<PAGE>
EV TRADITIONAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPALS FUND
EV TRADITIONAL FLORIDA TAX FREE FUND
EV TRADITIONAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
EV TRADITIONAL NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUSES DATED NOVEMBER 25, 1994
EATON VANCE INCOME FUND OF BOSTON
SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 1, 1995
THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE IS ADDED TO "HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES" IN THE EV
TRADITIONAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPALS FUND, EV TRADITIONAL FLORIDA TAX FREE FUND, EV
TRADITIONAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND, AND EV TRADITIONAL NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
PROSPECTUSES:
Fund shares may be sold at net asset value where the amount invested
represents redemption proceeds from a mutual fund unaffiliated with
Eaton Vance, if the redemption occurred no more than 60 days prior to
the purchase of Fund shares and the redeemed shares were subject to a
sales charge.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING CHANGES (1-5) APPLY TO FUND SHARES PURCHASED ON
OR AFTER MARCH 27, 1995:
1. THE SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES TABLE UNDER "SHAREHOLDER AND FUND
EXPENSES" IS REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 3.75%
Sales Charges Imposed on Reinvested Distributions None
Redemption Fees None
Fees to Exchange Shares None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges Imposed on Redemptions None
Based on the Shareholder Transaction Expenses shown above and on the
total operating expenses shown in the relevant Prospectus, an investor would
pay expenses $10 less than the expenses for one year and three years shown
in the Example under "Shareholder and Fund Expenses".
2. THE FIRST PARAGRAPH UNDER "THE EATON VANCE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE" IS
REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH:
Shares of the Fund may currently be exchanged for shares of any of
the following funds: Eaton Vance Cash Management Fund, Eaton Vance
Income Fund of Boston, Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund L.P., Eaton Vance
Tax Free Reserves and any fund in the Eaton Vance Traditional Group of
Funds on the basis of the net asset value per share of each fund at the
time of the exchange (plus, in the case of an exchange made within six
months of the date of purchase, an amount equal to the difference, if
any, between the sales charge previously paid on the shares being
exchanged and the sales charge payable on the shares being acquired).
Such exchange offers are available only in states where shares of the
fund being acquired may be legally sold.
<PAGE>
3. THE SALES CHARGE AND DEALER COMMISSION TABLES UNDER "HOW TO BUY FUND
SHARES" ARE REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
The current sales charges and dealer commissions are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGE SALES CHARGE DEALER COMMISSION
AS PERCENTAGE OF AS PERCENTAGE OF AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 3.75% 3.90% 4.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 2.75% 2.83% 3.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 2.25% 2.30% 2.50%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.75% 1.78% 2.00%
$500,000 but less than
$1,000,000 1.25% 1.27% 1.50%
$1,000,000 or more 0.00%<F1> 0.00%<F1> 0.25%<F2>
<FN>
<F1> Fund shares purchased before March 27, 1995, at net asset value with no
initial sales charge by virtue of the purchase having been in the amount of
$1 million or more may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
upon redemption.
<F2> The Principal Underwriter may pay Authorized Firms that initiate and are
responsible for purchases of $1 million or more a commission at an annual
rate of 0.25% of average daily net assets paid quarterly for one year.
</TABLE>
4. IN THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE STATEMENT OF INTENTION AND THE RIGHT OF
ACCUMULATION UNDER "EATON VANCE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES," THE $100,000 AMOUNTS ARE
REPLACED BY $50,000 AMOUNTS.
5. REFERENCES TO A CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OR "CDSC" DO NOT APPLY
TO FUND SHARES PURCHASED ON OR AFTER MARCH 27, 1995.
March 27, 1995 T-11/94PS
<PAGE>
EV TRADITIONAL TAX FREE FUNDS
EV TRADITIONAL FLORIDA TAX FREE FUND
EV TRADITIONAL NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
THE EV TRADITIONAL TAX FREE FUNDS (THE "FUNDS") ARE MUTUAL FUNDS SEEKING TO
PROVIDE CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND THEIR
RESPECTIVE STATE TAXES DESCRIBED UNDER "THE FUNDS" INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES" IN
THIS PROSPECTUS. EACH FUND INVESTS ITS ASSETS IN A CORRESPONDING NON-
DIVERSIFIED OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANY (A "PORTFOLIO") HAVING THE SAME
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AS THE FUND, RATHER THAN BY DIRECTLY INVESTING IN AND
MANAGING ITS OWN PORTFOLIO OF SECURITIES AS WITH HISTORICALLY STRUCTURED MUTUAL
FUNDS. EACH FUND IS A SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST (THE "TRUST").
Shares of the Funds are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not
federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal
Reserve Board or any other government agency. Shares of the Funds involve
investment risks, including fluctuations in value and the possible loss of some
or all of the principal investment.
This combined Prospectus is designed to provide you with information you
should know before investing. Please retain this document for future reference.
A combined Statement of Additional Information dated November 25, 1994 for the
Funds, as supplemented from time to time, has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. This Statement of
Additional Information is available without charge from the Funds' Principal
Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110
(telephone (800) 225-6265). The Portfolios' investment adviser is Boston
Management and Research (the "Investment Adviser"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Eaton Vance Management, and Eaton Vance Management is the administrator (the
"Administrator") of the Funds. The offices of the Investment Adviser and the
Administrator are located at 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.
AS OF THE DATE OF THIS COMBINED PROSPECTUS, A FUND MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR
PURCHASE IN CERTAIN STATES. PLEASE CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER OR YOUR
BROKER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 25, 1994
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Shareholder and Fund Expenses ......................................... 3
The Funds' Financial Highlights ....................................... 5
The Funds' Investment Objectives ...................................... 6
How the Funds and the Portfolios Invest their Assets .................. 6
Organization of the Funds and the Portfolios .......................... 12
Management of the Funds and the Portfolios ............................ 14
Service Plans ......................................................... 16
Valuing Fund Shares ................................................... 17
How to Buy Fund Shares ................................................ 17
How to Redeem Fund Shares ............................................. 20
Reports to Shareholders ............................................... 21
The Lifetime Investing Account/Distribution Options ................... 21
The Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege ................................... 22
Eaton Vance Shareholder Services ...................................... 23
Distributions and Taxes ............................................... 24
Performance Information ............................................... 26
Statement of Intention and Escrow Agreement ........................... 26
Appendix -- State Specific Information ................................ 27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER AND FUND EXPENSES<F1>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75%
Sales Charges Imposed on Reinvested Distributions None
Redemption Fees None
Fees to Exchange Shares None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (on purchases of $1 million or more) Imposed on
Redemptions During the First Eighteen Months (as a percentage of redemption
proceeds exclusive of all reinvestments and capital appreciation in the
account)<F2> 1.00%
<S> <C> <C>
ANNUAL FUND AND ALLOCATED PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets) FLORIDA NEW YORK
FUND FUND
------ ------
Investment Adviser Fee<F3> 0.46% 0.46%
Rule 12b-1 Fees (Service Plan) 0.05 0.04
Other Expenses 0.20 0.20
---- ----
Total Operating Expenses 0.71% 0.70%
==== ====
EXAMPLE
An investor would pay the following expenses (including initial maximum sales
charge) on a $1,000 investment, assuming (a) 5% annual return and (b) redemption
at the end of each time period:
FLORIDA NEW YORK
FUND FUND
------ ------
1 Year .................................................................... $54 $54
3 Years .................................................................... 69 69
Notes:
<FN>
<F1>The purpose of the above table and the Example is to summarize the aggregate expenses of the Funds and the
Portfolios and to assist investors in understanding the various costs and expenses that investors in each
Fund will bear directly or indirectly. The Trustees of the Trust believe that over time the aggregate per
share expenses of a Fund and its corresponding Portfolio should be approximately equal to the per share
expenses which the Fund would incur if the Trust retained the services of an investment adviser and the
assets of the Fund were invested directly in the type of securities being held by its corresponding
Portfolio. Since the Funds do not yet have a sufficient operating history, the percentages indicated as
Annual Fund and Allocated Portfolio Operating Expenses and the amounts included in the Example are based on
the Funds' and the Portfolios' projected fees and expenses for the current fiscal year ending September 30,
1995. The table and Example should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses and actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown. For further information regarding the expenses of the
Funds and the Portfolios see "The Funds" Financial Highlights", "Organization of the Funds and the
Portfolios", "Management of the Funds and the Portfolios", "Service Plans" and "How to Redeem Fund Shares".
Other investment companies with different distribution arrangements and fees are investing in the Portfolios
and additional such companies may do so in the future. See "Organization of the Funds and the Portfolios."
<F2>If shares of a Fund are purchased at net asset value with no initial sales charge by virtue of the purchase
having been in the amount of $1 million or more and are redeemed within 18 months after the end of the
calendar month in which the purchase was made, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% will be imposed on
such redemption. See "How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Redeem Fund Shares" and "Eaton Vance Shareholder
Services."
<F3>Each Portfolio's monthly advisory fee has two components, a fee based on daily net assets and a fee based on
daily gross income, as set forth in the fee schedule on page 15.
</FN>
</TABLE>
THE FUNDS' FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements included in the Statement of Additional Information, all of which has
been so included in reliance upon reports of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
certified public accountants, as experts in accounting and auditing. Further
information regarding the performance of a Fund is contained in its annual
report to shareholders which may be obtained without charge by contacting the
Principal Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLORIDA NEW YORK
FUND* FUND*
------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE, beginning of period ...... $10.000 $10.000
------- -------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................... $ 0.288 $ 0.271
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments ................... 0.023++ (0.214)
------- -------
Total income from operations .......... $ 0.311 $ 0.057
------- -------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income .............. $ (0.288) $ (0.271)
In excess of net investment income ...... (0.003) (0.006)
------- -------
Total distributions .................... $ (0.291) $ (0.277)
------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE, end of period ............. $10.020 $ 9.780
======== ========
TOTAL RETURN(1) ............................. 3.10% 0.56%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA**:
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) ... $ 1,246 $ 1,383
Ratio of net expenses to average
daily net assets(2)........................ 0.50%+ 0.44%+
Ratio investment income to average
daily net assets.......................... 5.30%+ 5.36%+
**For the period from the start of business to September 30, 1994, the
operating expenses of each Fund reflects an allocation of expenses to the
Administrator. Had such actions not been taken, net investment income per
share and the ratios would have been as follows:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE ..................$ 0.181 $ 0.156
======= =======
RATIOS (As a percentage of average daily net assets):
Expenses(2) ................................... 2.48%+ 2.71%+
Net investment income ......................... 3.32% 3.09%+
+Computed on an annualized basis.
++The per share amount is not in accord with the net realized and unrealized
gains and losses for the period because of the timing of sales of Fund shares
and the amount of per share realized and unrealized gains and losses at such
time.
*For the Florida and New York Funds, the Financial Highlights are for the
period from the start of business, April 5, 1994 and April 15, 1994,
respectively, to September 30, 1994.
(1)Total return is calculated assuming a purchase at the net asset value on the
first day and a sale at the net asset value on the last day of each period
reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed to be reinvested
at the net asset value on the payable date.
(2)Includes the Fund's share of its corresponding Portfolio's allocated
expenses.
THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The investment objective of each Fund is set forth below. Each Fund seeks to
meet its investment objective by investing its assets in a separate
corresponding open-end management investment company (a "Portfolio") which
invests primarily in municipal obligations (as described below) which are rated
at least investment grade by a major rating agency or, if unrated, determined to
be of at least investment grade quality by the Investment Adviser. Each
Portfolio has the same investment objective as its corresponding Fund.
EV TRADITIONAL FLORIDA TAX FREE FUND (the "Florida Fund") seeks to provide
current income exempt from regular Federal income tax in the form of an
investment exempt from Florida intangibles tax. The Florida Fund seeks to meet
its objective by investing its assets in the Florida Tax Free Portfolio (the
"Florida Portfolio").
EV TRADITIONAL NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND (the "New York Fund") seeks to provide
current income exempt from regular Federal income tax and New York State and New
York City personal income taxes. The New York Fund seeks to meet its objective
by investing its assets in the New York Tax Free Portfolio (the "New York
Portfolio").
HOW THE FUNDS AND THE PORTFOLIOS INVEST THEIR ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EACH FUND SEEKS TO ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING EITHER DIRECTLY
OR INDIRECTLY THROUGH ANOTHER OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY PRIMARILY
(I.E., AT LEAST 80% OF ITS NET ASSETS DURING PERIODS OF NORMAL MARKET
CONDITIONS) IN DEBT OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY OR ON BEHALF OF ITS CORRESPONDING
STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, AND THE GOVERNMENTS OF PUERTO RICO, THE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND GUAM, THE INTEREST ON WHICH IS EXEMPT FROM REGULAR
FEDERAL INCOME TAX, IS NOT A TAX PREFERENCE ITEM UNDER THE FEDERAL ALTERNATIVE
MINIMUM TAX AND IS EXEMPT FROM THE STATE TAXES SET FORTH ABOVE. The foregoing
policy is a fundamental policy of each Fund and its corresponding Portfolio,
which may not be changed unless authorized by a vote of the Fund's shareholders
or that Portfolio's investors, as the case may be.
At least 75% and 70% of the net assets of the Florida Portfolio and New York
Portfolio, respectively, will normally be invested in obligations rated at least
investment grade (which are those rated Baa or higher by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or higher by either Standard & Poor's Ratings
Group ("S&P") or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch")) or, if unrated,
determined by the Investment Adviser to be of at least investment grade quality.
Municipal obligations rated Baa or BBB may have speculative characteristics.
Also, changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to
lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than in the
case of higher rated obligations. The Florida Portfolio and New York Portfolio
may invest up to 25% and 30%, respectively, of their net assets in municipal
obligations rated below investment grade (but not lower than B by Moody's, S&P
or Fitch) and unrated municipal obligations considered to be of comparable
quality by the Investment Adviser. Securities rated below BBB or Baa are
commonly known as "junk bonds". See "Credit Quality - Risks." A Portfolio may
retain an obligation whose rating drops below B after its acquisition if such
retention is considered desirable by the Investment Adviser; provided, however,
that no Portfolio's holdings of obligations rated below investment grade will
exceed 35% of its net assets. For a description of municipal obligation ratings,
see the Statement of Additional Information.
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. Municipal obligations include bonds, notes and commercial
paper issued by a municipality for a wide variety of both public and private
purposes. Public purpose municipal bonds include general obligation and revenue
bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing
municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility.
Municipal notes include bond anticipation, tax anticipation, revenue
anticipation, and construction loan notes. Bond, tax and revenue anticipation
notes are short-term obligations that will be retired with the proceeds of an
anticipated bond issue, tax revenue or facility revenue, respectively.
Construction loan notes are short-term obligations that will be retired with the
proceeds of long-term mortgage financing. Under normal market conditions, a
Portfolio will invest at least 65% of its total assets in obligations issued by
its respective State or its political subdivisions.
Interest on certain "private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986 is
exempt from the regular Federal income tax applicable to individuals (and
corporations), but such interest (including a distribution by a Fund derived
from such interest) is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the
recipient to or increase the recipient's liability for the Federal alternative
minimum tax. A Portfolio may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in these
obligations and obligations subject to regular Federal income tax and/or the
relevant State taxes. As at September 30, 1994, the Portfolios had invested in
private activity bonds as follows (as a percentage of net assets): Florida
Portfolio (8.01%) and New York Portfolio (8.06%). For corporate shareholders,
each Fund's distributions derived from interest on all municipal obligations
(whenever issued) is included in "adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax applicable to corporations.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 changed the federal income tax
treatment of market discount on long-term tax-exempt municipal obligations
(i.e., obligations with a term of more than one year) purchased in the secondary
market after April 30, 1993 from taxable capital gain to taxable ordinary
income. A long-term debt obligation is generally treated as acquired at a market
discount if the secondary market purchase price is less than (i) the stated
principal amount payable at maturity, in the case of an obligation that does not
have original issue discount or (ii) in the case of an obligation that does have
original issue discount, the sum of the issue price and any original issue
discount that accrued before the obligation was purchased. The Portfolio may
acquire municipal obligations at a market discount from time to time, and the
Fund's distributions will (when so required) include taxable income reflecting
the realization of such accrued discount by the Portfolio and its allocation to
the Fund.
MATURITY. It is expected that each Portfolio will normally contain substantial
amounts of long-term municipal obligations with maturities of ten years or more
because such long-term obligations generally produce higher income than
short-term obligations. Such long-term obligations are more susceptible to
market fluctuations resulting from changes in interest rates than shorter term
obligations. Since each Portfolio's objective is to provide current income, each
Portfolio will invest in obligations with an emphasis on income and not on
stability of a Portfolio's net asset value. The average maturity of a
Portfolio's holdings may vary (generally between 15 and 30 years) depending on
anticipated market conditions.
Although each Portfolio will normally attempt to invest substantially all of
its assets in municipal obligations issued by its respective State, the
Portfolio may, under normal market conditions, invest up to 20% of its net
assets in short-term obligations the interest on which is subject to regular
Federal income tax, Federal alternative minimum tax and/or the relevant State
taxes. Such short-term taxable obligations may include, but are not limited to,
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, short-term notes and obligations
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities. During periods of adverse market conditions, a Portfolio may
temporarily invest more than 20% of its assets in such short-term taxable
obligations, which will be rated no lower than investment grade.
CONCENTRATION. Each Portfolio will concentrate its investments in municipal
obligations issued by its respective State. Each Portfolio is, therefore, more
susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers in one State than mutual
funds which do not concentrate in a specific State. Municipal obligations of
issuers in a single State may be adversely effected by economic developments and
by legislation and other governmental activities in that State. To the extent
that a Portfolio's assets are concentrated in municipal obligations of issuers
of a single State, that Portfolio may be subject to an increased risk of loss.
Each Portfolio may also invest in obligations issued by the governments of
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. See the Appendix to this
Prospectus for a description of economic and other factors relating to the
relevant States and Puerto Rico.
In addition, each Portfolio may invest 25% or more of its assets in
municipal obligations of the same type, including, without limitation, the
following: general obligations of its respective State and its political
subdivisions; lease rental obligations of State and local authorities;
obligations of State and local housing finance authorities, municipal utilities
systems or public housing authorities; obligations for hospitals or life care
facilities; or industrial development or pollution control bonds issued for
electric utility systems, steel companies, paper companies or other purposes.
