EATON VANCE SPECIAL INVESTMENT TRUST
N-30D, 1998-08-26
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<PAGE>
[LOGO OF EATON VANCE MUTUAL FUNDS APPEARS HERE]

Investing                                     [PHOTO OF CALCULATOR APPEARS HERE]
 for the
  21st
Century(R)


     Semiannual Report June 30, 1998


[PHOTO OF FLAG APPEARS HERE]       EATON VANCE
                                    UTILITIES
                                      FUND




                                   Eaton Vance
                      Global Management-Global Distribution



[PHOTO OF STOCK EXCHANGE APPEARS HERE]
<PAGE>
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund as of June 30, 1998

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT UPDATE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PHOTO OF TIMOTHY P. O'BRIEN PORTFOLIO MANAGER APPEARS HERE]

Timothy P. O'Brien
Portfolio Manager

Investment Environment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Economy

 .   In the first half of 1998, the U.S. economy continued to benefit from a
    confluence of favorable trends, including good growth, historically low
    unemployment, and tame inflation.

 .   Gross Domestic Product increased by a moderate 1.4% in the second quarter,
    while the unemployment rate declined from 4.7% in December, 1997, to 4.5% in
    June, 1998. On the inflation front, the Consumer Price Index rose just 1.6%
    in the year ended June, 1998.

 .   Investors continue to evaluate the potential effect of the Asian economic
    crisis on the U.S. economy. Thus far in 1998, lower prices for Asian imports
    have led to lower prices for imported manufactured goods, contributing to
    already low inflation.

    The Stock Market

 .   The U.S. stock market surged to record levels in the first six months of the
    year, with the S&P500 Index registering a total return of 17.7%.* The
    market's strength reflected the favorable economic backdrop, a good earnings
    outlook, and a continuing flight to quality among global investors.

 .   The S&P Utility Index rose 7.0%* The period was characterized by growing
    consolidation within the local phone and electric utility sectors. Among
    local access providers, regional Bell operating companies sought to forge
    strategic alliances in an increasingly competitive market. Meanwhile, among
    electric utilities, portfolio holding Long Island Lighting merged with
    Brooklyn Union Gas Co., while Sierra Pacific Resources announced plans to
    merge with Nevada Power Company.

 .   The telecom sector was marked by efforts to merge the technologies of cable,
    Internet and long distance phone services. Worldcom, Inc. received
    conditional approval in Europe and the U.S. to purchase MCI Communications
    Corp., while AT&T announced plans to purchase cable television leader
    Telecommunications, Inc.

The Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Past Six Months

 .   During the six months ended June 30, 1998, the Fund's Class A shares had a
    total return of 15.1%. This return resulted from an increase in net asset
    value (NAV) to $9.53 per share on June 30, 1998 from $8.45 on December 31,
    1997 and the reinvestment of $0.145 in dividends and $0.037 in capital gain
    distributions.1

 .   The Fund's Class B shares had a total return of 14.6% during the period, the
    result of an increase in NAV to $10.91 per share from $9.67 per share and
    the reinvestment of $0.127 in dividends and $0.037 in capital gain
    distributions.1

 .   The Fund's Class C shares had a total return of 14.7% during the period, the
    result of an increase in NAV to $11.53 per share from $10.19 per share and
    the reinvestment of $0.108 in dividends and $0.037 in capital gain
    distributions.1

 .   By comparison, the average total return for mutual funds in the Lipper
    Utility Funds Category was 8.4% for the same period.*

    Portfolio Strategy

 .   The Fund's outperformance was attributable, in part, to an increase in its
    exposure to European utilities. The Portfolio's largest holding, Energis, is
    a U.K.-based, long-distance fiber optic company. Foreign electric utilities
    included PowerGen PLC and National Grid Group PLC of the U.K., as well as
    Electricidade de Portugal. These companies have each benefited from surging
    economic growth in Europe.

 .   The Portfolio also added to its investments in the telecom sector. Regional
    Bell companies enjoyed increases in telephone lines, as well as demand for
    new services such as call waiting and phone mail. SBC Communications, Inc.
    announced plans to acquire Ameritech Corp. The combined company is expected
    to be a powerhouse phone service provider.

 .   The Portfolio benefited from a reduction of its investments in real estate
    investment trusts (REITs). The Portfolio's largest REIT holding, Excel
    Realty Trust, is retail-oriented. Excel recently announced plans to merge
    with New Plan Realty Trust.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Information                         ---------------------------------------
as of June 30, 1998                      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.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance/2/                                      Class A  Class B  Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (at net asset value)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year                                             26.7%    25.6%    25.1%
Five Years                                            9.3      N.A.     N.A.
Ten Years                                            12.3      N.A.     N.A.
Life of Fund+                                        14.2      9.7      9.3

SEC Average Annual Total Returns (including sales charge or applicable CDSC)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year                                             19.4%    20.6%    24.1%
Five Years                                            8.0      N.A.     N.A.
Ten Years                                            11.6      N.A.     N.A.
Life of Fund+                                        13.8      9.4      9.3

