EATON VANCE MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST
N-30D, 1997-01-03
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<PAGE>

                              Investment Adviser of
                          Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio
                         Boston Management and Research
                       24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110

                                Administrator of
                       EV Traditional Tax-Managed Growth 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
                         89 South Street, P.O. Box 1537
                              Boston, MA 02205-1537

                                 Transfer Agent
                       First Data Investor 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 SEND MONEY.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                   T-TMGSA-12/96

[logo] Investing
       for the
       21st
       Century

                                 EV Traditional
                                   Tax-Managed
                                   Growth Fund

                                [graphic omitted]

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Annual Shareholder Report
                                October 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     EV Traditional Tax-Managed Growth Fund
                                24 Federal Street
                                Boston, MA 02110

<PAGE>

To Shareholders

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996, EV Traditional Tax-Managed Growth
Fund had a total return of 11.7%. This return, which does not include the 4.75%
initial sales charge, resulted from an increase in net asset value to $11.17 per
share on October 31, 1996, from $10.00 per share on March 28, 1996, the date of
the Fund's inception. This return compares favorably to that of the S&P 500
Index, an unmanaged index of large capitalization stocks traded in the U.S.,
which had a total return of 10.5% during the same period.*

THE U.S. ECONOMY IN 1996 HAS REMAINED STRONG, BUT SHOWS NO SIGNS YET OF
OVERHEATING...

After slowing somewhat at the end of 1995, the U.S. economy has shown solid
growth in 1996. Gross domestic product -- the official indicator of economic
growth calculated by the U.S. Department of Commerce -- grew by 2.0% in the
first quarter of 1996, shot up to 4.7% in the second quarter, and is expected to
exceed 3.0% for the year as a whole. Inflation, meanwhile, remains subdued. The
"core rate" of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
excluding food and energy prices, declined 0.3% in October, and the overall
inflation rate as measured by the CPI is expected to remain at 3.0% for 1996,
where it has been for over four years.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN RESPONSE, THE STOCK MARKET CONTINUES ITS UPWARD SURGE...

In mid-October, 1996, the Dow Jones Industrial Average broke through the 6,000
mark for the first time. Many of the worrisome excesses seen in the market
earlier in the year, including sky-high valuations of Internet stocks and an
oversaturation of initial public offerings (IPOs), were worked out when the
market corrected in July. Since then, name brand, blue chip stocks, such as
those in which this Fund invests, have led the market's advance.

THE TAX-MANAGED GROWTH PORTFOLIO: MAXIMIZING AFTER-TAX SHAREHOLDER RETURNS...

While past performance is no guarantee of future returns, the EV Traditional
Tax-Managed Growth Fund has delivered solid returns with a minimum of taxable
shareholder distributions. As the market continues to head into uncharted
waters, it will undoubtedly experience some volatility. The case for investing
in a professionally managed, diversified portfolio of well established growth
companies remains strong. As the tax burden of our citizens is still
extraordinarily high, a tax-managed portfolio such as this one provides a viable
way for investors to maximize the return on their investments.

                                  Sincerely,

[Photo of James B. Hawkes]    /s/ James B. Hawkes

                                  James B. Hawkes
                                  President
                                  December 3, 1996

* It is not possible to invest directly in the S&P 500 Index.
<PAGE>

Management Discussion


An interview with Duncan Richardson, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the
Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio.

Q.  DUNCAN, HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE STOCK MARKET DURING THE PAST SEVEN
    MONTHS?

A.  There was a great deal of enthusiasm in the stock market around the middle
    of May, during which time there was a peak in the S&P 500 Index and among
    the smaller, more volatile, stocks. The market corrected severely in July,
    bringing the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 11%, and the smaller
    capitalization Nasdaq Index down roughly 20%. The market recovered quickly
    from the July correction, but the recovery has not been broadly based. The
    types of stocks which have performed better recently have been the larger,
    high-quality companies in which this Fund invests. Going forward, it appears
    that this trend will continue: the higher quality stocks should continue to
    do well, but their performance will be based more on their ability to
    deliver earnings than ever before. Those companies whose earnings disappoint
    will undoubtedly see sharp declines in their stock prices.

Q.  ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE RELATIVELY HIGH PRICE-TO-EARNINGS RATIOS IN THE
    CURRENT MARKET?

A.  Stock valuations are indeed at historical highs, as indicated by the high
    average price/earnings (P/E) ratio of the S&P 500 Index, but I am willing to
    hold higher P/E stocks as long as their earnings continue to grow strongly.
    Movements in equity prices are typically correlated with interest rate
    movements. I have some concern that the stock market has appreciated
    substantially this year while long-term rates remain higher than they were
    in January. This suggests an expectation in the market for lower interest
    rates, which may or may not develop. We continue to focus on earnings of
    specific companies which we feel we can predict better than interest rate
    movements.

[Photo of Duncan Richardson]

Q.  ARE YOU PLEASED WITH THE CURRENT HOLDINGS IN THE FUND?

A.  Yes. Our top 20 holdings represent a diverse sampling of high-quality, blue
    chip stocks. Opportunistically, we have been adding holdings in stocks whose
    prices have been driven down by earnings aberrations but which continue to
    have solid prospects for long-term growth. The long-term horizon of the Fund
    allows it to benefit from the increasing volatility seen in specific stocks
    and sectors. We hope to accumulate positions at more advantageous prices
    than the many momentum and short-term participants in the market. The Fund
    is almost fully invested, and our goal is to keep it that way.

