caustic soda & fertilizers
Zuari Agrochemicals (2) 126,000 946,099
Producer of fertilizers & cement
------------
$2,024,305
------------
Conglomerate -- 9.32%
Indian Rayon & Industries Ltd. GDR 195,000 $1,657,500
Indian Rayon & Industries Ltd. (2) 23,300 193,164
Diversified company with interests in cement, textiles, rayon
and carbon black
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (2) 536,650 3,325,507
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. GDR 188,700 2,750,303
Diversified company with interests in engineering, construction,
cement, and switchgears
Ramco Industries Ltd. (2) 69,050 1,611,327
Diversified company with interests in building materials,
textiles and computer software
S & S Industries & Enterprise (2) 4,500 1,005
Diversified company with interests in environmental engineering,
edible oils and aquaculture
Triveni Engineering (2) 127,234 143,127
Manufacturer of sugar, sugar machinery and turbines
------------
$9,681,933
------------
Construction Materials -- 4.10%
Asian Paints (India) Ltd. (2) 116,800 $938,964
Leading producer of decorative paints
Associated Cement Cos. Ltd. (2) 34,636 1,185,310
Manufacturer of cement
Gujarat Ambuja Cements GDR 220,000 1,892,000
Manufacturer of cement
Murudeshwar Ceramics Ltd. (2) 318,240 248,729
Manufacturer of glazed ceramic wall and floor tiles
------------
$4,265,003
------------
Construction -- 0.25%
Alacrity Housing Ltd. 321,000 $94,530
Construction & sale of residential housing
Nagarjuna Construction 112,500 162,509
Construction activities in the infrastructure and housing sectors
------------
$257,039
------------
Energy -- 0.02%
Hindustan Petroleum Corp. (2) 2,600 $24,603
India's second largest petroleum refining company
------------
Energy Equipment & Services -- 5.80%
Asea Brown Boveri (India) Ltd. (2) 40,000 $646,476
Indian subsidiary of Swedish-Swiss electrical power equipment manufacturer
KEC International Ltd. 140,200 217,589
Asia's largest manufacturer of tranmission towers
Thermax Limited (2) 552,200 5,162,087
Conglomerate with interests in energy, environment & chemicals, manufacturing of
industrial boilers, heat and pollution control equipment
------------
$6,026,152
------------
Farm Equipment -- 0.77%
VST Tillers (2) 94,200 $132,130
Manufacturer of power tillers, harvesters and small tractors
Punjab Tractors Limited (2) 56,400 648,620
Manufacturer of tractors
------------
$780,750
------------
Financial Services -- 0.88%
Indus Credit & Invest. Corp. (2) 49,250 $85,234
One of India's largest development finance institutions
with assets over $7.39 billion
Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (2) 403,600 833,675
Receivables discounting and consumer finance
------------
$918,909
------------
Food & Household Products -- 0.02%
Enkay Texofood Industries Ltd. (2) 51,786 $25,875
Manufacturer of synthetic yarn and processed foods
------------
Forest Products & Paper -- 0.42%
Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Paper (2) 241,500 $438,846
Manufacturer of paper
------------
Health & Personal Care Products -- 12.61%
Glaxo (India) Ltd. (2) 161,750 $1,155,841
Largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in India
Hindustan Lever Ltd. (2) 280,350 6,182,177
Subsidiary of Unilever, manufacturer of soap, detergents,
personal care products and processed foods
Hoechst Marion Roussel Ltd. (2) 516,950 4,357,820
Fourth largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in India
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals (2) 409,600 1,413,163
Manufacturer and exporter of "cephalosporin" range of antibiotics
------------
$13,109,001
------------
Industrial components -- 0.00%
IFB Industries Ltd. (2) 50 $62
Manufacturer of high precision engineering tools and domestic appliances
------------
Leisure & Tourism -- 2.95%
Hotel Leela Venture Ltd. (2) 750 $2,131
Hotel Leela Venture (wts) (1) (3) 340 460
Operates hotels & beach resort in Bombay & Goa
Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. (2) 111,250 2,159,011
Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. GDR 35,850 907,363
India's largest hotel company
------------
$3,068,965
------------
Machinery -- 0.25%
TTG Industries Ltd. 142,600 $181,111