Ten Largest Holdings/3/
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Energis                     11.9%
BellSouth Corp.              5.6
SBC Communications, Inc.     4.9
NIPSCO Industries, Inc.      4.0
National Grid Group PLC.     3.7
DQE, Inc.                    3.6
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.  3.5
MCI Communications Corp.     3.2
Excel Realty Trust, Inc.     3.1
DPL, Inc.                    3.0

/1/This return does not include the maximum 5.75% sales charge for Class A
shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) for Class B
and C shares. /2/ Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the
percentage change in net asset value with all distributions reinvested. SEC
returns for Class A reflect the maximum 5.75% sales charge. SEC returns for
Class B reflect applicable CDSC based on the following schedule: 5% - 1st and
2nd years; 4% - 3rd year; 3% - 4th year; 2% - 5th year; 1% - 6th year. SEC 1-
Year return for Class C reflects 1% CDSC. /3/ As of 6/30/98; may not be
representative of the Portfolio's current or future investments. The ten largest
holdings accounted for 46.5% of the Portfolio's investments. *It is not possible
to invest directly in an Index or Lipper Category.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and
principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more
or less than their original cost.

+ Inception Dates - Class A: 12/18/81; Class B: 11/1/93; Class C:11/1/93


                                        2


<PAGE>
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund  as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities                             


As of June 30, 1998
Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment in Utilities Portfolio, at value                         
   (identified cost, $342,250,914)                                 $449,268,373
Receivable for Fund shares sold                                          55,953
Deferred organization expenses                                           16,002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                                       $449,340,328
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for Fund shares redeemed                                   $    518,400
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees                                   1,900
Other accrued expenses                                                  362,734
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                                  $    883,034
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets                                                         $448,457,294
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources of Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paid-in capital                                                    $277,541,581
Accumulated undistributed net realized                            
   gain from Portfolio (computed on                               
   the basis of identified cost)                                     10,883,166
Accumulated undistributed net investment income                      53,015,088
Net unrealized appreciation of investments from Portfolio         
   (computed on the basis of identified cost)                       107,017,459
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                              $448,457,294
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class A Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets                                                         $399,463,981
Shares Outstanding                                                   41,918,461
Net Asset Value and Redemption Price Per Share                   
   (net assets / shares of beneficial                              
    interest outstanding)                                          $       9.53
Maximum Offering Price Per Share                                 
   (100 / 94.25 of $9.53)                                          $      10.11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class B Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets                                                         $ 45,308,696
Shares Outstanding                                                    4,153,516
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and                              
   Redemption Price Per Share                                    
   (net assets / shares of beneficial                              $      10.91
      interest outstanding)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class C Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets                                                         $  3,684,617
Shares Outstanding                                                      319,700
Net Asset Value, Offering Price and                             
   Redemption Price Per Share                                   
   (net assets / shares of beneficial                              $      11.53
      interest outstanding)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On sales of $50,000 or more, the offering price of Class A shares is reduced.


Statement of Operations 


For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 1998
Investment Income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends allocated from Portfolio
   (net of foreign taxes, $532,837)                                 $ 8,593,465
Interest allocated from Portfolio                                     1,272,933
Expenses allocated from Portfolio                                    (2,213,252)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income from Portfolio                                $ 7,653,146
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustees fees and expenses                                          $     1,020
Distribution and service fees
   Class A                                                              421,059
   Class B                                                              216,594
   Class C                                                               18,991
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees                             323,560
Custodian fee                                                            18,293
Registration fees                                                         9,972
Legal and accounting services                                             8,164
Amortization of organization expenses                                     7,920
Printing and postage                                                      1,544
Miscellaneous                                                            23,491 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                      $ 1,050,608
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net investment income                                               $ 6,602,538
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) from Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) --
   Investment transactions (identified cost basis)                 $ 13,870,161
   Foreign currency transactions                                        (11,867)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain                                                  $ 13,858,294
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) --
   Investments                                                     $ 40,129,132
   Foreign currency                                                      (8,580)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)               $ 40,120,552
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net realized and unrealized gain                                   $ 53,978,846
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net increase in net assets from operations                         $ 60,581,384
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                       See notes to financial statements

                                       3

<PAGE>
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund as of June 30, 1998 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


                                                 
                          
                               Six Months Ended                       
Increase (Decrease)            June 30, 1998      Year Ended                 
in Net Assets                  (Unaudited)        December 31, 1997 
  --------------------------------------------------------------------
From operations --

   Net investment income        $   6,602,538         $  15,333,965
   Net realized gain               13,858,294            30,231,475
   Net change in                                                   
      unrealized appreciation      
      (depreciation)               40,120,552            10,978,552 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets
     from operations            $  60,581,384         $  56,543,992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to
   shareholders --

