EATON VANCE MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST
N-30D, 1998-08-21
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<PAGE>


[LOGO OF EATON VANCE     Investing
 APPEARS HERE]
                         for the

                         21st                              [PHOTO OF STATUTE OF
                                                           LIBERTY APPEARS HERE]
                         Century(R)




     Semiannual Report June 30, 1998


                                   EATON VANCE

[PHOTO OF ROMAN TEMPLE STYLE       GOVERNMENT 
 APPEARS HERE]
                                   OBLIGATIONS 

                                      FUND




                                   Eaton Vance
                      Global Management-Global Distribution



[PHOTO OF U.S. FLAG APPEARS HERE]
<PAGE>

Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund as of June 30, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT UPDATE
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[PHOTO OF SUSAN SCHIFF APPEARS HERE]

Susan Schiff,
Portfolio Manager



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

 . Despite continued strong economic growth in the six months ended June 30,
  inflation remained well under control. Reflecting the tame inflation outlook,
  interest rates declined slightly, with three-year Treasury bond yields falling
  from 5.67% on December 31 to 5.50% on June 30.

 . To date, 1998 has been one of the most difficult years on record for the
  mortgage securities (MBS) market, characterized by an unusually large widening
  of yield spreads - the yield differential of mortgage securities over Treasury
  bonds. Generic MBS spreads have widened as much as 50 basis points, causing
  returns to lag those of Treasuries with comparable maturities.

 . The seasoned sector of the MBS market - the Portfolio's primary investment
  universe - was not immune from the decline, as investors feared a rise in
  prepayment rates. Nonetheless, seasoned prepay rates remained well below those
  of generic MBS.

The Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Performance for the Past Six Months

 . The Fund's Class A shares had a total return of 2.1% during the six months
  ended June 30, 1998./1/ This return resulted from a decrease in net asset
  value per share (NAV) to $10.44 on June 30, 1998 from $10.62 on December 31,
  1997, and the reinvestment of $0.399 in dividends.

 . The Fund's Class B shares had a total return of 1.6% during the six months
  ended June 30, 1998./1/ This return resulted from a decrease in NAV to $8.98
  on June 30, 1998 from $9.14 on December 31, 1997, and the reinvestment of
  $0.309 in dividends.

 . The Fund's Class C shares had a total return of 1.8% during the six months
  ended June 30, 1998./1/ This return resulted from a decrease in NAV to $8.99
  on June 30, 1998 from $9.13 on December 31, 1997, and the reinvestment of
  $0.305 in dividends.

  Management Discussion

 . Mortgage securities typically lag the Treasury market in a declining rate
  environment. Not surprisingly, the widening of quality spreads constrained the
  Fund's performance during the six-month period. The Fund was also negatively
  impacted by the underperformance of the short end of the yield curve. As an
  indication of that underperformance, yields for three-year bonds declined only
  17 basis points while 30-year Treasury bonds yields fell nearly 28 basis
  points.

 . The seasoned MBS sector was hurt by the anticipation of sharply rising
  prepayment rates. In fact, while generic prepayment rates surged to more than
  40%, seasoned prepay rates - at their peak - remained a modest 20%. Given the
  unwarranted market reaction, management has viewed the recent correction as an
  attractive buying opportunity within the seasoned
  segment of the market.

 . The majority (55%) of the Portfolio's investments remained in seasoned
  low-coupon MBS. These low interest rate mortgages provide relatively stable
  cash flows, and borrowers have little incentive to refinance.

 . Another major segment of the Portfolio (27%) was invested in seasoned
  high-coupon MBS. With coupons in the 12-to-16% range, these securities
  provided a significant yield advantage over Treasury securities with similar
  maturities.

 . The Portfolio had a duration of 2.6 years at June 30. That was slightly
  shorter than the Fund's 3.3-year duration at December 31 and at the low end of
  the Fund's duration range. Duration is a measure of interest rate sensitivity
  that factors average maturity and future cash flows. The adjustment occurred
  in March and was a response to increasing signs of strength in the economy.

 . The Lehman Brothers Intermediate Government Bond Index/2/ - an unmanaged index
  of intermediate-maturity U.S. government bond issues - had a total return of
  3.4% during the period.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Information
as of June 30, 1998


Performance/3/                                     Class A     Class B   Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Average Annual Total Returns (at net asset value)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year                                            6.5%        5.7%     5.6%

Five Years                                          5.5         N.A.     N.A.

Ten Years                                           7.8         N.A.     N.A.

Life of Fund+                                       8.8         4.9      4.7

SEC Average Annual Total Returns (including sales charge or applicable CDSC)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year                                            1.4%        0.7%     4.6%

Five Years                                          4.5         N.A.     N.A.

Ten Years                                           7.3         N.A.     N.A.

Life of Fund+                                       8.5         4.6      4.7


+Inception dates: Class A: 8/24/84; Class B & Class C: 11/1/93


/1/ These returns do not include the 4.75% maximum sales charge for the Fund's
    Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC)
    for the Fund's Class B and Class C shares. /2/ It is not possible to invest
    directly in an Index. /3/ Returns are historical and are calculated by
    determining the percentage change in net asset value with all distributions
    reinvested. SEC average annual returns for Class A reflect a 4.75% sales
    charge; for Class B, returns reflect applicable CDSC based on the following
    schedule: 5%-1st and 2nd years; 4%-3rd year; 3%-4th year; 2%-5th year; 1%-
    6th year; for Class C, the one-year return reflects a 1% 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.