Engineers pollution control and wind energy equipment
Otis Elevator (India) Ltd. 10,150 77,488
------------
Manufactures, installs and services various types of elevators,
escalators and travolators $258,599
------------
Metals -- 6.13%
Bellary Steels & Alloys (2) 310,000 $121,577
Integrated private sector steel manufacturer
Essar Steel Ltd. (2) 705 399
Manufacturer of sponge iron & hot rolled coils
Hindalco Industries Ltd. GDR 202,500 4,986,562
India's second largest integrated aluminum producer
Tata Iron & Steel (2) 9,000 42,105
India's largest private sector steel manufacturer
Sterlite Industries (India) (2) 217,800 1,221,990
India's only private sector copper manufacturer
------------
$6,372,633
------------
Miscellaneous Materials & Commodities -- 0.48%
Flex Industries (2) 400 $893
Flex Industries (wts) 4,274 8,351
Manufacturer of packaging materials
Usha Beltron Ltd. GDR 108,450 189,787
Manufacturer of telecommunications cable
Thiru Arooran Sugars (2) 500 1,186
Manufacturer of sugar and industrial alcohol
Paper Products Ltd. Primary 50,000 164,759
Paper Products Ltd. (wts) (1) 12,500 41,190
Manufacturer of packaging materials
Rubber Products (2) 132,000 48,821
Manufacturer of various industrial rubber goods
Shaan Interwell (India) 112,700 39,795
Manufacturer of corrugated boxes
------------
$494,782
------------
Software -- 1.77%
Infosys Technologies Ltd. 85,500 $1,837,683
Producer of specialized software for banking and retail sectors
------------
Telecommunications -- 10.14%
Himachal Futuristic Communications (2) 23,460 $10,903
Telecommunications equipment producer
Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. 202,000 5,356,595
India's monopoly international telephone service provider
Mahanger Telephone Nigam Ltd. (2) 805,800 5,173,314
Government owned monopoly, provider of telephone services to Bombay & Delhi
------------
$10,540,812
------------
Transportation -- 0.00%
GE Shipping (2) 7,200 $7,034
Diversified company with interests in shipping and property development
------------
Total India (identified cost, $96,880,828) $87,075,177
------------
PAKISTAN -- 7.85%
Chemicals -- 1.23%
Engro Chemical Pakistan Ltd. (2) 130,200 $436,925
Second largest fertilizer producer in Pakistan
Fauji Fertilizer 500,000 842,068
Largest fertilizer producer in Pakistan
------------
$1,278,993
------------
Energy -- 2.60%
Karachi Electric Supply Co. (2) 1,030,040 $481,869
Electric Distributor for Karachi
Pakistan State Oil Co. Ltd. (2) 343,953 2,222,654
National fuel oil and gasoline distributor
------------
$2,704,523
------------
Insurance -- 0.82%
Adamjee Insurance Co. (2) 392,750 $854,978
Leading supplier of general insurance in Pakistan
------------
Pharmaceuticals -- 0.11%
Searle Pakistan 158,078 $114,378
Pakistan unit of multi-national pharmaceutical company
------------
Textiles -- 0.09%
Nishat Chunian Ltd. (2) 306,000 $91,617
Textile spinning mill
------------
Telecommunications -- 3.00%
Pakistan Telecommunications GDR 50,250 $3,115,500
National domestic and long distance telephone company
------------
Total Pakistan (identified cost, $11,763,980) $8,159,989
------------
SRI LANKA -- 3.60%
Banking -- 1.06%
Development Finance Corporation 160,733 $722,491
Development finance corporation responsible for long-term finance
National Development Bank 78,900 271,206
Development finance corporation responsible for long-term finance
Sampath Bank 136,000 110,277
One of the four largest commercial banks in Sri Lanka
------------
$1,103,974
------------
Conglomerates -- 2.39%
John Keells Holdings 287,357 $994,074
John Keells Holdings GDR 118,857 802,285
Diversified group in hotels, office equipment and general trade
Hayleys Ltd. 216,026 685,434
Diversified group in transportation, chemicals, agriculture and electronics
------------
$2,481,793
------------
Ceramics -- 0.15%
Royal Ceramic Lanka Ltd. 344,900 $155,032
Manufacturer of heavy duty ceramic floor tile
------------
Rubber & Tyres -- 0.00%
Kelani Tyres 480 $59
Largest tyre manufacturer in Sri Lanka
------------
Total Sri Lanka (identified cost, $5,091,198) $3,740,858
------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (IDENTIFIED COST, $115,330,197) $101,375,288