   From net investment income
      Class A                   $  (6,205,266)        $ (14,226,568)
      Class B                        (541,849)                   --
      Class C                         (37,935)                   -- 
   From net realized gain
      Class A                      (1,582,078)          (52,023,235
      Class B                        (157,576)                   --
      Class C                         (12,962)                   -- 
   In excess of net realized gain
      Class A                              --            (1,753,904)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions             
   to shareholders              $  (8,537,666)        $ (68,003,707)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Transactions in shares of
   beneficial interest --
   Proceeds from sale
      of shares
      Class A                   $   2,362,516         $  35,611,098
      Class B                       2,015,317                    --   
      Class C                         314,850                    --   
   Net asset value of
      shares issued to
      shareholders in
      payment of
      distributions declared
      Class A                       5,937,366            53,794,284
      Class B                         564,092                    --   
      Class C                          43,019                    --   
   Cost of shares redeemed
      Class A                     (25,599,290)         (109,462,155)
      Class B                      (4,772,508)                   --
      Class C                        (862,844)                   -- 

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in net
   assets from Fund          
   share transactions           $ (19,997,482)        $ (20,056,773)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Contribution from EV
   Classic and Marathon         
   Total Return Funds           $  45,953,631         $          --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Net increase (decrease)                
    in net assets               $  77,999,867         $ (31,516,488)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of                 
   period                       $ 370,457,427         $ 401,973,915
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                $ 448,457,294         $ 370,457,427
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Accumulated undistributed
net investment income
included in net assets
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                $  53,015,088         $  53,129,951
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       4

<PAGE>
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund as of June 30, 1998 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Financial Highlights

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                          
                                           Six Months Ended                 Year Ended December 31,
                                           June 30, 1998        -------------------------------------------------- 
                                           (Unaudited)            1997      1996       1995     1994      1993
                                 -----------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
                                  Class A   Class B   Class C    Class A   Class A    Class A  Class A   Class A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>     <C> 
Net asset value -- Beginning      
   of period                     $  8.450   $  9.670   $ 10.190  $ 8.770   $  9.130  $  7.630  $  9.140  $  9.360
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income (loss) from operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income            $  0.196   $  0.122   $  0.131  $  0.409  $  0.626  $  0.523  $  0.545  $  0.363
Net realized and unrealized         
   gain (loss)                      1.066      1.282      1.354     0.887    (0.014)++  1.520    (1.667)    0.552
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income (loss) from           
   operations                    $  1.262   $  1.404   $  1.485  $  1.296  $  0.612  $  2.043  $ (1.122) $  0.915
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less distributions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net investment income       $ (0.145)  $ (0.127)  $ (0.108) $  (0.331)$ (0.522) $ (0.364) $ (0.388) $ (0.465)
In excess of net investment            --         --         --        --        --    (0.039)       --        --
   income
From net realized gain             (0.037)    (0.037)    (0.037)   (1.243)   (0.450)   (0.078)       --    (0.654)
In excess of net realized gain         --         --         --    (0.042)       --    (0.062)       --    (0.016)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions              $ (0.182)  $ (0.164)  $ (0.145) $ (1.616) $ (0.972) $ (0.543) $ (0.388) $ (1.135)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net asset value -- End of           
   period                        $  9.530   $ 10.910   $ 11.530  $  8.450  $  8.770  $  9.130  $  7.630  $  9.140
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Return /(1)/                  15.07%     14.63%     14.66%    16.18%     7.00%    27.52%   (12.28)%    9.49%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ratios/Supplemental Data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period        $399,464   $ 45,309   $  3,685  $370,457  $401,974  $457,879  $445,133  $629,514
   (000's omitted)
Ratios (As a percentage of
   average daily net assets):        1.42%+     2.19%+     2.20%+    1.13%     1.23%     1.19%     1.18%     1.11%
   Operating expenses /(2)/
   Interest expense                   --         --         --        --        --        --        --       0.20%
   Net investment income             3.12%+     2.36%+     2.36%+    4.06%     5.59%     4.49%     4.90%     4.64%
Portfolio turnover /(3)/              --         --         --        --        --        --        --         63%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leverage Analysis /(4)/
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily balance of debt                                                                              $29,906
   outstanding during period
Average weekly balance of shares                                                                            61,377
   outstanding during period
Average amount of debt per share                                                                           $ 0.487
   during period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
+     Annualized.
++    The per share amount is not in accordance with the net realized and
      unrealized gain (loss) for the period because of the timing of sales of
      Fund shares and the amount of the per share realized and unrealized gains
      and losses at such time.
/(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 reinvestment date. Total return
      is not computed on an annualized basis.
/(2)/ Includes the Fund's share of its Portfolio's allocated expenses.
/(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 all of
      its investable assets to the Portfolio is shown in the Portfolio's
      financial statements which are included elsewhere in this report.
/(4)/ The Leverage Analysis is for the period January 1 to October 27, 1993,
      when the Fund transferred the line of credit to the Portfolio. The
      analysis for all subsequent years and the six months ended June 30, 1998
      is shown in the Portfolio's financial statements which are included
      elsewhere in this report.