                                        2


<PAGE>

Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities


As of June 30, 1998
Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment in Government Obligations Portfolio,
     at value (identified cost, $408,512,358)                     $ 426,171,462

Receivable for Fund shares sold                                         411,244

Deferred organization expenses                                            3,253
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                                      $ 426,585,959
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Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends payable                                                 $   1,246,606

Payable for Fund shares redeemed                                        755,874

Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees                                   1,943

Other accrued expenses                                                  238,083
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Total liabilities                                                 $   2,242,506
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Net Assets                                                        $ 424,343,453
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Sources of Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paid-in capital                                                   $ 478,122,709

Accumulated net realized loss from Portfolio
    (computed on the basis of identified cost)                      (70,255,682)

Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income         (1,182,678)

Net unrealized appreciation from Portfolio
    (computed on the basis of identified cost)                       17,659,104
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                             $ 424,343,453
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Class A Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets                                                        $ 273,062,481

Shares Outstanding                                                   26,167,917

Net Asset Value and Redemption Price Per Share
    (net assets / shares of beneficial interest outstanding)
                                                                  $       10.44
Maximum Offering Price Per Share
    (100 / 95.25 of $10.44)                                       $       10.96
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Class B Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets                                                         $116,452,698

Shares Outstanding                                                   12,972,143

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share
    (net assets / shares of beneficial interest outstanding)       $       8.98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Class C Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets                                                         $ 34,828,274

Shares Outstanding                                                    3,873,275

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share
    (net assets / shares of beneficial interest outstanding)       $       8.99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On sales of $25,000 or more, the offering price of Class A shares is reduced.



Statement of Operations


For the Six Months Ended

June 30, 1998

Investment Income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest allocated from Portfolio                                  $ 19,875,484

Expenses allocated from Portfolio                                    (2,044,936)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income from Portfolio                               $ 17,830,548
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustees fees and expenses                                         $      1,162

Distribution and service fees

    Class A                                                             356,185

    Class B                                                             603,296

    Class C                                                             182,703

Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees                             218,045

Registration fees                                                        41,122

Printing and postage                                                     25,519

Custodian fee                                                            18,091

Legal and accounting services                                             9,918

Amortization of organization expenses                                     4,668

Miscellaneous                                                            19,441
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                     $  1,480,150
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Net investment income                                              $ 16,350,398
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Realized and Unrealized

Gain (Loss) from Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) --

    Investment transactions (identified cost basis)                $ (3,338,016)
       
    Financial futures contracts                                      (1,826,886)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized loss                                                  $ (5,164,902)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) --

    Investments                                                    $ (2,874,782)

    Financial futures contracts                                          41,350
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)               $ (2,833,432)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net realized and unrealized loss                                   $ (7,998,334)
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Net increase in net assets from operations                         $  8,352,064
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                       See notes to financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>


Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund  as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Statements of Changes in Net Assets



                                          Six Months Ended   
Increase (Decrease)                       June 30, 1998       Year Ended     
in Net Assets                             (Unaudited)         December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From operations --
    Net investment income                   $  16,350,398        $  21,973,623
    Net realized loss                          (5,164,902)          (4,427,703)
    Net change in unrealized                                   
       appreciation (depreciation)             (2,833,432)           2,763,952
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net                                            
    assets from operations                  $   8,352,064        $  20,309,872
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders --
    From net investment income
       Class A                              $ (10,889,971)       $ (21,945,228)
       Class B                                 (4,070,477)                  --
       Class C                                 (1,240,906)                  --
    From tax return of capital
       Class A                                         --             (174,478)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions to shareholders         $ (16,201,354)       $ (22,119,706)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transactions in shares of
    beneficial interest --
    Proceeds from sale of shares
       Class A                              $  64,856,788        $  85,503,535
       Class B                                 29,547,789                  --
       Class C                                  5,816,410                  --
    Net asset value of                                         
       shares issued to                                        
       shareholders in                                         
       payment of                                              
       distributions declared                                  
       Class A                                  4,769,217            9,983,362
       Class B                                  1,615,475                   --
       Class C                                    684,208                   --
    Cost of shares redeemed
       Class A                                (68,199,786)        (119,859,247)
       Class B                                (34,425,077)                 --
       Class C                                 (7,633,461)                 --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in net assets from Fund
    share transactions                      $  (2,968,437)       $ (24,372,350)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contribution from EV Marathon and
    EV Classic Government                       
    Obligations Funds                       $ 158,379,953        $          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
Net increase (decrease) in net assets       $ 147,562,226        $ (26,182,184)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                          Six Months Ended            
                                          June 30, 1998       Year Ended 
Net Assets                                (Unaudited)         December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of period                      $ 276,781,227        $ 302,963,411
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At end of period                            $ 424,343,453        $ 276,781,227
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Accumulated
distributions in excess
of net investment income
included in net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                            $  (1,182,678)       $    (916,967)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       4
<PAGE>

Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Financial Highlights

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Six Months Ended                         Year Ended December 31,
                                                     June 30,  1998          ------------------------------------------------------
                                                       (Unaudited)             1997       1996       1995      1994     1993
                                              -----------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------
                                              Class A    Class B   Class C    Class A    Class A    Class A   Class A   Class A 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>     
Net asset value--Beginning of period          $ 10.620   $  9.140  $  9.130   $ 10.680   $ 11.020   $ 10.420  $ 11.480  $ 11.380
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Income (loss) from operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income                         $  0.399   $  0.308  $  0.321   $  0.799   $  0.810   $  0.807  $  0.805  $  0.919
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)         (0.182)    (0.160)   (0.157)    (0.051)    (0.340)     0.603    (1.029)    0.106
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income (loss) from operations           $  0.217   $  0.148  $  0.164   $  0.748   $  0.470   $  1.410  $ (0.224) $  1.025
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Less distributions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net investment income                    $ (0.397)  $ (0.308) $ (0.304)  $ (0.801)  $ (0.810)  $ (0.810) $ (0.805) $ (0.919)
In excess of net investment income                  --         --        --         --         --         --    (0.031)   (0.006)
From tax return of capital                          --         --        --     (0.007)        --         --        --        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions                           $ (0.397)  $ (0.308) $ (0.304)  $ (0.808)  $ (0.810)  $ (0.810) $ (0.836) $ (0.925)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net asset value--End of period                $ 10.440   $  8.980  $  8.990   $ 10.620   $ 10.680   $ 11.020  $ 10.420  $ 11.480
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Return (1)                                  2.08%      1.64%     1.83%      7.26%      4.52%     13.97%    (2.03)%    9.26%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ratios/Supplemental Data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)     $273,062   $116,453  $ 34,828   $276,781   $302,963   $359,738  $386,186  $503,150
Ratios (As a percentage of average daily 
 net assets):
     Expenses (2)                                 1.32%+     2.08%+    2.12%+     1.24%      1.16%      1.16%     1.17%     1.12%
     Net investment income                        7.65%+     6.84%+    7.14%+     7.57%      7.59%      7.53%     7.70%     7.86%
Portfolio turnover (3)                              --         --        --         --         --         --        --        52%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

+     Annualized.

(1)   Total return is calculated assuming a purchase at the net asset value
      on the first day and a sale at the net asset value on the last day of
      each period reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed
      reinvested at the net asset value on the reinvestment date. Total
      return is not computed on an annualized basis.

(2)   Includes the Fund's share of its Portfolio's allocated expenses.

(3)   Portfolio Turnover represents the rate of portfolio activity for the
      period while the Fund was making investments directly in securities.
      The portfolio turnover rate for the period since the Fund transferred
      all of its investable assets to the Portfolio is shown in the
      Portfolio's financial statements which are included elsewhere in this
      report.

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund as of June 30, 1998 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)







1  Significant Accounting Policies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund (the Fund) is a diversified entity of
   the type commonly known as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered
   under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end
   management investment company. The Fund is a series of Eaton Vance Mutual
   Funds Trust. The Fund offers three classes of shares. Class A shares are sold
   subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class B and Class
   C shares are sold at net asset value and are subject to a contingent deferred
   sale charge (see Note 7). All classes of shares have equal rights to assets
   and voting privileges. Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net
   investment income, other than class specific expenses, are allocated daily to
   each class of shares based on the relative net assets of each class to the
   total net assets of the Fund. Each class of shares differs in its
   distribution plan and certain other class specific expenses. The Fund invests
   all of its investable assets in interests in the Government Obligations
   Portfolio (the Portfolio), a New York Trust, having the same investment
   objective as the Fund. The value of the Fund's investment in the Portfolio
   reflects the Fund's proportionate interest in the net assets of the Portfolio
   (100.0% at June 30, 1998). The performance of the Fund is directly affected
   by the performance of the Portfolio. The financial statements of the
   Portfolio, including the portfolio of investments, are included elsewhere in
   this report and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's financial
   statements.

   The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
   followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The
   policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

   A Investment 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.

   C Federal Taxes -- The Fund's policy is to comply with the provisions of the
   Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
   distribute to shareholders each year all of its taxable income, including any
   net realized gain on investments. Accordingly, no
   provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary.
   At December 31, 1997, the Fund, for federal income tax purposes, had a
   capital loss carryover of $50,147,204 which will reduce the Fund's taxable
   income arising from future net realized gain on investment transactions, 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 tax. A
   portion of such capital loss carryovers were acquired through the Fund
   Reorganization (see Note 8) and may be subject to certain limitations. Such
   capital loss carryovers will expire on December 31, 1998 ($6,941,299),
   December 31, 1999 ($1,545,746), December 31, 2000 ($5,952,987), December 31,
   2001 ($70,869), December 31, 2002 ($17,954,518), December 31, 2003
   ($2,688,390), December 31, 2004 ($10,207,058), and December 31, 2005
   ($4,786,337).

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

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

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

2 Distributions to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The net income of the Fund is determined daily and substantially all of the
   net income so determined is declared as a dividend to shareholders of record
   at the time

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

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D




   of declaration. Distributions are paid monthly. Distributions of allocated
   realized capital gains, if any, are made at least annually. Shareholders may
   reinvest capital gain distributions in additional shares of the Fund at the
   net asset value as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions are paid in the
   form of additional shares 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 over-distributions for financial statement
   purposes only are classified as distributions in excess of net investment
   income or accumulated net realized gain on investments. Permanent differences
   between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to
   paid-in capital.

3  Shares of Beneficial Interest
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The 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:

                                        Six Months      
                                        Ended                 Year Ended
                                        June 30, 1998         December 31, 1997
Class A                                 (Unaudited)     
                                                           
Sales                                        6,128,262                8,049,910

Issued to shareholders electing
  to receive payments of
  distributions in Fund shares                 451,877                  940,639

Redemptions                                 (6,485,292)             (11,297,910)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)                         94,847               (2,307,361)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                               Six Months Ended
                                                               June 30, 1998
Class B                                                         (Unaudited)

Sales                                                                 3,261,797

Issued to shareholders electing to receive payments of
  distributions in Fund shares                                          177,945
Redemptions                                                          (3,804,077)
Issued to EV Marathon
  Government                                                         13,336,478
  Obligations Fund
  Shareholders
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase                                                         12,972,143
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Six Months Ended
                                                                June 30, 1998
Class C                                                           (Unaudited)

Sales                                                                   640,522

Issued to shareholders electing to
  receive payment of distributions in                                    75,421
  Fund shares
Redemptions                                                            (843,136)
Issued to EV Classic
  Government                                                          4,000,468
  Obligations Fund
  Shareholders
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase                                                          3,873,275
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4  Investment Transactions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Increases and decreases in the Fund's investment in the Portfolio for the six
   months ended June 30, 1998, aggregated $104,875,594 and $121,643,319,
   respectively.