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonds -- 0.02%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount
(000 omitted) Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flex Industries, 13.5%, 12/31/99 (3) $ 836 $ 23,336
Hotel Leela Venture Ltd. NCD 14%, 4/8/03 (3) 27 680
------------
Total Bonds (at identified cost, $27,767) $ 24,016
------------
Total Investments -- 97.57% (identified cost, $115,357,964) $101,399,304
Other Assets, less Liabilities -- 2.43% 2,524,089
------------
Net Assets -- 100% $103,923,393
============
GDR-Global depository receipt
All security industry classifications and security descriptions are unaudited.
(1) Non-income producing security
(2) The above securities held by the Portfolio on December 31, 1996 are unrestricted securities valued at market
prices. Because of the length of the registration process, the Portfolio would temporarily be unable to sell
these securities. At December 31, 1996, the aggregate value of these securities amounted to $16,262,137,
representing 15.6% of the Portfolio's net assets (Note 5).
(3) Security valued using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Industry concentration -- Below are the top ten industry sectors
represented in the Portfolio of investments. Unaudited
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage
of Net
Industry Sector Assets Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Automotives 17.69% $18,386,637
Telecommunications 13.14 13,656,312
Health & Personal Care Products 12.61 13,109,001
Conglomerates 11.70 12,163,726
Banking 9.19 9,659,528
Metals 6.13 6,372,633
Energy Equipment & Services 5.80 6,026,152
Construction Materials 4.10 4,265,003
Chemicals 3.18 3,303,298
Leisure & Tourism 2.95 3,068,965
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Ten Holdings Unaudited
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage
of Net
Company Industry Sector Assets Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hindustan Lever Ltd. Health & Personal Care Products 5.95% $6,182,177
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (Common & GDR) Conglomerate 5.85 6,075,810
Mahindra & Mahindra (Common & GDR) Automotive 5.69 5,916,020
Tata Engineering & Locomotive GDR Automotive 5.22 5,421,534
Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. Telecommunications 5.15 5,356,595
Mahanger Telephone Nigam Ltd. Telecommunications 4.98 5,173,314
Thermax Limited Energy Equipment & Services 4.97 5,162,087
Hindalco Industries Ltd. GDR Metals 4.80 4,986,562
Hoechst Marion Roussel Ltd. Health & Personal Care Products 4.19 4,357,820
State Bank of India (Common & GDR) Banking 4.88 5,071,596
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
South Asia Portfolio
Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Investments, at value (Note 1A) (identified cost, $115,357,964) $ 101,399,304
Cash 152
Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $2,101,337) 2,098,244
Receivable for investments sold 1,698,410
Dividends and interest receivable 319,018
Tax reclaim receivable 2,593
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1C) 40,251
-------------
Total assets $ 105,557,972
Liabilities:
Payable for investments purchased $ 1,446,048
Demand note payable (Note 6) 108,000
Payable to affiliates --
Trustees' fees 1,182
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 79,349
-------------
Total liabilities 1,634,579
-------------
Net Assets applicable to investors' interest in Portfolio $ 103,923,393
=============
Sources of Net Assets:
Net proceeds from capital contributions and withdrawals $ 117,891,774
Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency
(computed on the basis of identified cost) (13,968,381)
-------------
Total $ 103,923,393
=============
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Income --
Dividends (net of foreign taxes, $281,888) $ 1,256,860
Interest 3,600
-------------
Total income 1,260,460
Expenses --
Investment adviser fee (Note 2) $ 807,758
Administration fee (Note 2) 269,055
Compensation of Trustees not members of the
Investment Adviser's or Administrator's organization 15,501
Custodian fee (Note 1G) 461,267
Legal and accounting services 43,398
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1C) 17,642