                       See notes to financial statements

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund as of June 30, 1998 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 


1 Significant Accounting Policies
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Eaton Vance Utilities Fund (the Fund), (formerly Eaton Vance Total Return
  Fund), is a non-diversified 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 is a series of the Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (the Trust). The
  Fund offers three classes of shares. Class A shares are sold subject to a
  sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class B and Class C shares are
  sold at net asset value and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
  (see Note 6). All classes of shares have equal rights to assets and voting
  privileges. Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment
  income, other than class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class
  of shares based on the relative net assets of each class to the total net
  assets of the Fund. Each class of shares differs in its distribution plan and
  certain other class specific expenses. The Fund invests all of its investable
  assets in interests in the Utilities 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 (100.0% at June 30, 1998). 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 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 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 taxable income, including any
  net realized gain on investments. Accordingly, no provision for federal income
  or excise tax is necessary.

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

  E 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.

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

  G 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.

  H Interim Financial Information -- The interim financial statements relating
  to June 30, 1998 and the six month period then ended have not been audited by
  independent certified public accountants, but in the opinion of the Fund's
  management reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
  adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements.

2 Distributions to Shareholders
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Fund's policy is to distribute monthly substantially all of the net
  investment income allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio (less the Fund's
  direct expenses) and to distribute at least annually substantially all of its
  net realized capital gains. 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

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund as of June 30, 1998 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D


  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 over
  distributions only for financial statement purposes are classified as
  distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gain on
  investments. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating
  to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital.

3 Shares of Beneficial Interest
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
  number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest (with no par
  value). Transactions in Fund shares were as follows:


                                        Six Months Ended      
                                        June 30, 1998        Year Ended    
    Class A                             (Unaudited)          December 31, 1997
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Sales                                         259,566             4,081,005
   Issued to shareholders electing to
     receive payment of distributions 
     in Fund shares                              658,339             6,457,940
     
   Redemptions                                (2,821,315)          (12,559,429)
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Net decrease                               (1,903,410)           (2,020,484)
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                               Six Months Ended
                                                               June 30, 1998   
    Class B                                                    (Unaudited)      
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Sales                                                               191,644

   Issued to shareholders electing to
     receive payment of distributions in
     Fund shares                                                        54,659

   Redemptions                                                        (457,833)
   Issued to EV Marathon Total Return
     Fund shareholders                                               4,365,046
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Net increase                                                      4,153,516
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                             Six Months Ended  
                                                             June 30, 1998     
    Class C                                                  (Unaudited)       
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Sales                                                                28,098

   Issued to shareholders electing to receive payment 
     of distributions in Fund shares                                     3,938

   Redemptions                                                         (77,828)

   Issued to EV Classic Total Return
     Fund shareholders                                                 365,492

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Net increase                                                        319,700
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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 2 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 organization, officers and
  Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Fund out of such
  investment adviser fee. Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD), a subsidiary of
  EVM and the Fund's principal underwriter, received $12,398 from the Eaton
  Vance Utilities Fund as its portion of the sales charge on sales of Class A
  shares for the six months ended June 30, 1998.

  Certain of the officers and Trustees of the Fund and the Portfolio are
  officers and directors/trustees of the above organizations.

5 Distribution Plan
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Fund has adopted distribution plans (Class B Plan and Class C Plan)
  pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and a service
  plan (Class A Plan, the Plans). The Plans require the Fund to pay the
  Principal Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD) amounts equal to
  1/365 of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B
  and Class C shares 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) 5.00% and 6.25% of the aggregate
  amount received by the Fund for the Class B and Class C shares sold,
  respectively, plus (ii) distribution fees

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund as of June 30, 1998 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)  CONT'D


  calculated by applying the rate of 1% over the prevailing prime rate to the
  outstanding balance of Uncovered Distribution Charges of EVD of each
  respective class reduced by the aggregate amount of contingent deferred sales
  charges (see Note 6) and daily amounts theretofore paid to EVD by each
  respective class. The Fund paid or accrued $163,834 and $14,243 for Class B
  and Class C shares, respectively, to EVD for the six months ended June 30,
  1998 representing 0.75% (annualized) of the average daily net assets for
  Class B and Class C shares. At June 30, 1998, the amount of Uncovered
  Distribution Charges of EVD calculated under the Plan was approximately
  $533,632 and $750,892 for Class B and Class C shares, respectively.
  
  In addition, the Plans also authorize each Class to make payments of service
  fees to EVD, Authorized Firms and other persons in amounts not exceeding
  0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A (Service
  Plan), Class B and Class C shares for each fiscal year. The Trustees have
  initially implemented the Plans by authorizing the Fund to make quarterly
  payments of service fees to EVD and Authorized Firms in amounts not expected
  to exceed 0.25% per annum of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable
  to Class A and Class B shares based on the value of Fund shares sold by such
  persons and remaining outstanding for at least twelve months. The Class C
  Plan requires the Fund to make monthly payments of service fees in amounts
  not expected to exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets
  attributable to Class C shares for any fiscal year. Service fee payments are
  made for personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
  Service fees are separate and distinct from the sales commissions and
  distribution fees payable by the Fund to EVD, and as such are not subject to
  automatic discontinuance when there are no outstanding Uncovered Distribution
  Charges of EVD. Service fee payments for the six months ended June 30, 1998
  amounted to $421,059, $52,760 and $4,748 for Class A, Class B and Class C
  shares, respectively.