Q.  WHAT TECHNIQUES HAVE YOU EMPLOYED THUS FAR TO MINIMIZE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES
    FOR THIS FUND'S INVESTORS?

A.  We use every means at our disposal to avoid having taxable distributions to
    shareholders. That starts with investing in high-quality growth stocks and
    staying with them for a sustained period of several years. Growth stocks
    also tend to pay lower dividends, which further reduces the need to have
    taxable distributions. To the extent that we do realize gains, we try to
    offset them with losses taken elsewhere in the Fund.

Q.  CAN YOU PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE OF A RECENT SUCCESS STORY IN THE FUND?

A.  Absolutely -- there are several. Duracell is a fairly large position in the
    Portfolio and will be acquired by Gillette in a stock transaction. Duracell
    is the type of company that I like to buy for this Portfolio because the
    company has a global consumer franchise and the price had declined due to
    short-term earnings disappointments. We were opportunistic and bought the
    stock at these lower prices. In a turn of good fortune, Gillette announced
    their acquisition shortly thereafter. This is a double-win for the
    shareholders because the Fund benefits from a significant increase in value
    which has no tax consequence since Duracell will be acquired with Gillette
    stock, rather than cash.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          A CONTINUING EMPHASIS ON
                      ABOVE-AVERAGE EARNINGS GROWTH...
                    THE PORTFOLIO'S 10 LARGEST HOLDINGS*
Company                                      Business
Intel Corp...................................Electrical -- Semiconductors
PepsiCo, Inc.................................Beverages
Coca-Cola Co.................................Beverages
Pfizer, Inc..................................Drugs & Medical
Reuters Holdings PLC, ADR....................Information Services
American Int'l. Group, Inc...................Insurance
Johnson & Johnson............................Medical Products
Hewlett-Packard Co...........................Computer & Business Equipment
Astra AB - Series A..........................Drugs & Medical
Merck & Co., Inc.............................Drugs & Medical
                                  
*The 10 holdings above represented 27.4% of the Portfolio's investments at
 October 31, 1996. Due to active management, portfolio holdings and sector
 breakdown are subject to change.


                     WITH A DIVERSIFIED REPRESENTATION
                          OF ECONOMIC SECTORS...
 
                       PORTFOLIO SECTOR BREAKDOWN*

HEALTH CARE ................................................... 17.30%
TECHNOLOGY .................................................... 15.32%
BUSINESS PRODUCTS & SERVICES .................................. 14.82%
CONSUMER NON-DURABLES ......................................... 12.69%
FINANCIAL ..................................................... 10.43%
ENERGY ........................................................  7.83%
CAPITAL GOODS .................................................  7.19%
MEDIA & LEISURE ...............................................  4.37%
BASIC MATERIALS ...............................................  4.07%
RETAIL ........................................................  3.88%
CASH & OTHER ..................................................  2.10%
                                   
*by market value as of 10/31/96
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q.  WHAT ARE SOME OTHER COMPANIES THAT REPRESENT GOOD LONG-TERM PROSPECTS?

A.  Boeing is a good long-term stock in which we have been increasing our
    holdings over the last seven months on price pull-backs. It is currently
    benefiting from a favorable multi-decade cycle, and is yet another example
    of a high-quality core holding. Home Depot is also an example of a stock
    which we feel comfortable accumulating at current prices. Its price peaked a
    number of years ago, and its earnings have since caught up with the price,
    creating a very positive risk/reward situation. Demographic and housing
    trends are working in their favor, and the company is still expanding with
    new stores so we are very bullish on their growth prospects.

Q.  THE FUND REMAINS HEAVILY INVESTED IN HEALTH CARE STOCKS. WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK
    FOR THIS INDUSTRY IN 1997?

A.  Much of this Fund's health care sector is composed of pharmaceutical stocks,
    such as Merck & Co., Pfizer, Inc., and Johnson & Johnson, and the sector has
    grown since the last shareholder report primarily due to price appreciation.
    These companies are good long-term investments because they have strong,
    predictable earnings with solid global opportunities. They should continue
    to do well next year and beyond. Our percentage in this sector is roughly
    the same as that of the S&P 500, so we are not really overweighted. These
    stocks continue to provide what I think is desirable for this Fund:
    consistent earnings growth from well-positioned companies in growth
    industries.

Q.  HOW DOES THE PORTFOLIO MEET REDEMPTIONS BY FUNDS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED
    SECURITIES?

A.  A Fund that invests in the Portfolio through the contribution of securities
    has the right to receive those securities to meet its redemptions, if those
    securities are at that time held in the Portfolio. Moreover, those
    securities will not be distributed to any other redeeming Fund until they
    have been held in the Portfolio for at least five years. This policy reduces
    flexibility in selecting particular securities used to meet in-kind
    redemptions, but the Trustees of the Portfolio believe that this potential
    disadvantage is outweighed by the potential advantages derived from
    attracting contributions of securities to the Portfolio that would not be
    made in the absence of this policy.