This may make a Portfolio more susceptible to adverse economic, political, or
regulatory occurrences affecting a particular category of issuer. For example,
health care-related issuers are susceptible to medicaid reimbursement policies,
and national and state health care legislation. As a Portfolio's concentration
increases, so does the potential for fluctuation in the value of the
corresponding Fund's shares.
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Each Portfolio's classification under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as a "non-diversified" investment company allows it to
invest, with respect to 50% of its assets, more than 5% of its assets in the
securities of any issuer. Because of the small number of municipal obligations
issued by a State, a Portfolio is likely to invest a greater percentage of its
assets in the securities of a single issuer than would a diversified fund.
Therefore, a Portfolio would be more susceptible to any single adverse economic
or political occurrence or development affecting issuers of the relevant State's
municipal obligations. A Portfolio will also be subject to an increased risk of
loss if the issuer is unable to make interest or principal payments or if the
market value of such securities declines. It is also possible that sufficient
suitable State municipal obligations will not be available for a Portfolio to
achieve its investment objective.
EACH FUND AND PORTFOLIO HAVE ADOPTED CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
WHICH ARE ENUMERATED IN DETAIL IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND
WHICH MAY NOT BE CHANGED UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY A SHAREHOLDER VOTE AND AN INVESTOR
VOTE, RESPECTIVELY. EXCEPT FOR SUCH ENUMERATED RESTRICTIONS AND AS OTHERWISE
INDICATED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES OF EACH FUND
AND PORTFOLIO ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES AND ACCORDINGLY MAY BE CHANGED BY THE
TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO WITHOUT OBTAINING THE APPROVAL OF A
FUND'S SHAREHOLDERS OR INVESTORS IN THE CORRESPONDING PORTFOLIO, AS THE CASE MAY
BE. IF ANY CHANGES WERE MADE IN A FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, THE FUND MIGHT
HAVE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES DIFFERENT FROM THE OBJECTIVE WHICH AN INVESTOR
CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE AT THE TIME THE INVESTOR BECAME A SHAREHOLDER IN THE
FUND.
MUNICIPAL LEASES. Each Portfolio may invest in municipal leases and
participations therein, which arrangements frequently involve special risks.
Municipal leases are obligations in the form of a lease or installment purchase
arrangement which is entered into by a State or local government to acquire
equipment and facilities. Interest income from such obligations is generally
exempt from local and State taxes in the State of issuance. "Participations" in
such leases are undivided interests in a portion of the total obligation.
Participations entitle their holders to receive a pro rata share of all payments
under the lease. A trustee is usually responsible for administering the terms of
the participation and enforcing the participants' rights in the underlying
lease. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which
normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the
governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire
property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory
requirements for the issuance of debt. State debt-issuance limitations are
deemed to be inapplicable to these arrangements because of the inclusion in many
leases or contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the
governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or
contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate
legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Such arrangements are,
therefore, subject to the risk that the governmental issuer will not appropriate
funds for lease payments.
Certain municipal lease obligations owned by a Portfolio may be deemed
illiquid for purposes of the Portfolio's 15% limitation on investing in illiquid
securities, unless determined by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to guidelines
adopted by the Trustees of each Portfolio, to be liquid securities for the
purpose of such limitation. In determining the liquidity of municipal lease
obligations, the Investment Adviser will consider a variety of factors
including: (1) the willingness of dealers to bid for the security; (2) the
number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the obligation and the number of
other potential buyers; (3) the frequency of trades and quotes for the
obligation; and (4) the nature of the marketplace trades. In addition, the
Investment Adviser will consider factors unique to particular lease obligations
affecting the marketability thereof. These include the general creditworthiness
of the municipality, the importance of the property covered by the lease to the
municipality, and the likelihood that the marketability of the obligation will
be maintained throughout the time the obligation is held by a Portfolio. In the
event a Portfolio acquires an unrated municipal lease obligation, the Investment
Adviser will be responsible for determining the credit quality of such
obligation on an ongoing basis, including an assessment of the likelihood that
the lease may or may not be cancelled.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. Each Portfolio may invest in zero coupon bonds, which are
debt obligations that do not require the periodic payment of interest and are
issued at a significant discount from their face value. Such bonds experience
greater volatility in market value due to changes in interest rates than
municipal obligations that provide for regular payments of interest. A Portfolio
will accrue income on such bonds for tax and accounting purposes in accordance
with applicable law, the corresponding Fund's proportionate share of which
income is distributable to shareholders of that Fund. Because no cash is
received at the time such income is accrued, a Portfolio may be required to
liquidate other portfolio securities to generate cash that a Fund may withdraw
from the Portfolio to satisfy the Fund's distribution obligations.
INVERSE FLOATERS. Each Portfolio may invest in various types of derivative
municipal securities whose interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the
interest rate on another security or the value of an index ("inverse floaters").
Derivatives are securities that provide for payments based on or derived from
the performance of an underlying asset, index or other economic benchmark. An
investment in derivative instruments, such as inverse floaters, may involve
greater risk than an investment in a fixed rate bond. Because changes in the
interest rate on the other security or index inversely affect the residual
interest paid on the inverse floater, the value of an inverse floater is
generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. Inverse floaters have
interest rate adjustment formulas which generally reduce or, in the extreme,
eliminate the interest paid to the Portfolio when short-term interest rates
rise, and increase the interest paid to the Portfolio when short-term interest
rates fall. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity, and the market
for these securities is new and relatively volatile. These securities tend to
underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate
environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when
interest rates decline. Shifts in long-term interest rates may alter this
tendency, however. Although volatile, inverse floaters typically offer the
potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with
comparable credit quality and maturity. These securities usually permit the
investor to convert the floating rate to a fixed rate (normally adjusted
downward), and this optional conversion feature may provide a partial hedge
against rising interest rates if exercised at an opportune time. Inverse
floaters are leveraged because they provide two or more dollars of bond market
exposure for every dollar invested.
CREDIT QUALITY -- RISKS. Many municipal obligations offering current income are
in the lowest investment grade category (Baa or BBB), lower categories or may be
unrated. As indicated above, each Portfolio may invest in municipal obligations
rated below investment grade (but not lower than B by Moody's, S&P or Fitch) and
comparable unrated obligations. The lowest investment grade, lower rated and
comparable unrated municipal obligations in which a Portfolio may invest will
have speculative characteristics in varying degrees. While such obligations may
have some quality and protective characteristics, these characteristics can be
expected to be offset or outweighed by uncertainties or major risk exposures to
adverse conditions. Lower rated and comparable unrated municipal obligations are
subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest
payments on the obligations (credit risk) and may also be subject to greater
price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity
(market risk). Lower rated or unrated municipal obligations are also more likely
to react to real or perceived developments affecting market and credit risk than
are more highly rated obligations, which react primarily to movements in the
general level of interest rates. Each Portfolio may retain defaulted obligations
in its portfolio when such retention is considered desirable by the Investment
Adviser. In the case of a defaulted obligation, a Portfolio may incur additional
expense seeking recovery of its investment. For a description of municipal
obligation ratings, see the Statement of Additional Information.
INSURED OBLIGATIONS. Each Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds that are
additionally secured by insurance, bank credit agreements, or escrow accounts.
The credit quality of companies which provide such credit enhancements will
affect the value of those securities. Although the insurance feature reduces
certain financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price
paid for insured obligations may reduce a Fund's current yield. Insurance
generally will be obtained from insurers with a claims-paying ability rated Aaa
by Moody's or AAA by S&P or Fitch. The insurance does not guarantee the market
value of the insured obligations or the net asset value of a Fund's shares.
MARKET CONDITIONS. The management of the Portfolios believes that, in general,
the secondary market for some municipal obligations (including issues which are
privately placed with a Portfolio) issued within a State is less liquid than
that for taxable debt obligations or for large issues of municipal obligations
that trade in a national market. No established resale market exists for certain
of the municipal obligations in which a Portfolio may invest. The market for
obligations rated below investment grade is also likely to be less liquid than
the market for higher rated obligations. These considerations may restrict the
availability of such obligations, may affect the choice of securities sold to
meet redemption requests and may limit a Portfolio's ability to sell or dispose
of such securities. Also, valuation of such obligations may be more difficult.
NET ASSET VALUE FLUCTUATION. The net asset value of shares of a Fund will change
in response to fluctuations in prevailing interest rates and changes in the
value of the securities held by its corresponding Portfolio. When interest rates
decline, the value of securities held by a Portfolio can be expected to rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of most portfolio security
holdings can be expected to decline. An investment in shares of a Fund will not
constitute a complete investment program.
SHORT-TERM TRADING. Each Portfolio may sell securities in anticipation of a
market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchase and later sell securities
in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates). In addition, a
security may be sold and another purchased at approximately the same time to
take advantage of what a Portfolio believes to be a temporary disparity in the
normal yield relationship between the two securities. Yield disparities may
occur for reasons not directly related to the investment quality of particular
issues or the general movement of interest rates, such as changes in the overall
demand for or supply of various types of municipal obligations or changes in the
investment objectives of investors. Such trading may be expected to increase
portfolio turnover rate and the expenses incurred in connection with such
trading. Each Portfolio anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will
generally not exceed 100% (excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of
one year or less).
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. Each Portfolio may purchase securities on a "when-
issued" basis, which means that payment and delivery occur on a future
settlement date. The price and yield of such securities are generally fixed on
the date of commitment to purchase. However, the market value of the securities
may fluctuate prior to delivery and upon delivery the securities may be worth
more or less than a Portfolio agreed to pay for them. A Portfolio will not
accrue income in respect of when-issued securities prior to the stated delivery
date of such securities. Each Portfolio will maintain in a segregated account
sufficient assets to cover its outstanding purchase obligations.
SECURITIES LENDING. Each Portfolio may seek to increase its income by lending
portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other institutional borrowers. Under
present regulatory policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), such loans are required to be secured continuously by collateral
in cash, cash equivalents or U.S. Government securities held by each Portfolio's
custodian and maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the
market value of the securities loaned, which will be marked to market daily.
Cash equivalents include short-term municipal obligations as well as taxable
certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other short-term money market
instruments. Each Portfolio would have the right to call a loan and obtain the
securities loaned at any time on up to five business days' notice. During the
existence of a loan, a Portfolio will continue to receive the equivalent of the
interest paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and will also receive a
fee, or all or a portion of the interest on investment of the collateral, if
any. However, a Portfolio may pay lending fees to such borrowers. A Portfolio
would not have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during the
existence of the loan, but would call the loan in anticipation of an important
vote to be taken among holders of the securities or the giving or withholding of
their consent on a material matter affecting the investment. As with other
extensions of credit there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights
in the securities loaned if the borrower of the securities fails financially.
However, the loans will be made only to organizations deemed by the Portfolio's
management to be of good standing and when, in the judgment of the Portfolio's
management, the consideration which can be earned from securities loans of this
type justifies the attendant risk. Distributions by a Fund of any income
realized by its corresponding Portfolio from securities loans will be taxable.
If the management of a Portfolio decides to make securities loans, it is
intended that the value of the securities loaned would not exceed 30% of the
Portfolio's total assets.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. To hedge against changes in interest rates,
each Portfolio may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and
purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts. Each Portfolio may
also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such
contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on various debt
securities (such as U.S. Government securities), securities indices and other
financial instruments and indices. Each Portfolio will engage in futures and
related options transactions for bona fide hedging or non-hedging purposes as
defined in or permitted by regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission. A Portfolio will engage in such transactions for non-hedging
purposes only in order to enhance total return by using a futures position as a
lower cost substitute for a securities position that the Portfolio is otherwise
authorized to enter into.
A Portfolio may not purchase or sell futures contracts or purchase or sell
related options, except for closing purchase or sale transactions, if
immediately thereafter the sum of the amount of margin deposits on the
Portfolio's outstanding positions in futures and related options and the amount
of premiums paid for outstanding positions in options on futures would exceed 5%
of the market value of the Portfolio's net assets. There are no other percentage
limitations on a Portfolio's transactions in futures contracts or options on
futures, except that at least 80% of the Portfolio's net assets will be invested
in municipal obligations as described above. These transactions involve
brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of futures contracts
and options requiring a Portfolio to purchase securities, require the Portfolio
to segregate liquid high grade debt securities in an amount equal to the
underlying value of such contracts and options. In addition, while transactions
in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such
transactions themselves involve (1) liquidity risk that contractual positions
cannot be easily closed out in the event of market changes, (2) correlation risk
that changes in the value of hedging positions may not match the market
fluctuations intended to be hedged (especially given that the only futures
contracts currently available to hedge municipal obligations are futures on
various U.S. Government securities and on municipal securities indices), (3)
market risk that an incorrect prediction by the Investment Adviser of interest
rates may cause a Portfolio to perform less well than if such positions had not
been entered into, and (4) skills different from those needed to select
portfolio securities. Distribution by a Fund from any net income or gains
realized on its corresponding Portfolio's transactions in futures and options on
futures will be taxable.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUNDS AND THE PORTFOLIOS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EACH FUND IS A SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST (THE "TRUST"), A BUSINESS
TRUST ESTABLISHED UNDER MASSACHUSETTS LAW PURSUANT TO A DECLARATION OF TRUST
DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 1985, AS AMENDED. THE TRUST IS A MUTUAL FUND -- AN OPEN-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY. The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the
overall management and supervision of its affairs. The Trust may issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (no par value per share) in
one or more series and because the Trust can offer separate series (such as the
Funds) it is known as a "series company." Each share represents an equal
proportionate beneficial interest in a Fund. When issued and outstanding, each
Fund's shares are fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust and redeemable as
described under "How to Redeem Fund Shares." Shareholders are entitled to one
vote for each full share held. Fractional shares may be voted proportionately.
Shares have no preemptive or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Upon
liquidation of a Fund, shareholders of that Fund are entitled to share pro rata
in the net assets available for distribution to shareholders.
EACH PORTFOLIO IS ORGANIZED AS A TRUST UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK AND IS TREATED AS A PARTNERSHIP FOR FEDERAL TAX PURPOSES. The Portfolios,
as well as the Trust, intend to comply with all applicable Federal and state
securities laws. Each Portfolio's Declaration of Trust provides that its
corresponding Fund and other entities permitted to invest in that Portfolio
(e.g., other U.S. and foreign investment companies, and common and commingled
trust funds) will each be liable for all obligations of the Portfolio. However,
the risk of a Fund incurring financial loss on account of such liability is
limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance exists and the
Portfolio itself is unable to meet its obligations. Accordingly, the Trustees of
the Trust believe that neither the Funds nor their shareholders will be
adversely affected by reason of the Funds investing in the Portfolios.
SPECIAL INFORMATION ON THE FUND/PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT STRUCTURE. An investor in a
Fund should be aware that the Fund, unlike mutual funds which directly acquire
and manage their own portfolios of securities, seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing its assets in an interest in its corresponding Portfolio,
which is a separate investment company with an identical investment objective.
Therefore, a Fund's interest in the securities owned by its corresponding
Portfolio is indirect. In addition to selling an interest to its corresponding
Fund, a Portfolio may sell interests to other affiliated and non-affiliated
mutual funds or institutional investors. Such investors will invest in a
Portfolio on the same terms and conditions and will pay a proportionate share of
the Portfolio's expenses. Howevr, the other investors investing in a Portfolio
are not required to sell their shares at the same public offering price as the
corresponding Fund due to variations in sales commissions and other operating
expenses. Therefore, investors in a Fund should be aware that these differences
may result in differences in returns experienced by investors in the different
funds that invest in its corresponding Portfolio. Such differences in returns
are also present in other mutual fund structures, including funds that have
multiple classes of shares. For information regarding the investment objective,
policies and restrictions of the Portfolios, see "The Funds" Investment
Objectives" and "How the Funds and the Portfolios Invest their Assets". Further
information regarding investment practices may be found in the Statement of
Additional Information.
The Trustees of the Trust have considered the advantages and disadvantages
of investing the assets of each Fund in its corresponding Portfolio, as well as
the advantages and disadvantages of the two-tier format. The Trustees believe
that the structure offers opportunities for substantial growth in the assets of
the Portfolios, and affords the potential for economies of scale for each Fund,
at least when the assets of its corresponding Portfolio exceed $500 million.
A Fund may withdraw (completely redeem) all its assets from its
corresponding Portfolio at any time if the Board of Trustees of the Trust
determines that it is in the best interest of that Fund to do so. The investment
objective and the nonfundamental investment policies of each Fund and Portfolio
may be changed by the Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio without obtaining
the approval of the shareholders of that Fund or the investors in that
Portfolio. Any such change of an investment objective will be preceded by thirty
days advance written notice to the shareholders of the Fund or the investors in
the Portfolio, as the case may be. In the event a Fund withdraws all of its
assets from its corresponding Portfolio, or the Board of Trustees of the Trust
determines that the investment objective of such Portfolio is no longer
consistent with the investment objective of the Fund, such Trustees would
consider what action might be taken, including investing all the assets of such
Fund in another pooled investment entity or retaining an investment adviser to
manage the Fund's assets in accordance with its investment objective. A Fund's
investment performance may be affected by a withdrawal of all its assets from
its corresponding Portfolio.
Information regarding other pooled investment entities or funds which invest
in a Portfolio may be obtained by contacting Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (the
"Principal Underwriter" or "EVD"), 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110, (617)
482-8260. Smaller funds investing in a Portfolio may be adversely affected by
the actions of larger funds investing in the Portfolio. For example, if a large
fund withdraws from a Portfolio, the remaining funds may experience higher pro
rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns. Additionally, a
Portfolio may become less diverse, resulting in increased portfolio risk, and
experience decreasing economies of scale. However, this possibility exists as
well for historically structured mutual funds which have large or institutional
investors.
Until recently, the Administrator sponsored and advised historically
structured funds. Funds which invest all their assets in interests in a separate
investment company are a relatively new development in the mutual fund industry
and, therefore, the Funds may be subject to additional regulations than
historically structured funds.