6 Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  A contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is imposed on any redemption of
  Class B shares made within six years of purchase. A CDSC of 1% is imposed on
  any redemption of Class C shares made within one year 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. For Class B shares purchased prior
  to August 1, 1994, the CDSC was imposed at declining rates that begin at 6% in
  the first year of redemption after purchase, declining one percentage point
  each year. For Class B shares purchased on or after August 1, 1994, the CDSC
  is imposed at declining rates beginning at 5% in the first and second years of
  redemption after purchase, declining one percentage point in each subsequent
  year. No CDSC is levied on shares which have been sold to EVM or its
  affiliates or to their respective employees or clients. CDSC charges are paid
  to EVD to reduce the amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges calculated under
  the Fund's Distribution Plans. CDSC charges received when no Uncovered
  Distribution Charges exist will be credited to the Fund. EVD received
  approximately $34,761 and $683 of CDSC paid by shareholders for Class B shares
  and Class C shares, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 1998.

7 Investment Transactions
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increases and decreases in the Fund's investments in the Portfolio for the
  six months ended June 30, 1998, aggregated $12,840,778 and $38,613,273,
  respectively.

8 Transfer of Net Assets
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  On January 1, 1998, EV Traditional Total Return Fund acquired the net assets
  of EV Marathon Total Return Fund and EV Classic Total Return Fund pursuant to
  an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated June 23, 1997. In accordance
  with the agreement, EV Traditional Total Return Fund, at the closing, issued
  4,365,046 Class B shares and 365,492 Class C shares of the Fund having an
  aggregate value of $42,228,739 and $3,724,892 respectively. As a result, the
  Fund issued one Class B share for each share of EV Marathon Total Return Fund
  and one Class C share for each share of EV Classic Total Return Fund. The
  transaction was structured for tax purposes to qualify as a tax free
  reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code. The EV Marathon Total Return
  Fund's and EV Classic Total Return Fund's net assets at the date of the
  transaction were $42,228,739 and $3,724,892, respectively, including
  $6,799,057 and $627,601 of unrealized appreciation. Directly after the
  merger, the combined net assets of the Eaton Vance Utilities Fund (formerly
  "EV Traditional Total Return Fund") were $416,411,058 with a net asset value
  of $8.45, $9.67, and $10.19 for Class A, Class B and Class C shares,
  respectively.

9 Name Change
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Effective January 1, 1998, EV Traditional Total Return Fund changed its name
  to Eaton Vance Total Return Fund. Effective May 1, 1998, Eaton Vance Total
  Return Fund changed its name to Eaton Vance Utilities Fund.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Utilities Portfolio as of June 30, 1998

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)


Common Stocks -- 77.5%                                
         
Security                                            Shares              Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Broadcasting and Cable -- 0.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ovation, Inc.*+                                    285,787         $3,000,764
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $3,000,764
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drugs -- 0.9%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sepracor, Inc.*                                    100,000         $4,150,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $4,150,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Electric Utilities -- 27.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cilcorp, Inc.                                      130,000         $6,240,000
Cleco Corp.                                        230,000          6,842,500
DPL, Inc.                                          750,000         13,593,750
DQE, Inc.                                          450,000         16,200,000
Electric de Portugal ADR                            80,000          3,685,000
Endesa S.A. ADR                                    100,000          2,162,500
National Grid Group PLC++                        2,450,000         16,514,715
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.*                        300,000          4,481,250  
NIPSCO Industries, Inc.                            650,000         18,200,000
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.                        350,000         15,750,000 
PowerGen PLC++                                     650,000          9,001,525
Sierra Pacific Resources                           150,000          5,446,875
Southern Electric++                                450,000          4,155,795
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 $122,273,910
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information Services -- 0.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Informission Group, Inc.*++                        112,800         $1,043,197 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $1,043,197
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Natural Gas Utilities -- 3.8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KN Energy, Inc.                                    235,000        $12,734,063
Marketspan Corp.                                   154,000          4,610,375
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  $17,344,438
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oil and Gas - Exploration
and Production -- 2.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EEX Corp.*                                         800,000         $7,500,000
Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas*                          50,000            946,875
Meridian Resource Corp.*                           130,000            918,125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $9,365,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Real Estate -- 0.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excel Legacy Corp.*                                485,000         $2,121,875
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   $2,121,875
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