Miscellaneous 9,947
-------------
Total expenses $ 1,624,568
Deduct reduction of custodian fee (Note 1G) 245,698
-------------
Net expenses 1,378,870
-------------
Net investment loss $ (118,410)
-------------
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:
Net realized loss --
Investments (identified cost basis) $ (5,881,693)
Foreign currency (1,801,214)
-------------
Net realized loss $ (7,682,907)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) --
Investments (identified cost basis) $ (377,405)
Foreign currency 32,176
-------------
Net unrealized depreciation (345,229)
-------------
Net realized and unrealized loss $ (8,028,136)
-------------
Net decrease in net assets from operations $ (8,146,546)
=============
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
<S> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Cash:
Cash Flows From (For) Operating Activities --
Purchase of investments $ (119,995,774)
Proceeds from sale of investments 44,965,134
Dividends, interest and tax reclaims received 1,087,107
Operating expenses paid (1,350,259)
Foreign currency transactions (2,236,422)
--------------
Net cash used for operating activities $ (77,530,214)
--------------
Cash Flows From (For) Financing Activities --
Proceeds from capital contributions $ 130,235,008
Payments for capital withdrawals (55,600,406)
Demand notes payable 108,000
--------------
Net cash provided from financing activities $ 74,742,602
--------------
Net decrease in cash $ (2,787,612)
Cash at Beginning of Period 2,787,764
--------------
Cash at End of Period $ 152
==============
Reconciliation of Net Increase in Net Assets From
Operations to Net Cash From Operating Activities:
Net decrease in net assets from operations $ (8,146,546)
Increase in receivable for investments sold (1,203,678)
Increase in foreign currency (467,384)
Increase in dividends and interest receivable (170,760)
Increase in tax reclaim receivable (2,593)
Decrease in deferred organization expenses 17,642
Increase in payable to affiliate 1,182
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities 9,787
Increase in payable for investments purchased 200,899
Net increase in investments (67,768,763)
--------------
Net cash used for operating activities $ (77,530,214)
==============
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------
1996 1995
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:
From operations --
Net investment loss $ (118,410) $ (78,834)
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency (7,682,907) (7,522,747)
Change in unrealized depreciation (345,229) (9,895,389)
------------- --------------
Decrease in net assets from operations $ (8,146,546) $ (17,496,970)
------------- --------------
Capital transactions --
Contributions $ 130,235,008 $ 22,408,418
Withdrawals (55,600,406) (24,329,701)
------------- --------------
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting
from capital transactions $ 74,634,602 $ (1,921,283)
------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets $ 66,488,056 $ (19,418,253)
Net Assets:
At beginning of year 37,435,337 56,853,590
------------- --------------
At end of year $ 103,923,393 $ 37,435,337
============= ==============
<CAPTION>
Supplementary Data
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994*
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):
Expenses (1) 1.51% 1.76% 1.16%+
Expenses after custodian fee reduction (1) 1.28% 1.35% --
Net investment income (loss) (0.11%) (0.18%) 0.01%+
Portfolio Turnover 46% 38% 1%
Average commission rate (2) $0.0496
+ Annualized.
* For the period from the start of business, May 2, 1994, to December 31, 1994.
(1) The expense ratios for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 have been adjusted to reflect
a change in reporting requirements. The new reporting guidelines require the Portfolio to increase
its expense ratio by the effect of any expense offset arrangements with its service providers.
The expense ratios for the period ended December 31, 1994 have not been adjusted to reflect this change.
(2) 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 the 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.