5  Transactions with Affiliates
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Eaton Vance Management (EVM) serves as the administrator of the Fund, but
   receives no compensation. The Portfolio has engaged Boston Management and
   Research (BMR), a subsidiary of EVM, to render investment advisory services.
   See Note 3 of the Portfolio's Notes to Financial Statements which are
   included elsewhere in this report. Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD), a
   subsidiary of EVM and the Fund's principal underwriter, received $14,889 as
   its portion of the sales charge on sales of Class A shares for the period
   ended June 30, 1998. Certain of the officers and Trustees of the Fund and
   Portfolio are officers and trustees of the above organizations. Except as to
   Trustees of the Fund and the Portfolio who are not members of EVM's of BMR's
   organization, officers and Trustees receive remuneration for their services
   to the Fund out of the investment adviser fee earned by BMR.

6  Distribution and Service Plans
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Fund has adopted distribution plans (Class B Plan and Class C Plan, the
   Plans) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and a
   service plan (Class A Plan). The Plans require the Fund to pay the Principal
   Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD) amounts equal to 1/365 of
   0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B and
   Class C shares for providing ongoing distribution services and facilities to
   the Fund. The Fund will automatically discontinue payments to EVD during any
   period in which there are no outstanding Uncovered Distribution Charges,
   which are equivalent to the sum of (i) 5.00% and 6.25% of the aggregate
   amount received by the Fund for the Class B and Class C shares sold,
   respectively, plus (ii) distribution fees calculated by applying the rate of
   1% over the prevailing prime rate to the outstanding balance of Uncovered


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund as of June 30, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D


   Distribution Charges of EVD of each respective class reduced by the aggregate
   amount of contingent deferred sales charges (see Note 7) and daily amounts
   theretofore paid to EVD by each respective class. The Fund paid or accrued
   $444,989 and $137,027 for Class B and Class C shares, respectively, for the
   six months ended June 30, 1998, to or payable to EVD representing 0.75%
   (annualized) of average daily net assets for Class B and Class C shares. At
   June 30, 1998, the amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges of EVD calculated
   under the Plan was approximately $4,178,000 and $9,182,000 for Class B and
   Class C shares, respectively.

   In addition, the Plans authorize the Fund to make payments of service fees to
   the Principal Underwriter, Authorized Firms and other persons in amounts not
   exceeding 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class
   A (Service Plan), Class B and Class C shares for each fiscal year. The
   Trustees have initially implemented the Plans by authorizing the Fund to make
   quarterly service fee payments 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 attributable to Class A and Class B shares based on the
   value of Fund shares sold by such persons and remaining outstanding for at
   least twelve months. The Class C Plan permits the Fund to make monthly
   payments of service fees in amounts not expected to exceed 0.25% of the
   Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares for any fiscal
   year. Such payments are made for personal services and/or the maintenance of
   shareholder accounts. Service fees are separate and distinct from the sales
   commissions and distributions fees payable by the Fund to EVD, and as such
   are not subject to automatic discontinuance when there are no outstanding
   Uncovered Distribution Charges of EVD. Service fee payments for the six
   months ended June 30, 1998 amounted to $356,185, $158,307 and $45,676 for
   Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively.

7  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   A contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is imposed on any redemption of
   Class B shares made within six years of purchase. A CDSC of 1% is imposed on
   any redemption of Class C shares made within one year of purchase. Generally,
   the CDSC is based upon the lower of the net asset value at date of redemption
   or date of purchase. No charge is levied on shares acquired by reinvestment
   of dividends or capital gain distributions. The Class B CDSC is imposed at
   declining rates that begin at 5% in the first and second year of redemption
   after purchase, declining one percentage point in each subsequent year. Class
   C shares will be subject to a 1% CDSC if redeemed within one year of
   purchase. No CDSC is levied on shares which have been sold to EVM or its
   affiliates or to their respective employees or clients. CDSC charges are paid
   to EVD to reduce the amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges calculated
   under the Fund's Distribution Plans (see Note 6). CDSC charges received when
   no Uncovered Distribution Charges exist will be credited to the Fund. EVD
   received approximately $264,000 and $3,000 of CDSC paid by shareholders for
   Class B shares and Class C shares, respectively for the six months ended June
   30, 1998.

8  Transfer of Net Assets
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   On January 1, 1998, EV Traditional Government Obligations Fund acquired the
   net assets of the EV Marathon Government Obligations Fund and EV Classic
   Government Obligations Fund pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of
   Reorganization dated June 23, 1997. In accordance with the agreement, EV
   Traditional Government Obligations Fund, at the closing, issued 13,336,478
   Class B shares and 4,000,468 Class C shares of the Fund having an aggregate
   value of $121,843,468 and $36,536,485, respectively. As a result, the Fund
   issued one Class B share and one Class C share for each share of EV Marathon
   Government Obligations Fund and EV Classic Government Obligations Fund,
   respectively. The transaction was structured for tax purposes to qualify as a
   tax free reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code. The EV Marathon
   Government Obligations Fund's and EV Classic Government Obligations Fund's
   net assets at the date of the transaction were $121,843,468 and $36,536,485,
   respectively, including $2,093,697 and $(697,901) of unrealized appreciation
   (depreciation). Directly after the merger, the combined net assets of the
   Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund (formerly "EV Traditional Government
   Obligations Fund") were $435,161,180 with a net asset value of $10.62, $9.14
   and $9.13 for Class A, Class B and Class C, respectively.