REITS -- 12.9%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annaly Mortgage, Inc. 144A                         350,000         $3,193,750
Criimi Mae, Inc.                                   450,000          6,243,750
Equity Office Properties Trust                     150,000          4,256,250
Excel Realty Trust, Inc.                           480,000         13,830,000
Ocwen Asset Investment Corp.                       183,600          3,040,875
Prime Group Realty Trust                           280,000          4,795,000
Prime Retail, Inc.                                  98,000          1,169,875
Security Capital US Realty Trust*                  600,000          7,980,000
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.                     327,000          4,353,188
Tower Realty Trust, Inc.                           140,000          3,132,500
Vornado Realty Trust                               150,000          5,953,125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  $57,948,313
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Telephone Utilities -- 29.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameritech Corp.                                     60,000         $2,692,500
BellSouth Corp.                                    375,000         25,171,875
Comcast UK Cable Partners Ltd.*                    200,000          3,137,500
Energis*++                                       3,500,000         53,287,499
MCI Communications Corp.                           250,000         14,531,250
Orange PLC*++                                      300,000          3,178,470
SBC Communications, Inc.                           550,000         22,000,000
Worldcom, Inc.*                                    150,000          7,265,625
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 $131,264,719
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Common Stocks
   (identified cost $239,027,373)                                $348,512,216
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convertible Preferred Stocks -- 9.1%

Security                                            Shares        Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gas Utilities -- 2.8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
El Paso Energy Capital Trust                       240,000        $12,720,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  $12,720,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REITS -- 1.4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vornado Realty Trust                                40,000        $ 2,295,000
Walden Residential                                 130,000          3,705,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  $ 6,000,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Utilities Portfolio  as of June 30, 1998

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D


Security                                           Shares            Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Telephone Utilities -- 4.9%
Intermedia Communications, Inc. 144A               225,000       $ 12,459,345
Omnipoint Corp.                                    200,000          9,650,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 $ 22,109,345
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
   (identified cost $32,676,722)                                 $ 40,829,345
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Warrants -- 0.1%

Security                                         Shares              Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REITS -- 0.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walden Residential Warrants*                       340,000       $    340,000  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 $    340,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Warrants
   (identified cost $0)                                          $    340,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Convertible Bonds -- 7.8%


                                               Principal
                                               Amount
Security                                       (000's omitted)       Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bell Atlantic Financial Services, 144A,             
  5.75%, 4/1/03                                   $  5,000       $  5,125,000

Loews Corp., 3.125%, 9/15/07                        10,000          9,237,500
  
Midcom Communications, 144A,
  8.25%, 8/15/03+++*                                10,000          1,637,500

National Grid Co., 4.25%, 2/17/08++                    800          1,494,253
  
Ovation, Inc., 9.75%, 2/23/01+                       2,500          2,500,000
  
Smartalk Teleservices, 144A,             
  5.75%, 9/15/04                                    18,000         14,955,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Convertible Bonds
   (identified cost $47,561,531)                                 $ 34,949,253
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Corporate Bonds -- 3.0%

                                                 Principal
                                                 Amount
Security                                         (000's omitted)  Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank Plus Corp., 12.00%, 7/18/07                 $  10,625       $ 12,165,625
Orbital Sciences 144A, 5.00%, 10/1/02                1,000          1,493,750
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Corporate Bonds
   (identified cost $12,018,750)                                 $ 13,659,375
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Commercial Paper -- 0.6%

                                                  Principal
                                                  Amount
Security                                          (000's omitted) Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Electric Capital Corp., 6.10%, 7/1/98     $  2,652       $  2,652,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Commercial Paper
   (amortized cost $2,652,000)                                   $  2,652,000 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Investments -- 98.1%
   (identified cost $333,936,376)                                $440,942,189
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Assets, Less Liabilities -- 1.9%                           $  8,326,208
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net Assets -- 100%                                               $449,268,397
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADR - American Depositary Receipt
*   Non-income producing security.
+   Valued in good faith at fair value using procedures approved by the Trustees
    (see note 1A of Notes to Financial Statements).
++  Foreign security.
+++ The issuer has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.


                       See notes to financial statements

                                      10

<PAGE>

Utilities Portfolio as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities                             

As of June 30, 1998
Assets
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Investments, at value
   (identified cost, $333,936,376)          $440,942,189
Cash                                               1,284
Receivable for investments sold                8,761,105
Dividends and interest receivable              3,041,503
Miscellaneous receivable                          15,213
Tax reclaim receivable                            54,680
Deferred organization expenses                       510
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                $452,816,484
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Liabilities
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Payable for investments purchased           $  3,439,911   
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees           11,080
Other accrued expenses                            97,096
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                           $  3,548,087
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets applicable to investors'         
   interest in Portfolio                    $449,268,397
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Sources of Net Assets
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net proceeds from capital                   
   contributions and withdrawals            $342,250,938
Net unrealized appreciation (computed
   on the basis of identified cost)          107,017,459
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Total                                       $449,268,397
- ----------------------------------------------------------