Q.  FOR WHICH INVESTOR PROFILE(S) WOULD THIS FUND BE BEST SUITED?

A.  This Fund is appropriate for a wide variety of investment needs. Examples
    might include: saving for college education; an alternative to a variable
    annuity or UGMA investment; or simply dollar-cost averaging in order to
    gradually increase exposure to the equity market. The low turnover
    management style gives shareholders a decided advantage because, with
    minimum distributions, the after-tax returns of this Fund will be very close
    to the pre-tax returns. Most equity investment vehicles in the marketplace
    make no effort to be tax-efficient. The Fund is a great vehicle for any
    taxable investors who seek high-quality U.S. equity exposure, as well as for
    those that want more control over the timing of their capital gains and/or
    losses.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT (INCLUDING SALES CHARGE)
IN EV TRADITIONAL TAX-MANAGED GROWTH FUND AND THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX
From March 31, 1996 through October 31, 1996

- -------------------------------------------------------------------
CUMULATIVE                        Life of            Value of
TOTAL RETURNS                      Fund*        Investment at 10/31
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Including max. sales charge         6.4%           $10,699
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Without max. sales charge          11.7%           $11,237
- -------------------------------------------------------------------


EV Traditional Tax-Managed Growth Fund vs Standard & Poor's 500 Index
                              
Date            Fund @ NAV       Fund @ Off Pr        S&P

3/31/96+         $10,000           $ 9,521           $10,000 
4/30/96          $10,282           $ 9,789           $10,154 
5/31/96          $10,503           $10,000           $10,405 
6/30/96          $10,543           $10,038           $10,448 
7/31/96          $10,050           $ 9,569           $ 9,991 
8/31/96          $10,342           $ 9,847           $10,199 
9/30/96          $10,956           $10,431           $10,772 
10/31/96         $11,237           $10,699           $11,073 

- --------
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment returns and 
principal will fluctuate so than an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost. Source: Towers Data Systems, 
Bethesda, MD. *Investment operations commenced 3/28/96. +Index information is 
available only at month-end; therefore, the line comparison begins at the next
month following the commencement of the Fund's investment operations.

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

THE FUND'S PERFORMANCE

In accordance with guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the chart above compares the Fund's total return with that of a broad-based
securities market index. The lines on the chart represent the total returns of a
$10,000 hypothetical investment in the Fund and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

TOTAL RETURN FIGURES

The solid red line on the chart represents the Fund's performance at net asset
value. The total return figure reflects Fund expenses and transaction costs. The
dotted red line represents the Fund's performance including the Fund's 4.75%
maximum initial sales charge.

The solid black line represents the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500
Index, a broad-based, widely recognized unmanaged index of 500 large
capitalization common stocks traded in the U.S. 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. It is
not possible to invest directly in the Index.

<PAGE>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    EV TRADITIONAL TAX-MANAGED GROWTH FUND
                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                     STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               October 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS:

  Investment in Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio (Portfolio), at
     value (Note 1A) (Identified cost, $28,443,647)              $30,201,809
  Receivable for Fund shares sold                                    445,952
  Deferred organization expenses (Note 1D)                            30,636
                                                                 -----------
      Total assets                                               $30,678,397
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for Fund shares redeemed                     $498,370
  Payable to affiliate --
    Trustees' fees (Note 3)                                  14
  Accrued expenses                                        2,071
                                                       --------
      Total liabilities                                              500,455
                                                                 -----------
NET ASSETS for 2,701,661 shares of beneficial interest
   outstanding                                                   $30,177,942
                                                                 ===========
SOURCES OF NET ASSETS:
  Paid-in capital                                                $28,398,040
  Accumulated net realized loss from Portfolio
    (computed on the basis of identified cost)                       (12,782)
  Unrealized appreciation from Portfolio (computed on
    the basis of identified cost)                                  1,758,162
  Undistributed net investment income                                 34,522
                                                                 -----------
      Total                                                      $30,177,942
                                                                 ===========
NET ASSET VALUE AND REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE
  ($30,177,942 / 2,701,661 shares of beneficial interest
    outstanding)                                                    $11.17
                                                                    ======
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE:
  (100 / 95.25 of $11.17)
  On sales of $100,000 or more the offering price is reduced.       $11.73
                                                                    ======

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

                           STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from the start of business, March 28, 1996, to October 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT INCOME (NOTE 1B):
  Dividend income allocated from Portfolio (net of
    foreign taxes withheld, $424)                                  $  102,559
  Interest income allocated from Portfolio                             10,049
  Expenses allocated from Portfolio                                   (48,755)
                                                                   ----------
        Net investment income allocated from
          Portfolio                                                $   63,853
  Expenses --
    Compensation of Trustees not members of the
      Administrator's organization (Note 3)           $       56
    Custodian fees                                         1,249
    Registration fees                                     10,866
    Printing and postage                                   6,586
    Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees            5,535
    Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1D)        3,420
    Legal and accounting services                            678
    Miscellaneous                                            941
                                                      ----------
        Total expenses                                                 29,331
                                                                   ----------
          Net investment income                                    $   34,522
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
  Net realized loss from Portfolio (identified cost
    basis)                                            $  (12,782)
  Unrealized appreciation of investments               1,758,162
                                                      ----------
        Net realized and unrealized gain                            1,745,380
                                                                   ----------
          Net increase in net assets from operations               $1,779,902
                                                                   ==========