Each Portfolio's Declaration of Trust provides that the Portfolio will
terminate 120 days after the complete withdrawal of a Fund or any other investor
in the Portfolio, unless either the remaining investors, by unanimous vote at a
meeting of such investors, or a majority of the Trustees of the Portfolio, by
written instrument consented to by all investors, agree to continue the business
of the Portfolio. This provision is consistent with treatment of the Portfolios
as partnerships for Federal income tax purposes. See "Distributions and Taxes"
for further information. Whenever a Fund as an investor in a Portfolio is
requested to vote on matters pertaining to the Portfolio (other than the
termination of the Portfolio's business, which may be determined by the Trustees
of the Portfolio without investor approval), the Fund will hold a meeting of
Fund shareholders and will vote its interest in the Portfolio for or against
such matters proportionately to the instructions to vote for or against such
matters received from Fund shareholders. A Fund shall vote shares for which it
receives no voting instructions in the same proportion as the shares for which
it receives voting instructions. Other investors in a Portfolio may alone or
collectively acquire sufficient voting interests in the Portfolio to control
matters relating to the operation of the Portfolio, which may require the
corresponding Fund to withdraw its investment in the Portfolio or take other
appropriate action. Any such withdrawal could result in a distribution "in kind"
of portfolio securities (as opposed to a cash distribution from the Portfolio).
If securities are distributed, a Fund could incur brokerage, tax or other
charges in converting the securities to cash. In addition, the distribution in
kind may result in a less diversified portfolio of investments or adversely
affect the liquidity of a Fund. Notwithstanding the above, there are other means
for meeting shareholder redemption requests, such as borrowing.
The Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the noninterested
Trustees, have approved written procedures designed to identify and address any
potential conflicts of interest arising from the fact that the Trustees of the
Trust and the Trustees of each Portfolio are the same. Such procedures require
each Board to take action to resolve any conflict of interest between a Fund and
its corresponding Portfolio, and it is possible that the creation of separate
boards may be considered. For further information concerning the Trustees and
officers of the Trust and the Portfolios, see the Statement of Additional
Information.
Although each Fund offers only its own shares of beneficial interest, it is
possible that a Fund might become liable for a misstatement or omission in this
Prospectus regarding another Fund because the Funds use this combined
Prospectus. The Trustees of the Trust have considered this factor in approving
the use of a combined Prospectus.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS AND THE PORTFOLIOS
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EACH PORTFOLIO ENGAGES BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH ("BMR"), A WHOLLY-OWNED
SUBSIDIARY OF EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT ("EATON VANCE"), AS ITS INVESTMENT ADVISER.
EATON VANCE, ITS AFFILIATES AND ITS PREDECESSOR COMPANIES HAVE BEEN MANAGING
ASSETS OF INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS SINCE 1924 AND MANAGING INVESTMENT
COMPANIES SINCE 1931.
Acting under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees of each
Portfolio, BMR manages each Portfolio's investments and affairs. Under its
investment advisory agreement with a Portfolio, BMR receives a monthly advisory
fee equal to the aggregate of
(a) a daily asset based fee computed by applying the annual asset rate
applicable to that portion of the total daily net assets in each
Category as indicated below, plus
(b) a daily income based fee computed by applying the daily income rate
applicable to that portion of the total daily gross income (which
portion shall bear the same relationship to the total daily gross income
on such day as that portion of the total daily net assets in the same
Category bears to the total daily net assets on such day) in each
Category as indicated below:
ANNUAL DAILY
CATEGORY DAILY NET ASSETS ASSET RATE INCOME RATE
- -------- ---------------- ---------- -----------
1 up to $20 million ....................... 0.100% 1.00%
2 $20 million but less than $40 million ... 0.200% 2.00%
3 $40 million but less than $500 million .. 0.300% 3.00%
4 $500 million but less than $1 billion ... 0.275% 2.75%
5 $1 billion but less than $1.5 billion ... 0.250% 2.50%
6 $1.5 billion but less than $2 billion ... 0.225% 2.25%
7 $2 billion but less than $3 billion ..... 0.200% 2.00%
8 $3 billion and over ..................... 0.175% 1.75%
Each Portfolio paid advisory fees for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1994 equivalent to the following annualized percentage of average daily net
assets:
NET ASSETS
AS OF
PORTFOLIO SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 ADVISORY FEE
--------- ------------------ ------------
Florida ................... $772,123,153 0.46%
New York ................... $655,646,776 0.46%
BMR also furnishes for the use of each Portfolio office space and all
necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the
investments of the Portfolios. Each Portfolio is responsible for the payment of
all expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by BMR under its
investment advisory agreement.
Thomas J. Fetter has acted as the portfolio manager of the Florida Portfolio
since it commenced operations. He has been a Vice President of Eaton Vance since
1987 and of BMR since inception.
Nicole Anderes has acted as the portfolio manager of the New York Portfolio
since January, 1994. She joined Eaton Vance and BMR as a Vice President in
January 1994. Previously, she was a Vice President and portfolio manager at
Lazard Freres Asset Management (1992-1994) and a Vice President and Manager --
Municipal Research at Roosevelt & Cross (1978-1992).
Municipal obligations are normally traded on a net basis (without
commission) through broker-dealers and banks acting for their own account. Such
firms attempt to profit from such transactions by buying at the bid price and
selling at the higher asked price of the market, and the difference is
customarily referred to as the spread. In selecting firms which will execute
portfolio transactions, BMR judges their professional ability and quality of
service and uses its best efforts to obtain execution at prices which are
advantageous to the Portfolios and at reasonably competitive spreads. Subject to
the foregoing, BMR may consider sales of shares of the Funds or of other
investment companies sponsored by BMR or Eaton Vance as a factor in the
selection of firms to execute portfolio transactions.
BMR OR EATON VANCE ACTS AS INVESTMENT ADVISER TO INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND
VARIOUS INDIVIDUAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CLIENTS WITH ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT OF
APPROXIMATELY $15 BILLION. Eaton Vance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton
Vance Corp., a publicly held holding company. Eaton Vance Corp., through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, engages in investment management and marketing
activities, fiduciary and banking services, oil and gas operations, real estate
investment, consulting and management, and development of precious metals
properties.
The Trust has retained the services of Eaton Vance to act as Administrator
of the Funds. The Trust has not retained the services of an investment adviser
since the Trust seeks to achieve the investment objective of each Fund by
investing its assets in the corresponding Portfolio. As Administrator, Eaton
Vance provides the Funds with general office facilities and supervises the
overall administration of the Fund. For these services Eaton Vance currently
receives no compensation. The Trustees of the Trust may determine, in the
future, to compensate Eaton Vance for such services.
The Portfolios and the Funds, as the case may be, will each be responsible
for all respective costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by BMR
under the investment advisory agreement, by Eaton Vance under the administrative
services agreement, or by EVD under the distribution agreement. Such costs and
expenses to be borne by the Portfolios and the Funds, as the case may be,
include, without limitation; custody and transfer agency fees and expenses,
including those for determining net asset value and keeping accounting books and
records; expenses of pricing and valuation services; the cost of share
certificates; membership dues in investment company organizations; expenses of
acquiring, holding and disposing of securities and other investments; fees and
expenses of registering under the securities laws and the governmental fees;
expenses of reporting to shareholders and investors; proxy statements and other
expenses of shareholders' or investors' meetings; insurance premiums; printing
and mailing expenses; interest, taxes and corporate fees; legal and accounting
expenses; compensation and expenses of Trustees not affiliated with BMR or Eaton
Vance; and investment advisory fees, and, if any, administrative services fees.
The Portfolios and the Funds will also each bear expenses incurred in connection
with litigation in which the Portfolios or the Funds, as the case may be, is a
party and any legal obligation to indemnify its respective officers and Trustees
with respect thereto.
SERVICE PLANS
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In addition to advisory fees and other expenses, each Fund pays service fees
pursuant to a Service Plan (the "Plan") designed to meet the requirements of
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the service fee
requirements of the revised sales charge rule of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Each Fund's Plan is further described in the Statement
of Additional Information, and the following is a description of the salient
features of the Plans.
EACH FUND'S PLAN PROVIDES THAT THE FUND MAY MAKE SERVICE FEE PAYMENTS FOR
PERSONAL SERVICES AND/OR THE MAINTENANCE OF SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTS TO THE
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER, AUTHORIZED FIRMS AND OTHER PERSONS IN AMOUNTS NOT
EXCEEDING .25% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS FOR ANY FISCAL YEAR. The
Trustees of the Trust have initially implemented each Fund's Plan by authorizing
the Fund to make service fee payments to the Principal Underwriter and
Authorized Firms in amounts not expected to exceed .20% of the Fund's average
daily net assets for any fiscal year which is based on the value of Fund shares
sold by such persons and remaining outstanding for at least twelve
months.However, each Fund's Plan authorizes the Trustees of the Trust on behalf
of the Fund to increase payments to the Principal Underwriter, Authorized Firms
and other persons from time to time without further action by shareholders of
the Fund, provided that the aggregate amount of payments made to such persons
under the Plan in any fiscal year of the Fund does not exceed .25% of the Fund's
average daily net assets. The Funds will commence accruing service fee payments
during the quarter ending June 30, 1995.
VALUING FUND SHARES
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EACH FUND VALUES ITS SHARES ONCE ON EACH DAY THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
(THE "EXCHANGE") IS OPEN FOR TRADING, as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time). Each Fund's net asset value per
share is determined by its custodian, Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT"),
(as agent for the Fund) in the manner authorized by the Trustees of the
Trust.Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of a Fund's total
assets, less its liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding. Because each
Fund invests substantially all of its assets in an interest in its corresponding
Portfolio, the Fund's net asset value will reflect the value of its interest in
the Portfolio (which, in turn, reflects the underlying value of the Portfolio's
assets and liabilities).
Financial service firms ("Authorized Firms") must communicate an investor's
order to the Principal Underwriter prior to the close of the Principal
Underwriter's business day to receive that day's net asset value per Fund share
and the public offering price based thereon. It is the Authorized Firms'
responsibility to transmit orders promptly to the Principal Underwriter, which
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance.
Each Portfolio's net asset value is also determined as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange by IBT (as custodian and agent for the
Portfolio) based on market or fair value in the manner authorized by the
Trustees of the Portfolio. Municipal obligations will normally be valued on the
basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service. For further information
regarding the valuation of the Portfolios' assets, see "Determination of Net
Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information. Eaton Vance Corp. owns
77.3% of the outstanding stock of IBT, the Funds' and the Portfolios' custodian.
SHAREHOLDERS MAY DETERMINE THE VALUE OF THEIR INVESTMENT BY MULTIPLYING THE
NUMBER OF FUND SHARES OWNED BY THE CURRENT NET ASSET VALUE.
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
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SHARES OF A FUND MAY BE PURCHASED FOR CASH OR MAY BE ACQUIRED IN EXCHANGE FOR
SECURITIES. Investors may purchase shares of a Fund through Authorized Firms at
the effective public offering price, which price is based on the effective net
asset value per share plus the applicable sales charge. A Fund receives the net
asset value, while the sales charge is divided between the Authorized Firm and
the Principal Underwriter. The Principal Underwriter will furnish the names of
Authorized Firms to an investor upon request. A Fund may suspend the offering of
shares at any time and may refuse an order for the purchase of shares. Shares of
each Fund are offered for sale only in States where such shares may be legally
sold.
The sales charge may vary depending on the size of the purchase and the number
of shares of Eaton Vance funds the investor may already own, any arrangement to
purchase additional shares during a 13-month period or special purchase
programs. Complete details of how investors may purchase shares at reduced sales
charges under a Statement of Intention, Right of Accumulation, or various
employee benefit plans are available from Authorized Firms or the Principal
Underwriter.
The current sales charges are:
SALES CHARGE SALES CHARGE
AS PERCENTAGE OF AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED
Under $100,000 ............................. 4.75% 4.99%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 ............ 3.75 3.90
$250,000 but less than $500,000 ............ 2.75 2.83
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 .......... 2.00 2.04
$1,000,000 or more ......................... 0* 0*
*No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1
million or more. A contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1% will be
imposed on such investments, as described below, in the event of certain
redemption transactions within 18 months of purchase.
The current dealer commission is:
DEALER COMMISSION
AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE
Under $100,000 ........................................... 5.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 .......................... 4.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000 .......................... 3.00
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 ........................ 2.25
$1,000,000 or more ....................................... 0**
**The Principal Underwriter may pay a commission to Authorized Firms who
initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1 million or more as follows:
1.00% on sales up to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the next $1 million, 0.20% on
the next $2 million and 0.08% on the excess over $5 million.
The Principal Underwriter may at times allow discounts up to the full sales
charge. During periods when the discount includes the full sales charge, such
Firms may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities
Act of 1933.
The Principal Underwriter may, from time to time, at its own expense,
provide additional incentives to Authorized Firms which employ registered
representatives who sell a minimum dollar amount of a Fund's shares and/or
shares of other funds distributed by the Principal Underwriter. In some
instances, such additional incentives may be offered only to certain Authorized
Firms whose representatives are expected to sell significant amounts of shares.
An initial investment in a Fund must be at least $1,000. Once an account has
been established the investor may send investments of $50 or more at any time
directly to the Funds' transfer agent as follows: The Shareholder Services
Group, Inc., BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104. The $1,000 minimum initial
investment is waived for Bank Draft Investing accounts, which may be established
with an investment of $50 or more. See "Eaton Vance Shareholder Services".
Shares of a Fund may be sold at net asset value to current and retired
Directors and Trustees of Eaton Vance funds, including the Portfolios; to
officers and employees and clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates; to
registered representatives and employees of Authorized Firms; bank employees who
refer customers to registered representatives of Authorized Firms; and to such
persons' spouses and children under the age of 21 and their beneficial accounts.
Shares may also be issued at net asset value in connection with the merger of an
investment company with a Fund and to investors making an investment as part of
a fixed fee program whereby an entity unaffiliated with the Investment Adviser
provides multiple investment services, such as management, brokerage and
custody.
ACQUIRING FUND SHARES IN EXCHANGE FOR SECURITIES. IBT, as escrow agent, will
receive securities acceptable to Eaton Vance, as Administrator, in exchange for
Fund shares at the applicable public offering price as shown above. The minimum
value of securities or securities and cash accepted for deposit is $5,000.
Securities accepted will be sold by IBT as agent for the account of their owner
on the day of their receipt by IBT or as soon thereafter as possible. The number
of Fund shares to be issued in exchange for securities will be the aggregate
proceeds from the sale of such securities, divided by the applicable public
offering price per Fund share on the day such proceeds are received. Eaton Vance
will use reasonable efforts to obtain the current market price for such
securities but does not guarantee the best available price. Eaton Vance will
absorb any transaction costs, such as commissions, on the sale of the
securities.
Securities determined to be acceptable should be transferred via book entry
or physically delivered, in proper form for transfer, through an Authorized
Firm, together with a completed and signed Letter of Transmittal in approved
form (available from Authorized Firms), as follows:
IN THE CASE OF BOOK ENTRY:
Deliver through Depository Trust Co.
Broker #2212
Investors Bank & Trust Company
For A/C EV Traditional [State name] Tax Free Fund
IN THE CASE OF PHYSICAL DELIVERY:
Investors Bank & Trust Company
Attention: EV Traditional [State name] Tax Free Fund
Physical Securities Processing Settlement Area
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
Investors who are contemplating an exchange of securities for shares of a
Fund, or their representatives, must contact Eaton Vance to determine whether
the securities are acceptable before forwarding such securities to IBT. Eaton
Vance reserves the right to reject any securities. Exchanging securities for
Fund shares may create a taxable gain or loss. Each investor should consult his
or her tax adviser with respect to the particular Federal, State and local tax
consequences of exchanging securities for Fund shares.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN AUTHORIZED FIRM, EATON VANCE CAN RECOMMEND ONE.
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
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A SHAREHOLDER MAY REDEEM FUND SHARES BY DELIVERING TO THE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
GROUP, INC., BOS725, P.O. BOX 1559, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02104, during its
business hours a written request for redemption in good order, plus any share
certificates with executed stock powers. The redemption price will be based on
the net asset value per share of the applicable Fund next computed after such
delivery. Good order means that all relevant documents must be endorsed by the
record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered and the signature(s) must
be guaranteed by a member of either the Securities Transfer Association's STAMP
program or the New York Stock Exchange's Medallion Signature Program, or certain
banks, savings and loan institutions, credit unions, securities dealers,
securities exchanges, clearing agencies and registered securities associations
as required by a regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
acceptable to The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. In addition, in some cases,
good order may require the furnishing of additional documents such as where
shares are registered in the name of a corporation, partnership or fiduciary.
Within seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order by The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a Fund will make payment in cash for the net
asset value of the shares as of the date determined above, reduced by the amount
of any Federal income tax required to be withheld. Although each Fund normally
expects to make payment in cash for redeemed shares, the Trust, subject to
compliance with applicable regulations, has reserved the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of a Fund, either totally or partially, by a
distribution in kind of readily marketable securities withdrawn by that Fund
from its corresponding Portfolio. The securities so distributed would be valued
pursuant to the Portfolio's valuation procedures. If a shareholder received a
distribution in kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in
converting the securities to cash.
To sell shares at their net asset value through an Authorized Firm (a
repurchase), a shareholder can place a repurchase order with the Authorized
Firm, which may charge a fee. The value of such shares is based upon the net
asset value calculated after EVD, as the Funds' agent, receives the order. It is
the Authorized Firm's responsibility to transmit promptly repurchase orders to
EVD. Throughout this Prospectus, the word "redemption" is generally meant to
include a repurchase.
If shares were recently purchased, the proceeds of redemption (or
repurchase) will not be sent until the check (including a certified or cashier's
check) received for the shares purchased has cleared. Payment for shares
tendered for redemption may be delayed up to 15 days from the purchase date when
the purchase check has not yet cleared. Redemptions or repurchases may result in
a taxable gain or loss.
Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, each Fund reserves the
right to redeem accounts with balances of less than $1,000. Prior to such a
redemption, shareholders will be given 60 days written notice to make an
additional purchase. Thus, an investor making an initial investment of $1,000
would not be able to redeem shares without being subject to this policy.
However, no such redemption would be required if the cause of the low account
balance was a reduction in the net asset value of Fund shares.
