EATON VANCE MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST
N-30D, 1998-01-20
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<PAGE>

[LOGO]
                       Investing

                       for the

                       21st
EATON VANCE
==============         Century
Mutual Funds

[Photo of Statue of Liberty]

                         ANNUAL REPORT OCTOBER 31, 1997

                                     CLASSIC

                                       EV
                                     CLASSIC
                               TAX-MANAGED GROWTH
                                      FUND

[Photo Wall Street]

                                   Eaton Vance
                      Global Management-Global Distribution


[Photo of IRS Form]

<PAGE>

EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Photo of James B. Hawkes]

During the year ended October 31, 1997, EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund had a
total return of 30.2%.1 This return resulted from an increase in net asset value
to $14.03 per share on October 31, 1997 from $10.78 per share on October 31,
1996. The Fund's performance compared favorably to the average total return for
mutual funds in the Lipper Growth Funds Category, which was 27.3% during the
period.*

In 1997, record highs in the stock market have been accompanied by an increase
in volatility...

Over the past year, the sustained growth of the U.S. economy and low inflation
have produced a near-perfect investment environment in which prices of large
capitalization stocks have soared to record levels. An increase in volatility
has accompanied higher stock valuations, however. Within a six-week period in
March and April, the S&P 500 Index* declined almost 10% and then fully recovered
to reach new record highs. In August, the S&P 500 declined almost 7% but again
recovered this loss by the end of September. In late October, news of turmoil in
several Asian economies precipitated a sharp decline of over 10% in less than a
week, but the market again recovered this loss.

 ...Further emphasizing the importance of tax-efficient investing...

An increase in stock market volatility can lead to higher turnover - and,
subsequently, higher taxable distributions to shareholders in actively-managed
mutual funds that do not focus specifically on tax efficiency. The goal of this
Fund is to provide high after-tax returns, and its management employs a style
that is consistent with this objective.

While volatility in the stock market can be disconcerting, Eaton Vance
recognizes that it is a normal and even healthy part of the investment process,
and that it is always important to take a long-term view. In the pages that
follow, Portfolio Manager Duncan W. Richardson discusses the past 12 months and
offers his outlook for the year ahead.

                             Sincerely,
                        /s/  James B. Hawkes,
                             James B. Hawkes,
                             President
                             December 8, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (at net asset value)
One Year                                                                   30.2%
Life of Fund (8/2/96)                                                      31.1

SEC Average Annual Total Returns (including applicable CDSC)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year                                                                   29.2%
Life of Fund (8/2/96)                                                      31.1

Ten Largest Equity Holdings3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Depot, Inc.                                                            1.9%
Pfizer, Inc.                                                                1.8
Johnson & Johnson Co.                                                       1.8
Reuters Holdings PLC ADR                                                    1.8
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.                                             1.7
Intel Corp.                                                                 1.7
Merck & Co., Inc.                                                           1.6
Federal National Mortgage Association                                       1.5
American International Group, Inc.                                          1.5
Pepsico, Inc.                                                               1.5

1 This return does not include the applicable contingent deferred sales charge
  (CDSC).
2 Returns are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value
  with all distributions reinvested. SEC Return for one year reflects 1% CDSC.
3 Ten largest holdings are as of 10/31/97 only and may not be representative of
  the Portfolio's current or future investments. Holdings accounted for 16.8% of
  the Portfolio's investments, determined by dividing the total market value of
  the holdings by the total net assets of the Portfolio.
* It is not possible to invest directly in a Lipper Category or an Index.
  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.


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

<PAGE>

EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Photo of Duncan W. Richardson]

Duncan W. Richardson,
Portfolio Manager

Five Largest Sectors+
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a percentage of total net assets

Health Care                             16.6%
Financial                               15.7%
Business Products & Services            14.8%
Technology                              13.5%
Consumer Non-Durables                    8.8%

+ Sector allocation is subject to change due to active management.

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

Q:   Duncan, how would you describe the stock market's performance during the
     past 12 months?

A:   The most remarkable thing about this past year was the continuation of
     superior absolute returns after two stunningly good years in 1995 and 1996.
     This third consecutive year of high returns has taken us into a higher risk
     equity environment. Valuation levels are at historical extremes and are
     supported somewhat by lower interest rates and lower inflation. While we do
     not try to forecast interest rates, it seems that many factors are in place
     for the declining trend to continue. Our primary focus is the earnings
     levels and growth rates of companies in the Portfolio.

     Generally speaking, corporate earnings have not kept pace with the S&P 500
     Index's 27% average annual increases over the past three years. This
     mismatch between price and earnings levels has translated into an increase
     in volatility this year. We have recently set records for volatility, both
     within sectors and in individual securities. Investors are having
     exaggerated reactions to bad news of any kind - especially if it pertains
     to earnings or growth projections. In the Fund, we use periods of
     short-term volatility as entry points or accumulation points for
     investments that we want to hold for a long period of time.

Q:   This has been a very good year for the Fund, having outperformed the Lipper
     Growth Fund average. To what do you attribute this strong performance?

A:   The Fund's performance is essentially the result of strong earnings growth
     among the companies in the Portfolio. The Fund is broadly diversified
     across many different sectors. We do not over-concentrate in any one stock
     or any one sector, but some of our larger sectors, such as finance, health
     care, and technology, have performed well.

Q:   Index funds, which are passively managed, have attracted much attention
     over the past few years. What influence do these funds have in the market,
     and how does this Fund differ from them?

A:   A tremendous amount of money has been "indexed" over the last several
     years, resulting in a larger portion of market activity being "automatic."
     A passive fund "automatically" buys and sells securities without regard to
     fundamentals or prices. I believe the recent inflow into index funds has
     exerted a near-term positive buying force under the largest capitalization
     companies. Some of these companies have reached valuations that appear
     vulnerable, and I worry that some could have severe corrections should
     there be any disappointment in reported earnings or a general correction in
     the overall market. Our investment style, in contrast, is to individually
     assess companies on their reward-to-risk characteristics, using fundamental
     analysis, realistic earnings projections, and a valuation overlay. This
     allows us to not overpay for growth and to take advantage of the short-term
     price fluctuations for the benefit of our long-term investors.

     We like to think that an aircraft analogy captures the difference between
     indexing and actively-managed funds. When there are clear skies (a
     favorable investment climate) and no turbulence (market volatility), an
     aircraft's auto pilot (indexing) works fine. However, when there is the
     threat of a deteriorating forecast and turbulence, it is nice to have
     someone in the cockpit at the controls (active management).

Q:   How significantly do you think the economic situation in Asia will affect
     companies in this Fund?

A:   The problems in the stock markets and economies of Asian countries will
     affect many U.S. companies, including several in this Fund, but the effects
     will vary. Any company that has business ties to an Asian country - whether
     exporting products there, owning manufacturing facilities, or holding
     investments in a foreign stock market - will be affected. Also, companies
     whose primary competitors are in Asia will be affected by the currency
     changes. Our job is to look at each company individually, assess the
     impact, and then make adjustments accordingly.