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

                      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from the start of business, March 28, 1996, to October 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
  From operations --
    Net investment income                                         $    34,522
    Net realized loss on investments                                  (12,782)
    Unrealized appreciation                                         1,758,162
                                                                  -----------
      Net increase in net assets from operations                  $ 1,779,902
                                                                  -----------
  Transactions in shares of beneficial interest (Note 4) --
    Proceeds from sale of shares                                  $28,709,937
    Cost of shares redeemed                                          (311,907)
                                                                  -----------
  Net increase from Fund share transactions                       $28,398,030
                                                                  -----------
      Net increase in net assets                                  $30,177,932
NET ASSETS:
  At beginning of period                                                   10
                                                                  -----------
  At end of period (including undistributed net investment
    income of $34,522)                                            $30,177,942
                                                                  ===========

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from the start of business, March 28, 1996, to October 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, beginning of period                               $ 10.000
                                                                   --------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:
    Net investment income                                          $  0.013
    Net realized and unrealized gain                                  1.157
                                                                   --------
      Total income  from operations                                $  1.170
                                                                   --------
NET ASSET VALUE, end of period                                     $ 11.170
                                                                   ========
TOTAL RETURN (1)                                                     11.70%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Ratio of expenses to average net assets (2)                         1.05% +
  Ratio of net investment income to average net assets                0.47% +
  Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)                          $ 30,178

  + Annualized.
(1) Total investment 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
    computed on a non-annualized basis.
(2) Includes the Fund's share of Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio's allocated
    expenses.

                      See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
EV Traditional Tax-Managed Growth Fund (the Fund) is a diversified series of
Eaton Vance Mutual Funds 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 Tax-Managed Growth 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 (3.2% at October 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 VALUATION -- Valuation of the 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, and any
net realized capital gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or
excise tax is necessary. At October 31, 1996, the Fund for federal income tax
purposes had a capital loss carryover of $51,578 which will reduce taxable
income arising from future net realized gains, if any, to the extent permitted
by the Internal Revenue Code, and thus will reduce the amount of 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 October 31, 2004.

D. DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES -- Costs incurred by the Fund in connection
with its organization, including registration costs, are amortized on the
straight-line basis over five years.

E. EXPENSE REDUCTION -- Investors Bank & Trust Company (IBT), serves as
custodian to 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 cash balances the Fund or the Portfolio maintain with IBT. All
significant credit balances used to reduce the Fund's custodian fees are
reported as a reduction of expenses in the Statement of Operations.

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

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
It is the present policy of the Fund to make at least one distribution annually
(normally in December) of all or substantially all of the investment income
allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio, less the Fund's direct and allocated
expenses and at least one distribution annually of all or substantially all of
the net realized capital gains (reduced by any available capital loss
carryforwards from prior years) allocated by the Portfolio to the Fund, if any.

  Shareholders may reinvest all distributions in shares of the Fund without a
sales charge 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 statements and tax earnings and
profits which result in 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
relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) 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. 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 who are not members of EVM's organization, officers and
Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Fund out of such
management fee. Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., (EVD), a subsidiary of EVM and
the Fund's principal underwriter, received approximately $106,000 as its portion
of the sales charge on sales of Fund shares for the period from the start of
business, March 28, 1996, to October 31, 1996. EVD also receives a contingent
deferred sales charge (CDSC) on shareholder redemptions made within 12 months of
purchase, where the initial investment in the Fund was $1 million or more. EVD
received no CDSC during the period. Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund
and the Portfolio are officers and directors/trustees of the above
organizations.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) 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 for the period from the start of business, March 28,
1996, to October 31, 1996 were as follows:

  Sales                                           2,730,678
  Redemptions                                       (29,017)
                                                  ---------
      Net increase                                2,701,661
                                                  =========

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) SERVICE PLAN
The Fund has adopted a service plan (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The Plan provides that the Fund may make service
fee payments to EVD, Authorized Firms or other persons in amounts not exceeding
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets for any fiscal year which is
attributable to shares of the Fund which have remained outstanding for more than
one year. Such payments are made for personal services and/or the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. The Fund expects to begin accruing for its service fee
payments during the quarter ending June 30, 1997.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6) INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Increases and decreases in the Fund's investment in the Portfolio aggregated
$28,787,679 and $395,103, respectively.


<PAGE>

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES OF
EATON VANCE MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of EV
Traditional Tax-Managed Growth Fund (one of the series constituting Eaton Vance
Mutual Funds Trust) as of October 31, 1996, and the related statements of
operations and changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period
from the start of business, March 28, 1996, to October 31, 1996. 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 on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EV Traditional
Tax-Managed Growth Fund series of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust at October 31,
1996, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets, and its
financial highlights for the period from the start of business, March 28, 1996,
to October 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

                                                    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
NOVEMBER 29, 1996


<PAGE>
                        --------------------------------
                          TAX-MANAGED GROWTH PORTFOLIO
                            PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
                                OCTOBER 31, 1996

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            COMMON STOCKS - 97.9%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF COMPANY                                SHARES            VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVERTISING - 0.5%
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.                 106,000       $  5,141,000
                                                              ------------
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 2.1%
Boeing Co.                                       90,370       $  8,619,039
Raytheon Co.                                    226,544         11,157,292
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 19,776,331
                                                              ------------
BANKS - 1.0%
BankAmerica Corp.                                20,812       $  1,904,298
Citicorp                                         40,000          3,960,000
First Chicago NBD Corp.                          43,007          2,193,353
Wells Fargo & Co.                                 4,265          1,139,288
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  9,196,939
                                                              ------------
BEVERAGES - 6.4%
Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc.                       210,260       $  8,095,010
Coca-Cola Co.                                   478,208         24,149,504
PepsiCo, Inc.                                   900,682         26,682,704
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 58,927,218
                                                              ------------
BROADCAST & CABLE - 0.1%
Cox Communications Inc., Class A*                93,319       $  1,726,402
                                                              ------------