Statement of Operations 

For the Six Months
Ended June 30, 1998
Investment Income
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Dividends (net of foreign taxes,            
   $532,837)                                $  8,593,466
Interest                                       1,272,933
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Total investment income                     $  9,866,399
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Expenses
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Investment adviser fee                      $  1,424,166
Trustees fees and expenses                        21,055
Custodian fee                                    118,986
Legal and accounting services                     32,667
Amortization of organization expenses              2,082
Interest expense                                 614,296
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                              $  2,213,252
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Net investment income                       $  7,653,147
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) --
   Investment transactions (identified      
      cost basis)                           $ 13,870,161
   Foreign currency transactions                 (11,867)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain                           $ 13,858,294
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) --
   Investments (identified cost basis)      $ 40,129,132
   Foreign currency                               (8,580)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation       
   (depreciation)                           $ 40,120,552
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Net realized and unrealized gain            $ 53,978,846
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Net increase in net assets from             
   operations                               $ 61,631,993
- ----------------------------------------------------------


                       See notes to financial statements

                                      11
<PAGE>

Utilities Portfolio as of June 30, 1998 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

                                                        
                                        
                                          Six Months  Ended   
Increase (Decrease)                       June 30, 1998       Year Ended     
in Net Assets                             (Unaudited)         December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From operations --
   Net investment income                      $   7,653,147       $  18,943,635
   Net realized gain                             13,858,294          34,486,025
   Net change in unrealized
      appreciation (depreciation)                40,120,552          12,004,904
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets
   from operations                            $  61,631,993       $  65,434,564
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital transactions --
   Contributions                              $  12,840,778       $  47,969,480
   Withdrawals                                  (38,613,273)       (155,062,140)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in net assets from
   capital transactions                       $ (25,772,495)      $(107,092,660)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net increase (decrease)                       
    in net assets                             $  35,859,498       $ (41,658,096)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of period                        $ 413,408,899       $ 455,066,995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At end of period                              $ 449,268,397       $ 413,408,899
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       See notes to financial statements

                                      12
<PAGE>

Utilities Portfolio  as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Supplementary Data
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                     
                                        Six Months                                                
                                        Ended                             Year Ended December 31, 
                                        June 30, 1998   --------------------------------------------------------------
                                        (Unaudited)        1997         1996         1995         1994          1993*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C> 
Ratios to average daily net assets
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses                                     1.02%+       0.75%        0.85%        0.84%        0.85%         0.91%+
Net investment income                        3.52%+       4.42%        5.94%        4.83%        5.22%         4.57%+
Portfolio turnover                             30%         169%         166%         103%         107%           16%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Leverage Analysis:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average daily balance of debt
   outstanding during                     
   period (000's omitted)                 $21,699       $  922       $  217       $  232       $3,137       $15,452
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000's          
   omitted)                               $449,268      $413,409     $455,067     $521,670     $505,567     $636,567
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

+ Annualized.
* For the period from the start of business, October 28, 1993, to December 31,
  1993.


                       See notes to financial statements

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Utilities Portfolio  as of June 30, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)





1 Significant Accounting Policies

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Utilities Portfolio (the Portfolio), (formerly the Total Return 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 May 1, 1992. The Declaration of Trust
   permits the Trustees to issue beneficial 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 Investment Valuations -- Securities listed on securities exchanges or in
   the NASDAQ National Market are valued at closing sales prices or, if there
   has been no sale, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices.
   Unlisted securities are valued at the mean between the latest available bid
   and asked prices. Options and financial futures contracts are valued at the
   last sale price, as quoted on the principal exchange or board of trade on
   which such options or contracts are traded or, in the absence of a sale, the
   mean between the last bid and asked prices. Short-term obligations, maturing
   in 60 days or less, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value.
   Other fixed income and debt securities, including listed securities and
   securities for which price quotations are available, will normally be valued
   on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service. Securities for
   which market quotations are unavailable are appraised at their fair value as
   determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.

   B Income -- Interest income is determined on the basis of interest accrued,
   adjusted for amortization of premium or discount when required for federal
   income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date for
   dividends received in cash and/or securities. 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. Dividend income may
   include dividends that represent returns of capital for federal income tax
   purposes.

   C Income Taxes -- The Portfolio has elected to be 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 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.

   D 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.

   E 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.

   F Option Accounting Principles -- Upon the writing of a covered call option,
   an amount equal to the premium received by the Portfolio is included in the
   Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability. The amount of the
   liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market
   value of the option written in accordance with the Portfolio's policies on
   investment valuations discussed above. Premiums received from writing call
   options which expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from
   writing call options which are exercised or are closed are added to or offset
   against the proceeds or amount paid on the transaction to determine the
   realized gain or loss. The Portfolio, as writer of a call option, may have no
   control over whether the underlying securities may be sold and, as a result,
   bears the market

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
Utilities Portfolio  as of June 30, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D


   risk for an unfavorable change in the price of the securities underlying the
   written option.