     So far, the Fund has been well-positioned to handle the events. Our
     exposure to Asia is mostly in our multi-national investments, and we are
     assessing their abilities to respond to the crisis. After the initial
     declines in the currencies and stock markets of several Asian countries,
     many investors flocked to U.S. firms that had less exposure to Asia - such
     as broadcasting, publishing, and retail firms - which boosted their
     performance. We had already invested in these industries because we found
     their fundamentals attractive, so the Fund has benefited from this recent
     flight to domestic stocks.

Q:   Home Depot, the Fund's top holding, has shown strong appreciation during
     the past year. What accounts for this stock's performance?

A:   We are very pleased with Home Depot. As an earnings-driven company with
     great fundamentals, it is a good example of the kind of stock we like to
     have as a core holding. We bought it last year in the low $30s
     (split-adjusted), along with some other retail stocks which were out of
     favor at that time. This was a great opportunity because the company had
     continued its solid earnings growth. When the price/earnings ratio dropped
     to its lowest level in almost a decade, we began to accumulate shares. This
     year, after doubling in price over a 12-month period, it has become the
     Fund's top holding. While the stock has recently benefited from the
     interest in domestic names, but we think it can continue to appreciate in
     line with its mid-teens earnings growth rate.

Q:   How diversified is this Portfolio?

A:   It is highly diversified. There are currently over 350 different stocks,
     with the top 20 positions representing less than 30% of the Portfolio's
     assets. The top 10 holdings are typically 1.5%-2% positions and the next 10
     are 1%-1.5% positions. To achieve above-average returns in the equity
     markets, it is necessary to accept some market-related risk, but not excess
     company-specific risk. The Fund's broad diversity allows us to hold stocks
     for long periods, which lowers turnover and any capital gains realization.
     This low turnover style is a very tax-efficient way to invest.

Q:   Can you elaborate on any other elements of your management style?

A:   Sure. A selling discipline is very important in the achievement of high
     pre-tax and after-tax returns. We generally sell securities that have
     declined more than 10% from our cost, which accomplishes several things.
     First, it preserves capital. Second, taking a limited loss allows us an
     offset to gains taken elsewhere, thereby limiting or eliminating any yearly
     capital gains distribution. Finally, it helps avoid big mistakes by giving
     us time to revisit our analysis of a company. We all do not like to admit
     mistakes, but it is important not to let emotions conflict with investment
     judgment. We want to own stocks for a minimum of five-years, so we can
     easily sit out of an investment for 30 days. Our selling discipline helps
     keep the Fund in the right investments at the right prices and adds to the
     tax-efficiency of our results.

Q:   Why has tax-managed investing become so popular recently?

A:   There are several reasons for the current emphasis on tax-efficient
     investing. First, the excess equity returns during the past few years,
     combined with an increase in momentum-driven, high-turnover portfolio
     management, has produced enormous taxable distributions in the form of
     long-term gains, short-term gains, and dividends in many mutual funds.
     After three years in a row, investors are noticing the huge tax bills on
     their mutual fund returns. Combined with this year's reduction in the
     long-term capital gains tax - which increases the spread between long-term
     gains and short-term/dividend income - the result is a heightened
     sensitivity to the effect of taxes on investment returns. In addition,
     mutual fund rating organizations, such as Lipper and Morningstar, have
     realized that the tax efficiency of funds is very important to people who
     pay taxes on their investments. The difference between a fund that is
     tax-efficient and one that is not can be, on average, as much as 2% per
     year. This may not sound like much, but, compounded over a long period of
     time, the difference between giving 2% away in taxes every year versus
     allowing those returns to compound tax-free can be substantial.

Q:   What experience does Eaton Vance have in tax-managed investing?

A:   Eaton Vance has incorporated the principles of tax-managed investing for
     private clients since its founding in 1924. In the mutual fund area, we
     have been managing funds for after-tax returns for over 30 years. While
     there are several other tax-managed funds in existence, many are newcomers
     to this approach. This Fund is the only open-ended mutual fund whose
     original portfolio has a 30-year track record. The principles of
     tax-efficient investing guide our general investing objectives for building
     wealth over a long period of time: 1) having exposure to the equity market;
     2) holding on to stocks whose earnings can continue to grow; and 3) taking
     losses early to preserve capital.

Q:   Finally, what is your outlook for the year ahead?

A:   We expect somewhat lower equity returns next year and continuing volatility
     in the stock market. With the tremendous returns we have seen for the past
     three years, we anticipate some reversion to the historic average return of
     10% per year. In the long run, stock prices will reflect the earnings power
     of individual companies, and earnings are our main focus. In the short run,
     emotions, fund flows, and external events can set prices all over the map.
     This Fund has relatively low volatility, due, in part, to our "growth at a
     reasonable price" investment style and, in part, to our generally lower
     exposure to cyclical industries. We hope the Fund's volatility will remain
     low as we try to take advantage of the market's volatility through our
     research capabilities. As always, our goal is to make the best risk/reward
     investment decisions in any market environment that we encounter.

<PAGE>

EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND PERFORMANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
IN THE FUND VS. THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX*
From August 31, 1996, through October 31, 1997

EV CLASSIC TAX-MANAGED GROWTH FUND VS.
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX

    Date            Fund/NAV          S&P 500
    ----------      --------          -------
       8/31/96       $10,000          $10,000
       9/30/96       $10,584          $10,602
      10/31/96       $10,856          $10,878
      11/30/96       $11,621          $11,677
      12/31/96       $11,390          $11,484
       1/31/97       $12,044          $12,188
       2/28/97       $11,954          $12,260
       3/31/97       $11,571          $11,794
       4/30/97       $12,165          $12,483
       5/31/97       $12,920          $13,214
       6/30/97       $13,494          $13,848
       7/31/97       $14,562          $14,930
       8/31/97       $13,927          $14,073
       9/30/97       $14,673          $14,884
      10/31/97       $14,129          $14,371

Performance+
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Average Annual Total Returns (at net asset value)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year                                                    30.2%
Life of Fund (8/2/96)                                       31.1

SEC Average Annual Total Returns (including applicable CDSC)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year                                                    29.2%
Life of Fund (8/2/96)                                       31.1

* Source: Towers Data Systems, Bethesda, MD. Investment operations commenced
  8/2/96. Index information is available only at month-end; therefore, the line
  comparison begins at the next month-end following the commencement of the
  Fund's investment operations. The chart compares the Fund's total return with
  that of the S&P 500 Index, a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 common stocks.
  Returns are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value
  with all distributions reinvested. The lines on the chart represent the total
  returns of $10,000 hypothetical investments in the Fund and the S&P 500 Index.
  The Index's total return does not reflect any commissions or expenses that
  would have been incurred if an investor individually purchased or sold the
  securities represented in the Index. It is not possible to invest directly in
  an Index.
+ Returns are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value
  with all distributions reinvested. SEC Return for one year reflects 1%
  contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC).
  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.