BUILDING MATERIALS - 0.3%
Masco Corp.                                      55,540       $  1,742,567
Stanley Works                                    40,490          1,143,843
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  2,886,410
                                                              ------------
BUSINESS SERVICES - 2.3%
Automatic Data Processing Inc.                  211,040       $  8,784,540
Ecolab Inc.                                     132,620          4,840,630
Electronic Data Systems Corp.                   110,000          4,950,000
Manpower Inc.                                   110,000          3,121,250
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 21,696,420
                                                              ------------
CHEMICALS - 2.5%
Bayer AG Sponsored ADR                           40,000       $  1,512,548
Dow Chemical Co.                                 25,248          1,963,032
DuPont (E.I.) de Nemours & Co., Inc.             44,800          4,155,200
Monsanto Co.                                    396,680         15,718,445
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 23,349,225
                                                              ------------
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT - 2.0%
Ericsson (L.M.) Telephone Co.                    66,000       $  1,823,250
Nokia Corp.                                     280,000         12,985,000
Northern Telecom Ltd.                            55,870          3,638,534
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 18,446,784
                                                              ------------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE - 1.1%
Microsoft Corp.*                                 20,000       $  2,745,000
Oracle Systems Corp.*                           180,000          7,616,250
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 10,361,250
                                                              ------------
COMPUTER & BUSINESS EQUIPMENT - 5.1%
Bay Networks, Inc.*                             200,000       $  4,050,000
Cisco Systems, Inc.*                             75,000          4,640,624
Digital Equipment Corp.*                         41,620          1,227,790
Hewlett-Packard Co.                             481,928         21,265,073
Imation Corp.*                                    2,628             71,942
International Business Machines Corp.            67,921          8,761,809
Xerox Corp.                                     160,000          7,420,000
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 47,437,238
                                                              ------------
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING - 0.5%
Crown Cork & Seal Co., Inc.                     100,000       $  4,800,000
                                                              ------------

DISTRIBUTION - 0.5%
Super Valu Stores Inc.                           51,506       $  1,532,304
Sysco Corp.                                     107,760          3,663,840
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  5,196,144
                                                              ------------
DRUGS - 10.0%
Astra AB-Series A                               420,000       $ 19,321,973
Astra AB-ADR Series B                            60,000          2,741,994
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.                         56,860          6,012,945
Elan Corp., PLC (ADRs)*                         300,000          8,325,000
Genentech, Inc.*                                 34,000          1,831,750
Merck & Co., Inc.                               239,075         17,721,434
Pfizer Inc.                                     290,752         24,059,728
Schering-Plough Corp.                           128,120          8,199,680
Smithkline Beecham PLC                           37,520          2,349,690
Warner-Lambert Co.                               51,644          3,285,850
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 93,850,044
                                                              ------------
ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 0.1%
Citizen's Utilities Co., Class A*                55,411       $    602,595
                                                              ------------

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 2.0%
AMP Inc.                                        112,460       $  3,809,582
Emerson Electric Co.                             75,474          6,717,186
General Electric Co.                             74,114          7,170,530
Lincoln Electric Co.                             19,700            546,675
Lincoln Electric Co. Class A                     19,700            541,750
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 18,785,723
                                                              ------------
ELECTRICAL - SEMICONDUCTORS - 6.5%
Intel Corp.                                     505,796       $ 55,574,335
Texas Instruments Inc.                           84,390          4,061,269
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 59,635,604
                                                              ------------
ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION - 0.1%
Gilbert Associates Inc. Class A                  78,125       $  1,015,625
                                                              ------------

ENTERTAINMENT - 0.2%
Disney (Walt) Co.                                29,000       $  1,910,375
                                                              ------------

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - 0.3%
WMX Technologies, Inc.                           77,930       $  2,678,844
                                                              ------------