If shares have been purchased at net asset value with no initial sales
charge by virtue of the purchase having been in the amount of $1 million or more
and are redeemed within 18 months after the end of the calendar month in which
the purchase was made, a CDSC of 1% will be imposed on such redemption. The CDSC
will be retained by the Principal Underwriter.
The CDSC will be imposed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current
market value or the original purchase price of the shares redeemed. Accordingly,
no CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase
price, including any dividends or distributions that have been reinvested in
additional shares. In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption,
the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible
rate being charged. It will be assumed that redemptions are made first from any
shares in the shareholder's account that are not subject to a CDSC.
The CDSC is waived for redemptions involving certain liquidation, merger or
acquisition transactions involving other investment companies. If a shareholder
reinvests redemption proceeds within the 30-day period and in accordance with
the conditions set forth under "Eaton Vance Shareholder Services -- Reinvestment
Privilege," the shareholder's account will be credited with the amount of any
CDSC paid on such redeemed shares.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
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EACH FUND WILL ISSUE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS SEMI-ANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTS
CONTAINING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Financial statements included in annual reports
are audited by the Funds' independent certified public accountants. Shortly
after the end of each year, each Fund will furnish its shareholders with
information necessary for preparing Federal and State tax returns.
THE LIFETIME INVESTING ACCOUNT/DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
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AFTER AN INVESTOR MAKES AN INITIAL PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES, THE FUNDS' TRANSFER
AGENT, THE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES GROUP, INC., WILL SET UP A LIFETIME INVESTING
ACCOUNT FOR THE INVESTOR ON THE APPLICABLE FUND'S RECORDS. This account is a
complete record of all transactions between the investor and the Fund which at
all times shows the balance of shares owned. A Fund will not issue share
certificates except upon request.
At least quarterly, shareholders will receive a statement showing complete
details of any transaction and the current share balance in the account. THE
LIFETIME INVESTING ACCOUNT ALSO PERMITS A SHAREHOLDER TO MAKE ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS IN SHARES BY SENDING A CHECK FOR $50 OR MORE to The Shareholder
Services Group, Inc.
Any questions concerning a shareholder's account or services available may
be directed by telephone to EATON VANCE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES at 800-225-6265,
extension 2, or in writing to The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., BOS725, P.O.
Box 1559, Boston, MA, 02104 (please provide Fund and shareholder name and
account number).
THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL LIFETIME
INVESTING ACCOUNTS and may be changed as often as desired by written notice to
the Funds' dividend disbursing agent, The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.,
BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104. The currently effective option will
appear on each confirmation statement.
Share Option -- Dividends and capital gains will be reinvested in additional
shares.
Income Option -- Dividends will be paid in cash, and capital gains will be
reinvested in additional shares.
Cash Option -- Dividends and capital gains will be paid in cash.
The Share Option will be assigned if no other option is specified.
Distributions, including those reinvested, will be reduced by any withholding
required under the Federal income tax laws.
If the Income Option or Cash Option has been selected, dividend and/or
capital gains distribution checks which are returned by the United States Postal
Service as not deliverable or which remain uncashed for six months or more will
be reinvested in the account at the then current net asset value. Furthermore,
the distribution option on the account will be automatically changed to the
Share Option until such time as the shareholder selects a different option.
DISTRIBUTION INVESTMENT OPTION. In addition to the distribution options set
forth above, dividends and/or capital gains may be invested in additional shares
of another Eaton Vance fund. Before selecting this option, a shareholder should
obtain a prospectus of the other Eaton Vance fund and consider its objectives
and policies carefully.
"STREET NAME" ACCOUNTS. If shares of a Fund are held in a "street name"
account with an Authorized Firm, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and
payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner's account will be
performed by the Authorized Firm, and not by the Fund and its transfer agent.
Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner's transactions, a
beneficial owner should contact the Authorized Firm to purchase, redeem or
exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account,
or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a "street
name" account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with a
Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain
historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the
Authorized Firm. Before establishing a "street name" account with an investment
firm, or transferring the account to another investment firm, an investor
wishing to reinvest distributions should determine whether the firm which will
hold the shares allows reinvestment of distributions in "street name" accounts.
UNDER A LIFETIME INVESTING ACCOUNT A SHAREHOLDER CAN MAKE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
IN SHARES OF A FUND BY SENDING A CHECK FOR $50 OR MORE.
THE EATON VANCE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
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Shares of a Fund may currently be exchanged for shares of any of the following
funds: Eaton Vance Cash Management Fund, Eaton Vance Income Fund of Boston,
Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund L.P., Eaton Vance Tax Free Reserves and any fund
in the Eaton Vance Traditional Group of Funds on the basis of the net asset
value per share of each fund at the time of the exchange, provided that such
exchange offers are available only in States where shares of the fund being
acquired may be legally sold.
Each exchange must involve shares which have a net asset value of at least
$1,000. The exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued without penalty.
Shareholders will be given sixty (60) days notice prior to any termination or
material amendment of the exchange privilege. The Fund does not permit the
exchange privilege to be used for "Market Timing" and may terminate the exchange
privilege for any shareholder account engaged in Market Timing activity. Any
shareholder account for which more than two round-trip exchanges are made within
any twelve month period will be deemed to be engaged in Market Timing.
Furthermore, a group of unrelated accounts for which exchanges are entered
contemporaneously by a financial intermediary will be considered to be engaged
in Market Timing.
Shares of a Fund which are subject to a CDSC may be exchanged into any of
the above funds without incurring the CDSC. The shares acquired in an exchange
may be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. For purposes of computing the CDSC
payable upon redemption of shares acquired in an exchange, the holding period of
the original shares is added to the holding period of the shares acquired in the
exchange.
The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. makes exchanges at the next determined
net asset value after receiving an exchange request in good order (see "How to
Redeem Fund Shares"). Consult The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. for
additional information concerning the exchange privilege. Applications and
prospectuses of other funds are available from Authorized Firms or the Principal
Underwriter. The prospectus for each fund describes its investment objectives
and policies, and shareholders should obtain a prospectus and consider these
objectives and policies carefully before requesting an exchange.
Shares of certain other funds for which Eaton Vance acts as investment
adviser or administrator may be exchanged for Fund shares at their respective
net asset value per share, but subject to any restrictions or qualifications set
forth in the current prospectus of any such fund.
Telephone exchanges are accepted by The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.
provided the investor has not disclaimed in writing the use of the privilege. To
effect such exchanges, call The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. at 800-
262-1122 or, within Massachusetts, 617-573-9403, Monday through Friday, 9:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Shares acquired by telephone exchange
must be registered in the same name(s) and with the same address as the shares
being exchanged. Neither the Funds, the Principal Underwriter nor The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc. will be responsible for the authenticity of
exchange instructions received by telephone, provided that reasonable procedures
to confirm that instructions communicated are genuine have been followed.
Telephone instructions will be tape recorded. In times of drastic economic or
market changes, a telephone exchange may be difficult to implement. An exchange
may result in a taxable gain or loss.
EATON VANCE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
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THE FUNDS OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES, WHICH ARE VOLUNTARY, INVOLVE NO EXTRA
CHARGE, AND MAY BE CHANGED OR DISCONTINUED WITHOUT PENALTY AT ANY TIME. Full
information on each of the services described below and an application, where
required, are available from Authorized Firms or the Principal Underwriter. The
cost of administering such services for the benefit of shareholders who
participate in them is borne by the applicable Fund as an expense to all
shareholders.
INVEST-BY-MAIL -- FOR PERIODIC SHARE ACCUMULATION: Once the $1,000 minimum
investment has been made, checks of $50 or more payable to the order of the Fund
being purchased may be mailed directly to The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.,
BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104 at any time -- whether or not dividends
are reinvested. The name of the shareholder, the Fund and the account number
should accompany each investment.
BANK DRAFT INVESTING -- FOR REGULAR SHARE ACCUMULATION: Cash investments of
$50 or more may be made through the shareholder's checking account via bank
draft each month or quarter. The $1,000 minimum initial investment and small
account redemption policy are waived for these accounts.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION: Purchases of $100,000 or more made over a 13-month
period are eligible for reduced sales charges. See "Statement of Intention and
Escrow Agreement."
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION: Purchases may qualify for reduced sales charges when the
current market value of holdings (shares at current offering price), plus new
purchases, reaches $100,000 or more. Shares of the Eaton Vance funds mentioned
under "The Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege" may be combined under the Statement
of Intention and Right of Accumulation.
WITHDRAWAL PLAN: A shareholder may draw on shareholdings systematically with
monthly or quarterly checks in an amount specified by the shareholder. A minimum
deposit of $5,000 in shares is required.
REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE: A SHAREHOLDER WHO HAS REPURCHASED OR REDEEMED SHARES MAY
REINVEST ANY PORTION OR ALL OF THE REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION PROCEEDS (PLUS THAT
AMOUNT NECESSARY TO ACQUIRE A FRACTIONAL SHARE TO ROUND OFF THE PURCHASE TO THE
NEAREST FULL SHARE) IN SHARES OF A FUND, or, provided that the shares
repurchased or redeemed have been held for at least 30 days, in shares of any of
the other funds offered by the Principal Underwriter with an initial sales
charge at net asset value, provided that the reinvestment is effected within 30
days after such repurchase or redemption. Shares are sold to a reinvesting
shareholder at the next determined net asset value following timely receipt of a
written purchase order by the Principal Underwriter or by the fund whose shares
are to be purchased (or by such fund's Transfer Agent). The privilege is also
available to holders of shares of the other funds offered with an initial sales
charge by the Principal Underwriter who wish to reinvest such redemption or
repurchase proceeds in shares of a Fund. If a shareholder reinvests redemption
proceeds within the 30 day period the shareholder's account will be credited
with the amount of any CDSC paid on such redeemed shares. A reinvesting
shareholder may realize a gain or loss for Federal tax purposes as a result of
such repurchase or redemption. Special rules may apply to the computation of
gain or loss and to the deduction of loss on a repurchase or redemption followed
by a reinvestment. See "Distributions and Taxes". Shareholders should consult
their tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of reinvestments.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
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SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE INVESTMENT INCOME ALLOCATED TO A FUND BY ITS
CORRESPONDING PORTFOLIO, LESS THE FUND'S DIRECT AND ALLOCATED EXPENSES, WILL BE
DECLARED DAILY AS A DISTRIBUTION TO FUND SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD AT THE TIME OF
DECLARATION. Such distributions, whether taken in cash or reinvested in
additional shares, will ordinarily be paid on the last day of each month or the
next business day thereafter. Each Fund anticipates that for tax purposes the
entire distribution, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares,
will constitute tax-exempt income to shareholders, except for the proportionate
part of the distribution that may be considered taxable income if the Fund has
taxable income during the calendar year. Shareholders reinvesting the monthly
distribution should continue to treat the amount of the entire distribution as
the tax cost basis of the additional shares acquired by reason of such
reinvestment. Daily distribution crediting will commence on the day that
collected funds for the purchase of Fund shares are available at the Transfer
Agent. Shareholders of a Fund will receive timely Federal income tax information
as to the tax-exempt or taxable status of all distributions made by the Fund
during the calendar year. A Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, consist
of the net realized capital gains allocated to the Fund by its corresponding
Portfolio for tax purposes, after taking into account any available capital loss
carryovers; a Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, will be distributed at
least once a year, usually in December.
Sales charges paid upon a purchase of Fund shares cannot be taken into
account for purposes of determining gain or loss on a redemption or exchange of
the shares before the 91st day after their purchase to the extent shares of a
Fund or of another fund are subsequently acquired pursuant to a Fund's
reinvestment or exchange privilege. In addition, losses realized on a redemption
of Fund shares may be disallowed under certain "wash sale" rules if within a
period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of redemption
other shares of a Fund are acquired. Any disregarded or disallowed amounts will
result in an adjustment to the shareholder's tax basis in some or all of any
other shares acquired.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code"), each Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating
to the sources of its income, the distribution of its income and the
diversification of its assets. In satisfying these requirements, each Fund will
treat itself as owning its proportionate share of each of its corresponding
Portfolio's assets and as entitled to the income of the Portfolio properly
attributable to such share.
AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE CODE, EACH FUND DOES NOT PAY FEDERAL
INCOME OR EXCISE TAXES TO THE EXTENT THAT IT DISTRIBUTES TO SHAREHOLDERS ITS NET
INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TIMING
REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE CODE. AS PARTNERSHIPS UNDER THE CODE, THE PORTFOLIOS
DO NOT PAY FEDERAL INCOME OR EXCISE TAXES.
Distributions of interest on certain municipal obligations constitute a tax
preference item under the alternative minimum tax provisions applicable to
individuals and corporations (see page 7). Distributions of taxable income
(including a portion of any original issue discount with respect to certain
stripped municipal obligations and stripped coupons and accretion of certain
market discount) and net short-term capital gains will be taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of long-term capital gains are
taxable to shareholders as such for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of
the length of time Fund shares have been owned by the shareholder. Distributions
are taxed in the manner described above whether paid in cash or reinvested in
additional shares of a Fund.
Tax-exempt distributions received from a Fund are includable in the tax base
for determining the taxability of social security and railroad retirement
benefits.
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase
or carry shares of a Fund is not deductible to the extent it is deemed related
to the Fund's distribution of tax-exempt interest. Further, entities or persons
who are "substantial users" (or persons related to "substantial users") of
facilities financed by industrial development or private activity bonds should
consult their tax advisers before purchasing shares of a Fund. "Substantial
user" is defined in applicable Treasury regulations to include a "non-exempt
person" who regularly uses in trade or business a part of a facility financed
from the proceeds of industrial development bonds and would likely be
interpreted to include private activity bonds issued to finance similar
facilities.
SEE THE APPENDIX TO THIS PROSPECTUS FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING STATE TAXES
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the State,
local and foreign tax consequences of investing in a Fund.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
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FROM TIME TO TIME, EACH FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS YIELD AND/OR AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN. The current yield for each Fund will be calculated by dividing the net
investment income per share during a recent 30 day period by the maximum
offering price per share of the Fund on the last day of the period and
annualizing the resulting figure. A taxable-equivalent yield is computed by
using the tax-exempt yield figure and dividing by 1 minus the tax rate. Each
Fund's average annual total return is determined by multiplying a hypothetical
initial purchase order of $1,000 by the average annual compounded rate of return
(including capital appreciation/depreciation, and dividends and distributions
paid and reinvested) for the stated period and annualizing the result. The
average annual total return calculation assumes the maximum sales charge is
deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase order and that all dividends are
reinvested at the net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
The Funds may publish annual and cumulative total return figures from time to
time.
The Funds may also publish the distribution rate and/or the effective
distribution rate. Each Fund's distribution rate is computed by dividing the
most recent monthly distribution per share annualized, by the current maximum
offering price per share. Each Fund's effective distribution rate is computed by
dividing the distribution rate by the ratio used to annualize the most recent
monthly distribution and reinvesting the resulting amount for a full year on the
basis of such ratio. The effective distribution rate will be higher than the
distribution rate because of the compounding effect of the assumed reinvestment.
Investors should note that a Fund's yield is calculated using a standardized
formula the income component of which is computed from the yields to maturity of
all debt obligations held by the Portfolio based on prescribed methods (with all
purchases and sales of securities during such period included in the income
calculation on a settlement date basis), whereas the distribution rate is based
on a Fund's last monthly distribution which tends to be relatively stable and
may be more or less than the amount of net investment income and short-term
capital gain actually earned by the Fund during the month (see "Distributions
and Taxes").
Investors should note that the investment results of a Fund will fluctuate
over time, and any presentation of the Fund's current yield or total return for
any prior period should not be considered a representation of what an investment
may earn or what an investor's yield or total return may be in any future
period. If the expenses of a Fund or its corresponding Portfolio are paid by
Eaton Vance, the Fund's performance will be higher.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION AND ESCROW AGREEMENT
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TERMS OF ESCROW. If the investor, on an application, makes a Statement of
Intention to invest a specified amount over a thirteen month period, then out of
the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary) 5% of the dollar
amount specified on the application shall be held in escrow by the escrow agent
in the form of shares (computed to the nearest full share at the public offering
price applicable to the initial purchase hereunder) registered in the investor's
name. All income dividends and capital gains distributions on escrowed shares
will be paid to the investor or to the investor's order.
When the minimum investment so specified is completed, the escrowed shares
will be delivered to the investor. If the investor has an accumulation account
the shares will remain on deposit under the account.
If total purchases under this Statement of Intention are less than the
amount specified, the investor will promptly remit to EVD any difference between
the sales charge on the amount specified and on the amount actually purchased.
If the investor does not within 20 days after written request by EVD or the
Authorized Firm pay such difference in sales charge, the escrow agent will
redeem an appropriate number of the escrowed shares in order to realize such
difference. Full shares remaining after any such redemption together with any
excess cash proceeds of the shares so redeemed will be delivered to the investor
or to the investor's order by the escrow agent.
In signing the application, the investor irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the escrow agent as attorney to surrender for redemption any or all
escrowed shares with full power of substitution in the premises.
PROVISION FOR RETROACTIVE PRICE ADJUSTMENT. If total purchases made under this
Statement are large enough to qualify for a lower sales charge than that
applicable to the amount specified, all transactions will be computed at the
expiration date of this Statement to give effect to the lower charge. Any
difference in sales charge will be refunded to the investor in cash, or applied
to the purchase of additional shares at the lower charge if specified by the
investor. This refund will be made by the Authorized Firm and by EVD. If at the
time of the recomputation a firm other than the original firm is placing the
orders, the adjustment will be made only on those shares purchased through the
firm then handling the account.
APPENDIX
STATE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Because each Portfolio will normally invest at least 65% of its assets in
the obligations within its corresponding State, it is susceptible to factors
affecting that State. Each Portfolio may also invest up to 5% of its net assets
in obligations issued by the governments of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and
up to 35% of its assets in obligations issued by the government of Puerto Rico.
Set forth below is certain economic and tax information concerning the States in
which the Portfolios invest and Puerto Rico. The bond ratings provided below are
current as of the date of this Prospectus and are based on economic conditions
which may not continue; moreover, there can be no assurance that particular bond
issues may not be adversely affected by changes in economic, political or other
conditions.