   G Financial Futures Contracts -- Upon the entering of a financial futures
   contract, the Portfolio is required to deposit an amount ("initial margin")
   either in cash or securities 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 the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying security, and are
   recorded for book purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Portfolio.
   The Portfolio's investment in financial futures contracts is designed only to
   hedge against anticipated future changes in interest rates, security prices,
   commodity prices or currency exchange rates. Should interest rates, security
   prices, commodity prices 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 the financial futures contract to buy.

   H Delayed Delivery Transactions -- The Portfolio may purchase or sell
   securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. Payment and delivery
   may take place at a period in time after the date of the transaction. At the
   time the transaction is negotiated, the price of the security that will be
   delivered and paid for is fixed. Losses may arise due to changes in the
   market value of the underlying securities if the counterparty does not
   perform under the contract.

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

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

   K Use of Estimates -- The preparation of the financial statements in
   conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
   to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
   and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
   amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results
   could differ from those estimates.

   L Interim Financial Information -- The interim financial statements relating
   to June 30, 1998 and the six month period then ended have not been audited by
   independent certified public accountants, but in the opinion of the
   Portfolio's management reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal
   recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial
   statements.

2  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 based upon a percentage of average daily net assets. For the six
   months ended June 30, 1998, the fee was equivalent to 0.65% (annualized) of
   the Portfolio's average daily net assets for such period and amounted to
   $1,424,166. 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 six months ended June 30, 1998,
   no significant amounts have been deferred.

3  Investment Transactions
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations,
   aggregated $138,213,572 and $185,921,318, respectively.

4  Federal Income Tax Basis of Investments    
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The cost and unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of the investments
   owned at June 30, 1998, as computed on a federal income tax basis, were as
   follows:


   Aggregate cost                     $333,936,376
   ---------------------------------------------------
   Gross unrealized appreciation     $  22,203,105

   Gross unrealized depreciation       (15,197,292)
   ---------------------------------------------------   


   Net unrealized appreciation        $107,005,813
   ---------------------------------------------------   


                                      15
<PAGE>
 
Utilities Portfolio  as of June 30, 1998


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D



5  Line of Credit
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Portfolio participates with other portfolios and funds managed by BMR and
   EVM and its affiliates in a $100 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 eurodollar rate or federal funds rate. In addition, a fee
   computed at an annual rate of 0.10% on the daily unused portion of the line
   of credit is allocated among the participating portfolios and funds at the
   end of each quarter.


6  Financial Instruments
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Portfolio may trade in financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk
   in the normal course of its investing activities to assist in managing
   exposure to various market risks. These financial instruments include written
   options, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and financial futures
   contracts and may involve, to a varying degree, elements of risk in excess of
   the amounts recognized for financial statement purposes. The notional or
   contractual amounts of these instruments represent the investment the
   Portfolio has in particular classes of financial instruments and does not
   necessarily represent the amounts potentially subject to risk. The
   measurement of the risks associated with these instruments is meaningful only
   when all related and offsetting transactions are considered. At June 30, 1998
   there were no outstanding obligations under these financial instruments.

7  Name Change
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Effective May 1, 1998, the Total Return Portfolio changed its name to the
   Utilities Portfolio.


                                      16
<PAGE>
 
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund  as of June 30, 1998

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Eaton Vance Utilities Fund
<S>                                        <C> 
              Officers                     Trustees                                
              James B. Hawkes              M. Dozier Gardner                       
              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                                                    
              Treasurer                    Samuel L. Hayes, III                    
                                           Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment 
              Alan R. Dynner               Banking, Harvard University Graduate    
              Secretary                    School of Business Administration       
                                                                                   
                                           Norton H. Reamer                        
                                           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,   
                                           United Asset Management Corporation     
                                                                                   
                                           John L. Thorndike                       
                                           Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company    
                                           Incorporated                            
                                                                                   
                                           Jack L. Treynor                         
                                           Investment Adviser and Consultant 
                                         

Utilities Portfolio

              Officers                     Independent Trustees                   
              M. Dozier Gardner            Donald R. Dwight                       
              President and Trustee        President, Dwight Partners, Inc.       
                                                                                  
              James B. Hawkes              Samuel L. Hayes, III                   
              Vice President and Trustee   Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment
                                           Banking, Harvard University Graduate   
              Timothy O'Brien              School of Business Administration      
              Vice President and                                                  
              Portfolio Manager            Norton H. Reamer                       
                                           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,  
              James L. O'Connor            United Asset Management Corporation    
              Treasurer                                                           
                                           John L. Thorndike                      
              Alan R. Dynner               Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company   
              Secretary                    Incorporated                           
                                                                                  
                                           Jack L. Treynor                        
                                           Investment Adviser and Consultant       
</TABLE>                                         
                                        
                                        
                                        

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Investment Adviser of
Utilities Portfolio
Boston Management and Research
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110

Administrator of
Eaton Vance Utilities 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 Agent
First Data Investor Services Group
Attention:  Eaton Vance Funds
P.O. Box 5123
Westborough, MA 01581-5123




Eaton Vance Utilities Fund
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110




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This report must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus which
contains more complete information on the Fund, including its sales charges and
expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
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UFSRC-2/98





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