FINANCIAL - MISCELLANEOUS - 2.1%
American Express Co.                             56,798       $  2,669,506
Federal National Mortgage Association           303,820         11,886,958
MGIC Investment Corp.                            75,000          5,146,875
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 19,703,339
                                                              ------------
FOOD - 1.6%
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.              87,000       $  5,839,875
Earthgrains Co.                                   4,204            222,812
McCormick & Co., Inc., Non-voting               375,208          9,051,893
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 15,114,580
                                                              ------------
HEALTH SERVICES - 0.7%
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp.                   180,000       $  6,435,000
Medpartners, Inc.*                               17,696            373,828
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  6,808,828
                                                              ------------
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 3.5%
Colgate-Palmolive Co.                            21,826       $  2,007,991
Duracell International Inc.                     100,000          6,675,000
Kimberly-Clark Corp.                             57,310          5,344,158
Procter & Gamble Co.                            170,800         16,909,200
Rubbermaid Inc.                                  78,920          1,834,890
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 32,771,239
                                                              ------------
INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT - 3.0%
Dover Corp.                                     164,580       $  8,455,297
General Signal Corp.                             68,600          2,795,450
Goulds Pumps, Inc.                              110,539          2,556,214
Illinois Tool Works Inc.                         10,000            702,500
Parker-Hannifin Corp.                            76,099          2,882,250
Tecumseh Products Co. Class A                   167,090          9,398,813
Tecumseh Products Co. Class B                    18,320            980,120
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 27,770,644
                                                              ------------
INFORMATION SERVICES - 3.3%
Dun & Bradstreet Corp.                          137,006       $  7,929,222
Reuters Holdings PLC, ADR                       310,090         23,062,944
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 30,992,166
                                                              ------------
INSURANCE - 7.4%
American International Group, Inc.              206,633       $ 22,445,510
Chubb Corp.                                     101,050          5,052,500
General Re Corp.                                112,446         16,557,671
Highlands Insurance Group*                        5,070            100,133
Kansas City Life Insurance Co.                   35,400          1,982,400
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.                      62,172          6,473,660
Progressive Corp. (The)                          50,000          3,437,500
Providian Corp.                                  46,794          2,199,318
Provident Companies Inc.                         18,789            697,542
Seafield Capital Corp.                           35,960          1,269,838
St. Paul Cos., Inc.                             130,280          7,083,975
Torchmark Corp.                                  31,425          1,520,184
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 68,820,231
                                                              ------------
MEDICAL PRODUCTS - 6.6%
Abbott Laboratories                              80,000       $  4,050,000
Bausch & Lomb Inc.                              145,574          4,913,121
Baxter International, Inc.                      170,828          7,110,716
Boston Scientific Corp.*                        255,000         13,865,625
Johnson & Johnson                               449,040         22,115,220
Medtronic, Inc.                                  72,000          4,635,000
Sofamor Danek Group, Inc.*                      173,000          4,757,500
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 61,447,182
                                                              ------------
METALS - 0.6%
Inco Ltd.                                       124,000       $  3,937,000
Nucor Corp.                                      40,000          1,895,000
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  5,832,000
                                                              ------------
NATURAL GAS UTILITIES - 0.4%
Enron Oil & Gas Co.                             100,000       $  2,575,000
Sonat, Inc.                                      27,200          1,339,600
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  3,914,600
                                                              ------------
OIL & GAS - EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION - 2.2%
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.                        161,000       $ 10,243,625
Apache Corp.                                     66,440          2,358,626
Louisiana Land & Exploration Corp.               25,000          1,421,875
Triton Energy Ltd.*                             100,000          4,462,500
Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc.              79,796          2,194,386
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 20,681,012
                                                              ------------
OIL & GAS - EQUIPMENT & SERVICES - 2.5%
Baker Hughes, Inc.                               39,234       $  1,397,711
Dresser Industries, Inc.                         79,800          2,623,425
Halliburton Co.                                  50,700          2,870,888
Schlumberger Ltd.                               168,393         16,691,956
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 23,583,980
                                                              ------------
OIL & GAS - INTEGRATED - 3.1%
Amoco Corp.                                      47,928       $  3,630,546
Atlantic Richfield Co.                           20,883          2,766,998
Chevron Corp.                                    55,600          3,655,700
Exxon Corp.                                     100,704          8,924,892
Mobil Corp.                                      74,333          8,678,378
Murphy Oil Corp.                                 29,700          1,466,437
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 29,122,951
                                                              ------------
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS - 1.0%
Allegiance Corp.*                                22,661       $    424,894
Champion International Corp.                     41,484          1,804,554
Union Camp Corp.                                 80,309          3,915,064
Weyerhaeuser Co.                                 61,630          2,827,276
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  8,971,788
                                                              ------------
PHOTOGRAPHY - 1.0%
Eastman Kodak Co.                               122,181       $  9,743,935
                                                              ------------

PRINTING & BUSINESS FORMS - 1.1%
American Business Products Inc. GA              146,497       $  3,259,558
Bowne & Co. Inc.                                 91,770          2,145,124
Deluxe Corp.                                     57,150          1,864,519
Donnelley, (R.R.) & Sons Co.                     47,896          1,454,841
Harland, (John H.) Co.                           51,540          1,604,183
Moore Corp., Ltd.                                19,075            386,268
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 10,714,493
                                                              ------------
PUBLISHING - 2.7%
Gannett Co., Inc.                               130,450       $  9,897,894
Harcourt General, Inc.                           90,000          4,477,500
Houghton Mifflin Co.                             63,700          3,161,113
McGraw-Hill Inc.                                 25,608          1,200,375
Times Mirror Co. Class A                        151,670          7,014,737
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 25,751,619
                                                              ------------
RESTAURANTS - 0.7%
McDonald's Corp.                                143,100       $  6,350,063
                                                              ------------
RETAIL - GENERAL - 0.8%
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.                           274,390       $  7,305,634
                                                              ------------
RETAIL - FOOD & DRUG - 0.6%
Albertson's, Inc.                               156,048       $  5,364,150
                                                              ------------