<PAGE>

EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As of October 31, 1997

Assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment in Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio 
  (Portfolio), at value (Note 1A)
  (identified cost, $133,754,304)                                 $146,812,170
Receivable for Fund shares sold                                      2,181,188
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1D)                                25,965
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                                      $149,019,323
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liabilities
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for Fund shares redeemed                                  $    124,466
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees 
  (Note 3)                                                                 140
Accrued expenses                                                        75,320
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                                 $    199,926
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets for 10,607,729 shares of beneficial
   interest outstanding                                           $148,819,397
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources of Net Assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paid-in capital                                                   $136,083,763
Accumulated net realized loss on investment
  from Portfolio (computed on the basis of
  identified cost)                                                    (322,232)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments 
  from Portfolio (computed on the basis of
  identified cost)                                                  13,057,866
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                             $148,819,397
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption
Price Per Share (Note 6)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($148,819,397 / 10,607,729 shares of
  beneficial interest outstanding)                                $      14.03
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended
October 31, 1997

Investment Income (Note 1B)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend income allocated from Portfolio 
  (net of foreign taxes withheld of $8,567)                       $    759,116
Interest income allocated from Portfolio                               124,864
Expenses allocated from Portfolio                                     (360,774)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income from Portfolio                              $    523,206
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation of Trustees not members of the
  Administrator's organization (Note 3)                           $        685
Distribution fees (Note 5)                                             657,364
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees                             70,869
Printing and postage                                                    58,021
Registration fees                                                       23,486
Legal and accounting services                                           17,830
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1D)                          6,370
Custodian fee                                                            4,392
Miscellaneous                                                           19,046
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                    $    858,063
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment loss                                               $   (334,857)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) from Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) --
  Investment transactions (identified cost basis)                 $   (347,340)
  Secrities sold short                                                  30,888
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized loss                                                 $   (316,452)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized appreciation --
  Investment transactions                                         $ 12,642,085
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation                             $ 12,642,085
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain                                  $ 12,325,633
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets from operations                        $ 11,990,776
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>
EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

Increase (Decrease)                             YEAR ENDED        PERIOD ENDED
in Net Assets                                   OCTOBER 31,       OCTOBER 31,
                                                1997              1996*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From operations --
  Net investment loss                           $   (334,857)     $    (10,530)
  Net realized gain (loss)                          (316,452)           (5,759)
  Net change in unrealized appreciation           12,642,085           415,781
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets from
  operations                                    $ 11,990,776      $    399,492
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transactions in shares of beneficial
  interest (Note 4) --
  Proceeds from sale of shares                  $131,098,323      $ 11,069,340
  Cost of shares redeemed                         (5,085,885)         (652,659)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets from Fund
  share transactions                            $126,012,438      $ 10,416,681
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets                      $138,003,214      $ 10,816,173
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net Assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of period                          $ 10,816,183      $         10
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                                $148,819,397      $ 10,816,183
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accumulated net investment loss included in
net assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                                $      --         $       --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* For the period from the start of business, August 2, 1996, to October 31,
1996.

                       See notes to financial highlights
<PAGE>
EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Financial Highlights

                                                   Year Ended October 31,
                                                -------------------------------
                                                   1997             1996*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value -- Beginning of period          $  10.780         $  10.000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income (loss) from operations
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment loss                             $  (0.032)        $  (0.010)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments     3.282             0.790
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income from operations                    $   3.250         $   0.780
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net asset value -- End of period                $  14.030         $  10.780
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return(1)                                     30.15%             7.80%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ratios/Supplemental Data
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)         $ 148,819         $  10,816
Ratio of net expenses to average daily net
   assets(2)                                         1.84%             2.15%+
Ratio of net investment loss to average daily
   net assets                                       (0.51)%           (0.84)%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+   Annualized.
*   For the period from the start of business, August 2, 1996, to October 31,
    1996.
(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 not
    computed on an annualized basis.
(2) Includes the Fund's share of the Portfolio's allocated expenses.

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Significant Accounting Policies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  EV Classic 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 (5.1% at October 31, 1997). 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.

  On June 23, 1997, the Board of Trustees approved a Plan of Reorganization (the
  "Plan") for the Trust. Under the terms of the Plan, EV Marathon Tax- Managed
  Growth Fund (the Successor Fund) would acquire substantially all of the assets
  and liabilities of EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund and EV Traditional
  Tax-Managed Growth Fund (the "Acquired Funds"). The transaction will be
  structured for tax purposes to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the
  Internal Revenue Code. The trust will issue and deliver to the Acquired Funds
  a number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of separate
  classes of the Successor Fund (Class A Shares for EV Traditional Tax-Managed
  Growth Fund and Class C shares for EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund), which
  will be equal in value to the net asset value per share of the Acquired Funds
  multiplied by the number of full and fractional shares of the Acquired Funds
  then outstanding. Such transactions will occur at the close of business,
  October 31, 1997.

  Effective November 1, 1997, the EV Marathon Tax-Managed Growth Fund changed
  its name to Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Growth Fund.

  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 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 net investment income and net
  realized capital gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise
  tax is necessary. At October 31, 1997, the Fund, for federal income tax
  purposes, had a capital loss carryover of $1,001,646 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, 2005 ($992,805) and October 31, 2004 ($8,841).

  D Deferred Organization Expenses -- Costs incurred by the Fund in connection
  with its organization are being 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 the credits which are determined
  based on the average daily 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 operating expenses on 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 net
  investment income allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio (less the Fund's
  direct expenses) and at least one distribution annually of all or
  substantially all of its net realized capital gains (reduced by any available
  capital loss carryforwards from prior years). Distributions are paid in the
  form of additional shares of the Fund or, at the election of the shareholder,
  in cash.

  The Fund distinguishes between distributions on a tax basis and a financial
  reporting basis. Generally accepted accounting principles require that only
  distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits be reported in the
  financial statements as a return of capital. Differences in the recognition or
  classification of income between the financial statements and tax earnings and
  profits which result in temporary over distributions for financial statement
  purposes only 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. During the period ended October 31, 1997, the Fund has reclassified
  amounts to reflect a decrease in accumulated net investment loss of $334,857,
  an increase in accumulated net realized loss of $21 and a decrease in paid-in
  capital of $334,836 due to permanent differences between book and tax
  accounting for net operating loss carryovers and distributions to
  shareholders. Net investment loss, net realized loss and net assets were not
  affected by these reclassifications.

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, 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 who are not
  members of EVM's or BMR's organization, officers and Trustees receive
  remuneration for their services to the Fund out of the investment adviser fee
  earned by BMR. Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund and the Portfolio are
  officers and directors/trustees of the above organizations (Note 5).

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 were as follows:
                                                        Year Ended October 31,
                                                       -----------------------
                                                          1997         1996*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                  9,999,936    1,066,787
Redemptions                                             (395,954)     (63,040)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)                                9,603,982    1,003,747
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*   For the period from the start of business, August 2, 1996, to October 31,
    1996.