FLORIDA. Florida's financial operations are considerably different than most
other states because, under the State's constitution, there is no state income
tax. The lack of an income tax exposes total State tax collections to
considerably more volatility than would otherwise be the case and, in the event
of an economic downswing, could effect the State's ability to pay principal and
interest in a timely manner. In April, 1993 the legislature passed the 1993-94
budget which did not contain the $630 million in new taxes proposed by Governor
Chiles to fund schools, jails and public welfare programs. Revenues are
projected to increase 8.4% and expenditures 12%. Unencumbered reserves are
projected to be $276 million, or 2.1% of expenditures for fiscal year 1994. A
$38.6 billion budget was passed for fiscal 1995. Unemployment in the State for
March 1994 was 7.3% compared to the national unemployment rate of 6.5%.
In 1993, the State constitution was amended to limit the annual growth in
the assessed valuation of residential property and which, over time, could
constrain the growth in property taxes, a major revenue source for local
governments. While no immediate ratings implications are expected, the amendment
could have a negative impact on the financial performance of local governments
over time and lead to ratings revisions which may have a negative impact on the
prices of affected bonds.
General obligations of Florida are rated Aa, AA and AA by Moody's, S&P and
Fitch, respectively. S&P presently regards the outlook for the State as stable.
FLORIDA TAXES. Based on an opinion of tax counsel, management believes that
shareholders of the Florida Fund that are subject to the Florida intangibles tax
will not be required to include the value of their Florida Fund shares in their
taxable intangible property if all of the Florida Portfolio's investments on the
annual assessment date are obligations that would be exempt from such tax if
held directly by such shareholders, such as Florida and U.S. Government
obligations ("Florida obligations"). A ruling confirming this tax treatment is
being requested from the Florida Department of Revenue. The Florida Portfolio
will normally attempt to invest substantially all of its assets in Florida
obligations, and it will ensure that all of its assets held on the annual
assessment date are exempt from the Florida intangibles tax. Accordingly, the
value of the Florida Fund shares held by a shareholder should under normal
circumstances be exempt from the Florida intangibles tax.
NEW YORK. New York is the second most populous state in the nation and has a
relatively high level of personal wealth. The State's economy is diverse with a
comparatively large share of the nation's finance, insurance, transportation,
communications and services employment, and a comparatively small share of the
nation's farming and mining activity. The State's general credit standing has
historically reflected its diverse and substantial economic base. However, the
loss of more than 350,000 jobs since early 1991, as well as chronic annual
fiscal deficits and increasing debt levels, have undermined this strength. In
fiscal year 1993, however, the State began the process of financial reform. New
York closed the 1993 fiscal year with a general fund operating surplus.
The fiscal stability of New York State is related, at least in part, to the
fiscal stability of its localities and authorities. Various State agencies,
authorities and localities have issued large amounts of bonds and notes either
guaranteed or supported by the State. In some cases, the State has had to
provide special assistance in recent years to enable such agencies, authorities
and localities to meet their financial obligations and, in some cases, to
prevent or cure defaults. To the extent State agencies and local governments
require State assistance to meet their financial obligations, the ability of the
State to meet its own obligations as they become due or to obtain additional
financing could be adversely affected.
Like the State, New York City has experienced financial difficulties in
recent years owing, in part, to lower than anticipated revenues. Because New
York City taxes comprise 40% of the State's tax base, the City's difficulties
adversely affect the State. Both the State and the City will be constrained in
addressing future fiscal problems by their high current level of taxes.
In June 1994, the Governor approved the 1994-1995 budget, which reduces
taxes by $476 million in the 1994-1995 fiscal year and by more than $1.6 billion
when fully implemented. A reduction in both State and City personal income taxes
scheduled to take effect in 1994 has been deferred for one year as a part of the
1994-1995 budget.
Constitutional challenges to State laws have limited the amount of taxes
which political subdivisions can impose on real property, which may have an
adverse effect on the ability of issuers to pay obligations supported by such
taxes. A variety of additional court actions have been brought against the State
and certain agencies and municipalities relating to financings, amount of real
estate tax, use of tax revenues and other matters which could adversely affect
the ability of the State or such agencies or municipalities to pay their
obligations.
New York's general obligations are rated A, A- and A+ by Moody's, S&P and
Fitch, respectively. S&P currently assesses the rating outlook for New York
obligations as "positive." New York City obligations are rated Baa1, A- and A-
by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, respectively.
NEW YORK TAXES. Based upon the advice of tax counsel, the management of the
New York Fund believes that under New York law dividends paid by the New York
Fund are exempt from New York State and New York City income tax for individuals
who reside in New York to the extent such dividends are excluded from gross
income for Federal income tax purposes and are derived from interest payments on
obligations exempt from regular Federal income tax, and New York State and City
income taxes. Other distributions from the New York Fund, including
distributions derived from net short-term and long-term capital gains, are
generally not exempt from New York State or City personal income tax.
PUERTO RICO. Currently, S&P rates Puerto Rico general obligations debt A,
while Moody's rates it Baa1; these ratings have been in place since 1956 and
1976, respectively. Reliance on nonrecurring revenues and economic weakness led
S&P to change its outlook from stable to negative. The Portfolio may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within Puerto Rico affecting the issuers of such obligations. The economy of
Puerto Rico is dominated by the manufacturing and service sectors. Although the
economy of Puerto Rico expanded significantly from fiscal 1984 through fiscal
1990, the rate of this expansion slowed during fiscal years 1991, 1992 and 1993.
Growth in fiscal 1994 will depend on several factors, including the state of the
U.S. economy and the relative stability in the price of oil, the exchange rate
of the U.S. dollar and the cost of borrowing. Although the Puerto Rico
unemployment rate has declined substantially since 1985, the seasonally adjusted
unemployment rate for August, 1994 was approximately 14.5%. The North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which became effective January 1, 1994, could lead
to the loss of Puerto Rico's lower salaried or labor intensive jobs to Mexico.
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT ADVISER
Boston Management and Research
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
FUND ADMINISTRATOR
Eaton Vance Management
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
(800) 225-6265
CUSTODIAN
Investors Bank & Trust Company
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
TRANSFER AGENT
The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.
BOS 725
P.O. Box 1559
Boston, MA 02104
(800) 262-1122
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
125 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110
EV TRADITIONAL TAX FREE FUNDS
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110
EV TRADITIONAL
FLORIDA
TAX FREE FUND
EV TRADITIONAL
NEW YORK
TAX FREE FUND
PROSPECTUS
NOVEMBER 25, 1994
T-C11/25P
<PAGE>
EV TRADITIONAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
IN SEEKING CURRENT INCOME, EV TRADITIONAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND (THE
"FUND") IS A MUTUAL FUND SEEKING TO PROVIDE CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM THE
REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. THE FUND INVESTS ITS ASSETS IN NATIONAL MUNICIPALS
PORTFOLIO (THE "PORTFOLIO"), A DIVERSIFIED OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANY HAVING
THE SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AS THE FUND, RATHER THAN BY DIRECTLY INVESTING IN
AND MANAGING ITS OWN PORTFOLIO OF SECURITIES AS WITH HISTORICALLY STRUCTURED
MUTUAL FUNDS. THE FUND IS A SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST (THE "TRUST")
Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not
federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal
Reserve Board or any other government agency. Shares of the Fund involve
investment risks, including fluctuations in value and the possible loss of some
or all of the principal investment.
This Prospectus is designed to provide you with information you should know
before investing. Please retain this document for future reference. A Statement
of Additional Information dated November 25, 1994 for the Fund, as supplemented
from time to time, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and is incorporated herein by reference. This Statement of Additional
Information is available without charge from the Fund's Principal Underwriter,
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110 (telephone
(800) 225-6265). The Portfolio's investment adviser is Boston Management and
Research (the "Investment Adviser"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance
Management, and Eaton Vance Management is the administrator (the
"Administrator") of the Fund. The offices of the Investment Adviser and the
Administrator are located at 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Page
<S> <C> <C>
Shareholder and Fund Expenses ................. 2 How to Redeem Fund Shares .................... 17
The Fund's Financial Highlights ............... 3 Reports to Shareholders ...................... 18
The Fund's Investment Objective ............... 4 The Lifetime Investing Account/Distribution
How the Fund and the Portfolio Invest Options .................................... 18
their Assets ................................ 4 The Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege ........... 19
Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio .... 10 Eaton Vance Shareholder Services ............. 20
Management of the Fund and the Portfolio ...... 12 Distributions and Taxes ...................... 21
Service Plan .................................. 13 Performance Information ...................... 22
Valuing Fund Shares ............................ 14 Statement of Intention and Escrow Agreement .. 23
How to Buy Fund Shares ......................... 14 Appendix ...................................... 25
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 25, 1994
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER AND FUND EXPENSES (1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases of Shares
(as a percentage of offering price) 4.75%
Sales Charges Imposed on Reinvested Distributions None
Redemption Fees None
Fees to Exchange Shares None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (on purchases of
$1 million or more) Imposed on Redemptions During
the First Eighteen Months (as a percentage of redemption
proceeds exclusive of all reinvestments and capital
appreciation in the account)\2/ 1.00%
ANNUAL FUND AND ALLOCATED PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Investment Adviser Fee\3/ 0.44%
Rule 12b-1 Fees (Service Plan) 0.08
Other Expenses 0.25
---
Total Operating Expenses 0.77%
====
EXAMPLE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------ -------
An investor would pay the following expenses (including
initial maximum sales charge) on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (a) 5% annual return and (b) redemption at
the end of each time period: $55 $71
Notes:
\1/ The purpose of the above table and Example is to summarize the aggregate
expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio and to assist investors in
understanding the various costs and expenses that investors in the Fund will
bear directly or indirectly. The Trustees of the Trust believe that over
time the aggregate per share expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio should
be approximately equal to the per share expenses which the Fund would incur
if the Trust retained the services of an investment adviser and the assets
of the Fund were invested directly in the type of securities being held by
the Portfolio. Since the Fund does not yet have a sufficient operating
history, the percentages indicated as Annual Fund and Allocated Portfolio
Operating Expenses and the amounts included in the Example are based on the
Fund's and Portfolio's projected fees and expenses for the current fiscal
year ending September 30, 1995. The table and Example should not be
considered a representation of past or future expenses and actual expenses
may be greater or less than those shown. For further information regarding
the expenses of both the Fund and the Portfolio see "The Fund's Financial
Highlights," "Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio," "Management of
the Fund and the Portfolio," "Service Plan" and "How to Redeem Fund Shares".
Other investment companies with different distribution arrangements and fees
are investing in the Portfolio and additional such companies may do so in
the future. See "Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio"
\2/ If shares of the Fund are purchased at net asset value with no initial sales
charge by virtue of the purchase having been in the amount of $1 million or
more and are redeemed within 18 months after the end of the calendar month
in which the purchase was made, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%
will be imposed on such redemption. See "How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to
Redeem Fund Shares" and "Eaton Vance Shareholder Services."
\3/ The Portfolio's monthly advisory fee has two components, a fee based on
daily net assets and a fee based on daily gross income, as set forth in the
fee schedule on page 12.
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements included in the Statement of Additional Information, all of which has
been so included in reliance upon the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent certified public accountants, as experts in accounting and auditing.
Further information regarding the performance of the Fund is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders which may be obtained without charge by
contacting the Fund's Principal Underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF BUSINESS,
APRIL 5, 1994, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
NET ASSET VALUE, beginning of period ............................ $10.000
-------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ....................................... $ 0.334
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments ............. 0.002++
-------
Total income from operations .............................. $ 0.336
-------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income .................................. (0.334)
In excess of net investment income .......................... (0.002)
-------
Total distributions ....................................... (0.336)
-------
NET ASSET VALUE, end of period ................................. $10.000
=======
TOTAL RETURN\1/ ................................................ 3.34%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA*:
Net assets, nd of period (000 omitted) ..................... $ 4,281
Ratio of net expenses to average daily net assets\2/ ....... 0.43%+
Ratio of net investment income to average daily
net assets ................................................ 5.97%+
* For the period from the start of business, April 5, 1994, to September 30,
1994, the operating expenses of the Fund reflect an allocation of expenses to
the Administrator. Had such action not been taken, net investment income per
share and the ratios would have been as follows:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER SHARE ................................. $ 0.255
=======
RATIOS (As a percentage of average daily net assets):
Expenses\2/ ................................................. 1.84%+
Net investment income ........................................ 4.56%+
+Computed on an annualized basis.
++The per share amount is not in accord with the net realized and unrealized
gains and losses for the period because of the timing of sales of Fund
shares and the amount of per share realized and unrealized gains and losses
at such time.
\1/ Total return is calculated assuming a purchase at the net asset value on the
first day and a sale at the net asset value on the last day of each period
reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed to be reinvested
at the net asset value on the payable date.
\2/ Includes the Fund's share of its National Municipals Portfolio's allocated
expenses.
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM THE
REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. The Fund seeks to meet its investment objective by
investing its assets in the National Municipals Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a
separate registered investment company which invests primarily in municipal
obligations (described below) which are rated at least investment grade by a
major rating agency or, if unrated, determined to be of at least investment
grade quality by the Investment Adviser.
HOW THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO INVEST THEIR ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND SEEKS TO ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING EITHER DIRECTLY
OR INDIRECTLY THROUGH ANOTHER OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY PRIMARILY
(I.E., AT LEAST 80% OF ITS ASSETS DURING PERIODS OF NORMAL MARKET CONDITIONS) IN
DEBT OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY OR ON BEHALF OF STATES, TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS
OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND THEIR POLITICAL
SUBDIVISIONS, AGENCIES OR INSTRUMENTALITIES, THE INTEREST ON WHICH IS EXEMPT
FROM REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. The foregoing policy is a fundamental policy of
both the Fund and the Portfolio, which may not be changed unless authorized by a
vote of the shareholders of the Fund or the investors in the Portfolio, as the
case may be.
At least 65% of the assets of the Portfolio will normally be invested in
municipal obligations rated at least investment grade (which are those rated Baa
or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or higher by
either Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or by Fitch Investors Service,
Inc. ("Fitch")), or, if unrated, determined by the Portfolio's Investment
Adviser to be of at least investment grade quality. Municipal obligations rated
Baa or BBB may have speculative characteristics. Also, changes in economic
conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity
to make principal and interest payments than in the case of higher rated
obligations. The Portfolio may invest up to 35% of its net assets in municipal
obligations rated below investment grade (but not lower than B by Moody's, S&P
or Fitch) and unrated municipal obligations considered to be of comparable
quality by the Investment Adviser. Securities rated below BBB or Baa are
commonly known as "junk bonds". See "Credit Quality -- Risks." The Portfolio may
retain an obligation whose rating drops below B after its acquisition if such
retention is considered desirable by the Portfolio's Investment Adviser;
provided, however, that the Portfolio's holdings of obligations rated below
investment grade will not exceed 35% of its net assets. For a description of
municipal obligation ratings, see the Statement of Additional Information.
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. Municipal obligations include bonds, notes and commercial
paper issued by a municipality for a wide variety of both public and private
purposes. Public purpose municipal bonds include general obligation and revenue
bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing
municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility.
Municipal notes include bond anticipation, tax anticipation, revenue
anticipation and construction loan notes. Bond, tax and revenue anticipation
notes are short-term obligations that will be retired with the proceeds of an
anticipated bond issue, tax revenue or facility revenue, respectively.
Construction loan notes are short-term obligations that will be retired with the
proceeds of long-term mortgage financing.
Interest on certain "private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986 is
exempt from the regular Federal income tax applicable to individuals (and
corporations), but such interest (including a distribution by the Fund derived
from such interest) is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the
recipient to or increase his liability for the Federal alternative minimum tax;
as at September 30, 1994, the Portfolio had 30.45% of its net assets invested in
such private activity bonds. For corporate shareholders, the Fund's
distributions derived from interest on all municipal obligations (whenever
issued) is included in "adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the Federal
alternative minimum tax applicable to corporations.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 changed the federal income tax
treatment of market discount on long-term tax-exempt municipal obligations
(i.e., obligations with a term of more than one year) purchased in the secondary
market after April 30, 1993 from taxable capital gain to taxable ordinary
income. A long-term debt obligation is generally treated as acquired at a market
discount if the secondary market purchase price is less than (i) the stated
principal amount payable at maturity, in the case of an obligation that does not
have original issue discount or (ii) in the case of an obligation that does have
original issue discount, the sum of the issue price and any original issue
discount that accrued before the obligation was purchased. The Portfolio may
acquire municipal obligations at a market discount from time to time, and the
Fund's distributions will (when so required) include taxable income reflecting
the realization of such accrued discount by the Portfolio and its allocation to
the Fund.
MATURITY. It is expected that the Portfolio will normally contain substantial
amounts of long-term municipal obligations with maturities of ten years or more
because such long-term obligations generally produce higher income than
short-term obligations. Such long-term obligations are more susceptible to
market fluctuations resulting from changes in interest rates than shorter term
obligations. Since the Portfolio's objective is to provide current income, the
Portfolio will invest in municipal obligations with an emphasis on income and
not on stability of the Portfolio's net asset value. The average maturity of the
Portfolio's holdings may vary (generally between 15 and 30 years) depending on
anticipated market conditions.
Although the Portfolio will normally attempt to invest substantially all of
its assets in municipal obligations, the Portfolio may, under normal market
conditions, invest up to 20% of its assets in short-term obligations the
interest on which is subject to regular Federal income tax. Such short-term
taxable obligations may include, but are not limited to, certificates of
deposit, commercial paper, short-term notes and obligations issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. During
periods of adverse market conditions, the Portfolio may temporarily invest more
than 20% of its assets in such short-term taxable obligations, which will be
rated no lower than investment grade.