RETAIL - SPECIALTY & APPAREL - 2.5%
Home Depot, Inc. (The)                          255,000       $ 13,961,250
Toys 'R' Us, Inc.*                              287,075          9,724,666
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 23,685,916
                                                              ------------
SPECIALTY - CHEMICALS & MATERIALS - 6.1%
Corning Inc.                                    100,000       $  3,875,000
Dexter Corp.                                     47,829          1,482,697
Dionex Corp.*                                   181,070          6,925,928
Great Lakes Chemical Corp.                       68,720          3,582,030
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.        148,101          6,127,679
International Specialty Products Inc.*           59,000            641,625
Loctite Corp.                                   177,167         10,386,415
Memtec Ltd. Sponsored ADR                        77,500          2,644,688
Millipore Corp.                                 151,440          5,300,400
Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.             26,288          2,014,318
Nalco Chemical Co.                              196,020          7,130,228
Sealed Air Corp.*                               180,000          6,997,500
                                                              ------------
                                                              $ 57,108,508
                                                              ------------
TOBACCO - 0.0%
Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc.             5,731       $    176,228
                                                              ------------
TRANSPORTATION - 0.8%
CSX Corp.                                        15,270       $    658,519
Flightsafety International, Ltd.                 35,000          1,728,125
Union Pacific Corp.                              94,210          5,287,536
                                                              ------------
                                                              $  7,674,180
                                                              ------------
    TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
      (IDENTIFIED COST, $237,105,867)                         $916,829,437
                                                              ------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS - 2.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF COMPANY                            FACE AMOUNT         VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ford Motor Credit Company,
  5.35%, due 11/6/96                         $10,000,000      $  9,992,570
Prudential Funding Corporation,
  5.60%, due 11/1/96                           9,626,000         9,626,000
                                                              ------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS,
  AT AMORTIZED COST                                           $ 19,618,570
                                                              ------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (IDENTIFIED COST,
  $256,724,437) - 100%                                        $936,448,007
OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES - 0.0%                              351,563
                                                              ------------
NET ASSETS - 100%                                             $936,799,570
                                                              ============
*Non-income producing security.

                      See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
                        --------------------------------
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                     STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               October 31, 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS:
  Investments, at value (Note 1A) (identified cost,
    $256,724,437)                                               $936,448,007
  Cash                                                                30,274
  Receivable for investments sold                                    504,059
  Dividends receivable                                               572,932
  Deferred organization expenses (Note 1C)                             8,879
  Other assets                                                        64,669
                                                                ------------
      Total assets                                              $937,628,820
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for investments purchased                   $798,425
  Payable to affiliate --
    Trustees' fees (Note 2)                              1,406
  Accrued expenses                                      29,419
                                                      --------
      Total liabilities                                              829,250
                                                                ------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO INVESTORS' INTEREST IN PORTFOLIO       $936,799,570
                                                                ============
SOURCES OF NET ASSETS:
  Net proceeds from capital contributions and
    withdrawals                                                 $257,075,830
  Unrealized appreciation of investments (computed
    on the basis of identified cost)                             679,723,740
                                                                ------------
      Total                                                     $936,799,570
                                                                ============

                      See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

                           STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from the start of business, December 1, 1995, to October 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT INCOME (NOTE 1B):
  Income --
    Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $25,573)         $ 4,931,924
    Interest                                                            442,263
                                                                    -----------
        Total income                                                $ 5,374,187
  Expenses --
    Investment adviser fee (Note 2)                 $ 2,116,576
    Compensation of Trustees not members of the
      Investment Adviser's organization (Note 2)          9,500
    Custodian fee                                       125,097
    Legal and accounting services                         1,200
    Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1C)       2,007
    Miscellaneous                                        15,099
                                                    -----------
        Total expenses                                                2,269,479
                                                                    -----------
          Net investment income                                     $ 3,104,708
                                                                    -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:
  Net realized gain on investments, computed on
    the basis of identified cost                    $ 9,582,500
  Unrealized appreciation of investments             70,637,961
                                                    -----------
        Net realized and unrealized gain on
          investments                                                80,220,461
                                                                    -----------
          Net increase in net assets from operations                $83,325,169
                                                                    ===========

                      See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

                      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from the start of business, December 1, 1995, to October 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS:
  From operations --
    Net investment income                                        $  3,104,708
    Net realized gain on investments                                9,582,500
    Unrealized appreciation of investments                         70,637,961
                                                                 ------------
      Net increase in net assets from operations                 $ 83,325,169
                                                                 ------------
  Capital transactions --
    Contributions                                                $871,076,582
    Withdrawals                                                   (17,702,191)
                                                                 ------------
      Increase in net assets from capital transactions           $853,374,391
                                                                 ------------
        Total increase in net assets                             $936,699,560

NET ASSETS:
  At beginning of period                                              100,010
                                                                 ------------
  At end of period                                               $936,799,570
                                                                 ============




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period from the start of business, December 1, 1995, to October 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS (AS A PERCENTAGE OF NET ASSETS):
  Expenses                                                               0.66%+
  Net investment income                                                  0.91%+
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER                                                          6%
AVERAGE COMMISSION RATE PAID(1)                                        $0.0585
  + Annualized.
(1) Average commission rate paid is computed by dividing the total dollar amount
    of commissions paid during the fiscal year by the total number of shares
    purchased and sold during the fiscal year for which commissions were
    charged. 

                      See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
                        --------------------------------
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio (the "Portfolio") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. The Portfolio, which was organized as a trust under the laws of the
State of New York on December 1, 1995, seeks to provide long-term after-tax
returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity securities. The
Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue interests in the Portfolio.
Investment operations began on December 1, 1995, with the acquisition of
investments with a value of $115,586,248, including unrealized appreciation of
$96,618,064, in exchange for an interest in the Portfolio by one of the
Portfolio's investors. During the period, additional investors contributed
securities with a value of $639,241,121, including unrealized appreciation of
$512,467,715. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies
followed by the Portfolio in preparation of its financial statements. 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, 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, 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. 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. INCOME TAXES -- The Portfolio is treated as a partnership for Federal tax
purposes. No provision is made by the Portfolio for federal or state taxes on
any taxable income of the Portfolio because each investor in the Portfolio is
ultimately responsible for the payment of any taxes 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 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, are being amortized on the straight-line
basis over five years.