5 Distribution Plan
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the Plan) pursuant to Rule 12b-1
  under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Plan requires the Fund to pay
  the Principal Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD) amounts equal
  to 1/365 of 0.75% of the Fund's daily net assets, for providing ongoing
  distribution services and facilities to the Fund. The Fund will automatically
  discontinue payments to EVD during any period in which there are no
  outstanding Uncovered Distribution Charges, which are equivalent to the sum of
  (i) 6.25% of the aggregate amount received by the Fund for shares sold plus,
  (ii) distribution fees calculated by applying the rate of 1% over the
  prevailing prime rate to the outstanding balance of Uncovered Distribution
  Charges of EVD reduced by the aggregate amount of contingent deferred sales
  charges (see Note 6) and daily amounts theretofore paid to EVD. The amount
  payable to EVD with respect to each day is accrued on such day as a liability
  of the Fund and, accordingly, reduces the Fund's net assets. For the year
  ended October 31, 1997, the Fund paid or accrued $493,023, to or payable to
  EVD representing 0.75% (annualized) of average daily net assets. At October
  31, 1997, the amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges of EVD calculated under
  the Plan was approximately $6,834,000.

  In addition, the Plan authorizes the Fund to make payments of service fees to
  the Principal Underwriter, Authorized Firms and other persons in amounts not
  expected to exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets for any fiscal
  year. The Trustees have initially implemented the Plan by authorizing the Fund
  to make monthly payments of service fees to the Principal Underwriter and
  Authorized Firms in amounts not expected to exceed 0.25% per annum of the
  Fund's average daily net assets for any fiscal year. EVD currently expects to
  pay an Authorized Firm a service fee at the time of sale equal to 0.25% of the
  purchase price of the shares sold by such Firm and monthly payments of service
  fees in amounts not expected to exceed 0.25% per annum of the Fund's average
  daily net assets based on the value of Fund shares sold by such Firm and
  remaining outstanding for at least one year. For the year ended October 31,
  1997, the Fund paid service fees to EVD of $164,341. Service fee payments are
  made for personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
  During the first year after a purchase of Fund shares, EVD will retain the
  service fee as reimbursement for the service fee payment made to the
  Authorized Firm at the time of sale.

  Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund are officers or directors of EVD.

6 Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Shares purchased and redeemed within the first year of their purchase (except
  shares acquired through the reinvestment of distributions) generally will be
  subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) at a rate of one percent
  of redemption proceeds, exclusive of all reinvestments and capital
  appreciation in the account. No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on
  exchanges for shares of other funds in the Eaton Vance Classic Group of Funds
  or Eaton Vance Money Market Fund which are distributed with a contingent
  deferred sales charge. EVD received $26,000 of CDSC for the year ended October
  31, 1997.

7 Investment Transactions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Increases and decreases in the Fund's investment in the Portfolio for the year
  ended October 31, 1997, aggregated $128,993,878 and $5,809,954, respectively.

<PAGE>
EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the Trustees and Shareholders
of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of EV
Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund (one of the series constituting Eaton Vance
Mutual Funds Trust) as of October 31, 1997, the related statement of operations
for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets and the
financial highlights for the year ended October 31, 1997 and the period from the
start of business, August 2, 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 audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EV Classic Tax-
Managed Growth Fund series of the Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust at October 31,
1997, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets, and its
financial highlights for the respective stated periods in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

                                  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
                                  Boston, Massachusetts
                                  December 5, 1997