9  Name Change
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Effective January 1, 1998, EV Traditional Government Obligations Fund changed
   its name to Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund.


                                       8

<PAGE>
 
Government Obligations Portfolio as of June 30, 1998

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)



Mortgage Pass-throughs -- 94.6%

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                              
                                                     Principal                
                                                     Amount                   
                                                     (000's omitted)       Value 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C> 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.: 
     4.75%, with maturity at 2000                    $       2             $      1,878
     5.00%, with various maturities to 2003                271                  267,217
     5.25%, with various maturities to 2005                136                  134,210
     5.50%, with various maturities to 2011                499                  492,584
     6.00%, with various maturities to 2022              1,835                1,828,824
     6.25%, with various maturities to 2013                486                  485,620
     6.50%, with various maturities to 2022              5,895                5,937,059
     6.75%, with various maturities to 2008                478                  480,198
     7.00%, with various maturities to 2019              8,444                8,570,941
     7.25%, with maturity at 2003                          926                  938,563
     7.50%, with various maturities to 2020             10,599               10,886,052
     7.75%, with various maturities to 2018              2,514                2,591,966
     8.00%, with various maturities to 2026             36,731               38,123,021
     8.25%, with various maturities to 2013             16,380               17,024,451
     8.50%, with various maturities to 2018             13,529               14,166,625
     8.75%, with various maturities to 2016             15,000               15,784,028
     9.00%, with various maturities to 2020             21,821               23,136,198
     9.25%, with various maturities to 2010              6,951                7,485,514
     9.50%, with various maturities to 2016              3,985                4,263,850
     10.00%, with various maturities to 2017               186                  200,952
     11.00%, with various maturities to 2019             4,328                4,832,699
     12.00%, with various maturities to 2019             1,754                2,010,333
     12.25%, with various maturities to 2019             2,378                2,761,202
     12.50%, with various maturities to 2019            13,875               16,237,934
     12.75%, with various maturities to 2015               885                1,032,178
     13.00%, with various maturities to 2019             2,861                3,376,726
     13.25%, with various maturities to 2019               242                  287,442
     13.50%, with various maturities to 2015             3,505                4,135,710
     13.75%, with maturity at 2010                          26                   30,060
     14.00%, with various maturities to 2016             1,695                2,012,759
     14.50%, with various maturities to 2014               164                  195,454
     14.75%, with maturity at 2010                         657                  780,786
     15.00%, with various maturities to 2013               751                  914,695
     15.25%, with maturity at 2012                         143                  175,506
     15.50%, with various maturities to 2012               144                  175,769
     16.00%, with various maturities to 2012                73                   90,349
     16.25%, with various maturities to 2012               193                  238,923
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           $192,088,276
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                     Principal
                                                     Amount              
                                                     (000's omitted)       Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C> 
Federal National Mortgage Assn.:
     0.25%, with maturity at 2014                    $     126             $    109,123
     3.50%, with maturity at 2007                           87                   82,087
     4.50%, with maturity at 1999                            1                    1,377
     5.00%, with various maturities to 2017                445                  435,303
     5.25%, with various maturities to 2006                118                  115,078
     5.50%, with various maturities to 2006                188                  185,523
     5.75%, with maturity at 2003                           67                   66,416
     6.00%, with various maturities to 2010              1,077                1,070,702
     6.25%, with various maturities to 2007                328                  328,203
     6.50%, with various maturities to 2017                847                  855,315
     6.75%, with various maturities to 2007                611                  614,518
     7.00%, with various maturities to 2018              2,369                2,410,490
     7.25%, with various maturities to 2017              1,339                1,370,966
     7.50%, with various maturities to 2020              9,913               10,211,063
     7.75%, with various maturities to 2008                932                  961,500
     8.00%, with various maturities to 2017             27,600               28,764,112
     8.25%, with various maturities to 2020             11,514               12,009,060
     8.50%, with various maturities to 2020             20,959               22,024,101
     8.75%, with various maturities to 2017              1,058                1,116,363
     9.00%, with various maturities to 2020             11,246               11,965,331
     9.25%, with various maturities to 2016              3,377                3,622,289
     9.50%, with maturity at 2009                          219                  236,874
     9.75%, with maturity at 2019                          324                  354,703
     11.00%, with various maturities to 2019             2,015                2,269,172
     11.50%, with various maturities to 2016             4,591                5,238,109
     11.75%, with various maturities to 2015             1,551                1,774,430
     12.00%, with various maturities to 2020            10,033               11,545,943
     12.25%, with various maturities to 2015             2,422                2,817,001
     12.50%, with various maturities to 2027            12,216               14,250,760
     12.75%, with various maturities to 2014             1,199                1,399,618
     13.00%, with various maturities to 2019            10,209               12,156,350
     13.25%, with various maturities to 2015             1,683                1,998,611
     13.50%, with various maturities to 2015             3,445                4,141,618
     13.75%, with various maturities to 2014               127                  151,559
     14.00%, with various maturities to 2014               503                  601,470
     14.25%, with various maturities to 2014               156                  188,551
     14.50%, with various maturities to 2014               212                  255,733
     14.75%, with various maturities to 2012             2,975                3,646,608
     15.00%, with various maturities to 2013             2,478                3,055,350
     15.50%, with various maturities to 2012               740                  911,363
     15.75%, with maturity at 2011                          21                   26,314
     16.00%, with various maturities to 2012               251                  311,465
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           $165,650,522
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Government Obligations Portfolio as of June 30, 1998