DIVERSIFIED STATUS. The Portfolio is a "diversified" investment company under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. This means that with respect to 75% of its
total assets (1) the Portfolio may not invest more than 5% of its total assets
in the securities of any one issuer (except U.S. Government obligations) and (2)
the Portfolio may not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
any one issuer. Since municipal obligations are not voting securities, there is
no limit on the percentage of a single issuer's obligations which the Portfolio
may own so long as it does not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of that issuer. Consequently, the Portfolio may invest in a greater
percentage of the outstanding securities of a single issuer than would an
investment company which invests in voting securities. As for the remaining 25%
of the Portfolio's total assets not subject to the limitations described above,
there is no diversification requirement with respect to these assets, so that
all of such assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer. To the
extent that the Portfolio is less diversified than that of other investment
companies, it may be subject to an increased risk of loss if the issuer is
unable to make interest or principal payments or if the market value of such
securities declines.
CONCENTRATION. The Portfolio may invest 25% or more of its assets in municipal
obligations of issuers located in the same state or in municipal obligations of
the same type, including without limitation the following: general obligations
of states and localities; lease rental obligations of state and local
authorities; obligations of state and local housing finance authorities,
municipal utilities systems or public housing authorities; obligations for
hospitals or life care facilities; or industrial development or pollution
control bonds issued for electric utility systems, steel companies, paper
companies or other purposes. This may make the Portfolio more susceptible to
adverse economic, political, or regulatory occurrences affecting a particular
category of issuers. For example, health care-related issuers are susceptible to
medicaid reimbursement policies, and national and state health care legislation.
As the Portfolio's concentration in the securities of a particular category of
issuer increases, so does the potential for fluctuation in the value of the
Fund's shares.
THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO HAVE ADOPTED CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT
RESTRICTIONS WHICH ARE ENUMERATED IN DETAIL IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION AND WHICH MAY NOT BE CHANGED UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY A SHAREHOLDER
VOTE AND AN INVESTOR VOTE, RESPECTIVELY. EXCEPT FOR SUCH ENUMERATED
RESTRICTIONS AND AS OTHERWISE INDICATED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO ARE NOT FUNDAMENTAL
POLICIES AND ACCORDINGLY MAY BE CHANGED BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST AND THE
PORTFOLIO WITHOUT OBTAINING THE APPROVAL OF THE FUND'S SHAREHOLDERS OR THE
INVESTORS IN THE PORTFOLIO, AS THE CASE MAY BE. IF ANY CHANGES WERE MADE IN
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, THE FUND MIGHT HAVE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
DIFFERENT FROM THE OBJECTIVES WHICH AN INVESTOR CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE AT THE
TIME THE INVESTOR BECAME A SHAREHOLDER IN THE FUND.
MUNICIPAL LEASES. The Portfolio may invest in municipal leases and
participations therein which frequently involve special risks. Municipal leases
are obligations in the form of a lease or installment purchase arrangement which
is entered into by a state or local government to acquire equipment and
facilities. Interest income from such obligations is generally exempt from local
and state taxes in the state of issuance. "Participations" in such leases are
undivided interests in a portion of the total obligation. Participations entitle
their holders to receive a pro rata share of all payments under the lease. A
trustee is usually responsible for administering the terms of the participation
and enforcing the participants' rights in the underlying lease. Leases and
installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for
title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have
evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment
without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance
of debt. State debt-issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because
of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that
provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments
under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the
appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Such
arrangements are, therefore, subject to the risk that the governmental issuer
will not appropriate funds for lease payments.
Certain municipal lease obligations owned by the Portfolio may be deemed
illiquid for the purpose of the Portfolio's 15% limitation on investing in
illiquid securities, unless determined by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to
guidelines adopted by the Trustees of the Portfolio, to be liquid securities for
the purpose of such limitation. In determining the liquidity of municipal lease
obligations, the Investment Adviser will consider a variety of factors
including: (1) the willingness of dealers to bid for the security; (2) the
number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the obligation and the number of
other potential buyers; (3) the frequency of trades and quotes for the
obligation; and (4) the nature of the marketplace trades. In addition, the
Investment Adviser will consider factors unique to particular lease obligations
affecting the marketability thereof. These include the general creditworthiness
of the municipality, the importance of the property covered by the lease to the
municipality, and the likelihood that the marketability of the obligation will
be maintained throughout the time the obligation is held by the Portfolio. In
the event the Portfolio acquires an unrated municipal lease obligation, the
Investment Adviser will be responsible for determining the credit quality of
such obligation on an ongoing basis, including an assessment of the likelihood
that the lease may or may not be cancelled.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. The Portfolio may invest in zero coupon bonds, which are debt
obligations which do not require the periodic payment of interest and are issued
at a significant discount from their face value. Such bonds experience greater
volatility in market value due to changes in interest rates than debt
obligations which provide for regular payments of interest. The Portfolio will
accrue income on such bonds for tax and accounting purposes in accordance with
applicable law, the Fund's proportionate share of which income is distributable
to shareholders. Because no cash is received at the time such income is accrued,
the Portfolio may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to
generate cash that the Fund may withdraw from the Portfolio to enable the Fund
to satisfy the Fund's distribution obligations.
INVERSE FLOATERS. The Portfolio may invest in various types of derivative
municipal securities whose interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the
interest rate on another security or the value of an index ("inverse floaters").
Derivatives are securities that provide for payments based on or derived from
the performance of an underlying asset, index or other economic benchmark. An
investment in derivative instruments, such as inverse floaters, may involve
greater risk than an investment in a fixed rate bond. Because changes in the
interest rate on the other security or index inversely affect the residual
interest paid on the inverse floater, the value of an inverse floater is
generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. Inverse floaters have
interest rate adjustment formulas which generally reduce or, in the extreme,
eliminate the interest paid to the Portfolio when short-term interest rates
rise, and increase the interest paid to the Portfolio when short-term interest
rates fall. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity, and the market
for these securities is new and relatively volatile. These securities tend to
underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate
environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when
interest rates decline. Shifts in long-term interest rates may alter this
tendency, however. Although volatile, inverse floaters typically offer the
potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with
comparable credit quality and maturity. These securities usually permit the
investor to convert the floating rate to a fixed rate (normally adjusted
downward), and this optional conversion feature may provide a partial hedge
against rising rates if exercised at an opportune time. Inverse floaters are
leveraged because they provide two or more dollars of bond market exposure for
every dollar invested.
CREDIT QUALITY -- RISKS. Many municipal obligations offering current income are
in the lowest investment grade category (Baa or BBB), lower categories or may be
unrated. As indicated above, the Portfolio may invest in municipal obligations
rated below investment grade (but not lower than B by Moody's, S&P or Fitch) and
comparable unrated obligations. The lowest investment grade, lower rated and
comparable unrated municipal obligations in which the Portfolio may invest will
have speculative characteristics in varying degrees. While such obligations may
have some quality and protective characteristics, these characteristics can be
expected to be offset or outweighed by uncertainties or major risk exposures to
adverse conditions. Lower rated and comparable unrated municipal obligations are
subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest
payments on the obligations (credit risk) and may also be subject to price
volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception
of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market
risk). Lower rated or unrated municipal obligations are also more likely to
react to real or perceived developments affecting market and credit risk than
are more highly rated obligations, which react primarily to movements in the
general level of interest rates. The Portfolio may retain defaulted obligations
in its portfolio when such retention is considered desirable by the Investment
Adviser. In the case of a defaulted obligation, the Portfolio may incur
additional expense seeking recovery of its investment. For a description of the
Moody's, S&P and Fitch ratings, see the Statement of Additional Information.
INSURED OBLIGATIONS. The Portfolio may purchase municipal bonds that are
additionally secured by insurance, bank credit agreements, or escrow accounts.
The credit quality of companies which provide such credit enhancements will
affect the value of those securities. Although the insurance feature reduces
certain financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price
paid for insured obligations may reduce the Fund's current yield. Insurance
generally will be obtained from insurers with a claims-paying ability rated Aaa
by Moody's or AAA by S&P or Fitch. The insurance does not guarantee the market
value of the insured obligations or the net asset value of the Fund's shares.
MARKET CONDITIONS. The management of the Portfolio believes that, in general,
the secondary market for some municipal obligations, (including issues which are
privately placed with the Portfolio), is less liquid than that for taxable debt
obligations or for large issues of municipal obligations that trade in a
national market. No established resale market exists for certain of the
municipal obligations in which the Portfolio may invest. The market for
obligations rated below investment grade is also likely to be less liquid than
the market for higher rated obligations. These considerations may restrict the
availability of such obligations, may affect the choice of securities sold to
meet redemption requests and may have the effect of limiting the Portfolio's
ability to sell or dispose of such securities. Also, valuation of such
obligations may be more difficult.
NET ASSET VALUE FLUCTUATION. The net asset value of the Fund will change in
response to fluctuations in prevailing interest rates and changes in the value
of the securities held by the Portfolio. When interest rates decline, the value
of securities already held by the Portfolio can be expected to rise. Conversely,
when interest rates rise, the value of existing portfolio security holdings can
be expected to decline. Therefore, an investment in shares of the Fund will not
constitute a complete investment program.
SHORT-TERM TRADING. The Portfolio may sell securities in anticipation of a
market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchase and later sell securities
in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates). In addition, a
security may be sold and another purchased at approximately the same time to
take advantage of what the Portfolio believes to be a temporary disparity in the
normal yield relationship between the two securities. Yield disparities may
occur for reasons not directly related to the investment quality of particular
issues or the general movement of interest rates, such as changes in the overall
demand for or supply of various types of municipal obligations or changes in the
investment objectives of investors. Such trading may be expected to increase the
portfolio turnover rate and the expenses incurred in connection with such
trading. The Portfolio anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will
generally not exceed 100% (excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of
one year or less).
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. The Portfolio may purchase securities on a "when-
issued" basis, which means that payment and delivery occur on a future
settlement date. The price and yield of such securities are generally fixed on
the date of commitment to purchase. However, the market value of the securities
may fluctuate prior to delivery and upon delivery the securities may be worth
more or less than the Portfolio agreed to pay for them. The Portfolio will not
accrue income in respect of a when-issued security prior to its stated delivery
date. The Portfolio will maintain in a segregated account sufficient assets to
cover its outstanding purchase obligations.
SECURITIES LENDING. The Portfolio may seek to increase its income by lending
portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other institutional borrowers. Under
present regulatory policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), such loans are required to be secured continuously by collateral
in cash, cash equivalents or U.S. Government securities held by the Portfolio's
custodian and maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the
market value of the securities loaned, which will be marked to market daily.
Cash equivalents include short-term municipal obligations as well as taxable
certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other short-term money market
instruments. The Portfolio would have the right to call a loan and obtain the
securities loaned at any time on up to five business days' notice. During the
existence of a loan, the Portfolio will continue to receive the equivalent of
the interest paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and will also receive a
fee, or all or a portion of the interest on investment of the collateral, if
any. However, the Portfolio may pay lending fees to such borrowers. The
Portfolio would not have the right to vote any securities having voting rights
during the existence of the loan, but would call the loan in anticipation of an
important vote to be taken among holders of the securities or the giving or
withholding of their consent on a material matter affecting the investment. As
with other extensions of credit there are risks of delay in recovery or even
loss of rights in the securities loaned if the borrower of the securities fails
financially. However, the loans will be made only to organizations deemed by the
Portfolio's management to be of good standing and when, in the judgment of the
Portfolio's management, the consideration which can be earned from securities
loans of this type justifies the attendant risk. Distributions by the Fund of
any income realized by the Portfolio from securities loans will be taxable. If
the management of the Portfolio decides to make securities loans, it is intended
that the value of the securities loaned would not exceed 30% of the Portfolio's
total assets.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. To hedge against changes in interest rates,
the Portfolio may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and
purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The
Portfolio may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with
respect to such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on
various debt securities (such as U.S. Government securities), securities indices
and other financial instruments and indices. The Portfolio will engage in
futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging or non-hedging
purposes as defined in regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The Portfolio will engage in such transactions for non-hedging purposes only in
order to enhance total return by using a futures position as a lower cost
substitute for a securities position that the Portfolio is otherwise authorized
to enter into.
The Portfolio may not purchase or sell futures contracts or purchase or sell
related options, except for closing purchase or sale transactions, if
immediately thereafter the sum of the amount of margin deposits on the
Portfolio's outstanding positions in futures and related options and the amount
of premiums paid for outstanding positions in options on futures would exceed 5%
of the market value of the Portfolio's net assets. There are no other percentage
limitations on the Portfolio's transactions on future contracts or options on
futures, except that at least 80% of the Portfolio's assets will be invested in
municipal obligations as described above. These transactions involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of futures contracts and options
requiring the Portfolio to purchase securities, require the Portfolio to
segregate liquid high grade debt securities in an amount equal to the underlying
value of such contracts and options. In addition, while transactions in futures
contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions
themselves involve (1) liquidity risk that contractual positions cannot be
easily closed out in the event of market changes, (2) correlation risk that
changes in the value of hedging positions may not match the market fluctuations
intended to be hedged (especially given that the only futures contracts
currently available to hedge municipal obligations are futures on various U.S.
Government securities and on municipal securities indices), (3) market risk that
an incorrect prediction by the Investment Adviser of interest rates may cause
the Portfolio to perform less well than if such positions had not been entered
into, and (4) skills different from those needed to select portfolio securities.
Distributions by the Fund from any net income or gains realized on the
Portfolio's transactions in futures and options on futures will be taxable.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO
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THE FUND IS A SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST (THE "TRUST"), A BUSINESS
TRUST ESTABLISHED UNDER MASSACHUSETTS LAW PURSUANT TO A DECLARATION OF TRUST
DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 1985, AS AMENDED. THE TRUST IS A MUTUAL FUND -- AN OPEN-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY. The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the
overall management and supervision of its affairs. The Trust may issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (no par value per share) in
one or more series and because the Trust can offer separate series (such as the
Funds) it is known as a "series company." Each share represents an equal
proportionate beneficial interest in a Fund. When issued and outstanding, the
shares are fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust and redeemable as described
under "How to Redeem Fund Shares". Shareholders are entitled to one vote for
each full share held. Fractional shares may be voted proportionately. Shares
have no preemptive or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Upon
liquidation of the Fund, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net
assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO (THE "PORTFOLIO") IS ORGANIZED AS A TRUST UNDER
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND IS TREATED AS A PARTNERSHIP FOR FEDERAL
TAX PURPOSES. The Portfolio, as well as the Trust, intends to comply with all
applicable Federal and state securities laws. The Portfolio's Declaration of
Trust provides that the Fund and other entities investing in the Portfolio
(e.g., other U.S. and foreign investment companies, and common and commingled
trust funds) will each be liable for all obligations of the Portfolio. However,
the risk of the Fund incurring financial loss on account of such liability is
limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance exists and the
Portfolio itself is unable to meet its obligations. Accordingly, the Trustees of
the Trust believe that neither the Fund nor its shareholders will be adversely
affected by reason of the Fund investing in the Portfolio.
SPECIAL INFORMATION ON THE FUND/PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT STRUCTURE. An investor in
the Fund should be aware that the Fund, unlike mutual funds which directly
acquire and manage their own portfolios of securities, seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing its assets in an interest in the Portfolio,
which is a separate investment company with an identical investment objective.
Therefore, the Fund's interest in securities owned by the Portfolio is indirect.
In addition to selling an interest to the Fund, the Portfolio may sell interests
to other affiliated and non-affiliated mutual funds or institutional investors.
Such investors will invest in the Portfolio on the same terms and conditions and
will pay a proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses. However, the other
investors investing in the Portfolio are not required to sell their shares at
the same public offering price as the Fund due to variations in sales
commissions and other operating expenses. Therefore, investors in the Fund
should be aware that these differences may result in differences in returns
experienced by investors in the different funds that invest in the Portfolio.
Such differences in returns are also present in other mutual fund structures,
including funds that have multiple classes of shares. For information regarding
the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Portfolio, see "The
Fund's Investment Objective" and "How the Fund and the Portfolio Invest their
Assets". Further information regarding investment practices may be found in the
Statement of Additional Information.
The Trustees of the Trust have considered the advantages and disadvantages
of investing the assets of the Fund in the Portfolio, as well as the advantages
and disadvantages of the two-tier format. The Trustees believe that the
structure offers opportunities for substantial growth in the assets of the
Portfolio, and affords the potential for economies of scale for the Fund, at
least when the assets of the Portfolio exceed $500 million.
The Fund may withdraw (completely redeem) all its assets from the Portfolio
at any time if the Board of Trustees of the Trust determines that it is in the
best interest of the Fund to do so. The investment objective and the
nonfundamental investment policies of the Fund and the Portfolio may be changed
by the Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio without obtaining the approval of
the shareholders of the Fund or the investors in the Portfolio. Any such change
of the investment objective of the Fund or the Portfolio will be preceded by
thirty days advance written notice to the shareholders of the Fund or the
investors in the Portfolio, as the case may be. In the event the Fund withdraws
all of its assets from the Portfolio, or the Board of Trustees of the Trust
determines that the investment objective of the Portfolio is no longer
consistent with the investment objective of the Fund, the Board of Trustees of
the Trust would consider what action might be taken, including investing all the
assets of the Fund in another pooled investment entity or retaining an
investment adviser to manage the Fund's assets in accordance with its investment
objective. The Fund's investment performance may be affected by a withdrawal of
all its assets from the Portfolio.
Information regarding other pooled investment entities or funds which invest
in the Portfolio may be obtained by contacting Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
(the "Principal Underwriter" or "EVD"), 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 482-8260. Smaller funds investing in the Portfolio may be adversely
affected by the actions of larger funds investing in the Portfolio. For example,
if a large fund withdraws from the Portfolio, the remaining funds may experience
higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.
Additionally, the Portfolio may become less diverse, resulting in increased
portfolio risk, and experience decreasing economies of scale. However, this
possibility exists as well for historically structured funds which have large or
institutional investors.
Until recently, the Administrator sponsored and advised historically
structured funds. Funds which invest all their assets in interests in a separate
investment company are a relatively new development in the mutual fund industry
and, therefore, the Fund may be subject to additional regulations than
historically structured funds.