<PAGE>
Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Common Stocks -- 96.4%
Security                                        Shares         Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advertising -- 2.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AC Nielson Corp.*                                 45,668      $    1,044,655
Advo Systems, Inc.*                              170,000           3,814,375
Cognizant Corp.                                  249,006           9,757,923
Harte-Hanks Communications                        72,302           2,512,495
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.             256,500          12,183,750
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.+             82,350           3,905,758
Omnicom Group, Inc.                              455,100          32,141,438
WPP Group                                        488,000           2,229,916
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   67,590,310
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aerospace and Defense -- 1.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Co.                                       450,740      $   21,579,178
Raytheon Co.                                     226,544          12,290,012
United Technologies Corp.+                        66,844           4,672,061
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   38,541,251
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Auto and Parts -- 0.9%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.                      80,000      $    4,360,000
Chrysler Corp.                                    32,000           1,128,000
General Motors Corp.                               2,100             134,794
Magna International, Inc. Class A ADR            275,000          18,115,625
Meritor Automotive, Inc.*                         61,133           1,364,037
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   25,102,456
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Banks - Regional -- 3.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Banc One Corp.                                   193,558      $   10,089,211
Bank of Granite Corp.                             18,000             580,500
BB&T Corp.                                        33,235           1,809,230
Community First Bancshares+                      148,000           7,056,400
Compass Bancshares, Inc.                          48,208           1,816,839
Corestates Financial Corp.                       160,000          11,640,000
Fifth Third Bancorp                               75,000           4,809,375
First Citizens Bancshares Class A                 35,300           3,459,400
First Union Corp.                                130,800           6,417,375
Fleet Financial Group, Inc.                       20,500           1,318,406
Golden West Financial Corp.                        7,000             607,250
Keycorp                                           17,400           1,064,663
Nationsbank Corp.                                216,963          12,990,660
Norwest Corp.                                    730,000          23,405,625
PNC Bank Corp.                                    25,000           1,187,500
Signet Banking Corp.                              16,500             887,906
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.                          305,000           5,413,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   94,554,090
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Banks and Money Services -- 2.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BankAmerica Corp.                                 41,624      $    2,976,116
Chase Manhattan Corp.                             32,562           3,756,841
Citicorp                                         340,000          42,521,250
First Chicago NBD Corp.                           43,007           3,128,753
JP Morgan and Co., Inc.                           15,000           1,646,250
Washington Mutual, Inc.                           65,759           4,500,382
Wells Fargo & Co.                                 11,542           3,363,050
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   61,892,642
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beverages -- 2.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc.                        238,700      $    9,533,081
Coca-Cola Co.                                    405,090          22,887,585
PepsiCo, Inc.                                  1,172,156          43,149,993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   75,570,659
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Broadcasting and Cable -- 0.8%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Radio Systems Corp.                     149,451      $    7,285,736
Clear Channel Communications*                     21,000           1,386,000
Comcast Corp. Class A                             62,500           1,718,750
Cox Communications, Inc. Class A*                 93,319           2,869,559
Liberty Media Group, Class A*                     52,552           1,829,467
Tele-Communications, Inc.*                       311,073           7,135,237
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   22,224,749
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Building Materials -- 0.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interface, Inc.+                                  62,500      $    1,804,688
Masco Corp.                                       55,540           2,436,818
Sherwin Williams Co.                              28,420             788,655
Sherwin Williams Co.+                             16,250             450,753
Stanley Works                                     16,270             687,408
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    6,168,322
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Business Services - Miscellaneous -- 0.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corrections Corporation of America*               28,000      $      854,000
Manpower, Inc.                                   110,000           4,221,250
Robert Half International, Inc.*                   1,800              73,688
Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.+*                  196,789           8,258,650
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   13,407,588
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chemicals -- 1.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bayer AG ADR                                      40,000      $    1,406,032
Dow Chemical Co.                                  28,360           2,573,670
E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc.              213,300          12,131,438
Eastman Chemical Co.                                 161               9,600
Monsanto Corp.                                   506,680          21,660,570
Solutia, Inc.*                                   200,336           4,432,434
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   42,213,744
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Communications Equipment -- 1.7%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dialogic Corp.*                                   80,000      $    3,300,000
L.M. Ericsson Telephone Co. ADR                   86,000           3,805,500
Nokia Corp., Class A ADR                         280,000          24,710,000
Northern Telecom Ltd. ADR                         55,870           5,010,841
Pairgain Technologies, Inc.+*                    210,000           5,923,601
Salient 3 Communications, Inc., Class A           78,125             908,203
Tellabs, Inc.*                                   110,193           5,950,422
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   49,608,567
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Communications Services -- 1.7%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameritech Corp.                                    1,500      $       97,500
AT&T Corp.                                        28,000           1,370,250
BellSouth Corp.                                    4,000             189,250
Citizens Utilities Co., Class B*                  43,545             432,725
Nextel Communications, Inc.*                      75,830           1,990,538
SBC Communications, Inc.                           1,000              63,625
Telecom Corp. of New Zealand ADR                   8,000             311,500
Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.                    86,756           3,687,130
Worldcom, Inc.*                                1,175,000          39,509,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   47,651,893
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer Software -- 3.4%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMC Software, Inc.                                 4,000      $      241,500
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*                     28,000           1,491,000
Computer Associates International, Inc.          195,000          14,539,688
CSG Systems International, Inc.*                   7,958             311,854
HNC Software, Inc.                                50,000           1,850,000
HNC Software, Inc.+                              129,814           4,767,095
Intuit, Inc.*                                    266,667           8,700,011
Lexmark International Group, Inc.*               100,000           3,056,250
Microsoft Corp.*                                  63,850           8,300,500
Oracle Corp.*                                    815,000          29,161,678
PeopleSoft, Inc.*                                 50,000           3,143,750
PeopleSoft, Inc.+*                                60,000           3,766,841
Sapient Corp.+*                                  161,938           8,590,862
Saville Systems PLC ADR+*                         80,000           4,762,075
Saville Systems PLC ADR*                          80,000           4,780,000
Security Dynamics Technology, Inc.*               40,000           1,355,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   98,818,104
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computers and Business Equipment -- 3.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabletron Systems, Inc.*                          28,572      $      828,588
Cisco Systems, Inc.*                             218,620          17,933,661
Cisco Systems, Inc.+*                             77,375           6,337,647
Digital Equipment Corp.*                          29,355           1,469,585
Hewlett-Packard Co.                              448,238          27,650,682
International Business Machines Corp.            115,626          11,338,575
Xerox Corp.                                      485,000          38,466,563
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $  104,025,301
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conglomerates -- 0.8%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Electric Co.                             365,199      $   23,578,160
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   23,578,160
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumer Services -- 0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CUC International, Inc.*                          42,000      $    1,239,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    1,239,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Containers and Packaging -- 0.8%                                
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sealed Air Corp.*                                425,000      $   21,914,063
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   21,914,063
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Distribution -- 1.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airgas, Inc.*                                     61,000      $      949,313
Cardinal Health, Inc.                             96,500           7,165,125
JP Food Service, Inc.*                           146,973           4,693,950
Supervalu, Inc.                                   51,506           1,886,407
Sysco Corp.                                      367,760          14,710,400
Wilmar Industries, Inc.*                          50,000           1,312,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   30,717,695
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drugs -- 9.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amgen, Inc.                                      201,532      $    9,925,451
Astra AB Class A                               1,074,400          17,370,143
Astra AB Class B ADR                             160,000           2,500,000
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.                         340,720          29,898,180
Covance, Inc.*                                    31,250             552,734
Elan Corp., PLC ADR                              381,676          19,036,091
Eli Lilly & Co.                                   94,440           6,315,675
Genentech, Inc.*                                  80,000           4,645,000
Genzyme Corp.*                                    12,150             104,794
Genzyme Corp. Class A*                           650,000          17,793,750
Merck & Co., Inc.                                526,315          46,973,614
Pfizer, Inc.                                     742,040          52,499,330
Quintiles Transnational Corp.*                    37,210           2,697,725
Quintiles Transnational Corp.+*                   50,000           3,619,563
Schering-Plough Corp.                            276,240          15,486,705
Smithkline Beecham PLC ADR                        98,040           4,669,155