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                     Principal
                                                     Amount
                                                     (000's omitted)       Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C> 
Government National Mortgage Assn.:
     6.50%, with various maturities to 2002          $     343             $    343,713
     7.25%, with various maturities to 2022              3,508                3,659,912
     7.50%, with maturity at 2017                          852                  901,149
     8.00%, with various maturities to 2017             15,049               15,776,299
     8.25%, with various maturities to 2008                405                  425,212
     8.50%, with various maturities to 2018              2,432                2,576,372
     9.00%, with maturity at 2011                          352                  378,738
     11.50%, with maturity at 2013                         187                  213,204
     12.00%, with various maturities to 2015             2,675                3,097,068
     12.50%, with various maturities to 2019            11,961               13,997,507
     13.00%, with various maturities to 2014               919                1,087,909
     13.50%, with various maturities to 2013               184                  218,641
     14.00%, with various maturities to 2015                86                  104,749
     14.50%, with various maturities to 2014               325                  400,611
     15.00%, with various maturities to 2013               476                  592,627
     16.00%, with various maturities to 2012               248                  314,236
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           $ 44,087,947
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations:
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
         Series B Class 3, 12.5%, due 2013
         Collateral 100% FHLMC PC                    $     135             $    144,060
     Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities II,
         Inc. 11.5%, due 2015                            1,045                1,110,040
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           $  1,254,100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs
     (identified cost, $398,946,345)                                       $403,080,845
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

U.S. Treasury Obligations -- 19.0%

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                     Principal
                                                     Amount               
                                                     (000's omitted)       Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C> 
U.S. Treasury Bond, 7.125%, 2/15/23 +                $   6,000             $  7,093,127
U.S. Treasury Bond, 12.00%, 8/15/13 ++                  50,000               74,132,799
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total U.S. Treasury Obligations
     (identified cost, $67,368,569)                                        $ 81,225,926
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments -- 113.6%
     (identified cost $466,314,914)                                        $484,306,771
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Assets, Less Liabilities -- (13.6)%                                  $(58,135,289)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets -- 100%                                                         $426,171,482
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
+  Security (or a portion thereof) has been pledged as collateral for futures
   contracts.

++ A portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 1998 (See Note 5).

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       10
<PAGE>

Government Obligations Portfolio as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities


As of June 30, 1998
Assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments, at value                                       
     (identified cost, $466,314,914)                         $   484,306,771
Cash                                                                     639
Receivable for investments sold                                    2,277,572
Interest receivable                                                6,019,592
Deferred organization expenses                                         1,251
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                                 $   492,605,825
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
                                                            
Liabilities                                                 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for investments purchased                            $       803,757
Demand note payable                                                3,312,000
Payable for daily variation margin on open                  
     financial futures contracts                                     132,197
Collateral for securities loaned                                  62,118,000
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees                               10,794
Other accrued expenses                                                57,595
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                            $    66,434,343
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets applicable to investors' interest in Portfolio    $   426,171,482
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
Sources of Net Assets                                       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net proceeds from capital contributions and withdrawals      $   408,505,343
Net unrealized appreciation (computed on the basis of             17,666,139
     identified cost)                                       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                        $   426,171,482
                                                            
                                                            
                                                            
Statement of Operations                                     
                                                            
For the Six Months                                          
Ended June 30, 1998                                         
Investment Income                                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest                                                     $    19,875,484
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment income                                      $    19,875,484
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
Expenses                                                    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment adviser fee                                       $     1,678,746
Trustees fees and expenses                                            17,201
Interest                                                             210,387
Custodian fee                                                        113,064
Legal and accounting services                                         15,228
Amortization of organization expenses                                  1,890
Miscellaneous                                                          8,420
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                               $     2,044,936
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
Net investment income                                        $    17,830,548
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and Unrealized                                     
Gain (Loss)                                                 
Net realized gain (loss) --                                 
     Investment transactions (identified cost basis)         $    (3,338,016)
     Financial futures contracts                                  (1,826,886)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized loss                                            $    (5,164,902)
                                                            
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) --         
     Investments (identified cost basis)                     $    (2,875,102)
     Financial futures contracts                                      41,669
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)         $    (2,833,433)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
Net realized and unrealized loss                             $    (7,998,335)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
Net increase in net assets from operations                   $     9,832,213
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        See note to financial statements

                                       11
<PAGE>

Government Obligations Portfolio as of June 30, 1998 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Statements of Changes in Net Assets



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

From operations --
     Net investment income             $    17,830,548         $     35,025,042
     Net realized loss                      (5,164,902)              (6,844,606)
     Net change in unrealized
         appreciation (depreciation)        (2,833,433)               4,415,017
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets
     from operations                   $     9,832,213         $     32,595,453
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital transactions --
     Contributions                     $   104,875,594         $    163,961,740
     Withdrawals                          (121,643,319)            (218,972,747)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in net assets from
     capital transactions              $   (16,767,725)        $    (55,011,007)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net decrease in net assets             $    (6,935,512)        $    (22,415,554)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At beginning of period                 $   433,106,994         $    455,522,548
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period                       $   426,171,482         $    433,106,994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       See notes to financial statements

                                       12
<PAGE>

Government Obligations Portfolio  as of June 30, 1998

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Supplementary Data


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     Six Months Ended                   Year Ended December 31,
                                                     June 30, 1998     ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     (Unaudited)        1997         1996         1995        1994        1993*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>   
Ratios to average daily net assets
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses                                                    0.92%+        0.83%        0.82%        0.82%       0.80%       0.86%+
Net investment income                                       8.03%+        7.95%        7.88%        7.82%       8.03%       8.46%+
Portfolio Turnover                                            21%           20%          11%          19%         35%         42%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)               $426,171      $433,107     $455,523     $521,789    $515,670    $537,297
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
+  Annualized.
*  For the period from the start of business, October 28, 1993, to
   December 31, 1993.