D. FUTURES CONTRACTS -- Upon the entering of a financial futures contract, the
Portfolio is required to deposit either in cash or securities an amount
("initial margin") 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. The Portfolio's investment in
financial futures contracts is designed to hedge against anticipated future
changes in price of current or anticipated portfolio positions. Should prices
move unexpectedly, the Portfolio may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the
financial futures contracts and may realize a loss.

E. OTHER -- Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the
investments 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.

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

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 on the
Statement of Operations.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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. Under the
advisory agreement, BMR receives a monthly advisory fee of 5/96 of 1% (0.625%
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 period from
the start of business, December 1, 1995, to October 31, 1996 the adviser fee was
0.618% of the Portfolio's average net assets (annualized). 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. Trustees of the Portfolio that are not affiliated
with the Investment Adviser may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of
their annual fees in accordance with the terms of the Trustees Deferred
Compensation Plan. For the period ended October 31, 1996, no significant amounts
have been deferred. Certain of the officers and Trustees of the Portfolio are
officers or directors/trustees of the above organizations.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations,
aggregated $119,106,410 and $20,535,675, respectively.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) FEDERAL INCOME TAX BASIS OF INVESTMENT
The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of the
investments owned at October 31, 1996, as computed on a federal income tax
basis, are as follows:

Aggregate cost                                                     $256,724,437
                                                                   ============
Gross unrealized appreciation                                      $682,343,179
Gross unrealized depreciation                                         2,619,609
                                                                   ------------
  Net unrealized appreciation                                      $679,723,570
                                                                   ============

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) 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.

  The Portfolio did not have any open obligations under these financial
instruments at October 31, 1996.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6) LINE OF CREDIT
The Portfolio participates with other portfolios and funds managed by BMR and
EVM and its affiliates in a $120 million unsecured line of credit agreement with
a bank. Borrowings will be made by the Portfolio solely to facilitate the
handling of unusual and/or unanticipated short-term cash requirements. Interest
is charged to each portfolio or fund based on its borrowings at the bank's base
rate or an amount above either the bank's adjusted certificate of deposit rate,
a Eurodollar rate, or a federal funds effective rate. In addition, a fee
computed at an annual rate of 0.15% on the average daily amount of the unused
portion of the facility is allocated among the participating funds and
portfolios at the end of each quarter. The Portfolio did not have any
significant borrowings or allocated fees during the period.
<PAGE>

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO THE TRUSTEES AND INVESTORS OF
TAX-MANAGED GROWTH PORTFOLIO:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio of investments of Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio as of
October 31, 1996, the related statements of operations, changes in net assets,
and the supplementary data for the period from the start of business, December
1, 1995, to October 31, 1996. These financial statements and supplementary data
are the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and supplementary data based on
our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 October 31, 1996, by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received
from brokers, we performed other audit procedures. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides 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 Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio
as of October 31, 1996, the results of its operations, the changes in its net
assets and its supplementary data for the period from the start of business,
December 1, 1995, to October 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                                     DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
NOVEMBER 29, 1996

<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

EV TRADITIONAL     OFFICERS                 INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
TAX-MANAGED                                 
GROWTH FUND        M. DOZIER GARDNER        DONALD R. DWIGHT
24 Federal Street  President, Trustee       President, Dwight
Boston, MA 02110                            Partners, Inc.
                   JAMES B. HAWKES          Chairman, Newspapers of
                   Vice President,          New England, Inc.
                   Trustee                  
                                            SAMUEL L. HAYES, III
                   H. DAY BRIGHAM, JR.      Jacob H. Schiff
                   Vice President           Professor of
                                            Investment Banking,
                   WILLIAM H. AHERN, JR.    Harvard University
                   Vice President           Graduate School of
                                            Business Administration
                   MICHAEL B. TERRY         
                   Vice President           NORTON H. REAMER
                                            President and Director,
                   JAMES L. O'CONNOR        United Asset
                   Treasurer                Management Corporation
                                            
                   THOMAS OTIS              JOHN L. THORNDIKE
                   Secretary                Director, Fiduciary
                                            Company Incorporated
                                            
                                            JACK L. TREYNOR
                                            Investment Adviser and Consultant
                                            
                   ------------------------------------------------
                                            
TAX-MANAGED        OFFICERS                 INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
GROWTH PORTFOLIO                            
24 Federal Street  LANDON T. CLAY           DONALD R. DWIGHT
Boston, MA 02110   President, Trustee       President, Dwight
                                            Partners, Inc.
                   JAMES B. HAWKES          Chairman, Newspapers of
                   Vice President           New England, Inc.
                                            
                   DUNCAN W. RICHARDSON     SAMUEL L. HAYES, III
                   Vice President and       Jacob H. Schiff
                   Portfolio Manager        Professor of
                                            Investment Banking,
                   JAMES L. O'CONNOR        Harvard University
                   Treasurer                Graduate School of
                                            Business Administration
                   THOMAS OTIS              
                   Secretary                NORTON H. REAMER
                                            President and Director,
                                            United Asset
                                            Management Corporation
                                            
                                            JOHN L. THORNDIKE
                                            Director, Fiduciary
                                            Company Incorporated
                                            
                                            JACK L. TREYNOR
                                            Investment Adviser and Consultant


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