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*                     85,000           2,507,500
Warner-Lambert Co.                               104,644          14,983,713
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*                    348,550          11,066,463
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $  262,645,586
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Electrical Equipment -- 1.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Power Conversion Corp.+*                200,000      $    5,441,825
AMP, Inc.                                        112,340           5,055,300
Emerson Electric Co.                             150,948           7,915,336
General Signal Corp.                              68,600           2,752,575
Molex, Inc. Class A                               28,000             981,750
Rockwell International Corp.                      93,400           4,576,600
Rockwell International Corp.+                     90,000           4,403,385
Thomas & Betts Corp.+                             22,963           1,140,696
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   32,267,467
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Electronics - Instruments -- 1.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analog Devices, Inc.*                             50,000      $    1,528,125
Dionex Corp.*                                    181,070           9,030,866
Thermo Electron Corp.*                           390,000          14,551,875
Waters Corp.+*                                    29,580           1,299,568
X-Rite, Inc.+                                    140,000           2,708,431
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   29,118,865
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Electronics - Semiconductors -- 3.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burr-Brown Corp.+*                               400,000      $   12,081,850
Intel Corp.                                      637,798          49,110,446
Intel Corp.+                                      70,002           5,382,069
KLA-Tencor Corp.*                                 36,000           1,581,750
Linear Technology Corp.                           45,000           2,829,375
Maxim Integrated Products+*                       20,000           1,323,013
Motorola, Inc.                                    55,768           3,443,674
National Semiconductor Corp.+*                    79,368           2,852,962
Smart Modular Technologies+*                      30,000           1,486,903
Speedfam International, Inc.+*                   221,000           8,192,318
Texas Instruments, Inc.                           86,890           9,270,077
Ultratech Stepper, Inc.+*                        245,129           6,654,716
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $  104,209,153
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Engineering and Construction -- 0.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.*                   45,000      $    1,215,000
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.+*                  32,230             868,905
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    2,083,905
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entertainment -- 0.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regal Cinemas, Inc.*                               2,250      $       51,750
Walt Disney Co.                                   26,600           2,187,850
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    2,239,600
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Environmental Services -- 0.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Browning-Ferris Industries, Inc.                 127,000      $    4,127,500
Waste Management, Inc.                           143,504           3,354,406
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    7,481,906
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Financial - Miscellaneous -- 4.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Express Co.                             108,148      $    8,435,544
American General Corp.                            74,155           3,781,905
Capital One Financial Corp.                       16,000             730,000
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.                 352,500          13,350,938
Federal National Mortgage Association            909,820          44,069,406
Household International, Inc.                     10,600           1,200,450
MGIC Investment Corp.                            210,000          12,665,625
Providian Financial Corp.                         64,455           2,384,835
Sunamerica, Inc.                                 668,524          24,025,081
Travelers, Inc.                                   90,676           6,347,320
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $  116,991,104
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Foods -- 2.7%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPC International, Inc.                            2,000      $      198,000
Earthgrains Co.                                    3,545             145,788
Flowers Industries, Inc.                         181,000           3,439,000
General Mills, Inc.                               17,500           1,155,000
Kellogg Co.                                       44,714           1,925,497
McCormick & Co., Inc.                            229,298           5,732,450
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.              149,900          13,734,588
Riviana Foods, Inc.+                             150,000           3,032,944
Sara Lee Corp.                                   269,972          13,802,319
Unilever ADR                                     490,000          26,153,750
WM. Wrigley, Jr. Co.                             106,580           7,713,728
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   77,033,064
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Furniture and Appliances -- 0.8%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Herman Miller, Inc.                               60,000      $    2,932,500
HON Inds, Inc.                                   254,202          13,123,178
HON Inds, Inc.+                                   67,465           3,477,656
Leggett & Platt, Inc.                             31,150           1,300,513
Leggett & Platt, Inc.+                            29,420           1,226,443
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   22,060,290
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health Services -- 1.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna, Inc.                                        4,821      $      342,592
Aetna, Inc.+                                      55,000           3,902,575
FPA Medical Management, Inc.*                    315,000           7,599,375
Healthsouth Corp.*                               146,000           3,732,125
Integrated Health Services, Inc.                  50,000           1,587,500
Medpartners, Inc.*                                17,696             450,142
Orthodontic Centers of America, Inc.+*           100,000           1,693,595
Pacificare Health Systems, Inc., Class B*         19,500           1,262,625
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.*                          15,625             260,742
Quorum Health Group, Inc.*                         6,893             167,143
Quorum Health Group, Inc.+*                       48,840           1,182,593
Response Oncology, Inc.*                          44,761             458,800
Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc.+*                  210,000           7,784,556
United Healthcare Corp.                           20,000             926,250
Vencor, Inc.*                                     25,600             691,200
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   32,041,813
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Household Products -- 2.4%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blyth Industries, Inc.*                          222,000      $    5,522,250
Blyth Industries, Inc.+*                         300,000           7,434,516
Colgate-Palmolive Co.                             43,652           2,826,467
Fortune Brands, Inc.                               1,500              49,594
Gillette Co.                                     115,400          10,277,813
Kimberly-Clark Corp.                             138,060           7,170,491
Procter & Gamble Co.                             349,200          23,745,600
Rubbermaid, Inc.                                 463,920          11,163,075
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   68,189,806
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Industrial Equipment -- 1.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dover Corp.                                      164,580      $   11,109,150
Dover Corp.+                                      23,000           1,550,171
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.                         81,010           3,984,679
Parker-Hannifin Corp.                            150,898           6,309,423
Regal Beloit Corp.                               265,000           7,121,875
Tecumseh Products Co. Class A                    108,145           5,610,022
Tecumseh Products Co. Class B                      5,000             261,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   35,946,570
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information Services -- 4.4%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.                  967,040      $   49,439,920
Computer Sciences Corp.+*                        140,000           9,916,353
Dun & Bradstreet Corp.                           107,256           3,063,500
Electronic Data Systems Corp.                    155,000           5,996,563
First Data Corp.                                 128,618           3,737,961
Paychex, Inc.                                     58,651           2,236,069
Reuters Holdings PLC ADR                         791,090          52,014,168
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $  126,404,534
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Insurance -- 6.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aegon, N.V. ADR                                   28,246      $    2,245,557
Allstate Corp.                                    20,208           1,676,001
American International Group, Inc.               429,950          43,881,721
AON Corp.                                         44,054           2,376,163
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class A*                     50           2,185,000
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B*                     21              30,849
Chubb Corp.                                      101,050           6,694,563
General RE Corp.                                 192,446          37,947,946
Kansas City Life Insurance Co.                    35,400           3,115,200
Laboratory Holdings, Inc.                         35,960             899,000
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.                      474,344          33,678,424
Mutual Risk Management Ltd.                      490,000          12,709,375
Progressive Corp.                                190,000          19,807,500
Protective Life Corp.                             34,012           1,798,385
Provident Companies, Inc.                         19,198             640,733
Safeco Corp.                                      12,122             577,310
St. Paul Cos., Inc.                              130,280          10,414,258
Torchmark Corp.                                  222,850           8,886,144
USF&G Corp.                                       15,005             303,851
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $  189,867,980
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Investment Services -- 0.7%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co.                              242,983      $   16,431,725
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co.         23,704           1,161,496
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.                    20,500           1,358,125
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   18,951,346
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lodging and Gaming -- 0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITT Corp.                                          1,892      $      141,309
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $      141,309
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Medical Products -- 6.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abbott Laboratories                              150,000      $    9,196,875
Allegiance Corp.                                  22,661             628,843
Ballard Medical Products+                        251,058           5,655,999
Bausch & Lomb, Inc.                              145,574           5,713,780
Baxter International, Inc.                       477,828          22,099,545
Becton Dickinson and Co.                           2,000              92,125
Boston Scientific Corp.*                         265,000          12,057,500
Dentsply International, Inc.                      42,000           1,191,750
Heartport, Inc.*                                  41,026           1,030,778
Henry Schein, Inc.+*                             225,700           7,408,758
Hillenbrand Industries, Inc.                     385,029          16,459,990
Johnson & Johnson Co.                            908,974          52,152,383