                       See notes to financial statements

                                      13

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



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

  A Investment Valuation -- Mortgage backed, "pass-through" securities are
  valued using an independent matrix pricing system applied by the adviser which
  takes into account closing bond valuations, yield differentials, anticipated
  prepayments and interest rates provided by dealers. Debt securities (other
  than mortgage backed, "pass-through" securities) are normally valued at the
  mean between the latest available bid and asked prices for securities for
  which the over-the-counter market is the primary market. Debt securities may
  also be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service.
  Options are valued at last sale price on a U.S. exchange or board of trade or,
  in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the last bid and asked price.
  Financial futures contracts listed on commodity exchanges are valued at
  closing settlement prices. Securities for which there is no such quotation or
  valuation are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by
  or at the direction of the Trustees. Short-term obligations having remaining
  maturities of less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which
  approximates value.

  B Income -- Interest income is determined on the basis of interest accrued and
  discount earned, adjusted for amortization of discount when required for
  federal income tax purposes.

  C Gains and Losses From Security Transactions -- For book purposes, gains or
  losses are not recognized until disposition. For federal tax purposes, the
  Portfolio has elected, under Section 1092 of the Internal Revenue Code, to
  utilize mixed straddle accounting for certain designated classes of activities
  involving options and financial futures contracts in determining recognized
  gains or losses. Under this method, Section 1256 positions (financial futures
  contracts and options on investments or financial futures contracts) and
  non-Section 1256 positions (bonds, etc.) are marked-to-market on a daily basis
  resulting in the recognition of taxable gains or losses on a daily basis. Such
  gains or losses are categorized as short-term or long-term based on
  aggregation rules provided in the Code.

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

  E Written Options -- Upon the writing of a call or a put option, an amount
  equal to the premium received by the Portfolio is included in the Statement of
  Assets and Liabilities as a liability. The amount of the liability is
  subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option
  written in accordance with the Portfolio's policies on investment valuations
  discussed above. Premiums received from writing options which expire are
  treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options which are
  exercised or are closed are added to or offset against the proceeds or amount
  paid on the transaction to determine the realized gain or loss. If a put
  option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities
  purchased by the Portfolio. The Portfolio, as writer of an option, may have no
  control over whether the underlying securities may be sold (call) or purchased
  (put) and, as a result, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the
  price of the securities underlying the written option.

  F Purchased Options -- Upon the purchase of a call or put option, the premium
  paid by the Portfolio is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
  as an investment. The amount of the investment is subsequently
  marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option purchased,
  in accordance with the Portfolio's policies on investment valuations discussed
  above. If an option which the Portfolio has purchased expires on the
  stipulated expiration date, the Portfolio will realize a loss in the amount of
  the cost of the option. If the Portfolio enters into a closing sale
  transaction, the Portfolio will realize a gain or

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Government Obligations Portfolio as of June 30, 1998

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D


  loss, depending on whether the sales proceeds from the closing sale
  transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If a Portfolio
  exercises a put option, it will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the
  underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the
  premium originally paid. If the Portfolio exercises a call option, the cost of
  the security which the Portfolio purchases upon exercise will be increased by
  the premium originally paid. For tax purposes, the Portfolio's options are
  generally subject to the mixed straddle rules described in Note 1C, and
  unrealized gains or losses are recognized on a daily basis.

  G Financial Futures Contracts -- Upon entering into a financial futures
  contract, the Portfolio is required to deposit an amount ("initial margin")
  either in cash or securities equal to a certain percentage of the purchase
  price indicated in the financial futures contract. Subsequent payments are
  made or received by the Portfolio ("margin maintenance") each day, dependent
  on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying securities, and are
  recorded for book purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Portfolio.

  If the Portfolio enters into a closing transaction, the Portfolio will
  realize, for book purposes, a gain or loss equal to the difference between the
  value of the financial futures contract to sell and the financial futures
  contract to buy. The Portfolio's investment in financial futures contracts is
  designed only to hedge against anticipated future changes in interest rates.
  Should interest rates move unexpectedly, the Portfolio may not achieve the
  anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a
  loss. For tax purposes, such futures contracts are generally subject to the
  mixed straddle rules described in Note 1C, and unrealized gains or losses are
  recognized on a daily basis.

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

  I Expense Reduction -- Investors Bank & Trust Company (IBT) serves as
  custodian of the Portfolio. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, IBT receives
  a fee reduced by the credits which are determined based on the average 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
  operating expense on the Statement of Operations.

  J Other -- Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the
  investments are purchased or sold.

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

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

2 Purchases and Sales of Investments
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Purchases, sales and paydowns of investments, other than short-term
  obligations, aggregated $102,388,990, $48,884,320 and $56,040,537,
  respectively.