The Declaration of Trust of the Portfolio provides that the Portfolio will
terminate 120 days after the complete withdrawal of the Fund or any other
investor in the Portfolio, unless either the remaining investors, by unanimous
vote at a meeting of such investors, or a majority of the Trustees of the
Portfolio, by written instrument consented to by all investors, agree to
continue the business of the Portfolio. This provision is consistent with
treatment of the Portfolio as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. See
"Distributions and Taxes" for further information. Whenever the Fund as an
investor in the Portfolio is requested to vote on matters pertaining to the
Portfolio (other than the termination of the Portfolio's business, which may be
determined by the Trustees of the Portfolio without investor approval), the Fund
will hold a meeting of Fund shareholders and will vote its interest in the
Portfolio for or against such matters proportionately to the instructions to
vote for or against such matters received from Fund shareholders. The Fund shall
vote shares for which it receives no voting instructions in the same proportion
as the shares for which it receives voting instructions. Other investors in the
Portfolio may alone or collectively acquire sufficient voting interests in the
Portfolio to control matters relating to the operation of the Portfolio, which
may require the Fund to withdraw its investment in the Portfolio or take other
appropriate action. Any such withdrawal could result in a distribution "in kind"
of portfolio securities (as opposed to a cash distribution from the Portfolio).
If securities are distributed, the Fund could incur brokerage, tax or other
charges in converting the securities to cash. In addition, the distribution in
kind may result in a less diversified portfolio of investments or adversely
affect the liquidity of the Fund. Notwithstanding the above, there are other
means for meeting shareholder redemption requests, such as borrowing.
The Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the noninterested
Trustees, have approved written procedures designed to identify and address any
potential conflicts of interest arising from the fact that the Trustees of the
Trust and the Trustees of the Portfolio are the same. Such procedures require
each Board to take actions to resolve any conflict of interest between the Fund
and the Portfolio, and it is possible that the creation of separate boards may
be considered. For further information concerning the Tustees and officers of
the Trust and the Portfolio, see the Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO
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THE PORTFOLIO ENGAGES BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH ("BMR"), A WHOLLY-OWNED
SUBSIDIARY OF EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT ("EATON VANCE"), AS ITS INVESTMENT ADVISER.
EATON VANCE, ITS AFFILIATES AND ITS PREDECESSOR COMPANIES HAVE BEEN MANAGING
ASSETS OF INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS SINCE 1924 AND MANAGING INVESTMENT
COMPANIES SINCE 1931.
Acting under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees of the
Portfolio, BMR manages the Portfolio's investments and affairs. Under its
investment advisory agreement with the Portfolio, BMR receives a monthly
advisory fee equal to the aggregate of
(a) a daily asset based fee computed by applying the annual asset rate
applicable to that portion of the total daily net assets in each
Category as indicated below, plus
(b) a daily income based fee computed by applying the daily income rate
applicable to that portion of the total daily gross income (which
portion shall bear the same relationship to the total daily gross income
on such day as that portion of the total daily net assets in the same
Category bears to the total daily net assets on such day) in each
Category as indicated below:
ANNUAL DAILY
CATEGORY DAILY NET ASSETS ASSET RATE INCOME RATE
-------- ---------------- ---------- -----------
1 up to $500 million ...................... 0.300% 3.00%
2 $500 million but less than $1 billion ... 0.275% 2.75%
3 $1 billion but less than $1.5 billion ... 0.250% 2.50%
4 $1.5 billion but less than $2 billion ... 0.225% 2.25%
5 $2 billion but less than $3 billion ..... 0.200% 2.00%
6 $3 billion and over ..................... 0.175% 1.75%
As at September 30, 1994, the Portfolio had net assets of $2,210,936,286.For
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, the Portfolio paid BMR advisory fees
equivalent to 0.44% of the Portfolio's average net assets for such period.
BMR also furnishes for the use of the Portfolio office space and all
necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the
investments of the Portfolio. The Portfolio is responsible for the payment of
all expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by BMR under the
investment advisory agreement.
Thomas M. Metzold has acted as the portfolio manager of the Portfolio since
December 17, 1993. He has been a Vice President of Eaton Vance since 1991 and of
BMR since its inception and an employee of Eaton Vance since 1987.
Municipal obligations are normally traded on a net basis (without
commission) through broker-dealers and banks acting for their own account. Such
firms attempt to profit from such transactions by buying at the bid price and
selling at the higher asked price of the market, and the difference is
customarily referred to as the spread. In selecting firms which will execute
portfolio transactions BMR judges their professional ability and quality of
service and uses its best efforts to obtain execution at prices which are
advantageous to the Portfolio and at reasonably competitive spreads. Subject to
the foregoing, BMR may consider sales of shares of the Fund or of other
investment companies sponsored by BMR or Eaton Vance as a factor in the
selection of firms to execute portfolio transactions.
BMR OR EATON VANCE ACTS AS INVESTMENT ADVISER TO INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND
VARIOUS INDIVIDUAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CLIENTS WITH ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT OF
APPROXIMATELY $15 BILLION. Eaton Vance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton
Vance Corp., a publicly held holding company. Eaton Vance Corp., through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, engages in investment management and marketing
activities, fiduciary and banking services, oil and gas operations, real estate
investment, consulting and management, and development of precious metals
properties.
The Trust has retained the services of Eaton Vance to act as Administrator
of the Fund. The Trust has not retained the services of an investment adviser
since the Trust seeks to achieve the investment objective of the Fund by
investing its assets in the Portfolio. As Administrator, Eaton Vance provides
the Fund with general office facilities and supervises the overall
administration of the Fund. For these services Eaton Vance currently receives no
compensation. The Trustees of the Trust may determine, in the future, to
compensate Eaton Vance for such services.
The Portfolio and the Fund, as the case may be, will each be responsible for
all respective costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by BMR
under the investment advisory agreement, by Eaton Vance under the administrative
services agreement, or by EVD under the distribution agreement. Such costs and
expenses to be borne by the Portfolio and the Fund, as the case may be, include,
without limitation; custody and transfer agency fees and expenses, including
those for determining net asset value and keeping accounting books and records;
expenses of pricing and valuation services; the cost of share certificates;
membership dues in investment company organizations; expenses of acquiring,
holding and disposing of securities and other investments; fees and expenses of
registering under the securities laws and the governmental fees; expenses of
reporting to shareholders and investors; proxy statements and other expenses of
shareholders' or investors' meetings; insurance premiums; printing and mailing
expenses; interest, taxes and corporate fees; legal and accounting expenses;
compensation and expenses of Trustees not affiliated with BMR or Eaton Vance;
and investment advisory fees, and, if any, administrative services fees. The
Portfolio and the Fund will also each bear expenses incurred in connection with
litigation in which the Portfolio or the Fund, as the case may be, is a party
and any legal obligation to indemnify its respective officers and Trustees with
respect thereto.
SERVICE PLAN
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In addition to advisory fees and other expenses, the Fund pays service fees
pursuant to a Service Plan (the "Plan") designed to meet the requirements of
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the service fee
requirements of the revised sales charge rule of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. The Plan is further described in the Statement of
Additional Information, and the following is a description of the salient
features of the Plan.
THE PLAN PROVIDES THAT THE FUND MAY MAKE SERVICE FEE PAYMENTS FOR PERSONAL
SERVICES AND/OR THE MAINTENANCE OF SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTS TO THE PRINCIPAL
UNDERWRITER, AUTHORIZED FIRMS AND OTHER PERSONS IN AMOUNTS NOT EXCEEDING .25% OF
THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS FOR ANY FISCAL YEAR. The Trustees of the
Trust have initially implemented the Plan by authorizing the Fund to make
service fee payments to the Principal Underwriter and Authorized Firms in
amounts not expected to exceed .25% of the Fund's average daily net assets for
any fiscal year which is based on the value of Fund shares sold by such persons
and remaining outstanding for at least twelve months. The Fund will commence
accruing service fee payments during the quarter ending June 30, 1995.
VALUING FUND SHARES
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THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES ONCE ON EACH DAY THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE (THE
"EXCHANGE") IS OPEN FOR TRADING, as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time). The Fund's net asset value per
share is determined by its custodian, Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT"),
(as agent for the Fund) in the manner authorized by the Trustees of the Trust.
Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets,
less its liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding. Because the Fund
invests substantially all of its assets in an interest in the Portfolio, the
Fund's net asset value will reflect the value of its interest in the Portfolio
(which, in turn, reflects the underlying value of the Portfolio's assets and
liabilities).
Financial Service Firms ("Authorized Firms") must communicate an investor's
order to the Principal Underwriter prior to the close of the Principal
Underwriter's business day to receive that day's net asset value per share and
the public offering price based thereon. It is the Authorized Firms'
responsibility to transmit orders promptly to the Principal Underwriter, which
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance.
The Portfolio's net asset value is also determined as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange by IBT (as custodian and agent for the
Portfolio) based on market or fair value in the manner authorized by the
Trustees of the Portfolio. Municipal obligations will normally be valued on the
basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service. For further information
regarding the valuation of the Portfolio's assets, see "Determination of Net
Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information. Eaton Vance owns 77.3%
of the outstanding stock of IBT, the Fund's and the Portfolio's custodian.
SHAREHOLDERS MAY DETERMINE THE VALUE OF THEIR INVESTMENT BY MULTIPLYING THE
NUMBER OF FUND SHARES OWNED BY THE CURRENT NET ASSET VALUE.
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
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SHARES OF THE FUND MAY BE PURCHASED FOR CASH OR MAY BE ACQUIRED IN EXCHANGE FOR
SECURITIES. Investors may purchase shares of the Fund through Authorized Firms
at the effective public offering price, which price is based on the effective
net asset value per share plus the applicable sales charge. The Fund receives
the net asset value, while the sales charge is divided between the Authorized
Firm and the Principal Underwriter. The Principal Underwriter will furnish the
names of Authorized Firms to an investor upon request. The Fund may suspend the
offering of shares at any time and may refuse an order for the purchase of
shares.
The sales charge may vary depending on the size of the purchase and the
number of shares of Eaton Vance funds the investor may already own, any
arrangement to purchase additional shares during a 13-month period or special
purchase programs. Complete details of how investors may purchase shares at
reduced sales charges under a Statement of Intention, Right of Accumulation, or
various employee benefit plans are available from Authorized Firms or the
Principal Underwriter.
The current sales charges are:
SALES CHARGE SALES CHARGE
AS PERCENTAGE OF AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED
Under $100,000 ............................. 4.75% 4.99%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 ........... 3.75 3.90
$250,000 but less than $500,000 ........... 2.75 2.83
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 ......... 2.00 2.04
$1,000,000 or more .......................... 0* 0*
*No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1
million or more. A contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1% will be
imposed on such investments, as described below, in the event of certain
redemption transactions within 18 months of purchase.
The current dealer commission is:
DEALER COMMISSION
AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE
Under $100,000 ....................................... 5.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 ...................... 4.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000 ...................... 3.00
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 .................... 2.25
$1,000,000 or more ................................... 0**
**The Principal Underwriter may pay a commission to Authorized Firms who
initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1 million or more as follows:
1.00% on sales up to $2 million, plus 0.80% on the next $1 million, 0.20% on
the next $2 million and 0.08% on the excess over $5 million.
The Principal Underwriter may at times allow discounts up to the full sales
charge. During periods when the discount includes the full sales charge, such
Firms may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities
Act of 1933.
The Principal Underwriter may, from time to time, at its own expense,
provide additional incentives to Authorized Firms which employ registered
representatives who sell a minimum dollar amount of the Fund's shares and/or
shares of other funds distributed by the Principal Underwriter. In some
instances, such additional incentives may be offered only to certain Authorized
Firms whose representatives are expected to sell significant amounts of shares.
An initial investment in the Fund must be at least $1,000. Once an account
has been established the investor may send investments of $50 or more at any
time directly to the Fund's transfer agent as follows: The Shareholder Services
Group, Inc., BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104. The $1,000 minimum initial
investment is waived for Bank Draft Investing accounts, which may be established
with an investment of $50 or more. See "Eaton Vance Shareholder Services".
Shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value to current and retired
Directors and Trustees of Eaton Vance funds, including the Portfolio; to
officers and employees and clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates; to
registered representatives and employees of Authorized Firms; bank employees who
refer customers to registered representatives of Authorized Firms; and to such
persons' spouses and children under the age of 21 and their beneficial accounts.
Shares may also be issued at net asset value in connection with the merger of an
investment company with the Fund and to investors making an investment as part
of a fixed fee program whereby an entity unaffiliated with the investment
adviser provides multiple investment services, such as management, brokerage and
custody.
ACQUIRING FUND SHARES IN EXCHANGE FOR SECURITIES. IBT, as escrow agent, will
receive securities acceptable to Eaton Vance, as Administrator, in exchange for
Fund shares at the applicable public offering price as shown above. The minimum
value of securities or securities and cash accepted for deposit is $5,000.
Securities accepted will be sold by IBT as agent for the account of their owner
on the day of their receipt by IBT or as soon thereafter as possible. The number
of Fund shares to be issued in exchange for securities will be the aggregate
proceeds from the sale of such securities, divided by the applicable public
offering price per Fund share on the day such proceeds are received. EATON VANCE
WILL USE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO OBTAIN THE CURRENT MARKET PRICE FOR SUCH
SECURITIES BUT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE BEST AVAILABLE PRICE. EATON VANCE WILL
ABSORB ANY TRANSACTION COSTS, SUCH AS COMMISSIONS, ON THE SALE OF THE
SECURITIES.
Securities determined to be acceptable should be transferred via book entry
or physically delivered, in proper form for transfer, through an Authorized
Firm, together with a completed and signed Letter of Transmittal in approved
form (available from Authorized Firms), as follows:
IN THE CASE OF BOOK ENTRY:
Deliver through Depository Fund Co.
Broker #2212
Investors Bank & Trust Company
For A/C EV Traditional National Municipals Fund
IN THE CASE OF PHYSICAL DELIVERY:
Investors Bank & Trust Company
Attention: EV Traditional National Municipals Fund
Physical Securities Processing Settlement Area
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
Investors who are contemplating an exchange of securities for shares of the
Fund, or their representatives, must contact Eaton Vance to determine whether
the securities are acceptable before forwarding such securities to IBT. Eaton
Vance reserves the right to reject any securities. Exchanging securities for
Fund shares may create a taxable gain or loss. Each investor should consult his
or her tax adviser with respect to the particular Federal, state and local tax
consequences of exchanging securities for Fund shares.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN AUTHORIZED FIRM, EATON VANCE CAN RECOMMEND ONE.
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
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A SHAREHOLDER MAY REDEEM FUND SHARES BY DELIVERING TO THE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
GROUP, INC., BOS725, P.O. BOX 1559, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02104, during its
business hours a written request for redemption in good order, plus any share
certificates with executed stock powers. The redemption price will be based on
the net asset value per Fund share next computed after such delivery. Good order
means that relevant documents must be endorsed by the record owner(s) exactly as
the shares are registered and the signature(s) must be guaranteed by a member of
either the Securities Transfer Association's STAMP program or the New York Stock
Exchange's Medallion Signature Program, or certain banks, savings and loan
institutions, credit unions, securities dealers, securities exchanges, clearing
agencies and registered securities associations as required by a regulation of
the Securities and Exchange Commission and acceptable to The Shareholder
Services Group, Inc. In addition, in some cases, good order may require the
furnishing of additional documents such as where shares are registered in the
name of a corporation, partnership or fiduciary.
Within seven days after receipt of a redemption request in good order by The
Shareholder Services Group, Inc., the Fund will make payment in cash for the net
asset value of the shares as of the date determined above, reduced by the amount
of any Federal income tax required to be withheld. Although the Fund normally
expects to make payment in cash for redeemed shares, the Trust, subject to
compliance with applicable regulations, has reserved the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the Fund, either totally or partially, by a
distribution in kind of readily marketable securities withdrawn by the Fund from
the Portfolio. The securities so distributed would be valued pursuant to the
Portfolio's valuation procedures. If a shareholder received a distribution in
kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the
securities to cash.
To sell shares at their net asset value through an Authorized Firm (a
repurchase), a shareholder can place a repurchase order with the Authorized
Firm, which may charge a fee. The value of such shares is based upon the net
asset value calculated after EVD, as the Fund's agent, receives the order. It is
the Authorized Firm's responsibility to transmit promptly repurchase orders to
EVD. Throughout this Prospectus, the word "redemption" is generally meant to
include a repurchase.
If shares were recently purchased, the proceeds of redemption (or
repurchase) will not be sent until the check (including a certified or cashier's
check) received for the shares purchased has cleared. Payment for shares
tendered for redemption or repurchase may be delayed up to 15 days from the
purchase date when the purchase check has not yet cleared. Redemptions or
repurchases may result in a taxable gain or loss.
Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Fund reserves the
right to redeem Fund accounts with balances of less than $1,000. Prior to such a
redemption, shareholders will be given 60 days written notice to make an
additional purchase. Thus, an investor making an initial investment of $1,000
would not be able to redeem shares without being subject to this policy.
However, no such redemption would be required by the Fund if the cause of the
low account balance was a reduction in the net asset value of Fund shares.
If shares have been purchased at net asset value with no initial sales
charge by virtue of the purchase having been in the amount of $1 million or more
and are redeemed within 18 months after the end of the calendar month in which
the purchase was made, a CDSC of 1% will be imposed on such redemption. The CDSC
will be retained by the Principal Underwriter.
The CDSC will be imposed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current
market value or the original purchase price of the shares redeemed. Accordingly,
no CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase
price, including any dividends or distributions that have been reinvested in
additional shares. In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption,
the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest possible
rate being charged. It will be assumed that redemptions are made first from any
shares in the shareholder's account that are not subject to a CDSC.
The CDSC is waived for redemptions involving certain liquidation, merger or
acquisition transactions involving other investment companies. If a shareholder
reinvests redemption proceeds within the 30-day period and in accordance with
the conditions set forth under "Eaton Vance Shareholder Services -- Reinvestment
Privilege," the shareholder's account will be credited with the amount of any
CDSC paid on such redeemed shares.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND WILL ISSUE TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS SEMI-ANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTS
CONTAINING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Financial statements included in annual reports
are audited by the Fund's independent certified public accountants. Shortly
after the end of each calendar year, the Fund will furnish all shareholders with
information necessary for preparing Federal and state income tax returns.