Marquette Medical Systems, Inc.*                  55,000           1,416,250
Medtronics, Inc.                                 832,516          36,214,446
Medtronics, Inc.+                                 29,472           1,280,109
Sofamor Danek Group, Inc.*                       173,000          11,915,375
United States Surgical Corp.                     150,000           4,040,625
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $  188,555,131
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Metals - Gold -- 0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold, Inc. Class B       6,000      $      143,625
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $      143,625
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metals - Industrial -- 0.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyprus Amax Minerals Co.                          20,950      $      438,641
Inco, Ltd.                                       124,000           2,557,500
Nucor Corp.                                       40,000           2,090,000
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan                     120,000           9,832,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   14,918,641
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Natural Gas Utilities -- 0.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NGC Corp.                                        290,000      $    5,510,000
Sonat, Inc.                                       27,200           1,249,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    6,759,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oil and Gas - Equipment and Services -- 2.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baker Hughes, Inc.                                39,234      $    1,802,312
Dresser Industries, Inc.                          79,800           3,361,575
EVI, Inc.*                                        33,000           2,118,188
Halliburton Co.                                  177,400          10,577,475
Noble Drilling, Inc.*                            120,000           4,267,500
Patterson Energy, Inc.+                          100,000           5,478,200
Schlumberger Ltd.                                406,722          35,588,175
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   63,193,425
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production -- 1.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.                         246,000      $   18,019,500
Apache Corp.                                     186,440           7,830,480
Burlington Resources, Inc.                        38,125           1,865,742
Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc.               79,795           1,964,952
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   29,680,674
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oil and Gas - Integrated -- 1.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amoco Corp.                                       89,778      $    8,231,520
Atlantic Richfield Co.                            41,766           3,437,864
Chevron Corp.                                     55,600           4,611,325
Exxon Corp.                                      172,879          10,621,254
Mobil Corp.                                      186,368          13,569,920
Murphy Oil Corp.                                  29,700           1,720,744
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   42,192,627
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paper and Forest Products -- 0.9%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champion International Corp.                      61,687      $    3,404,351
Deltic Timber Corp.                                8,486             239,191
Fort James Corp.                                  26,401           1,047,790
Georgia-Pacific Corp.                            160,000          13,570,000
Mead Corp.                                        19,384           1,172,732
Union Camp Corp.                                  80,309           4,351,744
Weyerhauser Co.                                   61,755           2,948,801
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   26,734,609
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photography -- 0.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastman Kodak Co.                                 31,698      $    1,897,918
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    1,897,918
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Printing and Business Products -- 0.4%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Business Products, Inc.                 146,497      $    2,939,096
Bowne & Co., Inc.                                 89,970           3,137,704
Deluxe Corp.                                      51,750           1,694,813
John H. Harland Co.                               51,540           1,156,429
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.                         47,896           1,562,607
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   10,490,649
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Publishing -- 2.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dow Jones & Co., Inc.                            465,000      $   21,622,500
Gannett Co., Inc.                                260,900          13,713,556
Houghton Mifflin Co.                             127,400           4,522,700
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.                      240,608          15,729,748
Times Mirror Co. Class A                         151,670           8,209,139
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   63,797,643
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REITs -- 0.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redwood Trust, Inc.                               71,710      $    1,801,714
Rouse Co.                                        127,700           3,543,675
SLH Corp.*                                        26,970           1,375,470
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    6,720,859
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Restaurants -- 1.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston Chicken, Inc.*                             38,500      $      344,094
Brinker International, Inc.*                     354,000           4,956,000
McDonald's Corp.                                 263,100          11,790,169
Starbucks Corp.*                                 300,000           9,900,000
Tricon Global Restaurants*                       117,216           3,553,098
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   30,543,361
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Retail - Food and Drug -- 2.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albertson's, Inc.                                974,744      $   35,943,685
CVS Corp.                                        330,000          20,233,125
Hannaford Brothers Co.                            30,849           1,166,478
Rite Aid Corp.                                     3,000             178,125
Safeway, Inc.*                                    50,000           2,906,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   60,427,663
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Retail - General -- 2.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.+*                       195,000      $    7,885,654
J.C. Penney Co., Inc.                            543,510          31,897,243
May Department Stores Co.                        104,008           5,603,431
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.                            344,390          12,096,699
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   57,483,027
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Retail - Specialty and Apparel -- 3.4%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse                205,200      $    3,398,625
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse+               338,400           5,596,343
Harcourt General, Inc.                           216,416          10,834,326
Home Depot, Inc.                                 989,500          55,040,938
Limited, Inc.                                    135,000           3,180,938
Lowe's Companies+                                 30,000           1,246,877
Republic Industries, Inc.                        343,457          10,131,982
The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack+                 35,476             892,211
Toys "R" Us, Inc.*                               121,325           4,132,633
Unifi, Inc.                                       50,000           1,921,875
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   96,376,748
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Specialty Chemicals and Materials -- 3.3%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corning, Inc.                                    125,000      $    5,640,625
Dexter Corp.                                      47,829           1,877,288
Ecolab, Inc.                                     678,768          32,283,903
Great Lakes Chemical Corp.                        62,780           2,950,660
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.         148,101           7,164,386
International Specialty Products, Inc.            59,000             881,313
Lam Research Corp.*                               83,000           2,998,375
Memtec Ltd. ADR                                   77,500           2,557,500
Millipore Corp.                                  626,440          24,509,465
Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.              26,288           2,405,352
Nalco Chemical Co.                               196,020           7,840,800
Pall Corp.                                       216,000           4,468,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   95,578,167
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tobacco -- 0.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philip Morris Cos., Inc.                          30,000      $    1,188,750
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.             5,731             241,418
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    1,430,168
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transportation -- 0.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coach USA, Inc.*                                  94,666      $    2,816,314
Coach USA, Inc.+*                                 74,223           2,204,822
CSX Corp.                                          9,970             545,234
Heartland Express+*                              250,000           6,864,688
Union Pacific Corp.                               93,140           5,704,825
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   18,135,883
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trucks and Parts -- 0.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paccar, Inc.                                      46,602      $    2,100,003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $    2,100,003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Common Stocks
  (identified cost $1,718,891,645)                            $2,769,653,213
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Preferred Stocks -- 0.8%
Entertainment -- 0.8%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time Warner, Inc., Series J+(1)                  166,978      $   21,507,334
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $   21,507,334
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Financial - Miscellaneous -- 0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American General Corp., Series D                  21,474      $      946,198
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $      946,198
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance -- 0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna, Inc., Series C                                449      $       32,216
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              $       32,216
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
  (identified cost $18,414,229)                               $   22,485,748
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Paper -- 4.3%
                                             Face Amount
Name of Company                             (000 omitted)      Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Electric Capital Corp., 5.68%, 11/3/97   $74,713      $   74,677,636
Prudential Funding Corp., 5.56%, 11/5/97          48,000          47,948,083
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Commercial Paper
  (identified cost $122,625,719)                              $  122,625,719
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments -- 101.5%
  (identified cost $1,859,931,593)                            $2,914,764,680
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Assets, Less Liabilities -- (1.5)%
                                                              $  (43,318,862)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets -- 100.0%
                                                              $2,871,445,818
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADR -- American Depositary Receipt.
  + Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Rule 145 of the
    Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions
    exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At
    October 31, 1997, the value of these securities amounted to $224,896,884 or
    7.8% of net assets.
  * Non-income producing security.
(1) Security valued using methods determined in good faith by or at the
    direction of the Trustees.