3 Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The investment adviser fee, computed at the monthly rate of 0.0625% (0.75% per
  annum) of the Portfolio's average daily net assets up to $500 million and at
  reduced rates as daily net assets exceed that level, 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. For the six months ended June 30, 1998,
  the fee was equivalent to 0.75% (annualized) of the Portfolio's average net
  assets for such period and amounted to $1,678,746. Except as to Trustees of
  the Portfolio who are not members of EVM's or BMR's organization, officers and
  Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Portfolio out of such
  investment adviser fee. Certain of the officers and Trustees of the Portfolio
  are officers and directors/trustees of the above organizations. Trustees of
  the Portfolio that are not affiliated with the Investment Adviser may elect to
  defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees in accordance with
  the terms of the Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan. For the six months ended
  June 30, 1998, no significant amounts have been deferred.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Government Obligations Portfolio as of June 30, 1998 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

4 Line of Credit
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Portfolio participates with other portfolios and funds managed by BMR and
  EVM and its affiliates in a committed $100 million unsecured line of credit
  agreement with a group of banks. The Portfolio may temporarily borrow from the
  line of credit to satisfy redemption requests or settle investment
  transactions. Interest is charged to each portfolio or fund based on its
  borrowings at an amount above the Eurodollar rate or federal funds rate. In
  addition, a fee computed at an annual rate of 0.10% on the daily unused
  portion of the line of credit is allocated among the participating portfolios
  and funds at the end of each quarter. The average daily loan balance for the
  six months ended June 30, 1998 was $6,828,343 and the average interest rate
  was 6.2%. The maximum borrowing outstanding at any time during the six months
  ended June 30, 1998 was $33,665,000.

5 Securities Lending Agreement
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Portfolio has established a securities lending agreement with a broker in
  which the Portfolio lends portfolio securities to the broker in exchange for
  collateral consisting of either cash or U.S. government securities. Under the
  agreement, the Portfolio continues to earn interest on the securities loaned.
  Collateral received is generally cash, and the Portfolio invests the cash and
  receives any interest on the amount invested but it must also pay the broker a
  loan rebate fee computed as a varying percentage of the collateral received.
  The loan rebate fee paid by the Fund offsets a portion of the interest income
  received. At June 30, 1998, the value of the securities loaned and the value
  of the collateral amounted to approximately $59,000,000 and $62,000,000,
  respectively.

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


  Aggregate cost                                                   $481,618,804
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Gross unrealized appreciation                                    $  5,973,336

  Gross unrealized depreciation                                      (3,285,369)
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  Net unrealized appreciation                                      $  2,687,967
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7 Financial Instruments
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The Portfolio regularly trades 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 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 Fund 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.

  A summary of obligations under these financial instruments at June 30, 1998
  is as follows:


   Futures Contracts
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Expiration                                                  Net Unrealized  
   Date         Contracts                    Position          Depreciation
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   9/98         300 US Treasury Five Year
                Note Futures                 Short               $   (325,718)
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  At June 30, 1998, the Portfolio had sufficient cash and/or securities to cover
  margin requirements on any open futures contracts.

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

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT



Eaton Vance Government Obligations Fund

                    Officers                                             
                                                                         
                    M. Dozier Gardner                                    
                    President and Trustee                                
                                                                         
                    James B. Hawkes                                      
                    Vice President and Trustee                           
                                                                         
                    William H. Ahern, Jr.                                
                    Vice President                                       
                                                                         
                    Thomas J. Fetter                                     
                    Vice President                                       
                                                                         
                    Michael B. Terry                                     
                    Vice President                                       
                                                                         
                    James L. O'Connor                                    
                    Treasurer                                            
                                                                         
                    Alan R. Dynner                                       
                    Secretary                                            
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
                    Independent Trustees                                 
                                                                         
                    Donald R. Dwight                                     
                    President, Dwight Partners, Inc.                     
                                                                         
                    Samuel L. Hayes, III                                 
                    Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment              
                    Banking, Harvard University Graduate School of       
                    Business Administration                              
                                                                         
                    Norton H. Reamer                                     
                    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, United Asset   
                    Management Corporation                               
                                                                         
                    John L. Thorndike                                    
                    Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated    
                                                                         
                    Jack L. Treynor                                      
                    Investment Adviser and Consultant                    
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
Government Obligations Portfolio
                                                                         
                                                                         
                    Officers                                             
                                                                         
                    M. Dozier Gardner                                    
                    President and Trustee                                
                                                                         
                    James B. Hawkes                                      
                    Vice President and Trustee                           
                                                                         
                    Susan Schiff                                         
                    Vice President and                                   
                    Portfolio Manager                                    
                                                                         
                    Mark S. Venezia                                      
                    Vice President                                       
                                                                         
                    James L. O'Connor                                    
                    Treasurer                                            
                                                                         
                    Alan R. Dynner                                       
                    Secretary                                            
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
                    Independent Trustees                                 
                                                                         
                    Donald R. Dwight                                     
                    President, Dwight Partners, Inc.                     
                                                                         
                    Samuel L. Hayes, III                                 
                    Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment              
                    Banking, Harvard University Graduate School of       
                    Business Administration                              
                                                                         
                    Norton H. Reamer                                     
                    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, United Asset   
                    Management Corporation                               
                                                                         
                    John L. Thorndike                                    
                    Formerly Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated    
                                                                         
                    Jack L. Treynor                                      
                    Investment Adviser and Consultant                    
                                                                         
                            17                    
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<PAGE>
 
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<PAGE>


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

Administrator of Eaton Vance
Government Obligations Fund
Eaton Vance Management
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110

Principal Underwriter
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 482-8260

Custodian
Investors Bank & Trust Company
200 Clarendon Street, 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02116

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




Eaton Vance Government
Obligations 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      GOSRC-8/98




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