THE LIFETIME INVESTING ACCOUNT/DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER AN INVESTOR MAKES AN INITIAL PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES, THE FUND'S TRANSFER
AGENT, THE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES GROUP, INC., WILL SET UP A LIFETIME INVESTING
ACCOUNT FOR THE INVESTOR ON THE FUND'S RECORDS. This account is a complete
record of all transactions between the investor and the Fund which at all times
shows the balance of shares owned. The Fund will not issue share certificates
except upon request.
At least quarterly, shareholders will receive a statement showing complete
details of any transaction and the current share balance in the account. THE
LIFETIME INVESTING ACCOUNT ALSO PERMITS A SHAREHOLDER TO MAKE ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS BY SENDING A CHECK FOR $50 OR MORE to The Shareholder Services
Group, Inc.
Any questions concerning a shareholder's account or services available may
also be directed by telephone to EATON VANCE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES at 800-225-
6265, extension 2 or in writing to The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. BOS725,
P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104 (please provide your name and account number).
THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL LIFETIME
INVESTING ACCOUNTS and may be changed as often as desired by written notice to
the Fund's dividend disbursing agent, The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.,
BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104. The currently effective option will
appear on each confirmation statement.
Share Option -- Dividends and capital gains will be reinvested in additional
shares.
Income Option -- Dividends will be paid in cash and capital gains will be
reinvested in additional shares.
Cash Option -- Dividends and capital gains will be paid in cash.
The Share Option will be assigned if no other option is
specified.Distributions, including those reinvested, will be reduced by any
withholding required under the Federal income tax laws.
If the Income Option or Cash Option has been selected, dividend and/or
capital gains distribution checks which are returned by the United States Postal
Service as not deliverable or which remain uncashed for six months or more will
be reinvested in the account at the then current net asset value. Furthermore,
the distribution option on the account will be automatically changed to the
Share Option until such time as the shareholder selects a different option.
DISTRIBUTION INVESTMENT OPTION. In addition to the distribution options set
forth above, dividends and/or capital gains may be invested in additional shares
of another Eaton Vance fund. Before selecting this option, a shareholder should
obtain a prospectus of the other Eaton Vance fund and consider its objectives
and policies carefully.
"STREET NAME" ACCOUNTS. If shares of the Fund are held in a "street name"
account with an Authorized Firm, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and
payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner's account will be
performed by the Authorized Firm, and not by the Fund and its transfer agent.
Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner's transactions, a
beneficial owner should contact the Authorized Firm to purchase, redeem or
exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account,
or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a "street
name" account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with
the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to
obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the
Authorized Firm. Before establishing a "street name" account with an investment
firm, or transferring the account to another investment firm, an investor
wishing to reinvest distributions should determine whether the firm which will
hold the shares allows reinvestment of distributions in "street name" accounts.
UNDER A LIFETIME INVESTING ACCOUNT A SHAREHOLDER CAN MAKE ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS BY SENDING A CHECK FOR $50 OR MORE.
THE EATON VANCE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of any of the following funds:
Eaton Vance Cash Management Fund, Eaton Vance Income Fund of Boston, Eaton Vance
Municipal Bond Fund L.P., Eaton Vance Tax Free Reserves and any fund in the
Eaton Vance Traditional Group of Funds on the basis of net asset value per share
of each fund at the time of the exchange, provided that such exchange offers are
available only in states where shares of the fund being acquired may be legally
sold.
Each exchange must involve shares which have a net asset value of $1,000.
The exchange privilege may be changed or discounted without penalty.
Shareholders will be given sixty (60) days notice prior to any termination or
material amendment of the exchange privilege. The Fund does not permit the
exchange privilege to be used for "Market Timing" and may terminate the exchange
privilege for any shareholder account engaged in Market Timing activity. Any
shareholder account for which more than two round-trip exchanges are made within
any twelve month period will be deemed to be engaged in Market Timing.
Furthermore, a group of unrelated accounts for which exchanges are entered
contemporaneously by a financial intermediary will be considered to be engaged
in Market Timing.
Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC may be exchanged into any of
the above funds without incurring the CDSC. The shares acquired in an exchange
may be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. For purposes of computing the CDSC
payable upon redemption of shares acquired in an exchange, the holding period of
the original shares is added to the holding period of the shares acquired in the
exchange.
The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. makes exchanges at the next determined
of net asset value after receiving an exchange request in good order (see "How
to Redeem Fund Shares"). Consult The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. for
additional information concerning the exchange privilege. Applications and
prospectuses of the other funds are available from Authorized Firms or the
Principal Underwriter. The prospectus for each fund describes its investment
objectives and policies, and shareholders should obtain a prospectus and
consider these objectives and policies carefully before requesting an exchange.
Shares of certain other funds for which Eaton Vance acts as adviser or
administrator may be similarly exchanged for Fund shares at their respective net
asset values per share, but subject to any restrictions or qualifications set
forth in the current prospectus of any such fund.
Telephone exchanges are accepted provided by The Shareholder Services Group,
Inc. the investor has not disclaimed in writing the use of the privilege. To
effect such exchanges, call The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. at 800-262-1122
or, within Massachusetts, 617-573-9403, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Shares acquired by telephone exchange must be
registered in the same name(s) and with the same address as the shares being
exchanged. Neither the Fund, the Principal Underwriter nor The Shareholder
Services Group, Inc. will be responsible for the authenticity of exchange
instructions received by telephone; provided that reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions communicated are genuine have been followed. Telephone
instructions will be tape recorded. In times of drastic economic or market
changes, a telephone exchange may be difficult to implement. An exchange may
result in a taxable gain or loss.
EATON VANCE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES, WHICH ARE VOLUNTARY, INVOLVE NO EXTRA
CHARGE, AND MAY BE CHANGED OR DISCONTINUED WITHOUT PENALTY AT ANY TIME. Full
information on each of the services described below and an application, where
required, are available from Authorized Firms or the Principal Underwriter. The
cost of administering such services for the benefit of shareholders who
participate in them is borne by the Fund as an expense to all shareholders.
INVEST-BY-MAIL -- FOR PERIODIC SHARE ACCUMULATION: Once the $1,000 minimum
investment has been made, checks of $50 or more payable to the order of the Fund
may be mailed directly to The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., BOS725, P.O. Box
1559, Boston, MA 02104 at any time -- whether or not dividends are reinvested.
The name of the shareholder, the Fund and the account number should accompany
each investment.
BANK DRAFT INVESTING -- FOR REGULAR SHARE ACCUMULATION: Cash investments of $50
or more may be made through the shareholder's checking account via bank draft
each month or quarter. The $1,000 minimum initial investment and small account
redemption policy are waived for these accounts.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION: Purchases of $100,000 or more made over a 13-month
period are eligible for reduced sales charges. See "Statement of Intention and
Escrow Agreement."
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION: Purchases may qualify for reduced sales charges when the
current market value of holdings (shares at current offering price), plus new
purchases, reaches $100,000 or more. Shares of the Eaton Vance funds mentioned
under "The Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege" may be combined under the Statement
of Intention and Right of Accumulation.
WITHDRAWAL PLAN: A shareholder may draw on shareholdings systematically with
monthly or quarterly checks in an amount specified by the shareholder. A minimum
deposit of $5,000 in shares is required.
REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE: A SHAREHOLDER WHO HAS REPURCHASED OR REDEEMED SHARES MAY
REINVEST ANY PORTION OR ALL OF THE REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION PROCEEDS (PLUS THAT
AMOUNT NECESSARY TO ACQUIRE A FRACTIONAL SHARE TO ROUND OFF THE PURCHASE TO THE
NEAREST FULL SHARE) IN SHARES OF THE FUND, or, provided that the shares
repurchased or redeemed have been held for at least 30 days, in shares of any of
the other funds offered by the Principal Underwriter with an initial sales
charge at net asset value, provided that the reinvestment is effected within 30
days after such repurchase or redemption. Shares are sold to a reinvesting
shareholder at the next determined net asset value following timely receipt of a
written purchase order by the Principal Underwriter or by the fund whose shares
are to be purchased (or by such fund's transfer agent). The privilege is also
available to holders of shares of the other funds offered with an initial sales
charge by the Principal Underwriter who wish to reinvest such redemption or
repurchase proceeds in shares of the Fund. If a shareholder reinvests redemption
proceeds within the 30 day period the shareholder's account will be credited
with the amount of any CDSC paid on such redeemed shares. A reinvesting
shareholder may realize a gain or loss for Federal tax purposes as a result of
such repurchase or redemption. Special rules may apply to the computation of
gain or loss and to the deduction of loss on a repurchase or redemption followed
by a reinvestment. See "Distributions and Taxes". Shareholders should consult
their tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of reinvestments.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE INVESTMENT INCOME ALLOCATED TO THE FUND BY THE
PORTFOLIO, LESS THE FUND'S DIRECT AND ALLOCATED EXPENSES, WILL BE DECLARED DAILY
AS A DISTRIBUTION TO FUND SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD AT THE TIME OF DECLARATION.
Such distributions, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares,
will ordinarily be paid on the last day of each month or the next business day
thereafter. The Fund anticipates that for tax purposes, the entire distribution,
whether taken in cash or additional shares, will constitute tax-exempt income to
the shareholders for Federal income tax purposes, except for the proportionate
part of the distribution that may be considered taxable income if the Fund has
taxable income during the calendar year. Shareholders reinvesting the monthly
distribution should treat the amount of the entire distribution as the tax cost
basis of the additional shares acquired by reason of such reinvestment. Daily
distribution crediting will commence on the day that collected funds for the
purchase of Fund shares are available at the Transfer Agent. Shareholders will
receive timely Federal income tax information as to the tax-exempt or taxable
status of all distributions made by the Fund during the calendar year. The
Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, consist of the net realized capital
gains allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio for tax purposes, after taking into
account any available capital loss carryovers; the Fund's net realized capital
gains, if any, will be distributed at least once a year, usually in December.
Sales charges paid upon a purchase of Fund shares cannot be taken into
account for purposes of determining gain or loss on a redemption or exchange of
the shares before the 91st day after their purchase to the extent shares of the
Fund or of another fund are subsequently acquired pursuant to the Fund's
reinvestment or exchange privilege. In addition, losses realized on a redemption
of Fund shares may be disallowed under certain "wash sale" rules if within a
period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of redemption
other shares of the Fund are acquired. Any disregarded or disallowed amounts
will result in an adjustment to the shareholder's tax basis in some or all of
any other shares acquired.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code"), the Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating
to the sources of its income, the distribution of its income, and the
diversification of its assets. In satisfying these requirements, the Fund will
treat itself as owning its proportionate share of each of the Portfolio's assets
and as entitled to the income of the Portfolio properly attributable to such
share.
AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE CODE, THE FUND DOES NOT PAY
FEDERAL INCOME OR EXCISE TAXES TO THE EXTENT THAT IT DISTRIBUTES TO
SHAREHOLDERS ITS NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE TIMING REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE CODE. AS A PARTNERSHIP
UNDER THE CODE, THE PORTFOLIO DOES NOT PAY FEDERAL INCOME OR EXCISE TAXES.
Distributions of interest on certain municipal obligations constitute a tax
preference item under the alternative minimum tax provisions applicable to
individuals and corporations (see page 4). Distributions of taxable income
(including a portion of any original issue discount with respect to certain
stripped municipal obligations and stripped coupons and accretion of certain
market discount) and net short-term capital gains will be taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of long-term capital gains are
taxable to shareholders as such for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of
the length of time Fund shares have been owned by the shareholder. Distributions
are taxed in the manner described above whether paid in cash or reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund.
Tax-exempt distributions received from the Fund are includable in the tax
base for determining the taxability of social security and railroad retirement
benefits.
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase
or carry shares of the Fund is not deductible to the extent it is deemed related
to the Fund's distribution of tax-exempt interest. Further, entities or persons
who are "substantial users" (or persons related to "substantial users") of
facilities financed by industrial development or private activity bonds should
consult their tax advisers before purchasing shares of the Fund. "Substantial
user " is defined in applicable Treasury regulations to include a "non-exempt
person" who regularly uses in trade or business a part of a facility financed
from the proceeds of industrial development bonds and would likely be
interpreted to include private activity bonds issued to finance similar
facilities.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the
state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM TIME TO TIME, THE FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS YIELD AND/OR AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN. The current yield for the Fund will be calculated by dividing the net
investment income per share during a recent 30 day period by the maximum
offering price per share of the Fund on the last day of the period and
annualizing the resulting figure. A taxable-equivalent yield is computed by
using the tax-exempt yield figure and dividing by 1 minus the tax rate. The
Fund's average annual total return is determined by multiplying a hypothetical
initial purchase order of $1,000 by the average annual compounded rate of return
(including capital appreciation/depreciation, and dividends and distributions
paid and reinvested) for the stated period and annualizing the result. The
average annual total return calculation assumes the maximum sales charge is
deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase order and that all dividends are
reinvested at the net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
The Fund may also publish annual and cumulative total return figures from time
to time.
The Fund may also publish its distribution rate and/or its effective
distribution rate. The Fund's distribution rate is computed by dividing the most
recent monthly distribution per share annualized, by the current maximum
offering price per share. The Fund's effective distribution rate is computed by
dividing the distribution rate by the ratio used to annualize the most recent
monthly distribution and reinvesting the resulting amount for a full year on the
basis of such ratio. The effective distribution rate will be higher than the
distribution rate because of the compounding effect of the assumed reinvestment.
Investors should note that the Fund's yield is calculated using a standardized
formula, the income component of which is computed from the yields to maturity
of all debt obligations held by the Portfolio based on prescribed methods (with
all purchases and sales of securities during such period included in the income
calculation on a settlement date basis), whereas the distribution rate is based
on the Fund's last monthly distribution which tends to be relatively stable and
may be more or less than the amount of net investment income and short-term
capital gain actually earned by the Fund during the month (see "Distributions
and Taxes").
Investors should note that the investment results of the Fund will fluctuate
over time, and any presentation of the Fund's current yield or total return for
any prior period should not be considered a representation of what an investment
may earn or what an investor's yield or total return may be in any future
period. If the expenses of the Fund or the Portfolio are paid by Eaton Vance,
the Fund's performance will be higher.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION AND ESCROW AGREEMENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TERMS OF ESCROW. If the investor, on an application, makes a Statement of
Intention to invest a specified amount over a thirteen month period, then out of
the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary) 5% of the dollar
amount specified on the application shall be held in escrow by the escrow agent
in the form of shares (computed to the nearest full share at the public offering
price applicable to the initial purchase hereunder) registered in the investor's
name. All income dividends and capital gains distributions on escrowed shares
will be paid to the investor or to the investor's order.
When the minimum investment so specified is completed, the escrowed shares
will be delivered to the investor. If the investor has an accumulation account
the shares will remain on deposit under his account.
If total purchases under this Statement of Intention are less than the
amount specified, the investor will promptly remit to EVD any difference between
the sales charge on the amount specified and on the amount actually purchased.
If the investor does not within 20 days after written request by EVD or the
Authorized Firm pay such difference in sales charge, the escrow agent will
redeem an appropriate number of the escrowed shares in order to realize such
difference. Full shares remaining after any such redemption together with any
excess cash proceeds of the shares so redeemed will be delivered to the investor
or to the investor's order by the escrow agent.
In signing the application, the investor irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the escrow agent as attorney to surrender for redemption any or all
escrowed shares with full power of substitution in the premises.
PROVISION FOR RETROACTIVE PRICE ADJUSTMENT. If total purchases made under this
Statement are large enough to qualify for a lower sales charge than that
applicable to the amount specified, all transactions will be computed at the
expiration date of this Statement to give effect to the lower charge. Any
difference in sales charge will be refunded to the investor in cash, or applied
to the purchase of additional shares at the lower charge if specified by the
investor. This refund will be made by the Authorized Firm and by EVD. If at the
time of the recomputation a firm other than the original firm is placing the
orders, the adjustment will be made only on those shares purchased through the
firm then handling the account.
APPENDIX
<TABLE>
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
ASSET COMPOSITION INFORMATION
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
<CAPTION>
MUNICIPAL BONDS MUNICIPAL BONDS
MOODY'S RATING S&P'S RATING
PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
NET ASSETS NET ASSETS
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aaa ....................................... 17.10 AAA ................................... 17.18
Aa ........................................ 5.08 AA+ ................................... 0.13
Aa2 ....................................... 3.29 AA .................................... 6.09
A1 ........................................ 4.53 AA- ................................... 4.63
A ......................................... 2.64 A+ .................................... 2.41
A2 ........................................ 0.97 A ..................................... 2.59
Baa1 ...................................... 7.92 A- .................................... 2.23
Baa ....................................... 7.00 BBB+ .................................. 3.74
Baa2 ...................................... 3.88 BBB ................................... 8.06
Baa3 ...................................... 3.95 BBB- .................................. 3.00
Ba1 ....................................... 4.48 BB+ ................................... 4.09
Ba ........................................ 0.20 BB .................................... 8.92
Ba3 ....................................... 0.45 BB- ................................... 0.97
B2 ........................................ 0.55 B ..................................... 0.45
B3 ........................................ 0.97 Unrated ............................... 33.14
Unrated ................................... 34.59 Cash & Equiv .......................... 2.40
Cash & Equiv .............................. 2.40
----- -------
100.00% 100.00%
</TABLE>
The chart above indicates the weighted average composition of the securities
held by the Portfolio for the period ended September 30, 1994, with the debt
securities rated by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group separated into the indicated categories. The weighted average
indicated above was calculated on a dollar weighted basis and was computed as at
the end of each month during the fiscal year. The chart does not necessarily
indicate what the composition of the securities held by the Portfolio's will be
in the current and subsequent fiscal years.
For a description of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ratings of municipal bonds, see the Appendix to the Statement of
Additional Information.
INVESTMENT ADVISER OF
NATIONAL MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
Boston Management and Research
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
ADMINISTRATOR OF
EV TRADITIONAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
Eaton Vance Management
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
(800) 225-6265
CUSTODIAN
Investors Bank & Trust Company
24 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
TRANSFER AGENT
The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.
BOS 725
P.O. Box 1559
Boston, MA 02104
(800) 262-1122
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
125 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110
EV TRADITIONAL NATIONAL MUNICIPALS FUND
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110
T-HMP
EV TRADITIONAL
NATIONAL
MUNICIPALS FUND
PROSPECTUS
NOVEMBER 25, 1994