See notes to financial statements
</TABLE>
Notes to Financial Statements
(1) Significant Accounting Policies
South Asia Portfolio (the "Portfolio") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management
investment company which was organized as a trust under the laws of
the State of New York on January 18, 1994. The Declaration of Trust
permits the Trustees to issue interests in the Portfolio. The
following is a summary of the significant accounting policies of the
Portfolio. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
A. Investment Valuations -- Marketable securities, including options,
that are listed on foreign or U.S. securities exchanges or in the
NASDAQ National Market System are valued at closing sale prices or,
if there were no sales, at the mean between the closing bid and asked
prices on the exchange where such securities are principally traded.
Futures positions on securities or currencies are generally valued at
closing settlement prices. Unlisted or listed securities for which
closing sale prices are not available are valued at the mean between
the latest bid and asked prices. Short term debt securities with a
remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.
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. Investments for which valuations or market quotations are
unavailable are valued at fair value using methods determined in good
faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
B. Federal Taxes -- The Portfolio is treated as a partnership for
U.S. 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 individually responsible for the
payment of any taxes on its share of such income. 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 U.S. Internal Revenue 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. 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.
D. Financial Futures Contracts -- Upon the entering of a financial
futures contract, the Portfolio is required to deposit ("initial
margin") either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain
percentage of the purchase price indicated in the financial futures
contract. Subsequent payments are made or received by the Portfolio
("margin maintenance") each day, dependent on daily fluctuations in
the value of the underlying security, and are recorded for book
purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Portfolio. Should
interest or currency exchange rates move unexpectedly, the Portfolio
may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures
contracts and may realize a loss. If the Portfolio enters into a
closing transaction, the Portfolio will realize, for book purposes, a
gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the
financial futures contract to sell and financial futures contract to
buy.
E. Foreign Currency Translation -- Investment valuations, other
assets, and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are
converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current
exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investment securities
and income and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based upon
currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such
transactions. Recognized gains or losses on investment transactions
attributable to foreign currency rates are recorded for financial
statement purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments.
That portion of unrealized gains and losses on investments that
result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates are not
separately disclosed.
F. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts -- The Portfolio may
enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the
purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a
future date. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the
potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their
contracts and from movements in the value of a foreign currency
relative to the U.S. dollar. The Portfolio will enter into forward
contracts for hedging purposes. The forward foreign currency exchange
contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying
currency and any gains or losses are recorded for financial statement
purposes as unrealized until such time as the contracts have been
closed or offset.
G. 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 in the statement of
operations.
H. 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 revenue and expense during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
I. Other -- Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the
securities are purchased or sold. Dividend income is recorded on the
ex-dividend date. However, if the ex-dividend date has passed,
certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as the
Portfolio is informed of the ex-dividend date. Interest income is
recorded on the accrual basis.
(2) Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
The investment adviser fee is earned by Lloyd George Investment
Management (Bermuda) Limited (the Adviser) as compensation for
management and investment advisory services rendered to the
Portfolio. Under the advisory agreement, the Adviser receives a
monthly fee of 0.0625% (0.75% annually) of the average daily net
assets of the Portfolio up to $500,000,000, and at reduced rates as
daily net assets exceed that level. For the year ended December 31,
1996, the annualized adviser fee was 0.75% of average net assets and
amounted to $807,758. In addition, an administration fee is earned by
Eaton Vance Management (EVM) for managing and administering the
business affairs of the Portfolio. Under the administration
agreement, EVM earns a monthly fee in the amount of 1/48th of 1%
(equal to 0.25% annually) of the average daily net assets of the
Portfolio up to $500,000,000, and at reduced rates as daily net
assets exceed that level. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the
administration fee was 0.25% (annualized) of average net assets and
amounted to $269,055. Except as to Trustees of the Portfolio who are
not members of the Adviser or EVM's organization, officers and
Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Portfolio out
of such investment adviser and administrative fees.
Certain of the officers and Trustees of the Portfolio are officers or
trustees of the above organizations.
(3) Investment Transactions
For the year ended December 31, 1996, purchases and sales of
investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated
$120,196,673 and $46,168,812 respectively.