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As of October 31, 1997

Assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Investments, at value (Note 1A)
  (identified cost, $1,859,931,593)                           $2,914,764,680
Cash                                                                 113,692
Receivable for investments sold                                       70,718
Dividends and interest receivable                                  2,515,939
Tax reclaim receivable                                                38,097
Prepaid expenses                                                      97,457
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1C)                               6,704
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                                  $2,917,607,287
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for investments purchased                             $   46,013,234
Payable to affiliate --
  Trustees' fees (Note 2)                                              2,487
Accrued expenses                                                     145,748
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                             $   46,161,469
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets applicable to investors' interest in Portfolio     $2,871,445,818
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources of Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net proceeds from capital contributions and withdrawals       $1,816,612,731
Net unrealized appreciation of investments
  (computed on the basis of identified cost)                   1,054,833,087
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                         $2,871,445,818
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended
October 31, 1997

Investment Income (Note 1F)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $207,276)         $   21,074,140
Interest income                                                    3,332,220
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income                                                  $   24,406,360
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment adviser fee (Note 2)                               $    9,455,900
Compensation of Trustees not members of the 
  Investment Adviser's organization (Note 2)                          27,835
Custodian fee                                                        358,840
Legal and accounting services                                         87,829
Dividends on securities sold short (Note 1E)                          17,000
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1C)                        7,726
Miscellaneous                                                         51,615
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                $   10,006,745
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income                                         $   14,399,615
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) --
  Investment transactions (identified cost basis)             $   51,570,685
  Securities sold short                                            1,066,894
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain on investments                              $   52,637,579
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) --
  Investment transactions (identified cost basis)             $  375,109,348
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
  of investments                                              $  375,109,348
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments               $  427,746,927
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets from operations                    $  442,146,542
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   CONT'D
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

Increase (Decrease)                             Year Ended     Period Ended
in Net Assets                                   October 31,      October 31,
                                                      1997             1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From operations --
  Net investment income                     $   14,399,615     $  3,104,708
  Net realized gain on investments              52,637,579        9,582,500
  Net change in unrealized appreciation
    (depreciation) of investments              375,109,348       70,637,961
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets from operations  $  442,146,542     $ 83,325,169
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital transactions --
  Contributions                             $1,907,707,281     $871,076,582
  Withdrawals                                 (415,207,575)     (17,702,191)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets from capital
  transactions                              $1,492,499,706     $853,374,391
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets                  $1,934,646,248     $936,699,560
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of period                      $  936,799,570     $    100,010
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                            $2,871,445,818     $936,799,570
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* For the period from the start of business, December 1, 1995, to October 31,
  1996.

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio as of October 31, 1997

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplementary Data

                                                Year Ended     Period Ended
                                                October 31,      October 31,
                                                      1997             1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ratios to average daily net assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses                                             0.56%            0.66%+
Net investment income                                0.81%            0.91%+
Portfolio Turnover                                     14%               6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)       $2,871,446         $936,800
Average commission rate (per share)(1)         $   0.0582         $ 0.0585
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  + Annualized.
  * For the period from the start of business, December 1, 1995, to October 31,
    1996.
(1) Average commission rate paid is computed by dividing the total dollar amount
    of commissions paid during the fiscal year by the t otal number of shares
    purchased and sold during the fiscal year for which commissions were
    charged.

                       See notes to financial statements
<PAGE>

Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio as of October 31, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Significant Accounting Policies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio (the Portfolio) is registered under the
  Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, 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 from the start of
  business, December 1, 1995 to October 31, 1996, additional investors
  contributed securities with a value of $639,241,121, including unrealized
  appreciation of $512,467,715. During the year ended October 31, 1997,
  additional investors contributed securities with a value of $860,796,038. The
  following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
  followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements. The
  polices 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 Securities Sold Short -- The Portfolio may sell securities short where it
  owns an equal amount of the security sold short or another security
  convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short.
  The Portfolio may do this in anticipation of a decline in the market price of
  the securities or in order to hedge portfolio positions. The Portfolio will
  generally borrow the security sold in order to make delivery to the buyer.
  Upon executing the transaction, the Portfolio records the proceeds as deposits
  with brokers in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and establishes an
  offsetting payable for securities sold short for the securities due on
  settlement. The security sold short is segregated as collateral for the short
  position. The liability is marked to market and the Portfolio is required to
  pay the lending broker any dividend or interest income earned while the short
  position is open. A gain or loss is realized when the security is delivered to
  the broker. The Portfolio may recognize a loss on the transaction if the
  market value of the securities sold increases before the securities are
  delivered.

  F 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.

  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 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 reflected 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 year ended October 31, 1997 the adviser fee was 0.53% 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 year ended October 31, 1997, 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 $831,449,166 and $172,736,800, respectively. In addition,
  investments having an aggregate market value of $70,856,186 at dates of
  withdrawal were distributed in payment for capital withdrawals resulting in
  capital gains for book purposes of $63,185,375.

4 Federal Income Tax Basis of Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of the
  investments owned at October 31, 1997, as computed on a federal income tax
  basis, are as follows:

  Aggregate cost                                             $1,859,931,593
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Gross unrealized appreciation                              $1,056,938,628
  Gross unrealized depreciation                                  (2,105,541)
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net unrealized appreciation                                $1,054,833,087
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, 1997.

6 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 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. The Portfolio did not have any significant borrowings or allocated
  fees during the year ended October 31, 1997.
<PAGE>

Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio as of October 31, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 (the Portfolio) as
of October 31, 1997, the related statement of operations for the year then
ended, and the statements of changes in net assets, and the supplementary data
for the year ended October 31, 1997 and 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 audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and supplementary
data are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies
were not received from brokers, we performed other audit procedures. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and supplementary data referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Portfolio, as of October 31, 1997, and the results of its operations, the
changes in its net assets and its supplementary data for the respective stated
periods, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                          DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
                                          Boston, Massachusetts
                                          December 5, 1997

<PAGE>
EV Classic Tax-Managed Growth Fund as of October 31, 1997

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

EV Marathon Tax-Managed Growth Fund

          <S>                                       <C>
          Officers                                  Independent Trustees

          M. DOZIER GARDNER                         DONALD R. DWIGHT
          President and Trustee                     President, Dwight Partners, Inc.
                                                    Chairman, Newspapers of New England, Inc.

          JAMES B. HAWKES
          Vice President and Trustee                SAMUEL L. HAYES, III
                                                    Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment
                                                    Banking, Harvard University Graduate School of
          WILLIAM H. AHERN, JR.                     Business Administration
          Vice President
                                                    NORTON H. REAMER
          THOMAS J. FRETTER                         President and Director, United Asset
          Vice President                            Management Corporation

          MICHAEL B. TERRY                          JOHN L. THORNDIKE
          Vice President                            Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated

          JAMES L. O'CONNOR                         JACK L. TREYNOR
          Treasurer                                 Investment Adviser and Consultant

          ALAN R. DYNNER
          Secretary


Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio

          Officers                                  Trustees

          JAMES B. HAWKES                           LANDON T. CLAY
          President

          DUNCAN W. RICHARDSON                      DONALD R. DWIGHT
          Vice President and                        President, Dwight Partners, Inc.
          Portfolio Manager                         Chairman, Newspapers of New England, Inc.

          JAMES L. O'CONNOR                         SAMUEL L. HAYES, III
          Treasurer                                 Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment
                                                    Banking, Harvard University Graduate School of
          ALAN R. DYNNER                            Business Administration
          Secretary     
                                                    NORTON H. REAMER
                                                    President and Director, United Asset
                                                    Management Corporation

                                                    JOHN L. THORNDIKE
                                                    Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated

                                                    JACK L. TREYNOR
                                                    Investment Adviser and Consultant
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT ADVISOR OF
TAX-MANAGED GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Boston Management and Research
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110


ADMINISTRATOR OF
EV CLASSIC 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
200 Clarendon Street, 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02116


TRANSFER AGENT
FIRST DATA INVESTOR SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Attention:  Eaton Vance Funds
P.O. Box 5123
Westborough, MA 01581-5123


Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
125 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110


EV CLASSIC TAX-MANAGED GROWTH FUND
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110


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

                                                                   C-TMGSA-12/97



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