(4) Federal Income Tax Basis of Investments
The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of the
investments owned at December 31, 1996, as computed on a federal
income tax basis, are as follows:
Aggregate cost $115,533,233
=============
Gross unrealized appreciation $ 6,615,291
Gross unrealized depreciation (20,573,951)
-------------
Net unrealized depreciation $ (13,958,660)
=============
(5) Risks Associated with Foreign Investments
Investing in securities issued by companies whose principal business
activities are outside the United States may involve significant
risks not present in domestic investments. For example, there is
generally less publicly available information about foreign
companies, particularly those not subject to the disclosure and
reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws. Foreign issuers
are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable
to those applicable to domestic issuers. Investments in foreign
securities also involve the risk of possible adverse changes in
investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, limitation on the removal of funds or other
assets of the Portfolio, political or financial instability or
diplomatic and other developments which could affect such
investments. Foreign stock markets, while growing in volume and
sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United
States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those
located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile
than securities of comparable U.S. companies. In general, there is
less overall governmental supervision and regulation of foreign
securities markets, broker-dealers, and issuers than in the United
States.
Settlement of securities transactions in the Indian subcontinent may
be delayed and is generally less frequent than in the United States,
which could affect the liquidity of the Portfolio's assets. The
Portfolio may be unable to sell securities where the registration
process is incomplete and may experience delays in receipt of
dividends.
(6) Line of Credit
The Portfolio participates with other portfolios and funds managed by
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 borowings at an amount above the banks' 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 year ended December 31, 1996.
Independent Auditor's Report
The Trustees and Investors of South Asia Portfolio:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and
liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of South Asia
Portfolio as of December 31, 1996, the related statements of
operations and cash flows for the year then ended and the statement
of changes in net assets for the two years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995 and the supplementary data for the two years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995 and the period from the start of business, May 2,
1994, to December 31, 1994. These financial statements and
supplementary data are the responsibility of the Portfolio's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and supplementary data based upon 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 supplementary data 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 the securities owned at December
31, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where
replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing
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 supplementary data
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
South Asia Portfolio at December 31, 1996, the results of its
operations, its cash flows, the changes in its net assets and its
supplementary data for the respective stated periods, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 7, 1997
Investment Management
EV Marathon
Greater India Fund
- ----------------
Officers
James B. Hawkes
President, Trustee
Edward E. Smiley, Jr.
Vice President
James L. O'Connor
Treasurer
Thomas Otis
Secretary
Trustees
M. Dozier Gardner
Vice Chairman, Eaton Vance Management
Donald R. Dwight
President, Dwight Partners, Inc.
Chairman, Newspapers of New England, Inc.
Samuel L. Hayes, III
Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking,
Harvard University Graduate School of Business
Administration
Norton H. Reamer
President and Director, United Asset
Management Corporation
John L. Thorndike
Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated
Jack L. Treynor
Investment Adviser and Consultant
South Asia
Portfolio
- ----------
Officers
Hon. Robert Lloyd George
President, Trustee
James B. Hawkes
Vice President, Trustee
Scobie Dickinson Ward
Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
Assistant Treasurer
William Walter Raleigh Kerr
Vice President, Secretary and
Assistant Treasurer
James L. O'Connor
Vice President and Treasurer
Thomas Otis
Vice President and Secretary
Trustees
Hon. Edward K.Y. Chen
Professor and Director, Center for Asian Studies,
University of Hong Kong
Donald R. Dwight
President, Dwight Partners, Inc.
Chairman, Newspapers of New England, Inc.
Samuel L. Hayes, III
Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking,
Harvard University Graduate School of Business
Administration
Norton H. Reamer
President and Director, United Asset
Management Corporation
Sponsor and Manager of
EV Marathon Greater India Fund
Administrator of South Asia Portfolio
Eaton Vance Management
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
Adviser of South Asia Portfolio
Lloyd George Management
(Bermuda) Limited
3808 One Exchange Square
Central, Hong Kong
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 Investors Services Group
Attn: Eaton Vance Funds
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 sent money.
EV Marathon Greater India Fund
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
M-GISRC-3/97
